Mozambique’s post-election unrest to hit economic growth, says IMF official

By Wendell Roelf

Mozambique’s 2024 economic growth is likely to be revised down from a previous forecast of 4.3% due to post-election civil unrest and the impact of Cyclone Chido, a senior International Monetary Fund (IMF) official said.

In October, Daniel Chapo, the candidate of Mozambique’s ruling party Frelimo, was declared winner of the presidential election that opposition parties say was marred by voting irregularities.

The disputed election results sparked protests from opposition supporters and there has been more violence since. The unrest has affected business operations, including for mining companies, and has at times led to the closure of key trade corridors.

Mozambique’s Constitutional Council is expected to rule on the validity of the election count on Dec. 23, an outcome civil society organisations and analysts fear may trigger more violence and economic disruption if Frelimo’s victory is upheld.

“Growth went from 4.5% in the second quarter to 3.7%