After a controversial re-election in October 2019, president Filipe Nyusi’s new term in office has been dominated by struggles with natural disaster, violence in the north of the country, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Shoots of recovery for Mozambique’s fragile economy were somewhat stunted by the Covid-19 pandemic, with some deals in the country’s promising energy sector being stalled, particularly as digital infrastructure has not been strong enough to sustain widespread remote working. The hit to oil prices was also detrimental to the economy. However, most of the planned deals and investments are expected to go through eventually, with Chinese companies showing interest in LNG projects in particular. Mozambique is targeting universal electricity access for its population by 2030.

A number of local firms have a prominent place in Mozambique’s legal market, many of them being associated with leading Iberian firms. Key domestic firms include Couto, Graça e Associados Limitada (CGA) and SAL & Caldeira Advogados, Lda., with Lei & Associados making an impact since its founding in 2017. International firms with activity in the jurisdiction include PLMJ, VdA, Linklaters and Clifford Chance.