History of Mozambique in Timeline

Mozambique is a country in Southeast Africa, bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, and Eswatini and South Africa to the south and southwest. It is separated from Comoros, Mayotte, and Madagascar by the Mozambique Channel. Its capital and largest city is Maputo.

1929: Termination of the Niassa Company's concession

In 1929, the Niassa Company's concession was terminated, marking a move towards stronger Portuguese control.

1942: Mozambique Company concession not renewed

In 1942, the Mozambique Company's concessions were not renewed due to unsatisfactory performance and a shift towards stronger Portuguese control.

1951: Rebranding of Portuguese overseas colonies

In 1951, the Portuguese overseas colonies in Africa were rebranded as Overseas Provinces of Portugal.

June 1960: Mueda Massacre

In June 1960, the Mueda massacre resulted in the death of Makonde protestors, provoking the struggle for independence from Portuguese rule.

1961: Beginning of Portuguese Colonial War

From 1961, the conflict, along with the two others already initiated in the other Portuguese colonies of Angola and Portuguese Guinea became part of the so-called Portuguese Colonial War.

September 1964: FRELIMO Initiates Guerrilla Campaign

In September 1964, the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) initiated a guerrilla campaign against Portuguese rule.

April 1974: Carnation Revolution in Portugal

In April 1974, the Carnation Revolution in Portugal led to Portugal's return to democracy.

1974: End of Portuguese Colonial War

Until 1974, the conflict, along with the two others already initiated in the other Portuguese colonies of Angola and Portuguese Guinea became part of the so-called Portuguese Colonial War.

June 1975: Mozambique Becomes Independent

On June 25, 1975, Mozambique became independent from Portugal, after FRELIMO took control of the territory.

November 1975: Failed coup in Portugal

In November 1975, there was a failed coup in Portugal.

1975: Independence and Education

After independence from Portugal in 1975, Mozambican pupils continued to be admitted at Portuguese high schools, polytechnical institutes and universities through bilateral agreements.

1975: Mozambique gains independence

In 1975, after over four centuries of Portuguese rule, Mozambique gained independence and became the People's Republic of Mozambique.

1975: Departure of Portuguese Descendants

Many people of Portuguese descent left Mozambique after its independence from Portugal in 1975.

1975: Independence and Religious Pioneers

The independence in 1975 saw the entrance of new pioneers of the Baháʼí Faith, which had been present in Mozambique since the early 1950s but did not openly identify itself due to the influence of the Catholic Church.

1977: Mozambique Civil War Begins

In 1977, only two years after independence, Mozambique descended into an intense and protracted civil war.

1977: Start of Civil War

Starting shortly after independence, from 1977, Mozambique was plagued by a long and violent civil war between the opposition forces of anti-communist Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO) rebel militias and the FRELIMO regime.

1980: Zimbabwe Government Change

In 1980, the change of government in Zimbabwe removed the threat posed by Ian Smith's government actions against Mozambique.

1983: Shift in Economic Support

In 1983, Mozambique began to shift away from Soviet support.

1984: Joined World Bank and IMF

In 1984, Mozambique joined the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, marking a shift towards Western aid.

1984: Nkomati Accord

In 1984, the Nkomati Accord was signed, which aimed to end South African support for RENAMO but instead opened diplomatic channels between Mozambique and South Africa.

October 1986: Death of President Machel

On 19 October 1986, President Samora Machel died when his plane crashed in the Lebombo Mountains.

1990: New Constitution Enacted

In 1990, a new constitution was enacted, providing for a multi-party political system, a market-based economy, and free elections. Also, Mozambique abolished the people's republic as the country's official name.

1990: 100th Anniversary of Methodist presence

In 1990, the Igreja Metodista Unida em Moçambique (United Methodist Church in Mozambique) observed the 100th anniversary of Methodist presence in Mozambique. President Chissano praised the work and role of the UMC to more than 10,000 people who attended the ceremony.

1990: Maternal mortality rate

In 1990, the maternal mortality rate in Mozambique was 385 per 100,000 births.

October 1992: End of Civil War with Rome General Peace Accords

In October 1992, the civil war ended with the Rome General Peace Accords.

1992: End of Mozambican Civil War

In 1992, the intense and protracted civil war that started in 1977 came to an end.

October 1993: Full Diplomatic Relations with South Africa

In October 1993, Mozambique established full diplomatic relations with South Africa following the elimination of apartheid.

1994: Start of GDP Growth Period

Between 1994 and 2006, Mozambique experienced an average annual GDP growth of approximately 8%.

1994: First Multiparty Elections

In 1994, Mozambique held its first multiparty elections, marking a move towards a relatively stable presidential republic.

1994: Joined Organisation of the Islamic Conference

In 1994, Mozambique joined the Organisation of the Islamic Conference to broaden international support and appeal to its Muslim population.

1994: Mozambique Holds Elections

Mozambique held elections in 1994, which were won by FRELIMO under Joaquim Chissano.

1995: Return of Refugees

By mid-1995, over 1.7 million refugees returned to Mozambique.

1995: Joined Commonwealth of Nations

In 1995, Mozambique joined the Commonwealth of Nations, despite never being part of the British Empire, and became a founding member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries.

1995: Mozambique Joins Commonwealth of Nations

In 1995, Mozambique joined the Commonwealth of Nations.

1996: Start of Economic Recovery

Beginning in 1996, Mozambique experienced a remarkable economic recovery, achieving an average annual growth rate of 8% between 1996 and 2006.

1998: Urban Water Sector Reform

Beginning in 1998, Mozambique reformed the formal part of the urban water supply sector through the creation of an independent regulatory agency (CRA), an asset-holding company (FIPAG), and a public-private partnership (PPP) with Aguas de Moçambique.

1998: Growth of the United Methodist Church

Since 1998, the United Methodist Church has tripled in size in Mozambique. The church has more than 150,000 members in more than 180 congregations of the 24 districts.

December 1999: Second Post-Civil War Elections

In December 1999, Mozambique held elections for a second time since the civil war, which were again won by FRELIMO.

1999: Missionaries sent to Mozambique

In 1999, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints first began sending missionaries to Mozambique.

1999: Introduction of Value-Added Tax

In 1999, the government of Mozambique introduced a value-added tax (VAT) as part of its efforts to increase domestic revenues.

2000: Cyclone and Flooding

In early 2000, a cyclone caused widespread flooding in Mozambique, and journalist Carlos Cardoso was murdered while investigating alleged diversion of foreign aid.

2001: Chissano indicates he will not run for a third term

In 2001, President Chissano indicated that he would not run for a third term.

2001: GDP growth thrives

Since 2001, Mozambique's GDP growth had been thriving, before a decline in later years.

2002: Increased girl enrollment

In 2002, girls enrollment was 3 million.

December 2004: Presidential and National Assembly Elections

Presidential and National Assembly elections took place on December 1–2, 2004. Armando Guebuza won the presidential election.

2004: Health expenditure statistics

In 2004, public expenditure on health was 2.7% of the GDP, and private expenditure was 1.3%. Health expenditure per capita was 42 US$ (PPP).

February 2005: Guebuza Inaugurated as President

On February 2, 2005, Armando Guebuza was inaugurated as the President of Mozambique.

2005: USAID Report on Corruption

According to a USAID report written in 2005, the scale and scope of corruption in Mozambique are cause for alarm.

2005: Railway Track Statistics

As of 2005, Mozambique had 3,123 km of railway track, consisting of 2,983 km of 1,067 mm gauge and a 140 km line of 762 mm gauge.

2005: Infant mortality rate

In 2005, the infant mortality rate in Mozambique was 100 per 1,000 births.

2006: End of High GDP Growth

Between 1994 and 2006, Mozambique's average annual GDP growth was approximately 8%. A survey also indicated that the economic position of most Mozambicans had not improved in the past five years.

2006: Increased girl enrollment

In 2006, girls enrollment increased to 4.1 million.

2007: Estimate of Chinese Community Size

As of 2007, estimates for the size of Mozambique's Chinese community ranged from 7,000 to 12,000 people.

2007: Economic Growth Pace

In 2007, The World Bank described Mozambique's pace of economic growth as blistering and the country was considered an aid success story.

2007: Children not in school

In 2007, one million children in Mozambique did not attend school, mostly from poor rural families.

2007: Government Strategy for Rural Water Supply

In 2007, the government of Mozambique defined a strategy for water supply and sanitation in rural areas, where 62% of the population lives.

2007: Census on Religious Beliefs

The 2007 census found that Christians made up 59.2% of Mozambique's population, Muslims comprised 18.9%, others held other beliefs (mainly animism) 7.3%, and 13.9% had no religious beliefs.

2008: Start of Embezzlement by Calisto Alberto Tomo

Between 2008 and 2010, Calisto Alberto Tomo, director of the Provincial Anti-Drugs Office, colluded with the accountant to steal over 260,000 meticais.

2008: End of Management Contracts

In 2008, the management contracts for four cities expired, ending the PPP.

2008: Maternal mortality rate

In 2008, the maternal mortality rate in Mozambique was 598.8 per 100,000 births.

2009: Start of Portuguese Return

Starting in 2009, the Portuguese had been returning to Mozambique because of the growing economy in Mozambique and the poor economic situation in Portugal.

August 2010: Railway Development Agreement with Botswana

In August 2010, Mozambique and Botswana signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a 1,100 km railway through Zimbabwe to carry coal from Serule in Botswana to a deepwater port at Techobanine Point.

2010: Literacy rate

According to 2010 estimates, the literacy rate in Mozambique was 56.1% (70.8% male and 42.8% female).

2010: Declared Baháʼís

As of 2010, there are about 3,000 declared Baháʼís in Mozambique.

2010: End of Embezzlement by Calisto Alberto Tomo

Between 2008 and 2010, Calisto Alberto Tomo, director of the Provincial Anti-Drugs Office, colluded with the accountant to steal over 260,000 meticais.

2010: Withdrawal of Foreign Partner

In 2010, the foreign partner of the company that serves the capital under a lease contract withdrew, citing heavy losses.

2010: Maternal mortality rate

In 2010, the maternal mortality rate for Mozambique was 550 per 100,000 births.

2010: Discovery of Mamba South gas field

In 2010-2011, the Mamba South gas field was discovered, with recoverable reserves of 4,200 billion cubic metres of natural gas.

July 2011: Proposed Anti-Corruption Laws

In July 2011, the Mozambican government proposed new anti-corruption laws to criminalize embezzlement, influence peddling, and graft.

December 2011: HIV statistics

As of December 2011, 240,000 Mozambicans were receiving anti-retroviral treatment for HIV.

2011: Total Fertility Rate

According to a 2011 survey, the total fertility rate in Mozambique was 5.9 children per woman.

2011: Sustained Economic Growth

From 2006 to 2011, Mozambique sustained economic growth between 6-7%.

2011: Discovery of Mamba South gas field

In 2010-2011, the Mamba South gas field was discovered, with recoverable reserves of 4,200 billion cubic metres of natural gas.

2011: Water and Sanitation Access Levels

In 2011, Mozambique had low levels of access to an improved water source (51%) and adequate sanitation (25%).

2011: FIRS Roller Hockey World Cup

The Mozambique national roller hockey team came in fourth at the 2011 FIRS Roller Hockey World Cup.

2012: Uncultivated Arable Land

In 2012, more than 90% of Mozambique's arable land remained uncultivated.

2012: Anti-Corruption Bills Passed

In 2012, several anti-corruption bills were passed in Mozambique as part of efforts to address the problem of corruption.

2013: RENAMO insurgency begins

From 2013, a low-intensity insurgency by RENAMO occurred, mainly in the country's central and northern regions.

2013: Report on Portuguese Return

In 2013, a BBC article reported that Portuguese citizens had been returning to Mozambique since 2009 due to the country's growing economy and Portugal's poor economic situation.

2013: Agriculture Employment Statistics

In 2013, approximately 80% of Mozambique's population was employed in agriculture, primarily in small-scale subsistence farming.

March 2014: HIV treatment

As of March 2014, 416,000 Mozambicans were receiving anti-retroviral treatment for HIV.

September 2014: Accord on Cessation of Hostilities Signed

On 5 September 2014, the Accord on Cessation of Hostilities was signed by Guebuza and Dhlakama, halting military hostilities.

October 2014: General Elections and Political Crisis

In October 2014, general elections were held, but a new political crisis emerged as RENAMO did not recognise the election results.

2014: Decrease in consumption and rise in inequality

Since 2014, Mozambique experienced a significant decrease in household real consumption and a sharp rise in economic inequality.

2014: Decrease in Household Consumption

Since 2014, household real consumption in Mozambique has decreased significantly, with a notable rise in economic inequality.

January 2015: Filipe Nyusi Becomes President

On January 15, 2015, Filipe Nyusi became the fourth President of Mozambique.

April 2015: Membership of Latter-day Saints

As of April 2015, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has more than 7,943 members in Mozambique.

2015: Survey on Religious Beliefs

A 2015 government survey indicated that Catholicism had increased to 30.5% of the population, Muslims constituted 19.3%, and various Protestant groups a total of 44%.

2015: Increased literacy rate

By 2015, the literacy rate in Mozambique had increased to 58.8% (73.3% male and 45.4% female).

2015: Legalization of Same-Sex Sexual Activity

In 2015, Mozambique legalized same-sex sexual activity, though discrimination against LGBT people remains widespread.

January 2017: Firms Selected for Gas Development

In January 2017, the Mozambican government selected three firms, including GL Africa Energy (UK), for natural gas development projects in the Rovuma gas basin. GL Africa Energy planned to build and operate a 250 MW gas-powered plant, with production scheduled to start in 2018.

2017: Beginning of Islamist Insurgency

Since 2017, Mozambique has faced an ongoing insurgency by Islamist groups.

2018: US Commission Estimate on Religious Beliefs

According to 2018 estimates from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 28% of the population in Mozambique is Catholic, 18% are Muslim, 15% are Zionist Christians, 12% are Protestants, 7% are members of other religious groups, and 18% have no religion.

2018: Women's beach volleyball

In 2018, the women's beach volleyball team finished 2nd at the CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup.

2018: Planned Start of Gas Production

In January 2017, the government announced that GL Africa Energy planned to build and operate a 250 MW gas-powered plant, with production scheduled to start in 2018.

October 2019: President Nyusi Re-elected

In October 2019, President Filipe Nyusi was re-elected after a landslide victory in the general election, but the opposition did not accept the results due to allegations of fraud and irregularities.

2019: Cyclones Idai and Kenneth

In 2019, Mozambique suffered floods and destruction from the devastating cyclones Idai and Kenneth, the first time two cyclones had struck the nation in a single season.

2019: Financing for Mozambique LNG Project

In 2019, developments in the Rovuma Basin, referred to as The Mozambique LNG Project, raised $19 billion from a consortium of investors. The majority of the project has been awarded to TotalEnergies.

2019: RENAMO insurgency ends

Until 2019, a low-intensity insurgency by RENAMO occurred, mainly in the country's central and northern regions.

September 2020: ISIL Insurgents Capture Vamizi Island

In September 2020, ISIL insurgents captured and briefly occupied Vamizi Island in the Indian Ocean.

2020: Women's beach volleyball

In 2020, the women's beach volleyball team finished 2nd at the CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup.

March 2021: Islamist Rebels Seize Palma

In March 2021, dozens of civilians were killed and 35,000 others were displaced after Islamist rebels seized the city of Palma.

December 2021: Increased Jihadist Attacks in Niassa

In December 2021, nearly 4,000 Mozambicans fled their villages after an intensification of jihadist attacks in Niassa.

March 2023: Climate Disasters

Between January and March 2023, Mozambique, along with Malawi and Madagascar, experienced climate disasters that seriously affected farming, fisheries, and crops.

October 2023: Currency Exchange Rate

As of October 2023, the exchange rate was approximately 64 meticals to 1 U.S. dollar.

2023: Population increase

In 2023, Mozambique saw a 2.96% increase in population.

2024: Population Estimate

As of 2024 estimates, the country's population is around 34,777,605 consisting more than 2,000 ethnic groups.

2024: Scheduled Start of LNG Exports

Mozambique is now scheduled to begin exporting LNG globally in 2024.

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