Mozambican President Daniel Chapo has called for a united national stance against corruption, describing it as a persistent threat to the country’s development. He made the remarks during the 50th independence anniversary celebrations held on Wednesday at the renamed National Independence Stadium in Maputo.
Addressing thousands gathered at the historic venue — once known as Machava Stadium — Chapo said corruption continues to weaken both public and private institutions. He pledged stronger measures to root out graft, particularly within public institutions and state-owned companies.
“Corruption must be combated vigorously. It weakens us as a nation,” he told the crowd. “Our future must be built on honesty, justice, and integrity. Each Mozambican should feel shame in being corrupt or enabling corruption.”
Marking half a century since Mozambique’s independence from Portugal, the celebrations were attended by several foreign leaders, including Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu (guest of honour), Guinea-Bissau’s Umaro Sissoco Embaló, and Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Chapo also identified natural disasters, armed insurgencies, and political instability following elections as major setbacks to development. He said the government is laying the groundwork for economic self-reliance, aiming for a country free from hunger and rich in opportunity, especially for women and young people.
He called for the efficient and corruption-free management of Mozambique’s abundant natural resources — including those on land and at sea — and urged for improved public institutions that support business and serve citizens effectively.
“We envision a Mozambique free from organised crime, money laundering, kidnapping, and drug trafficking,” said Chapo. “We want institutions that are not a burden to citizens, but engines of economic progress.”
