- Mozambique is consistently ranked among the world’s 20 most corrupt countries
- Among the most high-profile cases are several involving state-owned companies
By MOZTIMES
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – Corruption in the public administration caused losses to the government estimated at just over 3.2 billion meticais in the first six months of this year, according to data presented by the Central Office for Combating Corruption (GCCC) in Maputo on Tuesday.
During the same period, the authorities seized around 582 million meticais in investigations related to corruption cases, GCCC spokesperson Romulado Johnan said.
The difference between the amounts lost by the state and the funds seized highlights one of the main challenges in combating corruption: translating investigations and the prosecution of those involved into the effective recovery of public funds.
The GCCC and public prosecutors’ offices at different levels handled 1,646 corruption-related cases in the first half of 2026, up slightly from 1,509 in the same period of 2025, an increase of 8%.
Corruption at Mozambique Airlines and the Treasury
Among the most high-profile cases are several involving state-owned companies and institutions, including Mozambique Airlines (LAM), which remains the subject of several investigations over suspected corruption.
According to the GCCC, a case concerning irregularities in the sale and purchase of aircraft, catering contracts and other company operations was opened and referred to court. The case involves nine defendants accused of offences including damaging management, fraud, passive corruption, abuse of office, embezzlement and unlawful participation in business.
A second LAM case involves four defendants and concerns alleged violations of public procurement rules in the provision of consultancy services, the installation of surveillance cameras and the fitting of aircraft tails. This case was also referred to court.
However, the GCCC drew a distinction regarding another investigation involving the state-owned airline, concerning an alleged payment of US$6 million for the acquisition of an aircraft.
The case sought to investigate allegations that LAM officials had authorised the payment of US$6 million to acquire an aircraft that was already part of the company’s fleet under a leasing arrangement and could have been purchased for around US$1.5 million.
After investigating the case and analysing audit reports, the GCCC concluded that there was insufficient evidence to establish that a crime had been committed.
“We found no evidence that a crime had been committed, but rather administrative failures or irregularities that are subject to other procedures and not criminal proceedings,” Johnan said. The investigation was therefore closed, he added.
Another case highlighted by the GCCC involves officials from the National Treasury Directorate accused of demanding illicit payments from state suppliers in exchange for releasing funds owed to them.
“In the course of performing their duties, officials from this institution demanded 10% from each supplier for the amount owed to them to be disbursed,” Johnan said.
The case involves three defendants, all of whom are being held in pre-trial detention. Charges have already been brought and the case referred to the Maputo City Judicial Court, according to the GCCC spokesperson.
Corruption in payments to suppliers, with potential implications for companies’ liquidity, the execution of public contracts and confidence in the business environment, affects one of the most sensitive relationships between the state and the private sector.
In the education sector, the GCCC highlighted a case involving 143 defendants, 131 of whom were teachers at the time of the alleged offences.
The defendants are suspected of embezzlement for allegedly misappropriating 1,841,573 meticais intended to provide direct support to more than 150 schools in Mecubúri district, Nampula province.
“Funds that were allocated to the Mecubúri District Service for Education, Youth and Technology,” Johnan explained, adding that charges had already been brought and the case referred to court.
Mozambique is consistently ranked among the world’s 20 most corrupt countries, according to Transparency International's annual Corruption Perceptions Index, and is among the most corrupt in Africa. (MT)
