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APIEX - Investment and Export Promotion Agency

Introducing APIEX: Mozambique's Gateway for Foreign Investors

Overview

In the dynamic landscape of African investment opportunities, Mozambique stands out with its vast natural resources, strategic location, and pro-business reforms. At the heart of this ecosystem is the Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEX, IP), a pivotal institution dedicated to attracting and facilitating foreign direct investment (FDI). For foreign investors eyeing Mozambique's burgeoning sectors like agriculture, energy, tourism, and manufacturing, APIEX serves as the primary point of contact, offering streamlined services and expert guidance. Established to propel sustainable economic growth, APIEX has evolved into a key player in positioning Mozambique as a competitive destination on the global stage. As of 2025, with recent approvals of multi-billion-dollar projects, APIEX continues to demonstrate its effectiveness in driving investment inflows.

Establishment and Legal Framework

APIEX is a public institution endowed with legal personality, as well as administrative, financial, and patrimonial autonomy. It operates under the supervision of the Minister responsible for the area of Industry and Trade (though recent references also align it with broader economic oversight). The agency was created through Decree No. 60/2016 of December 12, marking a strategic move to centralize investment promotion efforts.

The legal foundation of APIEX has been strengthened over the years through several key instruments:

  • Resolution No. 43/2019 of December 31: Approves the Organic Statute of APIEX, IP, outlining its structure and operations.
  • Decree No. 83/2019 of October 11: Concerns revisions and adjustments to enhance efficiency.
  • Ministerial Diploma No. 29/2020 of June 7: Approves the Internal Regulations of APIEX, IP, governing day-to-day functions.
  • Law No. 8/2023: The Private Investment Law, which modernizes the investment regime and provides a comprehensive framework for FDI.
  • Decree No. 8/2024 of March 7: Regulates the Investment Law, including provisions for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Industrial Free Zones (IFZs).
  • Additional regulations cover the Fiscal and Customs Regime, as well as specific regimes for SEZs and IFZs, ensuring tax incentives and streamlined customs procedures for investors.
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These updates reflect Mozambique's commitment to creating a transparent and investor-friendly environment, with ongoing reforms aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles and aligning with international best practices.

Mission, Vision, and Values

APIEX's core mandate is to promote and facilitate national and foreign investment, alongside the diversification of exports, in alignment with the Government's economic policy objectives. This contributes directly to the sustainable growth of the Mozambican economy by fostering job creation, technology transfer, and regional development.

The agency's mission is to establish itself as a reference institution at regional and international levels in attracting and promoting investment and exports, ultimately making Mozambique a preferred destination for global investors.

While a formal vision statement is not explicitly detailed in official documents, APIEX's strategic focus embodies a forward-looking aspiration: to transform Mozambique into a hub of economic innovation and export-led growth, leveraging its resources for inclusive prosperity.

Guiding APIEX's operations are a set of core values that ensure ethical and efficient service delivery

Roles and Functions

APIEX plays a multifaceted role in Mozambique's investment landscape, acting as both a promoter and facilitator. Its primary responsibilities include:

  • Investment Promotion and Management: Developing and implementing actions to attract and manage private or public investments from national and foreign sources.
  • Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Industrial Free Zones (IFZs): Promoting, coordinating, and managing the establishment, development, and operations of these zones, which offer tailored incentives like tax exemptions and simplified regulations.
  • Export Promotion: Advocating for and supporting the growth of national exports to enhance foreign exchange earnings and market diversification.
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---->  Special Economic Zones in Mozambique  

In practice, APIEX delivers a range of services tailored to investors and exporters:

  • Dissemination of Mozambique's image and economic potential through marketing campaigns, international forums, and digital platforms.
  • Issuance of investment permits, expediting approvals for qualifying projects.
  • Provision of institutional support, including advisory services on legal, fiscal, and operational matters.
  • Inter-institutional coordination to analyze, approve, and implement investment projects efficiently.
  • Follow-up and monitoring of approved projects to ensure compliance and success.
  • Fostering business linkages between small, medium, and large enterprises, promoting local content and partnerships.
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For foreign investors, APIEX acts as a one-stop shop, simplifying entry into the market by handling registrations, connecting with local partners, and providing market intelligence.

Services for Foreign Investors

Foreign investors benefit immensely from APIEX's investor-centric approach. The agency offers free consultations, investment guides, and sector-specific opportunities. It organizes business forums, such as the Mozambique-Japan Business Forum and promotions in China, to connect investors with local stakeholders. Additionally, APIEX manages the approval process for incentives under the Investment Law, including tax holidays, customs exemptions, and repatriation of profits.

A standout feature is APIEX's role in SEZs and IFZs, where investors can access prime locations with infrastructure support. The agency's delegations across provinces ensure localized assistance, making it easier to navigate regional nuances.

Recent Developments and Achievements

As of September 2025, APIEX has reported significant momentum in investment approvals. In the first half of 2025 alone, the agency approved 115 investment projects valued at approximately US$5 billion, spanning industries like agro-processing, energy, and manufacturing. These projects are projected to create thousands of jobs and bolster economic diversification.

The 2025 edition of the Maputo International Trade Fair (FACIM) was a resounding success under APIEX's coordination, generating 811 business deals and attracting over 55,000 visitors from 28 countries. International engagements, such as roundtables with Zimbabwe and interest from Libyan business groups, highlight APIEX's proactive global outreach.

These achievements underscore APIEX's impact, with trade volumes—such as over US$2 billion annually with South Africa—driven by its promotional efforts.

Contacts

Av. Ahmed Sekou Touré N.° 2539, Maputo, Moçambique

Email info.apiex@apiex.gov.mz

Phone:  +258 82 305 6432