AGP Executive Report

Curatorial Futures: Dance Umbrella secured major Arts Council England funding (with British Council support) for “Diversifying Curatorial Stewardship” (2026–2028), aiming to widen who gets to shape dance programming—especially emerging curators from Black and Brown Global Majority backgrounds and more female-identifying and non-binary leaders. Mozambique–China Culture: Maputo hosted the China-Africa Cultural and Artistic Exchange Tour and “Silk Road Art Dialogue,” with Chissano highlighting how arts and education deepen bilateral ties. Immigration Crackdown: Malawi’s Department of Immigration arrested and detained 104 foreign nationals in May, including Mozambicans, citing illegal migration and warning against those who aid it. Xenophobia Fallout: A concert by Zimbabwean artist Mwenje Mathole was cancelled after xenophobic threats in South Africa, while wider anti-foreigner tensions continue to spark fear and debate. Human Rights & Health: Calls are growing to speed up implementation of amended post-abortion care guidelines in Malawi after a court ruling, to reduce legal uncertainty for clinicians and protect girls’ access to care. Global Spotlight on Conflict Violence: The UN reported a sharp rise in conflict-related sexual violence in 2025, with women and girls most affected.

Mozambique–China Diplomacy: President Daniel Chapo’s landmark state visit to China comes just as the zero-tariff policy expands, promising Maputo wider access for exports and fresh momentum for bilateral cooperation. Cultural Exchange: Maputo hosted the China-Africa Cultural and Artistic Exchange Tour and “Silk Road Art Dialogue,” bringing Chinese and Mozambican artists together through exhibitions and performances. Regional Security & Culture of Peace: Ethiopia’s top military leadership met Mozambique’s armed forces chief, stressing that reliable continental peace is essential for development and calling for deeper cooperation against terrorism and cyber threats. Xenophobia Spillover in the Region: South Africa’s anti-foreigner tensions continue to ripple across borders, including reports of Mozambicans displaced by attacks in Asla Park and renewed debate sparked by Julius Malema’s “Afrophobia” framing. Humanitarian Pressure: The UN warns conflict-related sexual violence surged in 2025, with women and girls disproportionately targeted—an issue that resonates across Mozambique’s wider regional crisis landscape. Tourism & Skills: Portugal will train Mozambicans in tourism, while a Beira Interior arts and vocational school partnership aims to expand places for Mozambican students.

Memory & Sovereignty: A new reflection on the Herero and Nama genocide argues colonial “amnesia” still shapes what gets remembered—and asks why postcolonial states haven’t fully institutionalised these histories. Regional Security: Ethiopia’s Field Marshal Berhanu Jula met Mozambique’s military chief to deepen cooperation, linking peace, anti-terrorism and cyber security to sustainable development. Mozambique–China Culture: Maputo hosted the China-Africa Cultural and Artistic Exchange Tour and “Silk Road Art Dialogue,” with artists, speeches and performances spotlighting shared cultural futures. Education & Skills: Portugal will train Mozambicans in tourism through a Beira Interior school partnership, adding places and partial scholarships for young people. Humanitarian Crisis: Reports describe a spiralling catastrophe across Gaza, Somalia and Mozambique, with shortages, displacement and mounting harm to health systems. Anti-Immigrant Tensions in South Africa: Julius Malema calls the marches “Afrophobia,” insisting migrants from places including Mozambique aren’t to blame for unemployment or collapsing services, as debates on xenophobia vs legitimate governance concerns intensify. Religion & Violence in Cabo Delgado: Church-linked monitors report Islamist attacks in northern Mozambique, including destroyed churches and killings of Christians. Film & Arts: Shanghai’s 28th International Film Festival opens June 12 with global jury talent, and Mozambique is among countries submitting films for the first time.

Humanitarian Crisis: Violence and drought are pushing Gaza, Somalia and Mozambique toward catastrophe, with hospitals overwhelmed, fuel shortages threatening care, and hunger deepening as aid access remains constrained. Mozambique–China Culture: Maputo hosted the China-Africa Cultural and Artistic Exchange Tour and “Silk Road Art Dialogue,” bringing hundreds together through exhibitions, music, dance and language. Tourism Skills Link: Portugal will train more Mozambicans for tourism through a Maputo memorandum that expands places at a Beira Interior professional and artistic school, with scholarships. Climate & Fossil Fuel Politics: Activists protested TotalEnergies’ AGM, urging France to end public support for fossil fuel expansion tied to projects including Mozambique LNG. Cabo Delgado Religious Violence: In northern Mozambique, church groups report Islamist attacks that killed Christians and destroyed churches and homes in Ancuabe District. Education Exchange: The Chinese Bridge competition in Maputo showcased Chinese language and cultural talent, with winners set to represent Mozambique internationally. Regional Lens on Xenophobia: South Africa’s anti-immigrant unrest is framed as “Afrophobia,” with debate intensifying over migrants’ role versus deeper service-delivery and governance failures. Health & Youth Focus: A review highlights how HIV status disclosure for children and adolescents is still uneven across low- and middle-income countries, pointing to the need for better support approaches.

China-Africa Cultural Exchange: Maputo’s Mozambique-China Cultural Center hosted the 2026 China-Africa Cultural and Artistic Exchange Tour, opening the “Silk Road Art Dialogue” exhibition with works by Chinese and Mozambican artists, plus performances spanning ink painting, calligraphy, music, dance and theatre. Cabo Delgado Religious Life Under Threat: In northern Mozambique’s Ancuabe District, church groups report Islamist-linked attacks that killed at least nine people and destroyed churches, including the burning of a church and homes in Namecala. Mozambique in the Education Spotlight: The Confucius Institute at Eduardo Mondlane University held the Mozambican finals of the Chinese Bridge competition, with themed speeches and cultural talent performances ahead of the global finals in China. Regional Culture & Community: A Defender-backed Africa Traverse expedition concluded a 14,200km route through Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Mozambique, blending conservation education and malaria relief, including the Right to Sight spectacle programme. Sport as Lifestyle: Paratus Mozambique sponsored the Paratus Pro Padel Challenge in Maputo (30–31 May), bringing pro teams from Mozambique and South Africa. South Africa’s Afrophobia Debate: Across South Africa, EFF leader Julius Malema and others clash over whether anti-immigrant unrest is xenophobia or “Afrophobia,” as protests intensify and migrants report fear and intimidation.

Mozambique–Cabo Delgado Security: Church groups report fresh Islamist attacks in northern Mozambique’s Ancuabe District, killing at least nine and destroying churches and homes, as Islamic State Mozambique expands raids tied to conversion and intimidation. Mozambique–Health & Aid: OCHA will disburse about €1.7m for anticipatory action against cholera, linking early funding to outbreak signals as recurrent cases strain water and sanitation systems. Mozambique–Energy & Infrastructure: Malawi’s energy minister urges communities to protect electricity equipment after theft and vandalism delayed grid connections under the Rural Electrification Programme, highlighting how infrastructure sabotage slows rural development. Mozambique–Culture & Education: In Maputo, the Confucius Institute at Eduardo Mondlane University hosts the Mozambican finals of the Chinese Bridge competition, blending Chinese language, poetry, music and martial arts, with a national winner set to represent Mozambique in China. Mozambique–Sports & Lifestyle: Paratus Mozambique backs the Paratus Pro Padel Challenge (30–31 May) in Maputo, bringing Mozambique’s first pro padel team and South African squads, including a women’s team, into a regional spotlight. Regional Humanitarian Coordination: The African Union launches a new humanitarian coordination platform to improve crisis response across displacement, hunger, conflict and climate-linked disasters, with a major funding gap still limiting support. South Africa Xenophobia Debate (for context): Coverage continues to unpack anti-immigrant violence and “Operation Dudula” style mob actions, arguing the real question is why migrants feel forced to flee in the first place.

Mozambique–China Cultural Exchange: Maputo hosted the Mozambican finals of the 25th Chinese Bridge competition at Eduardo Mondlane University, with speeches, Q&A and performances in poetry, music and martial arts—setting a national champion for the global finals in China. Public Health & Water Security: OCHA will release about $1.9m for anticipatory action against cholera in Mozambique, linking early funding to outbreak signals as recurrent cases continue across districts. Food Systems & Irrigation Policy: ICRISAT urged Mozambique and neighbours to re-position irrigation schemes as rural bio-economy hubs—pairing water with biomass, small processing, renewable energy and logistics to cut waste and strengthen circular food systems. Cabo Delgado Humanitarian Life on the Move: A vivid report from Chiúre describes MSF’s daily “muster” and rapid outreach convoys to temporary clinics in northern Mozambique, underscoring how insecurity shapes healthcare delivery. Sports & Community Culture: Paratus Mozambique sponsors the Paratus Pro Padel Challenge in Maputo (30–31 May), bringing Mozambique and South Africa’s professional teams together and promoting padel as a fast-growing social sport. Energy Infrastructure Protection: Malawi’s energy minister (in the region’s wider coverage) warned communities against vandalising electricity equipment, after theft delayed rural electrification connections. Regional Unity & Anti-Disinformation: Mozambican President Daniel Chapo urged veterans to stay vigilant against terrorism, violence and disinformation, while pushing “one family, one vegetable garden” as a steady food-production practice. Xenophobia Debate Across the Region: Commentary and reporting on xenophobic violence and immigration crises in South Africa continues to frame fears around foreigners, elections and public safety.

Mozambique’s Digital Push: Mozambique has opened public consultation on a draft National AI Strategy, aiming to shape AI policy and grow capacity across sectors like education, health, finance, energy and agriculture, with plans for regulatory “sandboxes” and a bid to become a regional data and cloud hub. Humanitarian Health in the North: OCHA will release about $1.9m for anticipatory action against cholera, linking early funding to outbreak signals as Mozambique continues to face recurrent outbreaks tied to water and sanitation gaps and extreme weather. EU Investment Calendar: The EU says it will mobilize over €300m for Mozambique under its Global Gateway approach, with major business forums in June focused on renewable energy and agribusiness. Cabo Delgado on the Ground: A vivid report from MSF describes daily outreach missions in safer pockets of northern Mozambique, where teams race between temporary clinics amid the ever-present risk of attacks. Africa Day, Unity vs Borders: Mozambican President Daniel Chapo used Africa Day to call for pan-African unity and stronger cross-border corridors, while regional debate continues over how to manage migration and protect social cohesion. Workplace Rights in Malawi (regional relevance): In Ntcheu, Moza Sweet Bakery workers staged a complaint over alleged salary deductions, abuse and unfair dismissals—another reminder that labor rights and dignity remain cultural and economic issues across the region.

EU Investment Push: Mozambique is set to receive over 300 million euros for energy and agribusiness under the EU’s Global Gateway, with major business forums in Maputo in June. Cholera Preparedness: OCHA will release about 1.9 million dollars for anticipatory action against cholera, linking early outbreak signals to fast funding to protect vulnerable communities. Cabo Delgado Reality Check: A new on-the-ground look describes how years of war, cyclones and displacement have reshaped daily life in northern Mozambique, including MSF’s mobile clinic operations. Africa Day, Mozambique Style: President Daniel Chapo used Africa Day to call for unity, stronger regional cooperation, and cross-border infrastructure—while urging veterans to stay vigilant against terrorism and disinformation. Mozambique’s AI Moment: The country has opened a draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for public comment, aiming for safer AI across education, health, finance and agriculture. Court & Community: In Johannesburg, two men accused in the DJ Warras murder case returned to court, while in Zimbabwe authorities deported 29 undocumented Mozambicans, including minors. Culture & Faith: A Zimbabwe revival crusade drew thousands across borders, mixing worship with local economic buzz.

Courtroom Update: In Johannesburg, the two men accused of killing DJ Warras—Victor Mthethwa Majola and Mozambican national Armando Pacula—are back in the Magistrate’s Court facing murder and conspiracy charges, with Pacula also charged under immigration law. Regional Trade & Food Security: A new Oman grain hub and faster liner services on the Novorossiysk–Lagos–Dakar route are framed as practical steps that could expand Russian grain access to East Africa, with BRICS pushing more logistics corridors. Mozambique Governance & Security: President Daniel Chapo urged veterans’ groups to stay vigilant against terrorism, violence and disinformation, while backing food-production efforts like “one family, one vegetable garden.” Africa Day Momentum: Across the region, leaders used Africa Day to push unity and cross-border cooperation—while South Africa’s anti-migrant tensions keep spilling into diplomacy. Justice & Rights: Mozambique’s Bar Association warns politically motivated violence is returning, threatening democracy and rule of law.

Kruger killings: South Africa is still hunting the killers of Ernst and Dina Marais, whose bodies were found in a crocodile-infested river near Crooks Corner after they vanished during a safari—SANParks says the couple’s car didn’t exit any gate on camera, and investigators fear an encounter with illegal poachers. Mozambique politics & security: In Maputo, President Daniel Chapo urged liberation veterans (ACLLN) to stay vigilant against terrorism, violence and disinformation, while pushing “one family, one vegetable garden” as a permanent food-production drive. Mozambique digital policy: Mozambique opened public consultation on a Draft National AI Strategy (May 4–June 4), including plans for AI “regulatory sandboxes” and a push to become a regional data-centre hub. Africa Day ripple effects: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from Jan 1, 2027, while South Africa’s leaders tried to cool anti-migrant tensions—insisting there’s no “Trump wall” approach, but border enforcement must be shared regionally. Regional migration pressure: Zimbabwe deported 29 undocumented Mozambicans, including 28 boys, after interceptions across several cities.

AI Strategy Launch: Mozambique has unveiled a draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and opened it for public comment from May 4 to June 4, with plans for AI regulatory “sandboxes” and sector focus across education, health, finance, energy, agriculture and digital public services, while positioning the country as a regional hub for data centres and cloud infrastructure. Regional Migration Pressure: South Africa is pushing back against a “Trump wall” approach, saying it will use its regional leadership to press neighbours to share border-management responsibility as anti-migrant protests flare and cabinet security clusters meet protest leaders. CPC Diplomacy: A CPC delegation led by Liu Haixing visited Egypt and Tanzania, holding a Southern Africa party dialogue with leaders including Mozambique’s FRELIMO and others. Africa Day Context: Across the region, Africa Day messaging of unity is colliding with hard realities on borders, rights and security.

Afrophobia Debate: South Africa’s Africa Day spotlight turned tense as commentators and church leaders push back on the label “xenophobia,” arguing the violence is more targeted “Afrophobia” against fellow Africans—while warning that scapegoating foreign nationals won’t fix unemployment, inequality, or weak governance. Regional Pressure: The South African Council of Churches urged SADC to build a regional economy that reduces the “incentive” to migrate, as KwaZulu-Natal’s premier paired unity messages with tougher enforcement against undocumented people, including drone monitoring along borders with Mozambique and Eswatini. Mozambique in the Crosshairs: Zimbabwe deported 28 Mozambican teens and a visually impaired street vendor, underscoring how migration crackdowns ripple across the region. Mozambique Politics: Back home, Mozambique’s Bar Association warned that politically motivated assassinations and fear are undermining democracy and reconciliation. Safety Shock: In South Africa’s Kruger National Park, a manhunt continues after a couple was murdered near an elephant crossing—an incident that has already triggered calls for stronger security.

Job Market Echo: Graduating into a “bleak” entry-level economy isn’t new—this week’s story revisits how young degree-holders in the early 1990s struggled to get hired, and what happened next. Political Violence Watch: Mozambique’s Bar Association warns that politically motivated assassinations are becoming normalized—after opposition party members were shot dead in Manica and Gaza, and more than 20 attacks on opposition figures were logged since July 2025. Regional Diplomacy: SADC foreign ministers meet in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, with opening remarks stressing shared history, migration, and cross-border ties. Cabo Delgado Pressure: A Catholic bishop in Quelimane urges urgent action to stop violence in Cabo Delgado, saying civilians—including Christians—are still dying and the Church cannot stay silent. Safety & Crime: South Africa faces a major manhunt after a couple was stabbed and dumped in a crocodile-infested river near Kruger’s Crook’s Corner. Road Security: Zimbabwe issues a warning to drivers as smash-and-grab robbers reportedly siege Harare traffic lights, with police struggling to contain it.

Immigration Crackdown: South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says 109,735 undocumented foreigners were arrested and deported from 2021/22 to 2025/26, alongside 6,279 workplace inspections and 8,180 employer charges for hiring without permits. Border Health: Tanzania and Uganda are stepping up joint surveillance and emergency response after Ebola spread from the DRC, with ECSA-HC coordinating action in high-risk border areas. Drug Pressure: Tanzania destroyed 500kg of heroin at Dangote Cement’s kilns after a major trafficker was jailed, while authorities say demand for treatment is rising. Xenophobia Debate: As xenophobic attacks and media-fuelled hate narratives resurface in South Africa, critics argue scapegoating migrants hides deeper failures in jobs, services, and governance. Mozambique Lens: In Maputo, the Attorney-General’s Office warns about drugs and alcohol being sold near public schools and calls for stronger prevention and school gate control. Cabo Delgado: A Catholic bishop in Quelimane urges urgent action to stop violence in Cabo Delgado, saying the Church cannot stay silent.

Xenophobia in South Africa: Fear is rising as anti-foreigner violence flares again, with critics saying the government’s response isn’t working and that scapegoating migrants distracts from deeper problems like unemployment, crime, and failing services. Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado crisis: A Catholic bishop in Quelimane urged urgent action to stop the violence in Cabo Delgado, saying innocent people are still dying and the Church cannot stay silent. Reproductive health rights: On the International Day of Obstetric Fistula, Mozambique-linked commentary highlighted how lack of timely care traps women in isolation and poverty—while broader reporting warns that laws and access gaps keep unsafe outcomes common. Mozambique schools under pressure: The Attorney-General’s office flagged growing circulation of drugs and alcohol near public schools, calling for stronger prevention and coordination. Digital governance debate: A new analysis argues AI is making authoritarian control cheaper and faster, including in Mozambique, by strengthening surveillance and impunity. Sports & culture: FIFA’s U-17 draw sets a tough group for Jamaica and other Caribbean hopefuls, while Mozambique’s cultural coverage also keeps spotlighting regional identity and belonging.