Mozambique Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in mozambique, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Franchising & Fast-Moving Consumer Goods
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The franchising sector in Mozambique is relatively underdeveloped compared to most countries. Much of the franchise sector in Mozambique is dominated by South African and Portuguese brands due to geographic proximity and shared language and culture, respectively. With the expectation of growth within the country because of the LNG sector, in the medium term, this sector will become more attractive, as foreign direct investment increases leading to influx of expatriates and global brands demand.

According to Fitch Solutions, “Mozambican households will steadily grow their spending on food, drinks, driven by higher disposable incomes and great formalization of the sector. Food and drinks will dominate household budgets.” The country’s main FMCG brands are from the United States, South Africa, China, India, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Portugal.  

With over 33 million Mozambicans, 55% of whom are below 20 years old, and according to the African Development Bank - high projected GDP growth, the Mozambique marketplace offers significant potential for U.S. brands. Also, high freight costs make some products too expensive to transport within the country, creating an opportunity to import a substitute. Mozambique’s lack of manufacturing makes the country dependent on import of finished goods. 

Leading Sub-sectors

•    Beer, Wine, and Spirits 
•    Beverages 
•    Cosmetics and Personal Care 
•    Packed Snack Foods

Opportunities

•    Fast-Food and Restaurants: Mozambican cuisine has been deeply influenced by the Portuguese, South African, and South Asian gastronomy. International brands are highly sought after with Mozambicans traveling across the border to consume franchise brands.  
•    Automotive Parts and Servicing: Most cars imported to Mozambique are second-hand vehicles from Asia. Automotive parts and car maintenance are growing with an increase in middle-class income and scarcity in public transportation.  
•    Healthcare and Fitness: Investment in international health insurance and private healthcare in Mozambique is rising due to supply shortages and long queues at public hospitals. At the same time, increasing numbers of Mozambicans are seeking global cross-fitness and gym brands.  
•    Hospitality: Mozambique’s 1,600 miles of coast boasts of world class luxury resorts, archipelagoes, and marine and reserve parks, making it a regional and international tourist destination. Almost half of the country (43%) is covered in woodland and forests. Chimanimani National Park was named by National Geographic as one of the top 25 destinations to visit in 2022. 
•    Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG): Within the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) category, food accounts for the majority of monthly household spending in Mozambique’s urban areas. Exploration in high opportunity areas like food and beverages would resonate with most Mozambicans. Most brands entering the Mozambican market design smaller packaging sizes to address price sensitivity and reach more consumers.
•    Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Cosmetics and Personal Care products has a steady growing demand in Mozambique, with manufacturers understanding the need for product tailoring to effectively deliver the right products to Mozambican consumers. Personal care items, especially soaps and toothbrushes, have higher penetration than household items like laundry detergents. There is a high demand for hair growth and treatment products with the growing trend of hair extensions amongst Mozambicans. 

Resources

The Mozambique Investment and Export Promotion Agency (Agência de Promoção de Investimentos e Exportações) is a public institution that assists companies seeking to invest in the country. Most U.S. franchisors looking to enter the Mozambican market take advantage of the services offered by the U.S. Commercial Service to find the right franchisee/local partner. 

FMCG brands entering Mozambique tend to partner with local distributors who have a well-established supply chain network. Companies launching products to low-income Mozambicans need to focus on smaller package sizes, lower prices, and invest significant time and energy working with traditional trade. Affordability is a key purchase driver. Mozambicans are receptive to product differentiation and new product categories given few locally manufactured brands. 

The preferred entry channels for FMCG brands in Mozambique are: 

•    Wholesale distributors 
•    Agents 
•    Sales teams

Trade Shows

 •    National Restaurant Association Show - May 16–19, 2026 – Chicago – Illinois
 •    Sweets & Snacks Expo - May 19–21, 2026 – Las Vegas - Nevada
 •    International Franchise Expo - May 29 - 30, 2026 – New York City – New York
 •    PACK EXPO International - October 18–21, 2026 – Chicago – Illinois

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