Mozambique, CTA Presidency: Bone for Colossi?

Paulo Vilanculo "

The elections for the presidency of the CTA scheduled for May 14, 2025 prove to be an electoral process that takes place in a context of internal tensions and legal disputes, reflecting the strategic importance of the CTA's leadership in the Mozambican economic scenario.The succession of the CTA presidency reflects the challenges faced by the private sector in Mozambique. Recent events demonstrate that the position is highly contested and involves complex political and business dynamics, which suggests deep reflection.​

The Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA), established on 5 April 1996, as a result of the conversion of a Working Committee of Associations (CTA) created to respond to the challenges of introducing the Market Economy system.It is not to be ignored that within the CTA there are several sectoral associations and federations (agribusiness, mining, commerce, services), each with its own political and strategic preferences, and the strongest federations try to put their candidates forward to ensure influence in lobbying processes with the State, and large economic groups (construction, energy, telecommunications) try to influence the election to ensure that the CTA defends its interests before the government and international partners.

The CTA is the official partner of the Government Dialogue, representing the Private Sector and works towards a better business environment in Mozambique, promoting and protecting business opportunities and private initiatives, culture and business associations, through the promotion of economic and regulatory reforms. The CTA plays a crucial role as a representative of the private sector in the country. Historically, the CTA has maintained a close relationship with the Government, in this perspective, the choice of the CTA president often reflects an alignment (explicit or implicit) with government interests in which candidates considered "pro-government" usually have advantages in internal negotiations and institutional support.

It should be remembered that the Council of Ministers approved the decree that creates the Economic Recovery Fund (FRE), which aims to ensure the functioning of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in the productive sectors, with high potential to boost the national economy.“Today, the Government heard our cry and immediately made 350 million Meticais available as an initial allocation, with a promise to increase the amount”, said the President of the CTA, Agostinho Vuma.The presidency of the CTA is a platform for dialogue with foreign investors and multilateral organizations (such as the World Bank, IMF, and AfDB), so it seems to us that there is an interest in electing someone with a technical profile and external credibility.

Over the years, the leadership of the CTA has been marked by political and business disputes and alliances. The presidency of the CTA is a strategic position, influencing economic policies and the business environment. The presidency is often the target of interest from various groups seeking to influence the country's economic policies.​ On the other hand, the campaign for the presidency of the CTA involves the mobilization of substantial financial resources and the candidate who gathers the most financial support from large companies usually starts with an advantage.

Augustine VumaHe was elected president of the CTA in May 2017 and re-elected in December 2020. His second term was extended for another four years after reviewing the CTA statutes. The candidacy of Maria Assunção Abdula (Maria de Assunção Coelho Leboeuf Abdula), wife of Salimo Abdula, does not appear to be a candidate who really wants to break with the “status quo”, and continue with Vuma as Vice-President of the CTA in the current cast of Agostinho Vuma, although Vuma apparently supports Lineu Candieiro, (PCA of the Lin Group, President of the National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (ANJE) and Vice-President of the Business Council (CEN).

Remember that Salimo Abdula (2005–2011),He presided over the CTA for two consecutive terms. During his leadership, he stood out for promoting the attraction of foreign investment and strengthening partnerships between Mozambican and international businesspeople. After leaving the executive presidency, he continued to contribute as President of the Board of the CTA General Assembly.​

What is certain is that the position requires leadership skills, negotiation and resistance to external pressures.The exclusion of Álvaro Massingue from the current race shows how internal divergences (and possibly external political rivalries) shape the succession process.It is essential that the process is conducted with transparency and integrity, ensuring that the CTA leadership continues to effectively represent the country’s economic interests.​

The current succession process marked by controversies with Álvaro Massingue, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Mozambique (CCM), removed from the race for the presidency of the CTA due to accusations of illicit practices to interfere in internal elections which, in response, Massingue submitted a precautionary measure to the court, contesting the decision, demonstratesin fact, that the presidency of the CTA is a "bone for giants".

Taking on the presidency of the CTA should involve facing challenges such as:​

• Representativeness: Reconcile the interests of different business sectors.​
• Political Pressures: Maintain the independence of the CTA from political influences.​
• Transparency: Ensure fair and transparent electoral processes within the organization.​

2025/12/3