With over 30 years in diplomatic service, Mozambique’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Alfredo Fabião Nuvunga, brings unique insights to international relations. His distinguished career began during the closing years of the Cold War and has spanned major global transitions, including the fall of apartheid in Southern Africa to Mozambique’s transformation into a multiparty democracy.
Since his appointment in 2023, Ambassador Nuvunga has focused on strengthening bilateral ties through security cooperation, business partnerships, and investment promotion. As Mozambique marks 50 years of independence and diplomatic relations with the United States, he discusses the country’s strategic priorities, from combating terrorism in Cabo Delgado to developing its natural gas reserves and critical minerals sector.
In this interview, at his private residence with Diplomatic Watch, Ambassador Nuvunga addresses common misconceptions about Mozambique, outlines emerging opportunities in digital transformation, and shares his vision for elevating the country from least developed nation status to a middle-income economy within the next decade. He also reflects on lessons from Mozambique’s peace-building experience and the role of multilingual diplomacy in representing his country’s diverse identity on the global stage.
You have over three decades of experience in diplomacy, having served Mozambique in various countries and international organizations. Looking back, what defining moments most shaped your approach to diplomacy and international relations?
Thank you once again for this opportunity to share my perspective. It may sound simple, since it draws on my own experience, but it remains a challenge to pinpoint defining personal moments. I began my diplomatic career in the 1980s. That was a critical period—the Cold War was nearing its end, and the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. This was the international context in which I joined the foreign service. As a recent graduate entering this field, I witnessed a pivotal shift in world affairs—the most significant since World War II.
As a student of international relations, I studied major turning points in diplomacy. Experiencing them in real time shaped my thinking. In school, the world was still framed in a bipolar structure: East versus West, communism versus capitalism. The field was changing when I entered into diplomacy. We had to quickly adjust to new realities. That initial shock-positive yet challenging -forced me to recalibrate and recognize we were transitioning into a new world order. At the national level, Mozambique also underwent transformation. We shifted from a one-party system to a multiparty democracy, starting with a new constitution in 1990. That period formed the first defining chapter in my career.
Another profound moment followed with the end of apartheid in South Africa. By 1994, South Africans held their first multiparty elections. For Mozambique, this was more than symbolic. The apartheid regime had supported rebel forces during the war of destabilization. The conflict only ended in 1992 with the General Peace Agreement. The emergence of a democratic, friendly South Africa changed the region and directly impacted our foreign policy environment. That transition stood as the second key moment in my journey.
At the same time, I received my first diplomatic posting abroad. I had studied international relations, but representing your country in a foreign land is a different test altogether. I was assigned to Stockholm, Sweden, late 1993. This was the first time I had to operate in an English-speaking diplomatic setting. My school learned English faced real-world demands. I had to attend meetings, find solutions, and defend Mozambique’s interests—without step-by-step guidance from a supervisor, because the Head of Mission, Ambassador Alberto Massavanhane—whom I honor with deep respect—passed away few weeks before my arrival in Stockholm. My ministry then instructed me to serve as acting Head of Mission. This was my first overseas assignment, and I had expected a senior diplomat to guide me. Instead, I had to manage the embassy myself. It was overwhelming. I lost weight from the stress.
I turned to others for help. I sought advice from full-fledged Ambassadors like Amadeu Paulo Samuel da Conceição in Rome, Armando Pangune in London and Amandio Chongo in Germany. I did also benefit a lot from a clear guidence and instruction from the Capital where the then Director, Ambassador Manuel Lubisse including the then Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Pascoal Mocumbe and Deputy Minister, HE Manuel dos Santos remained responsive.
Last, but not least, I saw the shift from a bipolar to a unipolar world with the dissolution of the Soviet Union and emergence of new Eastern European countries in the context of the so called third wave of democratization that also reached Africa, including Mozambique. Our country held its first multiparty elections in 1994. That experience grounded me as a diplomat.
Since your appointment as Ambassador to the United States in 2023, what have been your main priorities in strengthening Mozambique–U.S. relations? What achievements are you most proud of so far?
My priorities are based on the country’s strategic goals. Mozambique’s most pressing issue is peace and stability as we face terrorism in some districts of Cabo Delgado Province. This is a global threat that requires joint efforts from other countries and we would want more support from our partners to ensure that a defeat is inflicted to these terrorist groups.
The second key priority involves building business partnerships. Mozambique offers enormous potential, but we face limitations in infrastructure and investment capacity. We seek collaboration with both private companies and public institutions in the United States. From roads and bridges to digital systems and the energy sector, we need investment. U.S. capital and technical expertise could meet our development needs. Take liquefied natural gas (LNG), for example. We are working with companies like ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies to explore and develop energy projects. We also possess critical minerals such as graphite and titanium, and we hope to attract more U.S. investment in this area.
At present, Mozambique and the U.S. enjoy strong diplomatic and political ties. However, economic engagement has not kept pace. One of my goals is to bring the business relationship to the same level—or higher. Political relations and trade often reinforce each other. I aim to strengthen both.
As for achievements, I hesitate to single out specific milestones. I take pride in representing Mozambique in the United States. That is an honor. I focus on building stronger connections in diplomacy, business, and politics. My efforts build on those of previous Ambassadors, diplomats, and U.S. counterparts. It’s a long-term process, not a single accomplishment.
This year, we mark 50 years since Mozambique’s independence in 1975, and 50 years of diplomatic ties with the United States. That history speaks volumes. I was in my early teens when Mozambique gained independence and sent its first ambassador to Washington. Today, I stand here continuing that legacy— working to bring our two countries closer, to strengthen our partnership, and to contribute to a better global future.
Mozambique and the U.S. have collaborated on issues ranging from economic development to security. What new areas of partnership do you see emerging in the next few years?
Everything is interconnected. When you move from one sector to another, especially in today’s global economy, you see how integrated these areas are. If you want to invest in Mozambique—say, in critical minerals—you need supporting infrastructure to extract, process, and export those resources. At the same time, we want to increase our share in the value chain. Our goal is to add value locally, even if it’s 10, 15, or 20 percent. That helps create jobs, unlock opportunities, and bring tangible benefits to communities across Mozambique.
You may have referred to what we often call traditional areas of cooperation. But emerging sectors are also coming into focus. One of the most promising is digital transformation. We believe Mozambique has the potential to become a regional hub for digital transformation. The U.S. brings cutting-edge technology, expertise, and experience that we can tap into. This sector offers a unique chance for Mozambique to leapfrog into the future.
Earlier this year, with the inauguration of our new government, a Ministry of Communication and Digital Transformation was created. This new institution reflects our commitment to embrace the digital era— artificial intelligence, data, connectivity, and more. I’m excited about deepening our ties in this area and unlocking new possibilities for cooperation.
How do you address misconceptions about Mozambique among American policymakers and the public, and what narratives do you wish to highlight about your country?
Misconceptions are common. Major media outlets in the U.S. often cover very little about Africa, and Mozambique is no exception. If I don’t introduce myself or explain where I’m from, many people start to speculate. That’s the reality here—there’s not enough accessible information about Mozambique, and few channels exist to tell our story.
We can’t rely solely on traditional media. So, we take a proactive approach. We meet stakeholders where they are: in person, directly. We speak with members of Congress, staffers, and senators. We engage think tanks because they play an important role in shaping public discourse. The U.S. is a vast country with 50 states. A Head of Mission often has a four-year mandate. Even if you visited three states each year, you wouldn’t cover even half the country.
To extend our reach, we build partnerships—with Honorary Consuls, with civil society organizations, and with institutions that can amplify our message. While the State Department holds extensive information about Mozambique, much of it doesn’t reach the broader public. That’s why we also engage universities, communities, churches, religious leaders, and private sector actors.
When important Mozambican observances come up—such as the Independence Day, Mozambican Women’s Day—we organize events that bring together Mozambicans and friends of the country. We share our culture, our music, our food. We also interact with students who spend time at the embassy, learning about Mozambique.
The central message we convey is this: Mozambique is a land of opportunity. Just like the United States, Mozambique has enormous potential. Often, when I meet someone and mention Mozambique, the first question is: “Where is that?” When I explain, even to just a few people, I feel I’ve done part of my job. Those people will remember us and look for more information. That’s how awareness begins to grow.
Some return with positive feedback. They say: “You have such beautiful beaches, an incredible coastline, and great seafood—but it’s too far.” And I say, “No, it’s not.” Yes, you may have a layover. Yes, the flight might take 15 hours. But if you know what awaits you, it won’t feel far at all.
Mozambique offers unique experiences. We talk about the Big Five—lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant, leopard. But we go further. In Mozambique, we add whales to that list because of our rich marine life. Some even say we have a Big Seven. The seventh? The Mozambican people. You won’t find the same warmth, spirit, and character anywhere else. I consider Mozambicans the most welcoming host you’ll ever meet. That human element adds something special to our national character.
In Mozambique, you get the best of both worlds: wildlife safaris and pristine beaches. Other destinations may offer one or the other. We offer both. The Indian Ocean hugs our coast with warm waters year-round. There’s no season too cold for a swim. And our seafood, especially prawns, tastes distinct because of the natural marine vegetation and oceanic conditions. The ecosystem enriches the flavor—prawns from Mozambique are something special.
The trip may feel long, but once you arrive, the experience transforms your perspective. You relax, recharge, and you’ll likely start thinking about your next visit before leaving.
This is how we present Mozambique—not by hiding our challenges, but by showing the opportunities that exist. Yes, there is poverty. But there’s also beauty, stability, and immense promise. Tourists can enjoy the land. Investors can find new ventures. Both return with stories worth sharing.
We also rely on those who have visited our country, Friends of Mozambique can help tell our story—online, on social media, or through personal accounts. That helps reach new audiences who may not yet know about us but are curious to learn more.
Mozambique has faced security challenges, particularly in Cabo Delgado. How is the government working with international partners, including the U.S., to address these issues and foster long-term stability?
As I mentioned earlier, one of our top priorities is not just to fight terrorism but to defeat it. This challenge affects not only Mozambique but also our neighboring countries and Rwanda. We work closely with them, along with SADC at the regional level and the African Union at the continental level. Internationally, we collaborate with partners in Europe and the United States. I am pleased to say we benefit from U.S. support, particularly in training our marines. The success of counterterrorism operations depends not only on logistics and weapons but also on the knowledge and skills of our forces. U.S.-supported training plays a critical role in this effort.
Mozambique continues to lead the fight on the ground, but we cannot succeed alone. This is why we welcomed support from SADC and Rwandan defense forces. Still, Mozambicans and the Forcas Armadas de Defesa de Mocambique (FADM) remain at the core of this fight.
Mozambique adopted a dual-track approach: engaging in combat while promoting development in affected areas. We focus on preventing vulnerable communities from falling into extremist networks. At the same time, we support displaced people, helping them rebuild their lives. In recent years and months, the situation has improved significantly.
You were awarded the Medal “Order of Friendship and Peace” for your contributions to peace and solidarity. What lessons from your peace-building work in Mozambique and the region are most relevant to current global conflicts?
Diplomacy, by its very nature, aims to resolve conflict. But it must go beyond that. It requires building reconciliation and fostering long-term understanding. In my experience, dialogue remains the most effective tool for resolving disputes. You must recognize the legitimacy of the other party, even when you disagree. Through engagement, you can find common ground and make concessions where necessary—as long as the core issues are addressed.
I consider this approach—dialogue, engagement, and compromise—central to diplomacy. Today, we also practice preventive diplomacy. It allows us to anticipate conflicts and intervene before they escalate. This forward-looking mindset can make a real difference.
Mozambique has endured multiple conflicts—from our struggle for independence to war of destabilization fueled by external forces, including South Africa’s apartheid regime. This is the experience we did share with the world, particularly during our 2023-2024 tenure as Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council.
You have participated in initiatives like the Southeast Model African Union (SEMAU) conference, which fosters youth leadership in diplomacy. How important is youth engagement in shaping Mozambique’s future, and what advice do you have for aspiring diplomats?
Everything I know, I learned from others. When I first arrived in Stockholm, I had no prior diplomatic experience. I learned by doing—through exposure, guidance, and mentorship.
Engaging with young people allows me to share these experiences, preparing them for the professional world. It has always been my approach to ensure they benefit from the lessons I’ve gathered. Their learning becomes lighter, more effective, and hopefully more successful. They avoid the pitfalls I encountered and gain the confidence to overcome new challenges.
Diplomacy has evolved, but its fundamental principles remain. Students trained with real-world insight enter the field more prepared. The earlier they engage with diplomacy—through conferences, internships, or mentorship—the better equipped they become to serve with integrity and impact.
You are fluent in several Tsonga languages, Portuguese, English, and French. How has your multilingualism influenced your diplomatic work and your ability to represent Mozambique’s diverse identity on the world stage?
My multilingual ability developed through necessity. Mozambique’s official language is Portuguese, but most of us grow up bilingual, speaking our mother tongue at home and Portuguese at school. In my case, both of my parents shared the same mother tongue, though they came from different linguistic backgrounds. I was born in Maputo, in southern Mozambique, where a different local language was spoken. So, from early on, I navigated several languages at once.
During colonial times, I faced challenges in school because of language. I was temporarily moved to an indigenous school to strengthen my Portuguese before returning to formal education. That marked the start of my language journey.
As you look ahead, what is your vision for Mozambique’s global standing in the next decade, and what legacy do you hope to leave as Ambassador to the United States?
I remain optimistic about Mozambique’s future. I have felt this way since I began to understand politics and global dynamics. Many Mozambicans share this view. Our country holds immense potential. We recently discovered vast reserves of oil and gas. We possess critical minerals that the world needs. When you add our people to the equation—our greatest resource—you have a compelling case for a brighter future.
In the next ten years, I believe Mozambique can shift from a least developed country to a middle-income economy. We may not reach the level of development seen in countries like the United States, as that requires generations of sustained progress, but we will certainly advance. When Mozambique gained independence, our population stood at under 10 million. Now, 50 years later, we have 34 million people. This growth creates pressure to expand infrastructure and build a strong, sustainable economy that keeps pace with population demands.
Some decades ago, we lacked the kind of resources necessary for rapid economic transformation. That has changed. With access to natural wealth and growing international partnerships, we now have the tools to accelerate our development. And our President, His Excellency Daniel Francisco Chapo, has given a clear direction stating that “Our vision for the coming years is focused on laying the foundations for economic independence”. In years to come, we expect to look back and recognize how far we’ve come.
Like I said earlier, as I discharge my duties, I build upon my predecessors’ work to strengthen the U.S.–Mozambique relationship through meaningful business partnerships. Mozambique has natural resources. The United States has financial and technological resources. I envision a future where investment flows both ways. Today, we seek American investors for Mozambique. I hope to see a day when Mozambican investors pursue opportunities here in the U.S. That vision reflects balance and mutual respect.
I wouldn’t describe this as a legacy in its classical sense. It is more of an aspiration. But if we achieve that two-way investment flow, we will know that Mozambique has stepped confidently into a new chapter on the global stage.
