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Public Procurement in Mozambique

Public Procurement in Mozambique is a critical instrument for public service delivery, infrastructure development, and implementation of government and donor-funded programs. As a low-income economy with significant development financing, public procurement plays a central role in translating public expenditure into economic and social outcomes.

The procurement system in Mozambique is legally defined and institutionally coordinated through a dedicated procurement authority under the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Procurement activities are carried out by public entities at central and decentralized levels in accordance with national regulations.

For domestic suppliers and international firms, government tenders in Mozambique provide access to opportunities across works, goods, and services, particularly in infrastructure, health, education, and donor-supported projects.

Country & Economic Overview

Mozambique’s economy is characterized by a strong reliance on public investment, external financing, and donor-supported development programs. Public procurement is therefore a primary channel for executing national budgets and externally financed projects.

Public Procurement Governance Framework

The governance of public procurement in Mozambique is overseen by a dedicated procurement authority operating under the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Contracting authorities across government are responsible for executing procurement in compliance with national regulations and UFSA guidance.

Legal & Regulatory Framework

The public procurement law in Mozambique is governed primarily by Decree No. 5/2016 of 8 March, which establishes procurement principles, procedures, and institutional responsibilities.

• Value for Money: Articles 3 and 11
• Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT): Articles 44, 3 and 11
• Sustainability: Article 9
• SME Participation: Articles 69 and 86
• Public Bid Openings: Articles 10 and 54
• Domestic Preference: Article 28
• Complaint Resolution: Article 275

The decree further regulates standstill periods, disclosure requirements, and bid validity timelines.

Procurement Procedures & Thresholds

Procurement procedures and thresholds in Mozambique are comprehensively regulated under Decree No. 5/2016.

• Advertisement periods are regulated under Article 64.
• Standstill periods are governed by Articles 275 and 276.
• Bid validity periods are regulated under Article 53.
• Direct contracting procedures are regulated under Article 94.
• Consulting services thresholds are regulated under Article 267.

Procurement procedures apply uniformly across goods, works, and services contracts.

E-Procurement System in Mozambique

Public procurement in Mozambique relies primarily on regulated procedures supported by online publication of procurement information. Tender documents are downloadable through official procurement channels, while bid submission and evaluation follow legally prescribed administrative processes.

Procurement Market Characteristics

The public procurement market in Mozambique is strongly influenced by donor-funded and development-financed projects.

• Works: Infrastructure, transport, and public construction
• Goods: Equipment, materials, and supplies
• Services: Consulting and non-consulting services

International firms participate primarily through donor-funded tenders, while domestic suppliers play a significant role in smaller-value contracts.

Transparency, Complaints & Oversight

The procurement framework provides formal complaint mechanisms and public disclosure requirements. Procurement reports and statistics are published through UFSA-managed platforms.

Sustainability & Green Public Procurement

Sustainability considerations are recognized in the procurement legal framework through explicit legal provisions. Environmental and social criteria may be applied by contracting authorities depending on the nature of the procurement.

Social & Ethical Procurement Considerations

The procurement framework includes provisions supporting SME participation and domestic suppliers. Social and ethical considerations are embedded within eligibility and evaluation provisions of the procurement decree.

Key Challenges & Practical Insights for Bidders

• Strong reliance on donor-funded procurement procedures
• Administrative complexity and documentation requirements
• Capacity constraints among contracting authorities

Practical bidding tips

1. Monitor UFSA publications and procurement notices regularly.
2. Understand donor-specific procurement requirements where applicable.
3. Prepare bids strictly in line with Decree No. 5/2016.
4. Plan sufficient time for administrative approvals and documentation.

Overall, Public Procurement in Mozambique represents a legally defined and development-driven procurement environment offering important opportunities for qualified domestic and international suppliers.