List of Presidents of Mozambique: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Mozambique from 1975 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Mozambique, former presidents, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Mozambique: Daniel Chapo (in office since 2025).

Presidents of Mozambique in order, with years in office

Samora Machel

Served: 1975–1986

First president of independent Mozambique; died in a plane crash on 19 October 1986.

Joaquim Chissano

Served: 1986–2005

Succeeded Machel, led the country through the end of the civil war and stepped down at the term limit in 2005.

Armando Guebuza

Served: 2005–2015

Served two terms, from February 2005 to January 2015.

Filipe Nyusi

Served: 2015–2025

Served two terms until January 2025.

Daniel Chapo

Served: 2025–present

Inaugurated on 15 January 2025 as the fifth president, after a disputed election.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Mozambique

Who is the current president of Mozambique?

The current head of state of Mozambique is Daniel Chapo, in office since 2025.

Who were the previous presidents of Mozambique?

The presidents and heads of state of Mozambique listed on this page, in order, are: Samora Machel, Joaquim Chissano, Armando Guebuza, Filipe Nyusi, Daniel Chapo.

Who was the first president of Mozambique?

Samora Machel was the first president of Mozambique, in office 1975–1986.

Sources: Wikipedia, List of presidents of Mozambique; Al Jazeera report on the 15 January 2025 inauguration (checked Nov 2026). Mozambique has had five presidents since 1975.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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