Mozambique Tax Authority: Extractive Audits Find 10.2 Billion Meticais Underpaid

• The Mozambique Tax Authority (AT) identified 10.2 billion meticais (€137.4 million) in underpaid taxes from the extractive sector.
• These findings resulted from audits conducted by September, covering activities between January and September 30, 2026.
• The announcement was made by the AT this past Monday, following a period of strengthened tax inspections.
• The identified amount highlights the AT's increased scrutiny and effectiveness in ensuring tax compliance within the extractive industry.

The AT's demonstrated effectiveness in uncovering underpayments highlights a heightened risk environment for non-compliant entities.

The Mozambique Tax Authority (AT) recently disclosed that its ongoing audits within the nation's extractive sector have led to the identification of substantial underpayments. By the end of September, these Mozambique Tax Authority extractive audits had successfully pinpointed a total of 10.2 billion meticais, an amount equivalent to approximately 137.4 million euros, in previously undeclared or underpaid taxes.

This significant discovery was announced by the AT this past Monday, highlighting the tangible results of their intensified oversight. The findings stem from a comprehensive review of activities conducted across the extractive industry, encompassing the period from January through September 30, 2026, as detailed in an official statement released by the Authority. The AT Mozambique 10.2 billion meticais figure underscores the scale of non-compliance detected.

The identification of these considerable sums occurs during a period characterized by a notable strengthening of tax inspections across Mozambique's economy, particularly within its vital extractive sector. This intensified focus by the tax authorities is part of a broader effort aimed at bolstering national revenue streams and ensuring greater fiscal compliance among companies operating in key industries.

The AT's statement specifically noted that the period leading up to September was marked by both these strengthened tax inspections and a general growth in revenue collection. This indicates a proactive approach by the Mozambique Tax Authority to ensure that all entities, especially those in high-value sectors, adhere strictly to their tax obligations, thereby contributing appropriately to the national coffers. The heightened activity suggests a new era for Mozambique extractive sector tax inspections.

The recent announcement by the Mozambique Tax Authority sends a clear signal to all companies engaged in the country's extractive industries, including those involved in Mozambique mining tax compliance and Mozambique oil gas tax audits. The successful identification of such a large sum through audits suggests that the AT possesses both the capacity and the determination to rigorously scrutinize financial records and operational practices.

Companies operating in this sector should therefore anticipate continued and potentially more frequent audits. This development underscores the critical importance for businesses to maintain impeccable financial records, ensure robust internal controls, and proactively review their tax compliance strategies to mitigate risks associated with potential future assessments and liabilities. The AT's demonstrated effectiveness in uncovering underpayments highlights a heightened risk environment for non-compliant entities.

Lawyers and compliance officers advising clients in Mozambique's extractive sector should review their clients' tax compliance strategies and internal controls, as the Tax Authority (AT) is demonstrably increasing scrutiny and successfully identifying significant underpayments. This trend indicates a heightened risk of audits and potential liabilities for companies operating in this sector.

Source: Original reporting via Lusa News Agency