Daniel Chapo: From humble beginnings to Mozambique’s 5th President

Daniel Francisco Chapo is a Mozambican politician, lawyer, and jurist who presently serves as the 5th President of Mozambique, a position he assumed following a contentious yet decisive victory in the 2024 presidential election.

Representing the ruling FRELIMO party, Chapo’s leadership symbolizes a generational shift, as he is the first FRELIMO presidential candidate born after Mozambique’s independence in 1975.

Profile details

Name: Daniel Francisco Chapo

Born: January 6, 1977

Nationality: Mozambican

Education: Mondlane University

Relationship status: Married

Religion: Christianity

Career: Politician

Background

Daniel Francisco Chapo was born on January 6, 1977, in Inhaminga, Sofala Province.

His primary education spanned from 1982 to 1985 in Inhaminga and Dondo District from 1986-1987, while his secondary schooling was in Dondo between 1988 to 1996 and Escola Secundária Samora Machel in Beira from 1997 to 1998.

Chapo went on to bag a law degree from Eduardo Mondlane University in 2000 and later a master’s degree in development management from the Catholic University of Mozambique in 2014.

Career milestones

Chapo’s early career included roles as an announcer for Rádio Miramarfrom 1997 to 1998 and a news presenter for Televisão Miramar from 2003 to 2004.

He also worked as a notary public in 2004 and a conservator in Nacala-Porto in 2005.

From 2007 to 2008, he interned with a bar association and later taught political science and constitutional law at Maputo Pedagogical University.

Political journey

Chapo entered politics in 2009 with FRELIMO, becoming the administrator of Nacala-a-Velha District, and later, Palma District in 2015.

On March 4, 2016, he was appointed governor of Inhambane Province, securing an election win for the position in October 2019.

In May 2024, FRELIMO selected Chapo as their presidential candidate, a move that surprised many given his relative obscurity.

He resigned as governor to focus on his campaign, later winning the presidential election on October 24, 2024, with 71% of the vote, though the election was fraught with allegations of fraud, protests, and violence.

Presidency

Chapo assumed office as Mozambique’s 5th president on January 15, 2025, succeeding Filipe Nyusi. Notably, he is the first FRELIMO candidate born after Mozambique’s independence in 1975.

Personal life

Chapo is happily married to Gueta Selemane Chapo since 2009, and the couple has three children.

President Daniel Chapo together with his wife

A devout Christian, Chapo maintains close ties with his community and faith.

Net worth

Daniel Francisco Chapo’s estimated net worth is around $2 million, derived from his political career, academic pursuits, and legal practice.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.