Frequently Asked Questions
Mozambique phone numbers follow the E.164 international standard: +258 XX XXXXXXX, where 2X is the area/operator code and XXXXXXX is the subscriber number. Landlines use geographic identifiers (e.g., 21 for Maputo), while mobile numbers use operator-specific prefixes (e.g., 82/83 for Vodacom).
Use a comprehensive regex like `^(?:(?:\+|00)258|0)?(?:2[1-8]|8[2-79])\d{7}$` to validate various formats. For specific operator validation, check against known prefixes like 82/83 for Vodacom or 84/85 for Movitel. Server-side validation is crucial for security.
Mozambique mandates biometric SIM registration (fingerprints and facial recognition) to enhance security and user verification. While in a pilot phase as of early 2025, it becomes mandatory after June 16, 2025, with enforcement (disconnection of unregistered numbers) in 2025. Each SIM card needs in-person registration.
The recommended display format is the international format: +258 XX XXXXXXX. National (0XX XXXXXXX) and local (XX XXXXXXX) formats are also used. Ensure consistent formatting to improve user experience.
Prepend the country code (+258) automatically if it's missing from the user's input. This ensures correct dialing and compatibility with the E.164 standard used for storage and processing.
The area code for Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, is 21. Landline numbers in Maputo will follow the format +258 21 XXXXXXX.
Number portability is *not* currently supported in Mozambique. This simplifies operator identification but requires adjustments to validation logic if portability is implemented in the future.
The main mobile operators are Vodacom (82/83 prefixes, ~45% market share), Movitel (84/85 prefixes, ~30% market share), and Tmcel (86/87 prefixes, ~25% market share).
Always store phone numbers in the international E.164 format (+258XXXXXXXXX). This ensures consistency, interoperability, and compatibility with various systems and APIs.
Emergency numbers include Police (119), Fire (198), Ambulance (117), and General Emergency (112), all available 24/7. Ensure your application correctly handles these numbers without interfering with routing.
The INCM is focused on infrastructure enhancement (network expansion, 5G), security (fraud detection), and service quality. Stay updated with INCM announcements for changes impacting implementations.
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Mozambique Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Mozambique phone number formats, validation, and best practices for developers. It covers recent regulatory changes, technical considerations, and future developments to ensure your applications handle Mozambican numbers accurately and efficiently.
Recent Regulatory Changes (2023-2025)
Mozambique's telecommunications landscape is evolving. The Instituto Nacional das Comunica????es de Mo??ambique (INCM) has implemented key changes impacting developers:
Number Structure
Mozambican phone numbers adhere to the following international standard (E.164) structure:
Geographic (Landline) Numbers
Landlines use a 9-digit format, including a 2-digit geographic identifier:
Here's a table of common area codes:
Mobile Numbers
Mobile numbers use operator-specific prefixes:
Implementation Guide
Validation
Formatting
Consistent formatting improves user experience.
Error Handling
Technical Considerations
Number Portability
Storage
Common Challenges and Solutions
Best Practices
Emergency Services
Future Developments
The INCM is focused on:
Stay updated with INCM announcements for any changes that may impact your implementations.
Developer Checklist
Important: Always refer to the official INCM documentation (https://www.incm.gov.mz) for the most current regulations and technical specifications.