Maputo - Armando Guebuza was sworn in on Wednesday as Mozambique's third post-colonial president, replacing Joaquim Chissano who held office for 18 years.

The wealthy businessman, who has also served as interior minister of the south-east African country, won the national elections in December as the ruling Frelimo party candidate and Chissano's handpicked successor.

Leaders and dignitaries from Africa, Asia and Latin America were among the estimated 5 000 people who looked on as Guebuza took his oath of office at a ceremony on Maputo's Independence Square.

Guebuza has indicated he will keep the economy of the former Portuguese territory, growing at a rate of 10 percent a year in recent years, on track.
Continues Below ↓