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.
The 61-year-old returned to politics about five years ago having served as a cabinet minister and senior Frelimo official since independence in 1975.
Mozambique's main opposition party Renamo protested the outcome of the December parliamentary and presidential elections citing irregularities.
But on Monday, the party under Afonso Dhlakama - Guebuza's main challenger during the poll - joined the new 250-seat parliament in which it holds 90 seats. - Sapa-dpa