About

Júlio José Parruque

Mayor of Matola, Mozambique

Júlio José Parruque has served the people of Mozambique in various capacities, having started his professional career at the Ministry of Land, Environment and Rural Development in 2007. This, after attaining his Architecture and Physical Planning qualification from the University Eduardo Mondlane. He currently serves residents of Matola municipality as the Mayor following his swearing in, in February 2024. Before this, he was Governor of the Province of Maputo (2020 – 2023) and the Province of Cabo Delgado (2017 – 2020). An architect by profession, Mayor Parruque is also well versed in the environmental landscape of the city and nation at large, which has been valuable in dealing with the climatic challenges Matola faces.

Under his leadership, the Matola Municipal Council is establishing partnerships with key stakeholders that seek to improve the quality of Matolians’ lives and address poverty and unemployment. The Mayor signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Wuhan, China that will see investment in infrastructural development and skills exchanges. This will not only prioritise the improvement of infrastructure such as roads and drainage systems, but it will also stimulate the economy through participation of local entrepreneurs. Council also secured funding through the World Bank to restore Matola roads after damage by torrential rains. The city has also highlighted the significance of social cohesion and empowerment of women and launched to great acclaim, the first women’s festival that was a celebration of the town’s culture.