He is being replacing by Adriano Afonso Maleiane, who was finance minister and has been key in restructuring the country's hidden debts which were at the heart of a corruption scandal that shook the country to its core.

The change comes as part of a major cabinet reshuffle - seen as an attempt by Mr Nyusi to deal with allegations of government mismanagement and corrupt practices.

Five sacked ministers have yet to be given new posts.