HighlightsBiological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is a key process for soybean production in Africa.The selection of elite African indigenous soybean Bradyrhizobium strains is a feasible strategy.Eighty-seven isolates were obtained from soybean nodules in Mozambique.Isolates fit into the Bradyrhizobium (75%) and Agrobacterium-Rhizobium (25%) clades.Five Bradyrhizobium isolates with outstanding symbiotic performance were obtained.

HighlightsSoybean N demand can be fulfilled by biological nitrogen fixation (BNF).Bradyrhizobium strains from Brazil and USA were tested in Brazil and Mozambique.Inoculation resulted in grain yield gains of 4–5% in Brazil and 20–29% in Mozambique.Transference of BNF technologies is feasible, speeding up the production system.Exotic soybean Bradyrhizobium strains can highly benefit soybean in Mozambique.