Mozambican society is struggling with huge difficulties. Despite a reduction in poverty, the average life expectancy is 42 years, and the country remains one of the world’s poorest. With the aim of building on the positive developments of recent years, we are focusing our direct support on democracy, economic development and research cooperation.
Democracy
Democracy in Mozambique is still in its infancy. Since independence, there have been improvements in democratic development and the respect for human rights in most areas, but the trend is not across the board. Some of the improvements include a relatively free press and gradual developments within a series of social areas such as the right to education, health and water. But the challenges of an inadequate law sector, police brutality and the discrimination of women and other marginalized groups remain, and Sida is working on these issues, partly through our support of national human-rights and equality organizations.
Through budgetary support, we are improving the country’s administrative systems and raising the general public’s insight into state finances. These reforms are a vital initiative in the fight against widespread corruption.
Considerable support is given to civil society groups for organizational development. Strong and independent organizations can both follow up on the country’s strategy to combat poverty and affect change towards democracy. For example, we are supporting the Association of West-European Parliamentarians for Africa, which works with parliamentarians in its review function and with municipal executive boards and provincial assemblies in their respective roles in various processes.
Farming
As in its neighbouring countries, farming is the most important occupation in Mozambique. The country is also rich in fertile land and has great development potential. To further develop agriculture, more effective methods and a long-term strategy for sustainable farming are needed.
Through the ProAgri reform programme, we have provided an overview of the entire agricultural sector. The programme has contributed to improving the capacity of the ministry of agriculture.
Energy
The energy supply in Mozambique is important in promoting economic development. Despite major hydropower resources, there is little access to electricity, especially in rural areas. The lack of energy supplies is hindering the transition from self-subsistence to a market economy, as well as the development of competitive industry. The lack of electricity in rural areas also means limited access to and inadequate quality of health care and teaching.
Expanding the electricity supply is a central part of the country’s anti-poverty policy. By providing project support to the energy sector, we have helped double the access to electricity since 2004. In 2008, 19 new districts were connected to the national electricity network and more than 100,000 households now have access to electricity.
Research
Sweden’s support to the Eduardo Mondlane University has contributed to an increase in research in the country. The university offers higher academic education within 16 areas and post-graduate studies in conjunction with Swedish and South African universities. As the only co-operational party within long-term research co-operational work, Sweden has played a unique role in improving analysis and research in the country. The support also promotes institutional cooperation between national, Swedish and other universities in the region.
Research and Universities
Sida supports partners so that they better plan, produce and use research for development and economic growth. Sida’s intention is that Mozambique should be able to conduct their own research of international standard in areas that they have prioritised.
Each country has its own unique premises for development and economic growth thus it is central that the cooperation partner is able to generate and maintain expertise and knowledge in key areas.
Example of what Sida support in bilateral cooperation:
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Master- and PhD education in cooperation with Swedish and international partners
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Research councils
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Administrative reforms of universities
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Investments in infrastructure for example ICT, libraries and laboratories
Link to The Unit for Research Cooperations activities in Mozambique
Book tips:
- Mozambique: the tortuous road to democracy / João M. Cabrita
- Mozambique Mysteries / Lisa St Aubin de Teran
- Culture and Customs of Mozambique / George O. Ndege
