Development Cooperation in Mozambique
Background
Ties between Switzerland and Mozambique date back to 1880 when Swiss missionaries arrived in Mozambique and pioneered the access to primary education for Mozambicans and this is still remembered, with several of today’s leaders having enjoyed primary education at the “Missão Suíça”.
Formal development cooperation began on a modest scale in 1979 mainly in water, food security and rural development. In June 1985, a Cooperation Office was established in Maputo. Initially, the program consisted mainly of humanitarian aid, but in the 1990s, it was constantly adapted to the changing framework conditions and has expanded considerably. Switzerland made an important contribution both to implementing the 1992 peace agreement, helping with the demobilization and reintegration of former soldiers, and supporting elections, while also providing assistance in the aftermath of the catastrophic floods in 2000. In the following years, Switzerland distinguished itself by taking the lead on the establishment of the first common fund in the health sector and the promotion of a coordinated so-called sector-wide approach.
Aid modalities and partnerships
We will apply a mix of aid modalities. While continued attention will be given to central-level policy dialogue, the need for external funding of sector Common Funds is expected to decrease given anticipated growing domestic revenues. We will pay more attention to strengthening local government institutions. Similarly, we will intensify our work with CSOs at the local level. In addition, we will initiate spaces for multi-stakeholder dialogue, including the private sector. To achieve its objectives, we will coordinate and work with selected national and international organizations and Swiss partners, through strategy-relevant formal working groups and other types of alliances.
Geographic focus
Beside activities with a national outreach, the current focus on the three northern provinces in Niassa, Nampula and Cabo Delgado, will be maintained.
Priorities of the 2017-2020 Cooperation Strategy
Similar to the previous strategy 2012-16, the Swiss development cooperation have three priority areas:
1. Governance
2. Income and Economic Development and
3. Health
Within each of these areas there are themes that are particularly important to recognize and emphasize: Gender, Governance, HIV/ AIDS, climate change and disaster risk reduction and applying a conflict-sensitive approach. These are called transversal themes in the strategy.
Read more in the Cooperation Strategy document below.
