Municipal development in Mozambique plays a crucial role for local development, poverty reduction in urban areas and the strengthening of democracy. The first municipalities in Mozambique were institutionalized in 1998. Based on a gradual process Mozambique has today 53 municipalities. They enjoy administrative and financial autonomy and are responsible for the promotion of local development.

As a result of rapid urbanization, the growing economic importance of cities, and the gradual creation of more municipalities, municipal governance has taken a more prominent role on the national Agenda.

The Government of Mozambique has endorsed a National Policy and Strategy of Decentralization which, however is not yet supported by an action plan. Coordination at the national level to support municipal development therefore remains weak and municipalities continue to struggle, facing challenges in:

• local revenue mobilization
• social accountability
• urban planning
• sanitation
• adaptation to climate change amongst others

At the national level the Ministry of State Administration and the National Directorate for Municipal Development need to foster inter-sectorial and inter-ministerial coordination to strengthen the framework for municipal development.

Finally the National Assembly of Municipalities needs to facilitate inter-municipal coordination and to strengthen its role as representing and defending the interests of the

Contribute to urban poverty reduction, through more sustainable Municipal Governments that improve living conditions and provide more and better services to the poorest women and men.

• Citizens of all social strata in 26 municipalities.
• Municipal administrations
• National Assembly of municipalities - ANNAM
• Ministry of state administration - MAE
• National Directorate for municipal development - DNDA

• Support to preparation and implementation of local plans for adaptation to climate change, investments in climate resilient infrastructure in vulnerable municipalities and solid waste management.
• Develop the Simplified Municipal Management System, introduce participatory budgeting in selected municipalities, establish procurement units and internal control units and systems for collecting property taxes.
• Support citizen’s participation and participatory planning systems (Social accountability). Set up Urban Forums involving others donors, coordinate with donors and other programs within the field of urban/municipal development.
• Facilitate advocacy of municipalities for improved framework for municipal development in relation to central government/ national institutions.
• Develop, compile and share best Practices.
• Promote a more balanced share of family responsibilities between men and women.

Risultati principali attesi:  

In the Municipalities:

• Financial Management: Introduction of the Simplified Municipal Management System, establishment of procurement units and systems for collection of property taxes.
• Social accountability: Participatory planning processes between citizens aware of their civic rights and duties and transparent, responsive municipal councils.
• Local climate change adaptation: Plans implemented in selected municipalities.

At National Level:

• Central government inter-institutional coordination for support to municipal development improved.
• Exchange of information on best practices, experiences of municipal administrations and other municipal development support programs.

Risultati fasi precedenti:  

• Increased institutional capacity of municipalities to formulate, implement and monitor the management of urban land use.
• Enhanced human, institutional and technical capacity for an effective, efficient and transparent management of municipal revenues and expenditures.
• Improved wellbeing of municipal citizens, through increased capacity in sanitation, via solid waste management with sustainable techniques and practices.
• Improved quality of demand by citizens for municipal services contributed to an improved management of municipal investments, construction and maintenance of infrastructures.
• Improved capacity of National Directorate for Municipal Development - DNDA & National Assembly of Municipalities - ANAMM to support the municipalities.

Denmark, Sweden and Irish Embassy - Common Fund

The “Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit” (GIZ), the “Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau” (KfW) and the World Bank provide similar support to municipalities in different geographic areas of the country.  

More than 53% of the population residing in municipalities are women, with very low educational levels. Due to cultural reasons and limitations in access to employment and in the quality of essential services, they mainly perform activities in the tertiary sectors and in the informal economy.

The prevalence of HIV/AIDS has stalled; the highest rates of prevalence are found amongst women living in urban areas, on the order of 15.9%, as against 11.5% of men. Therefore, Gender Issues and HIV/AIDS are transversal themes of the Municipal Development Programme.

Fase 3 01.01.2015 - 31.01.2021   (Completed)