In Mozambique Switzerland’s development cooperation focuses on three areas: economic development, health and governance. Switzerland supports local projects, mainly in the three northern provinces of Cabo Delgado, Niassa and Nampula. At the national level, it is actively involved in political dialogue with the aim of combating poverty and promoting political and economic transition.

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Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world. Even today over half the population lives below the poverty line. The public budget remains highly dependent on foreign aid. More than 80% of the population are smallholder farmers and are especially vulnerable to natural disasters. In addition, there is the AIDS epidemic, which hinders development progress. On the other hand, Mozambique is currently looking towards a strong economic boom in the commodities sector. The high economic growth of more than 8% in the last few years fell sharply in 2016 owing to the debt crisis (3.7%). Mozambique will however continue to be one of Africa's fastest growing economies in the longer term.
Switzerland has been active in Mozambique since 1979. The main goal of Swiss development cooperation is to support Mozambique in reducing poverty and creating a society that is politically and economically inclusive for all. At the national level, Switzerland is involved in political dialogue and is supporting the government in the implementation of institutional reforms in various sectors.
Locally, Switzerland is working together with individual communities. In its new cooperation strategy for 2017-2020, Switzerland will focus geographically on three northern provinces and thematically on good governance, health and economic development. Switzerland has also provided greater support for the peace process financially, logistically and through technical expertise since 2016 and took over the chair of the International Contact Group in 2017. In addition, it carried out rapid and comprehensive relief operations to provide drinking water after the two cyclones in 2019.
Swiss Bilateral ODA |
2018 |
2019 |
2020* |
---|---|---|---|
mill. CHF |
mill. CHF |
mill. CHF |
|
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) | |||
Bilateral development cooperation | 21.60 | 23.76 | 20.00 |
Humanitarian aid | – | 3.27 | 0.78 |
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) | |||
Economic Cooperation and Development | – | 0.29 | 0.50 |
Human Security Division (HSD) | |||
Conflict transformation and human rights | 0.87 | 1.00 | 1.10 |
Total SDC/SECO/HSD | 22.47 | 28.32 | 22.38 |
Other Federal Offices | |||
Network of FDFA representations abroad | 2.08 | 3.68 | .. |
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) | 0.03 | 0.06 | .. |
Total other Federal Offices | 2.11 | 3.74 | – |
Cantons and municipalities | 0.29 | .. | .. |
Total | 24.87 | 32.06 | 22.38 |
* planned; total based on available data
.. = figures not available | – = nil or amount < 5'000 CHF
Health
Strengthening the health system and preventing diseases
At the national level, Switzerland supports the government's sector-wide approach, providing technical and financial advice for the implementation of a single and comprehensive policy and reform of the health sector. At a decentralised level, Switzerland is active in improving services in health and water supply. It is also enabling local communities to enter into dialogue with the authorities and to call for accountability and transparency in public health spending. In the province of Cabo Delgado, Switzerland helped ensure that the proportion of mothers who gave birth in health centres was increased from 66% (2010) to 88% (2018). Thanks to Switzerland’s contribution, an additional 60,000 people in Niassa and Cabo Delgado provinces received access to clean drinking water each year.
Economic development
Poverty reduction and economic growth for all
In the Nacala corridor, Switzerland supports small enterprises, mostly farmers, in the strengthening of value chains and is actively promoting microfinance to improve access to financial services. Through the sustainable improvement of agricultural value chains mainly by including the private sector, the income of more than 23,000 smallholder farmers was increased by an average of 70% per year within 4 years. This outreach includes people benefitting from small loans under financial inclusion activities.
SECO complements the SDC's activities by providing technical advice in the area of overall economic support.
Governance
Decentralization and capacity-building
Switzerland supports Mozambique's decentralisation reforms that have been made possible by the peace process. The reforms open up the possibility for a coherent, decentralised system as an important condition for greater political stability and integration. Switzerland supports the local authorities in shaping planning and budget processes in an efficient and participatory way; at the same time, it also helps empower local civil society to demand more accountability and transparency. Switzerland also works to protect land rights and ensure the sustainable use and extraction of natural resources. By strengthening dialogue and practical cooperation between the local authorities, civil society and the private sector, private-sector investment is promoted and Mozambique's population receives the statutory proportion of the profits generated by use of the country's land and natural resources.
In 2019, the SDC launched a new anti-corruption programme to strengthen the capacities of the Attorney General's Office to combat corruption and economic crime and return illicitly acquired assets.
History of cooperation
Swiss support in times of peace and war
Switzerland’s engagement in Mozambique started in 1880 when Swiss missionaries pioneered access to primary education for Mozambicans. Formal development cooperation started in 1979, shortly after Mozambique’s independence and at the beginning of a devastating 16-year civil war.
The first SDC projects focused on water, health and rural development. During the peace process, Switzerland made a significant contribution to the demobilization and rehabilitation of the battle-worn country. Since the peace agreement in 1992, Switzerland has increased its support to Mozambique mainly focusing on economic development, health and water including sanitation, governance and strengthening of civil society.
Multilateral cooperation
Switzerland’s multilateral cooperation includes working with UNICEF in the water and sanitation sector; with the World Bank, the WHO, UNFPA and UNICEF in the health sector; and with the UNDP to promote decentralisation.
Cross-cutting themes:
Gender equality and HIV/AIDS
Switzerland consistently applies its gender policy in all projects and is committed to equality between men and women. It also promotes prevention and protection against HIV/AIDS through awareness-raising activities.
Partners
- Swiss NGOs: Helvetas , Swisscontact, Solidar Suisse and Solidarmed
- Ministries, provincial and district authorities
- Mozambican NGOs and civil society organisations: e.g. Centro de Integridade Publica, Instituto de Estudios
- International NGOs: e.g. Netherlands Development Organisation, Concern Universal
- Donor community (G19)
Links
Documents
Current projects
Mozambique: Less illness thanks to better water supplies and sanitation

01.01.2018
- 31.12.2021
Many cases of illness in the poor region of northern Mozambique are caused by the poor condition of water supplies and sanitation. The SDC is assisting the efforts of the local people and responsible authorities to improve the situation. Aim of the project: Better living conditions for half a million people – and less poverty.
Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
---|---|---|---|
Mozambique |
Health
Health systems strengthening
Infectious desease
|
01.01.2018 - 31.12.2021 |
CHF 7'895'000 |
Planned project
Anti-corruption and Accountability
01.01.2024
- 31.12.2030
Corruption is a politically sensitive issue in Mozambique. Fostering an environment of good governance and deterring corrupt practices requires a commitment from stakeholders at all levels. This programme aims to leverage Switzerland’s high level of trust and credibility in the local context to forge constructive coalitions between government, the judiciary, civil society and the private sector. The overall goal is to reduce the negative impact of corruption on development in Mozambique.
Planned project
FutureLife-Now!
01.01.2023
- 31.12.2030
‘FutureLife now! enhances primary HIV prevention and support treatment among young people. It will operate through schools and education systems and create synergies with health and climate change in line with Agenda 2030 and the goal to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. SDC’s longstanding commitment, acknowledged by SADC[1] Member States, is unique. It offers a distinct comparative advantage over short-term programs and is a prerequisite for systemic and positive behavioral change. [1] Southern African Development Community (SADC)
Planned project
Training for Skills and Employment (T4SE)
01.01.2021
- 31.12.2030
The main goal of the Training for Skills and Employment project is to create work opportunities for rural youth by strengthening their professional skills as well as advocating for an improved legal framework for Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training in the country. SDC’s contribution aims to support training provision through engaging with the private sector, which will allow young people to acquire marketable[1] skills leading to formal or self-employment and consequently increased productivity. [1] Marketable skills are those which are in demand and can respond to existing and previously identified market opportunities.
Planned project
Civil society for social cohesion in Mozambique
01.01.2021
- 31.12.2030
Despite the positive developments in the peace process, rising inequalities, shrinking space for civil society and new emerging conflicts threaten the overall social cohesion and stability of Mozambique. This program aims to contribute to strengthen the social contract by strengthening citizen’s participation, inclusive leadership and solutions oriented multi-stakeholder dialogue where a responsible civil society, citizens, the private sector and responsive institutions develop a joint future based on inclusive local processes.
Economic Policy for Inclusive Growth
01.01.2021
- 31.12.2029
The planned intervention aims at supporting inclusive growth that improves the living standards for the Mozambicans, in particular women and youth. It will be pursued through increased analytical capacity and better informed policy making, by means of focussed support to economic analysis and discussion in and between government and non-government institutions. Emphasis on non-government institutions will enhance the demand for and accountability for effective policy making for inclusive growth
Menstrual Health Management (MHM)
15.09.2019
- 31.12.2021
Despite being the majority, young people have the worst HIV outcomes. Evidence-based, demographic and context-adapted responses are essential if ending AIDS by 2030 is to be attained. Proposed is a population level study to determine the impact of a comprehensive community based package of HIV services with a nested sub-study on Menstrual Health Management (MHM). Even though it is often neglected, MHM is crucial for women’s social inclusion, health and gender equality
Strengthening Agro-biodiversity in Southern Africa (SASA)
01.09.2019
- 31.08.2023
While governments have regional and national seed policies favourable to commercial certified seed production, these are restrictive on farmers’ seed systems that are diverse and resilient. The project capitalises on Swiss regional experiences on supporting seed systems in Southern Africa. This will include the empowerment of civil society, farmers’ organisations and governments in developing inclusive agricultural policies that ultimately contribute to sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity and improved well-being of smallholder farming communities.
Accountability in Health & Agriculture
01.07.2019
- 30.06.2023
While governments have translated regional policies on Food Security and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) into national policies, these are poorly implemented and the public lacks capacities to act effectively upon them. The project will improve the accountability and gender responsiveness of public resource management and complement the ongoing Swiss funded projects in ensuring that policy/advocacy work developed at national, regional and global levels is disseminated and implemented by relevant SADC and governmental institutions.
SDC Education Fund
01.01.2019
- 31.12.2021
As part of its increased commitment for Education and of the implementation of SDC’s Education Strategy, the SDC launches an Education Fund in order to incentivize innovation and the application of new approaches in basic education/vocational skills development and through educational activities across sectors. Innovation can have a catalytic effect on the effectiveness of programmes in and through education. Education is a core enabler for sustainable development and is an important lever in Switzerland’s commitment to promote human and economic development, peace and stability.
Anti-corruption and Accountability
01.07.2018
- 31.12.2023
Based on the relationship of trust between Switzerland and Mozambique and specific Swiss expertise and interest to tackle economic crime and recovery of assets the program will reduce corruption in Mozambique by strengthening the capacity of 1. Government institutions to effectively tackle corruption, economic crime and recover stolen assets 2. Civil society organizations to influence the public and the private sector for improved transparency and accountability.
Gender transformative SRHR Systems for Improved HIV prevention
01.04.2018
- 31.03.2021
This programme contributes to the reduction of HIV infections and the improvement of sexual and reproductive health status of adolescents and young people in five Southern African countries. It strengthens capacities of communities and governments in mapping and addressing HIV and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) needs of young people and advocates for integrated regional policies and frameworks.