Mozambique only achieved its political independence from Portugal in 1975. Since the end of the civil war in 1992 and the launch of a pluralist constitution in 1994, the country has been undergoing a process of political and economic transformation. All elections since then have been won by the FRELIMO Party, which has governed since independence. The current President, Felipe Nyusi, is at the same time Party Chairman. The borderlines between the party, government and business are very hazy: combating corruption, decentralisation of the public administration and strengthening of rule of law are therefore among the most pressing tasks.

Following the conclusion of a peace agreement between the former factions in the civil war, Mozambique was for a long time held to be an example of successful conflict resolution in Africa. The rekindling of violence between oppositional RENAMO forces and government troops since 2013 reveals, however, the challenges that securing a sustainable peace and inclusive economic development pose. The poverty rate remains high in spite of long years of development efforts, while disparities in income are on the rise. One of the key challenges in coming years will be to use major reserves of wood, gas and coal for a socially balanced, just and sustainable development of the country.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) therefore works with its partners on the ground in various work lines on the topics of sustainable development and just distribution of income. At the same time, it supports civil society groups in the process of democratisation and economic transformation.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has had a project office in Maputo since 1984 and cooperates with political parties, the national cooperative association, trade unions, civil society advocacy groups and universities. In addition to this, FES Mozambique steers regional working lines on security policy cooperation and the party dialogue as well as gender justice.

Learn more about our work in Mozambique on the project's website.