Who we are?

UNDP has worked in Mozambique since 1976, with the formalization of a cooperation agreement between UNDP and the Government of Mozambique. The Standard Basic Framework Agreement was signed in 1976, in less than a year after Independence, and establishes UNDP’s presence in the country. 

What do we want to accomplish? 

Programme priorities have been defined with national counterparts. UNDP focus is aligned with UNDP Strategic Plan 2022-2025, namely, a) Structural transformation accelerated, particularly green, inclusive, and digital transitions, b) No one left behind centering on equitable access to opportunities and a rights-based approach to human agency and human development, c) resilience built to respond to systemic uncertainty and risk and its six signatures solutions, Poverty and inequality; Governance; Resilience; Environment, Energy and Gender equality, focusing on three interlinked and transformative pillars: 

1. Supporting resilient and inclusive economic recovery and diversification, and sustainable livelihoods; 

2. Strengthening climate resilience and the sustainable use of natural resources; 

3. Promoting inclusive governance, justice, human rights and peace and social cohesion. 

The programme is structured around the ‘four Ps’ of the sustainable development goals (SDG) agenda. The theory of change suggests that an issues-based approach simultaneously promoting inclusive prosperity, equitable and sustainable management of natural resources (planet), and underpinned by governance systems that guarantee peace, stability, and social cohesion, is the most effective strategy for reducing poverty, improving living conditions and creating greater opportunities for all Mozambican people.

The programme will strengthen the focus of the PQG and other strategic plans on reducing poverty and inequality through promoting inclusive, equitable and sustainable development and economic diversification, thereby contributing to SDGs 1, 10 and 16. In alignment with the Istanbul Programme of Action, the aim is to make growth more sustainable and less vulnerable to external shocks, and to reduce potential conflict by creating greater, more inclusive employment and livelihood opportunities. Emphasis is placed on maximizing opportunities for women, youth, and the poorest quintile.

The potential of women as agents of change will be explored to maximize impact on poor households. Sustaining inclusive economic growth will require natural resource wealth to be safeguarded through sustainable management and used transparently and equitably to support economic transformation and diversification that benefits poor communities. The vulnerability of Mozambique to climatic hazards will be reduced by strengthening resilience and recovery capacity. Sustainable growth and inclusive development are only possible in an environment of peace and stability.

The programme will promote more transparent democratic processes, a culture of dialogue and democratic discourse, greater accountability, more efficient and equitable access to basic services, improved access to justice, and respect for human rights, which will reduce conflict and promote social cohesion.

The programme strategy, building on past lessons, comprises upstream interventions to address gaps in the legal and policy framework and implementation capacity, while capitalizing on the comparative advantages of UNDP for scaling-up best practices at the decentralized level. UNDP will use local and global knowledge networks to provide decision-makers with the information needed to improve governance at all levels, and will maximize its advantage as an impartial broker to support the sustainable development goals. UNDP will strengthen dialogue between national and local authorities, working to ensure that local authorities have the capacity to plan for, and implement, actions that directly respond to community needs.

Geographically, UNDP will focus on Gaza, Sofala and Cabo Delgado provinces, where it has a long-established presence and strong relationships with local authorities, communities and civil society organizations. These provinces are exposed to natural hazards and the impact of natural resource extraction on both the environment and on local communities, which negatively affect sustainable human development. Other provinces where specific climatic and environmental issues exist will also be targeted. 

Within the framework of a pilot country on the accelerated UN reform, UNDP works with all other UN agencies in the country to support Mozambique human development efforts. Thus we are part of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF).

We are working with the Government of Mozambique, academia, civil society, private sector, and other national and international partners to help find solutions to persistent and emerging development challenges.