Utvecklingssamarbete / Development Cooperation

Swedish Development Cooperation

In September, 2008, the Swedish government approved a new strategy that gives the aim and direction of Sweden’s development cooperation with Mozambique for the period 11 September 2008 - 31 December 2012. The point of departure for Sweden’s support is Mozambique’s own poverty reduction strategy, PARPA II, which has the support of Mozambican society and presents a realistic plan for fighting poverty. The formulation of objectives in the Swedish strategy is based on PARPA II but has been supplemented to reflect Sweden’s priorities. Follow-up of results is based on Mozambique’s own follow-up of PARPA II.

The overall aim of Sweden’s development cooperation with Mozambique during the strategy period, starting from a rights perspective and the perspective of poor people on development and focusing in particular on women and children, is to reduce absolute poverty by promoting a democratic social development and rapid, sustainable and broad economic growth.

The goal is to be reached by means of budget support for poverty reduction, and targeted efforts in three main sectors: democratic governance, agriculture and energy. Furthermore, support will be given to strengthening national research capacity. Efforts to strengthen civil society will complement support to the public sector.

In choosing areas of cooperation, attention will be given to the three thematic priorities: democracy and human rights, environment and climate, and gender equality and the role of women in development. Support for reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS will be integrated into the cooperation programme.

Part of Sweden’s support will be directed to the Niassa province in the north of the country. Support at province level will reflect Swedish support as a whole and focus particularly on strengthening citizens’ chances of demanding accountability from the local administration through efforts to strengthen the capacity of civil society and the public sector. In addition, efforts will be made to strengthen the private sector.