Cooperation programme – Mozambique
The Swiss Cooperation Programme 2026–2029 build on Switzerland’s long-standing partnership with Mozambique since 1979 and its continued commitment to reducing poverty and inequalities, particularly in the northern provinces of Nampula, Niassa and Cabo Delgado, where needs remain the greatest.
Mozambique has significant potential for inclusive and sustainable development, driven by its young and rapidly growing population and its natural resources. However, this potential is constrained by widespread poverty, limited access to quality basic services, rapid and unplanned urbanisation, climate vulnerability, governance challenges, and the ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado. Swiss development cooperation aims to help unlock this potential by strengthening local governance, improving access to essential services, fostering inclusive economic development, promoting youth and gender equality, and enhancing resilience to climate and conflict-related shocks.
The cooperation programme contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the global level, supports Mozambique’s national development priorities and is aligned with the International Cooperation Strategy of Switzerland. It was developed by the Swiss Development Cooperation team in Mozambique, in consultation with national and international development partners to ensure coherence, complementarity and sustainable impact.
Development cooperation in Mozambique
Background
Ties between Switzerland and Mozambique date back to 1880 when Swiss missionaries arrived in Mozambique and pioneered access to primary education for Mozambicans. This legacy is still remembered today, with several of the country’s current leaders having received primary education at the "Missão Suíça".
Formal development cooperation began on a modest scale in 1979, focusing mainly on water, food security, and rural development. In June 1985, a Cooperation Office was established in Maputo. Initially, the program consisted primarily of humanitarian aid, but during the 1990s it was continuously adapted to changing circumstances and expanded considerably. Switzerland played a key role in implementing the 1992 peace agreement, supporting the demobilization and reintegration of former soldiers, and assisting with elections, while also providing aid following the catastrophic floods of 2000. In the subsequent years, Switzerland took a leading role in establishing the first common fund in the health sector and promoting a coordinated sector-wide approach.
In recent years, Switzerland supported Mozambique in mediation efforts which led to the Maputo Peace Accord in 2019, and initiated a joint fund with 13 other donors to support its implementation.
Aid modalities and partnerships
We will apply a mix of aid modalities. While continued attention will be given to central-level policy dialogue, we will pay more attention to strengthening local government institutions, in particular the municipalities. We aim to reinforce spaces for multi-stakeholder dialogue, including the private sector and the civil society. To achieve its objectives, we will coordinate and work with selected national and international organizations and Swiss partners, through both contributions to relevant existing programmes and specific mandates. Alliances with UN, IFIs and other development actors, as well as donors’ coordination will be a constant concern during the four-years period.
Geographic focus
The current focus on the three northern provinces in Niassa, Nampula and Cabo Delgado, will be maintained, with a special focus on the Nacala corridor.
Nacala Corridor: A regional transport and economic development corridor extending from the Port of Nacala through northern and central Mozambique and linking to Malawi and Zambia. In Mozambique, it covers parts of the provinces of Nampula, Niassa, Zambézia, Cabo Delgado, and Tete, including key districts and municipalities such as Nacala, Nacala-a-Velha, Nampula, Cuamba, Lichinga, Gurué, Alto Molócuè, Moatize, and Tete City. The corridor comprises road, rail, and port infrastructure that facilitates trade, economic development, and regional integration.
Priorities of the cooperation programme 2026–2029
The Swiss cooperation programme 2026–2029 places municipalities at the centre of its engagement. Small and medium-sized municipalities and their surrounding areas have strong potential for inclusive and sustainable development. As urbanisation accelerates, these administrative units must absorb population growth, provide services and create economic opportunities. They are also the only sub-national elected bodies with a degree of administrative and financial autonomy, making them essential actors for accountable and responsive governance.
Governance and peace
We will work towards strengthening the capacities of municipalities to plan strategically, manage public resources transparently and deliver basic services effectively. Through technical assistance and improved access to funding, we will support sound budgeting, financial management and participatory planning processes. This will help create a conducive environment for sustainable local development and contribute to reducing tensions and preventing conflict.
At the same time, we will support communities, civil society organisations and private sector actors to actively engage in local decision-making processes. Promoting constructive multi-stakeholder dialogue between governmental and non-governmental actors will remain a key priority, strengthening trust, accountability and social cohesion.
In Cabo Delgado, Switzerland will continue to contribute to violence reduction and conflict resolution by fostering inclusive dialogue at local and national levels. Through humanitarian diplomacy and peacebuilding efforts, we will work with partners to address the root causes of conflict, build mutual understanding and support peaceful coexistence, thereby mitigating the impact of violence on civilians.
At the central government level, Switzerland engages with the Ministries of State Administration and Civil Service (MAEFP), Finance (MF), and Planning and Development through policy dialogue, participation in Development Cooperation Partner (DCP) working groups, and targeted financial support to strategic government initiatives. Switzerland currently chairs the Decentralisation Working Group and is an active member of the Public Finance Management and Governance Working Groups. Through these engagements, we promote a holistic, systemic, and multi-level approach to decentralisation, supporting reforms in fiscal decentralisation, public finance management, the tax system, and the delivery of quality public services at the local level.
Inclusive and green local economic development
The Swiss cooperation programme 2026–2029 promotes inclusive and environmentally sustainable economic growth, with a particular focus on young people and women. Many disadvantaged groups face limited access to skills development, markets and financial services. Strengthening their economic participation is essential for reducing poverty, increasing resilience and fostering social stability.
We will work towards improving access to vocational skills training, financial services and market opportunities, particularly within inclusive and climate-resilient value chains, mainly in agriculture. By strengthening market systems and supporting local enterprises, we aim to enhance livelihoods and create sustainable income opportunities. At the same time, we will explore innovative economic prospects along the Nacala corridor to unlock additional growth potential.
Creating an enabling economic environment remains a key priority. We will support local and national authorities to improve efficiency and service delivery, while promoting stronger engagement of the private sector in local development processes. By fostering effective cooperation between public institutions and businesses, we aim to stimulate investment, generate decent employment and contribute to green and inclusive economic transformation.
Resilient communities and local authorities
Switzerland will support municipalities and local actors to strengthen disaster preparedness, prevention and local adaptation measures, while facilitating coordinated and coherent approaches with provincial and national authorities. This includes helping to develop and implement adaptation plans and disaster risk reduction (DRR) tools that reduce the impact of climate-related and other crises, but also promoting a better awareness and coordination among all stakeholders in the communities, including youth, civil society organisations and private sector actors. Through this approach, Switzerland contributes to stronger communities that are better able to prepare for and manage risks and recover from shocks
In case of crises, the programme will contribute to rapid access to protection, essential services and recovery support for the affected populations, including displaced people and the most vulnerable.This wil be achieved by direct funding to specific organisations or contributing to joint efforts by the national emergency agency, UN, and pooled funds.
Transversal themes
Across all three priority areas, Switzerland integrates three key transversal themes: gender equality, climate action and good governance are promoted throughout the programme.