The Embassy of Switzerland in Mozambique Facilitates CREMOD Study Visit to Switzerland on Decentralized Governance
Strengthening cooperation ties in support of good governance, Switzerland hosted a delegation from the Mozambican Government’s Commission for Reflection on the Model of Decentralized Governance (CREMOD) for a study visit from 31 March to 4 April 2025. Organized by the Institute of Federalism at the University of Fribourg with the support of the Swiss Embassy in Mozambique, the initiative demonstrates Switzerland’s continued commitment to supporting decentralization efforts, inclusive development, and stability in Mozambique.
From 31 March to 4 April 2025, a CREMOD delegation conducted a study visit to Switzerland. The visit was organized by the Institute of Federalism at the University of Fribourg and facilitated and supported by the Swiss Embassy in Mozambique, reinforcing Switzerland’s ongoing commitment to institutional reforms in governance and inclusive development in the country.
Since 1999, Switzerland has been a strategic partner of Mozambique in its decentralization journey, actively advancing reforms through consistent bilateral cooperation initiatives. This long-standing support has been complemented by Switzerland’s role in facilitating the 2019 Maputo Agreements, a milestone in which decentralization was recognized as a key pillar for building lasting peace and stability in Mozambique.
Established in 2023, CREMOD is mandated to analyse and propose a model of decentralized governance adapted to the Mozambican context, with the aim of improving public service delivery, promoting citizen participation, and strengthening national cohesion. In this context, Switzerland—renowned for its well-established federal system and long-standing partnership with Mozambique—provided a valuable platform for exchange and learning.
During the week-long programme, the delegation met with institutions at the federal, cantonal, and municipal levels, deepening its understanding of taxation systems, public financial management, multi-level institutional coordination, and citizen participation. Highlights included meetings with the State Secretariat for Education, the House of Cantons, and a visit to the Federal Palace in Bern.
This visit marks another milestone in Swiss–Mozambican cooperation and reaffirms Switzerland’s role in promoting decentralization and accountable local governance.