Improving municipal and financial governance in Mozambique

Context

In Mozambique citizen orientation in governance processes still needs to be improved. This is one key factor contributing to limitations in service delivery by municipalities to the population and in involving citizens in local decision-making processes. Insufficient legal and institutional capabilities undermine responsiveness to citizen needs, risking peace and sustainable local development. A key challenge in municipal governance are the limited transfers provided by central government as well as municipal constraints in collecting their own taxes and fees. Furthermore, there is only limited support, monitoring and oversight provided by the government to municipalities. Capabilities of municipal leaders and staff also remain constrained as they require relevant training opportunities. Moreover, to promote the most effective and efficient use of scarce public funds, municipal administration and control mechanisms need support and external control.

Objective

Municipal governance in Mozambique is improving in terms of citizen-centred services, financial sustainability, and accountability.

Approach

The project improves municipal governance in Mozambique by implementing the following measures:

• Increasing capabilities for financial stability and accountability in selected municipalities.
• Enhancing municipal capabilities, enabling them to offer more efficient and effective services and to adapt urban planning to citizens' demands.
• Enhancing the legal, institutional, and strategic conditions for municipal governance.
• Strategically developing public service capabilities and supporting women leaders in decentralised governance.
• Improving the external control of public finances by a Supreme Audit Institution and giving advice on the creation of an independent Court of Accounts.

Last update: April 2024