U.S. Government Country Assistance Strategy for Mozambique

The USG Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) for 2009-2014 provides a “whole of government” approach to addressing the development needs and potential of Mozambique. It provides a guide for aligning USG policies and aid to best promote development in Mozambique and combines the strengths of various USG agencies to achieve key U.S. foreign policy objectives. 

Strategically focusing the significant level of USG foreign assistance expected over the next five years, combined with strong policy dialogue and cooperation with the Mozambican government and other international donors, will bring significant positive change to Mozambique.  Our strategy is aligned closely with GOM strategies – the Poverty Reduction Plan, Agricultural Production Strategy, Food Action Plan, Private Sector Development, HIV/AIDS Prevention Strategy, Ministry of Health Human Capacity Development Strategy, and others – and is coordinated with the programs of other international donors.  We have discussed the primary elements of this strategy with our key government counterparts as well as representatives of civil society who are both beneficiaries and partners in its implementation.  Our ongoing dialogue on these development issues has allowed us to develop a fruitful partnership with the Government and to create mutual confidence in our joint commitment to ensure the success of U.S. foreign assistance programs and promote Mozambican development.

U.S. interests in providing foreign assistance to Mozambique are reflected in the prospects of what might be achieved over the next five years:

• Progress toward shared geopolitical interests
• Regional leadership in energy and food production
• Improved governance, increased jobs, and continued growth

Mozambican development is a long-term effort.  Key policy reforms and enlightened government action can have rapid impact, but the fundamentals of sustainable growth and poverty reduction require long-term investment in the human capacity of Mozambique, in improving the education, organization, and discipline of the people of Mozambique. 

This strategy is focused on creating the conditions necessary for critical dynamics to take root and promote Mozambican political, economic, and social development. A fundamental principle of this strategy is that expanded competition in the areas of ideas, politics, and economics will fuel an increasingly participatory democracy and bring greater accountability to government, accelerate private sector investment and expand trade to increase jobs and reduce poverty, and bring greater dynamism to education and health systems.  It focuses on policy reform and the dynamism of competition and global markets, while also investing in the fundamentals of training and organizing people, putting key systems and infrastructure in place, and ensuring accountability and transparency.

The strategy prioritizes five strategic goals for U.S. foreign assistance:

• Strengthen democratic governance in Mozambique  
• Improve competitiveness of key economic sectors
• Improve the health of Mozambicans 
• Expand opportunities for quality education and training
• Enhance capabilities of Mozambican security forces 

In developing this strategy we consciously endeavored to identify and promote innovative approaches to the development challenges facing Mozambique.  We are excited about the prospects for development in Mozambique and we are eager to begin implementing this strategy to help Mozambique realize its incredible potential.