The World Bank Group has approved a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Mozambique that will guide development efforts from 2026 to 2031. This initiative aims to address the country’s urgent challenges, particularly in the aftermath of severe floods that have underscored Mozambique’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The CPF emphasizes resilience and inclusive growth, creating economic opportunities and better jobs for the nation’s youth while leveraging Mozambique’s abundant natural resources.
In outlining its strategic priorities, the CPF aims to promote economic transformation, strengthen institutions, and expand opportunities for both youth and women. The framework focuses on key sectors such as energy, agribusiness, and tourism, which are deemed vital for job creation. The plan also seeks to develop a skilled workforce and reinforce macro-fiscal stability, tackling issues of fragility within the country.
Strategic Focus on Job Creation
The CPF is structured around four main outcomes: enhancing macro-fiscal stability, improving workforce skills, expanding energy access, and boosting private sector-led employment in agribusiness and tourism. Fily Sissoko, World Bank Division Director for Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Comoros, emphasized the framework’s targeted approach, stating, “This new CPF is a selective shift in our engagement with Mozambique to reflect our laser focus on jobs.”
The World Bank aims to mobilize approximately $2.5 billion throughout the CPF period to transform Mozambique’s natural wealth into tangible opportunities, particularly for young people and women. The strategy incorporates a range of financial instruments, including guarantees and blended finance, as well as advisory services through flagship initiatives like Mission 300 and AgriConnect.
Cláudia da Conceição, Southern Africa Regional Director for the International Finance Corporation, highlighted the importance of private sector involvement, stating, “This CPF comes at a critical juncture for Mozambique, where the role of the private sector is paramount to generating jobs at scale and meeting the country’s development ambitions.”
Investment and Resilience Support
In addition to the CPF, the World Bank Group Board of Directors has approved around $450 million in funding through a Prevention and Resilience Window. This financial support is designed to help Mozambique prevent conflict, address drivers of fragility, and enhance overall stability in the coming years.
The CPF was developed in collaboration with the Government of Mozambique, civil society, private sector stakeholders, and development partners. It builds on lessons learned from previous frameworks while aligning with Mozambique’s strategic priorities and the World Bank Group’s overarching goals of ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity.
By focusing on sectors with high potential for job creation, the new CPF represents a crucial step towards sustainable development in Mozambique. With a commitment to fostering dialogue between public and private stakeholders, the World Bank Group aims to unlock significant investment opportunities that can drive economic growth and improve living standards for all Mozambicans.
