Ahead of the 2024 elections, the RENAMO opposition party has been attempting to form a coalition to challenge the dominant FRELIMO party, while the space for dissenting voices is shrinking. Rumors still prevail concerning a potential third term for President Filipe Nyusi, who reinstated himself as FRELIMO president in 2022. Despite security improvements in Cabo Delgado, Islamist insurgents have expanded to neighboring provinces, continuing to threaten local communities.
Mozambique’s economy recovered despite cyclone setbacks, achieving a 4% GDP growth in 2022. In addition, government debt decreased from 120% of GDP in 2020 to 111.6% in 2022 and FDI flows increased. However, inflation remained notably high at 10.3% in 2022. Over half of the population still lives in extreme poverty.
Mozambique lacks a solid, comprehensive development strategy that is not overambitious. The government has prioritized investments in the military sector to repress terrorism in Cabo Delgado, as well as in agriculture sectors to modernize farming. However, these projects, though yielding some success, lack sustainability.
