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Daniel Chapo Proclaims New Course of Governance for Mozambique: ‘Less State, More Economy’

Daniel Chapo Proclaims New Course of Governance for Mozambique: ‘Less State, More Economy’

Daniel Francisco Chapo took office this Wednesday (15) as President of the Republic of Mozambique with a speech marked by promises of transformation and structural reforms. Advocating a more efficient state and a more dynamic economy, the new head of state announced a set of measures aimed at reorganising public administration, reducing unnecessary spending and stimulating economic growth.

Without beating around the bush, Daniel Chapo made it clear that his government will be guided by transparency, fiscal discipline and the modernisation of the country’s productive sectors. From the very first minutes of his speech, the President made a firm commitment to reforming the state. Among the measures announced was the reduction of the government structure, with the elimination of Ministries and Secretariats of State, as well as the abolition of the position of deputy minister.

He explained that the current administrative machine is too heavy and not very functional, jeopardising the state’s ability to respond quickly to citizens’ needs. ‘We are going to reduce ministries and eliminate secretariats of state that are equivalent to ministries. This exercise will mean savings of around 17 billion meticals a year, which will be redirected to priority sectors such as education, health, agriculture, roads and energy,’ he said, guaranteeing that these changes will make governance more agile and effective.

‘Chapo has made it clear that his governance will be guided by transparency, fiscal discipline and the modernisation of the country’s productive sectors’

The restructuring announced also extends to the provincial level, where the Secretaries of State will now have exclusively supervisory functions, while the Governors will assume executive command of the provinces. For Chapo, this change will be fundamental to avoid the duplication of functions and guarantee greater decentralisation in decision-making.

‘It makes no sense to maintain duplicate structures that only slow down the response to the needs of the people,’ he explained. He also announced that the functions of the Permanent Secretaries in the Ministries will be redefined, giving them a more strategic role in the implementation of government policies.

The containment of public spending was another of the speech’s strong points, with a clear announcement about the review of state leaders’ perks. One of the most symbolic measures will be to freeze the purchase of protocol vehicles, a decision that Chapo says will allow more resources to be channelled into essential areas.

‘We can’t continue to spend millions on cars for leaders while we lack ambulances in hospitals and school transport for our children,’ he said. The head of state stressed that the government must set an example in rationalising spending and ensure that every metical in the budget is used responsibly.

On the economic front, the President defended a new management model for state assets, announcing that non-strategic public companies with poor performance will be privatised or concessioned. He emphasised that the state’s presence in the economy should be limited to essential sectors, while the private sector should be encouraged to take on a central role in the country’s development.

‘The state cannot continue to support companies that only accumulate debt and do not generate benefits for Mozambicans,’ he said. In order to boost investment and entrepreneurship, the Mozambique Development Bank will be created, whose mission will be to finance strategic projects and facilitate access to credit for small and medium-sized companies.

He also guaranteed that there will be a review of business licensing and the tax regime to eliminate bureaucratic barriers and stimulate growth in the private sector. ‘Our aim is to create a favourable environment so that Mozambicans can invest, create jobs and contribute to the country’s growth,’ he stressed.

The mining and energy sector also featured prominently in the President’s speech, as he announced a reformulation of the allocation of concessions to ensure that the exploitation of natural resources actually benefits the country. All concessions for critical minerals will now be awarded by public tender or auction, guaranteeing greater transparency and better returns for the state.

‘Mozambique’s mineral wealth belongs to the Mozambican people. We will ensure that its exploitation is done fairly and benefits everyone,’ he said. In the same vein, he assured that the communities affected by mining will have access to royalties, jobs and social development programmes. In the oil sector, a Transparency Forum will be set up to monitor contracts and oversee the use of gas and oil revenues.

The fight against corruption and the implementation of a new public management model were also emphasised. The President announced the creation of a State Procurement Centre, which will be responsible for all government purchases, ensuring greater transparency, reducing waste and combating corrupt practices.

‘Public procurement will be centralised, planned and audited. We want to ensure that every metical spent by the state is applied efficiently and transparently,’ he explained. Another relevant change will be the implementation of programme contracts for ministers and public managers, establishing performance targets and regular evaluations. ‘Governance will be based on results. Anyone who doesn’t fulfil the objectives will have no place in this government,’ he warned.

The justice sector was not left out of the President’s speech either. Chapo announced the introduction of electronic bracelets for minor offences, making it possible to reduce prison overcrowding and make the prison system more efficient. ‘We need a judicial system that works quickly and fairly. Not all offences require pre-trial detention, and we must adopt new technologies to improve the management of the system,’ he argued. He also pledged to step up the fight against organised crime, especially kidnappings and criminal networks, guaranteeing more resources for the security forces and criminal investigation.

At the end of his speech, Chapo reaffirmed his commitment to governance centred on sustainable development and social justice. ‘Our mission is to transform Mozambique into a fairer, more prosperous and more sustainable country. There is no more room for waste or corruption. Our commitment is to the people and to the future of this country,’ he concluded.

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With this set of reforms, the President intends to set a reformist tone at the start of his term, focusing on modernising the state, stimulating the economy and rigorous management of public resources. The impact of these measures will now be assessed by their implementation and the results they will bring to Mozambicans.

Next Friday, the new ministries and their heads will be announced and the new dynamics brought about in the presentation of the government’s programme will begin to be seen.

Text: Felisberto Ruco

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