The National Association of Municipalities of Mozambique (ANAMM) announced this Tuesday (18), after a meeting with the Mozambican President (PR), Daniel Chapo, the creation of a national development company with the aim of strengthening the capacity of municipalities to respond in strategic areas. The new organisation will be responsible for acquiring essential equipment for municipalities, helping to improve local infrastructures and services.
On leaving the meeting with the Prime Minister, the president of ANAMM, João Ferreira, emphasised the commitment of local authorities to actively collaborate in the country’s progress. ‘We came to reaffirm our willingness to help in the development of local authorities and Mozambique as a whole. We want to be part of the solution and we are counting on the support of government bodies to make this project a reality,’ he said.
The national development company announced aims to centralise and optimise the purchase of essential equipment for municipalities, allowing for more efficient management of resources.
According to João Ferreira, who also chairs the municipality of Chimoio, in Manica province, the initiative arises from the need to provide municipalities with the means to solve structural problems. ‘Municipalities face significant challenges, particularly in terms of infrastructure, and this company will make it possible to respond more effectively to local needs,’ he explained.
The announcement of the creation of the new organisation comes against a backdrop of social instability in Mozambique. Since the 2024 general elections, several cities and provinces have seen demonstrations and stoppages, mainly in protest at the election results that gave victory to the Frelimo candidate, Daniel Chapo.
The protests, which were initially intense, are now occurring sporadically, against a backdrop not only of electoral contestation, but also of concerns about the rising cost of living and other social issues.
According to data from the Decide Platform, a non-governmental organisation that monitors electoral processes, at least 361 people lost their lives during the protests, including around two dozen minors. The government, for its part, recognises 80 deaths and the destruction of 1,677 commercial establishments, 177 schools and 23 health facilities across the country.
ANAMM believes that strengthening municipalities through structural investment and better management of resources can contribute to the stabilisation and development of the country. ‘Our role is to serve the people and find solutions that improve the quality of life in the municipalities. This company will be a fundamental instrument in achieving that goal,’ concluded João Ferreira.