The U.S. Embassy in Mozambique has announced a $6 million, five-year program to strengthen the capacity of community radio stations by supporting their ability to inform the public and contribute to the country’s development.
The program, known as USAID Community Radio Assistance for Greater Empowerment of Mozambican Institutions (USAID CORAGEM), will support about 60 Mozambican community radio stations in Zambezia, Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado.
Recent research indicates that approximately two-thirds of Mozambicans, especially those in rural communities, receive their information through community radio stations.
USAID CORAGEM, implemented by the Mozambican communication organization Associação h2n and partners, will strengthen the radio sector by supporting training in journalistic skills, ethics, and financial and organizational management for community radio journalists. It also intends to help these radio stations increase community engagement, with a specific focus on youth.
U.S. Ambassador to Mozambique, Dennis W. Hearne, stressed the importance of a strong media sector for Mozambique’s future: “Community radio is essential for inclusive progress in Mozambique. U.S. government support will help community radio reach more people, in more places, with more accurate and relevant information that will help citizens make informed decisions.”
In collaboration with the Government of Mozambique, the U.S. Government provides over $500 million in annual assistance to improve the quality of education and health care, promote economic prosperity, and support the overall development of the nation.
