Africa-Press – Mozambique. The richest 10% of the Mozambican population accounts for 43% of total household spending in the country, according to the most recent National Institute of Statistics (INE) survey.
The study also shows that every Mozambican spends, on average, less than one Euro a day.
“The poorest 10% are responsible for only 0.8% of total expenditure and the richest 10% approximately 43.1%,” reads the final report of the 2019/2020 Household Budget Survey, consulted by Lusa today.
Expenditure in the cities is approximately twice that in rural areas, according to the document. In addition, “the average monthly expenses in Maputo province and city is twice the national average”.
“Households had, on average, monthly expenditure of 8,108 meticais (€109.00), the equivalent of 1,695 meticais (€23.00) per person,” equivalent to €0.76 per day.
In 2014/2015, average monthly expenditure per capita was lower, standing at 1,406 meticais.
However, INE points out that, if the increase in the cost of living is taken into account, the amount for 2019/20 is 1,170 meticais, and expenditure will effectively have contracted by 16.8%.
In Cabo Delgado, a province hit by armed insurgency, expenditure fell by 37%. In Maputo, it was down by 38% and in Gaza, an area hit by droughts and cyclones, the contraction was 42%.
Data collected covers expenditure on food, beverages, tobacco, transport, mobile phone recharges and airtime, the purchase of other frequently consumed products and daily purchases in small quantities by most households.
Figures also include the purchase of clothing and other personal items, housing, fuel, recreation, appliances and furniture, and expenditure on health and education.
