U.S. government invests $19.35 million to strengthen local governance in Mozambique

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AfricaPress-mozambique: In celebration of the United Nations Day of Public Service, the U.S. Embassy announces a $19.35 million, five-year program to strengthen local governance in Mozambique. The program, known as USAID Local Governance Strengthening (USAID LOGOS) will partner with local governments in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Zambezia to improve public services and increase government effectiveness, transparency, and accountability to citizens.

Effective, accountable, and inclusive governance is essential for any democratic government to thrive. It allows elected officials and public servants to meet the needs of their communities. Mozambique committed to giving more autonomy to provincial government officials in a 2018 constitutional amendment, and this five-year program will help support financial management and public sector human resources capacity in three major provinces.

In close coordination with the provincial, district, and municipal governments, USAID LOGOS will provide technical assistance, training, and support to strengthen economic governance and improve local capacity to deliver primary health, education, and water and sanitation services. The program, implemented by DAI, will also work with communities to promote effective civic engagement that expands access to quality public services and increases transparency and accountability from their governments at all levels.

U.S. Ambassador to Mozambique Dennis W. Hearne stressed the importance of local governance to Mozambique’s future. “Strong local governance not only helps provide effective public services, but it also strengthens public confidence in the government at all levels,” he said. “This program will help local communities and their governments to work together to resolve local challenges while engaging in the peaceful and inclusive development of the country.”

During a recent visit to Cabo Delgado, Acting USAID Mission Director Martin McLaughlin met with community leaders and government officials to discuss the program. He reiterated the U.S. Government’s commitment to partner with local governments as Mozambique works to fully implement decentralisation reforms and improve local public services and good governance.

Strengthening the public sector is a critical component of the broader U.S. Government assistance in Mozambique. In close collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Mozambique, the U.S. Government provides more than $500 million in annual assistance to improve the quality of education and healthcare, promote economic prosperity, and support the overall development of the nation.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) leads the U.S. Government’s international development and disaster assistance through partnerships and investments that save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people emerge from humanitarian crises.

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