Mozambique at a Fork in the Road

Few countries have experienced as many political and economic changes as Mozambique. A vast and diverse country, it faced a particularly difficult start after a long period of colonial dominance followed by a deadly war that formally ended only in 1992. However, despite impressive growth after multiparty elections, Mozambique’s pattern of growth is fragmented, not sustainable and non-inclusive. Investigating the deep factors that undermine economic development, Mozambique at a Fork in the Road offers an insightful analysis of the historical and political context of Mozambique and its institutional constraints to economic development. It examines sectors that are critical for sustainable growth, such as agriculture, that receive low priority, and the frequent shocks in strategic policy that result in the absence of a clear national development vision. Building on a core set of thematic chapters, this compelling diagnostic tool provides a thorough and structured approach to understanding institutional dimensions of development. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

António S. Cruz is an independent researcher in economics collaborating with the University of Copenhagen Development Economics Research Group (UCPH-DERG). He was Director of Studies at the Ministry of Planning and Development and Director of Studies Centre, at Economics Department, Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique.

Ines A. Ferreira is assistant professor in UCPH-DERG. She works on different topics related to inequality and institutions, with a particular focus on Mozambique.

Johnny Flentø has 38 years of experience in international development with the Danish MFA and Copenhagen University. He has done several years of research in institutional and economic development with a focus on international development through bilateral and multilateral frameworks.

Finn Tarp is Professor of Economics, University of Copenhagen, and former Director of United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER). He is a leading international expert on development strategy and policy and has published more than 130 articles in internationally refereed academic journals – alongside 6 books, 29 edited book volumes/special journal issues, and 67 book chapters.