Flag of Mozambique

Transforming Lives

Armindo Jone, treasurer of Culima Cuacanaca Association counting money

Access to finance remains a critical obstacle for Mozambican smallholder farmers. A 2010 national survey found that only 2.4 percent of Mozambique’s 3.8 million farms have accessed credit—hamstrung by physical distance from banks, financial illiteracy, small crop volumes and high interest rates.

Photo of Jose Sabao, a small business owner from Maputo

June 2014—Each year, the World Bank publishes its Doing Business report—a survey of the ease of doing business around the world that includes 189 countries and 10 indicators. In this year’s report, Mozambique’s ranking rose 46 positions for the construction permit indicator, from 123rd place in 2013 to 77th in 2014.

Fernandinho Mequicene scans the Gorongosa landscape looking for a radio-collared lion with scientist, Paola Bouley

Fernandinho Mequicene has an unusual job for a young man from Mozambique. His days and nights are spent helping scientists track lions in the remote wilderness of Gorongosa National Park.

 In Mopeia district, water was taken from rivers and unprotected wells, increasing the risk of cholera and other water-borne dis

In Mopeia district, water was taken from rivers and unprotected wells, increasing the risk of cholera and other water-borne diseases. More than three-quarters of the community lacked access to latrines or landfills.

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