A new framework for public financial management
Maputo — Mozambique’s government intends to strengthen transparency and accountability in public finances over the next decade through the Public Financial Management Strategy for 2026–2035.
The strategy, reported by Lusa on 8 October, calls for the regular publication of information concerning the state budget, public debt, public expenditure and the results achieved by government services.
It also envisages stronger oversight of public accounts by citizens, Parliament, audit institutions and civil society.
The objective is to make the management of public resources more open to scrutiny and improve the accountability of public institutions.
Why transparency matters for economic development
Public financial management influences the resources available for infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and other essential services.
When budget information is difficult to access or spending results are not clearly documented, citizens and businesses may struggle to assess whether public resources are being used effectively.
Greater transparency can also help investors evaluate fiscal risks, understand government priorities and assess the predictability of the business environment.
Publication is not the same as accountability
The effectiveness of the strategy will depend on more than publishing documents.
Budget information must be timely, understandable and sufficiently detailed to allow comparisons between planned expenditure and actual spending.
It is equally important that audit findings lead to corrective measures and that institutions responsible for oversight have the resources and independence required to perform their duties.
What citizens should monitor
The government should clarify the timetable for implementation, the institutions responsible for each reform and the indicators that will be used to measure progress.
Regular reports should explain deviations from the budget, changes in public debt and the results of major expenditure programmes.
The central question is whether the 2026–2035 strategy will produce measurable improvements in public accountability or remain primarily a policy commitment.