Mozambique

Chapter 6 analyses EU humanitarian aid in Mozambique between 2015 and 2020, focusing on the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations’ (DG ECHO’s) response to recurring climate-induced emergencies and the country’s deteriorating political and economic context. It argues that the effectiveness of EU humanitarian programmes was shaped by three key factors: EU internal cohesiveness, delegation and coordination with implementing partners, and the Mozambican authorities’ attitudes. While DG ECHO played a prominent role in food assistance and disaster risk reduction, effectiveness was undermined by fragmented needs assessments, delays in implementation, and a lack of adequate funding – especially before 2019. The internal cohesion of the EU and its Member States improved in the latter years, translating into stronger field coordination and increased funding under the von der Leyen Commission’s geopolitical priorities. Delegation to the World Food Programme (WFP) and NGO consortia yielded mixed results: while agents improved targeting, weak oversight and bureaucratic delays reduced impact. National authorities, meanwhile, contributed to delays through poor coordination, limited infrastructure, and initial resistance to cash-based assistance. The case of Mozambique confirms that EU humanitarian aid is not only guided by needs but also shaped by broader political interests and evolving institutional agendas.