Governability, Governance, and Public Policies for Mozambique's Development

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between the State and society within the context of Mozambique's development process—a relationship marked in recent years by an unprecedented crisis that has shaken the management of political institutions and decision-making processes. From this perspective, governability, governance, and public policy are fundamental tenets of a democratic state. The article focuses on State action and its relationship with society regarding public administration management following the reforms that culminated in decentralization. It is based on a thorough review of domestic and international literature, aiming to explore the integration of "good governance" principles into management practices. It offers a strategic reflection on the accountability of public officials and other principles that demonstrate transparency in addressing societal dissatisfaction. The general objective is to analyze these three concepts in light of the crisis currently plaguing the country's development. Specific objectives include analyzing implemented actions that support political integrity and increased participation, thereby fostering a better understanding of these measures, given that democracy inherently entails social participation. The study reveals weak State-society interaction, widespread public dissatisfaction, weaknesses in public policy implementation, and a failure to uphold governance principles that would ensure integrity among government officials and foster public trust. It also highlights the exclusion of society from the governing process. Investments in mineral resources fail to directly benefit the population due to corruption; furthermore, the outbreak of military insurgency in the north and armed attacks in the central region—perpetrated by the Renamo Military Junta—hinder development and destroy infrastructure. These factors impact social policy formulation, while the pandemic-driven rise in the cost of living exacerbates economic inequalities.