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Culture Programme Mozambique


Switzerland will promote a more professional cultural sector and give emerging young artists the opportunity to improve their skills and expand their national and international networks. By working with 1 cultural centre in Maputo and 2 cultural institutions in the conflict-ridden province of Cabo Delgado, art and culture will also be used as a vector for social cohesion and peace, including the much-needed exchange between the south and north of Mozambique.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Mozambique
Culture / development awareness
Culture & recreation
01.09.2023 - 31.08.2027
 CHF  1’950’000
The project in brief
Background The cultural sector in Mozambique has great potential for youth empowerment, innovation and the strengthening of civil society. However, the sector faces a difficult overall context that has not allowed for continuous development (HDI of 181, weak institutional and policy frameworks, limited funding for cultural activities (concentrated in Maputo) and limited professionalism of the sector). The province of Cabo Delgado, in the north, has been historically marginalised (distance, high transport costs) and is facing a violent conflict, which further hinders cultural exchanges with the capital and artistic expression. Mozambican institutions lack long-term support to implement sustainable visions, build national and international links and support artists and creatives.
Objectives Strengthen key cultural actors in the North and in Maputo to foster artistic talent, knowledge and cultural entrepreneurship, and provide access to culture for a diverse public, including vulnerable and displaced populations, to contribute to peace and social cohesion.
Target groups
  • Emerging artists from Maputo & Cabo Delgado, 
  • Youth and children, incl. IDPs 
  • Civil society & peace building actors, 
  • Local artisans, 
  • Casa da Cultura in Pemba, Cabo Delgado (Ministry of Culture institution).
Medium-term outcomes OUTCOME 1: Young independent artists and artisans from the south and the north of Mozambique can create freely and monetize their work.
OUTCOME 2: Civil society, peace and cultural actors engage together in innovative art and culture based solutions to social challenges.
OUTCOME 3: Cultural organisations with strengthened institutional capacities cooperate, and use sustainable financial models for a stronger cultural sector. 
Results

Expected results:  

  • Emerging artists, artisans and arts professionals from the south and north of Mozambique are scouted, capacitated, showcased and supported in the development of sustainable careers.
  • Concrete synergies have been developed that contribute to improving North-South mutual understanding and cooperation. 
  • The institutional capacities (including fundraising and income generation capacities) of the 3 SDC partners have improved. 
  • 20 mobility projects and 20 creative projects have been supported through the SDC's sub-granting mechanism. 
  • Peace-building and reconciliation processes have been promoted.


Results from previous phases:   Switzerland is an important player in the cultural sector in Mozambique. One of SDC's main partners (16NetO) was able to establish itself in Maputo as a key actor in the promotion of young artists, and also successfully manages Maputo Fast Forward (MFF), an international cultural festival initiated by a previous SDC partner. The SDC also successfully supported art education and cultural initiatives in the conflict-ridden province of Cabo Delgado. These interventions have been very well received. There is a strong demand for their expansion.
In general, the importance of long-term partnerships for organisations to grow, become stable and professional has been confirmed.
Young people are looking for spaces for creative expression and dialogue.
A high potential for using culture and arts to promote social cohesion and peace was identified. Vulnerable groups and IDPs in Cabo Delgado are very responsive to cultural activities.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Project partners Contract partner
International or foreign NGO
Private sector
  • Foreign private sector South/East
  • 16NetO; Funda9ao Azul; Musi’Arte/Hakuna Matata; Ad hoc partnerships


Coordination with other projects and actors SDC will collaborate with the EU to enable the participation of emerging artists in Cabo Delgado in the new EU – Cultiv’arte Fund for capacity building.
Coordination with other donors to culture (Norway, France, Portugal, Germany).
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’950’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    495’453 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF   0
Project phases Phase 1 01.09.2023 - 31.08.2027   (Current phase)
  • Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation OTHER SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES
    Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation
    Culture and recreation
    Cross-cutting topics The project also supports partner organisation improvements
    Aid Type Mandate without fiduciary fund
    Project and programme contribution
    Project number

    7F11146

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Last update 31.07.2024