Mozambique is facing a growing economic crisis, exacerbated by rising food prices. This situation is having a significant impact on the daily lives of Mozambicans, who are seeing their purchasing power decline and their food security threatened.

Economic Context of Mozambique

Mozambique has experienced sustained economic growth in recent decades, primarily driven by the exploitation of its natural resources, particularly natural gas and minerals. However, this growth has been uneven and has often been accompanied by high inflation.

According to World Bank data, annual inflation reached 8.5% in 2023, a figure that continued to rise in 2024, reaching 10.2% in January 2025. This upward trend is largely due to rising food prices, which represent a significant portion of household consumption.

Causes of the Price Rise

Several factors contribute to rising food prices in Mozambique.

• Adverse climatic conditions: The country is regularly affected by extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, which affect agricultural production. In 2024, floods in the Sofala region destroyed crops, leading to a decrease in food supply.
• High production costs: The rising costs of agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers and seeds, also contributed to rising prices. In 2024, fertilizer costs increased by 30% compared to the previous year, which had a direct impact on food prices.
• Supply chain disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains, and although the situation has improved, delays and cost increases persist. Transportation costs have also increased, contributing to higher food prices.
• Currency fluctuations: The devaluation of the metical, the local currency, against the US dollar also played a role in the price increase. In 2024, the metical lost approximately 15% of its value against the dollar, making imports more expensive.

Impact on the population

Rising food prices have had dramatic consequences for the Mozambican population. According to a study conducted by Mozambique’s National Institute of Statistics, approximately 60% of the population lives below the poverty line, a situation worsening with rising inflation. Households are forced to reduce their food spending, leading to increasing malnutrition, particularly among children.

The prices of staple foods such as rice, corn, and beans have increased significantly. For example, the price of rice increased by 25% between 2023 and 2024, while that of corn increased by 20%. These increases make it difficult for many families to access sufficient and nutritious food.

Responses from the Government and International Organizations

Faced with this crisis, the Mozambican government has implemented several measures to mitigate the impact of inflation on the population.

• Food subsidies: The government has introduced subsidy programs to help low-income households access essential food supplies. In 2024, approximately 1.5 million people benefited from these subsidies.
• Support for local agriculture: Initiatives to support local farmers, including training and access to financing, have been implemented to increase food production and reduce dependence on imports.
• Collaboration with NGOs: The government is collaborating with non-governmental organizations to distribute food aid and raise awareness about sustainable agricultural practices.

Despite efforts to ensure food security, Mozambique’s economic situation remains fragile. Forecasts for 2025 indicate that inflation could continue to rise, potentially reaching 12% by the end of the year if climatic conditions do not improve and agricultural input costs remain high.

To address this crisis, it is essential that the Mozambican government continue to work closely with international partners to strengthen the country’s economic resilience. This includes investing in agricultural infrastructure, improving food distribution systems, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Conclusion

Rising food prices in Mozambique are a complex problem that requires urgent attention. As the country battles rising inflation, it is crucial to implement sustainable solutions to ensure food security and improve the well-being of Mozambicans. Cooperation between the government, international organizations, and civil society will be essential to overcome this crisis and build a more stable and prosperous future for Mozambique.