Mozambique, ranked 182nd out of 193 countries in the 2025 Human Development Index with a score of 0.493, continues to face major structural challenges in the areas of education and health. In light of this, President Daniel Chapo has made investment in human capital a pillar of his strategy to reduce inequality, with a particular focus on training young people and improving social services.
The Mozambican education system illustrates the scale of the challenge. The country has an average of 74 students per teacher in some provinces, such as Nampula, and thousands of classes are still held outdoors. The government has estimated that 987 million euros are needed to build new classrooms and reduce class sizes.
On International Youth Day, President Chapo reaffirmed his commitment to continuing public investment in education, technical training, and access to technology, while advocating for the construction of new classrooms and the improvement of learning conditions during a rally in Manica.
Health challenges are just as pressing. Health care coverage remains limited, with life expectancy stagnating and maternal and infant mortality rates at alarming levels. During a visit to the Aga Khan Academy, President Chapo emphasized the importance of extending models of excellence to the health sector, advocating for modern infrastructure and expanded access to care. He also advocated for the construction of new hospitals, the availability of ambulances, and improvements in patient care.
Young people, who make up 65 percent of the population, are at the heart of this strategy. The government has implemented programs such as the Fundo de Desenvolvimento Económico Local (FDEL), which allocates 60 percent of its resources to funding young entrepreneurs. President Chapo has called for national unity to create conditions that will allow young people to fully realize their potential, which is key to a more prosperous and inclusive country.
Despite criticism from the opposition regarding insufficient funding for social sectors, the government is sticking to its roadmap. The stated goal is to reach an HDI of 0.7 by 2044.
The coming years will show whether the commitments made by President Chapo will translate into tangible progress toward reducing inequality and improving the living conditions of Mozambicans.
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