Canada-Mozambique Relations are the interactions between the countries of Canada and Mozambique. These relations began in 1975 after Mozambique became an independent country^[1].

Brief history

Canada was officially born on July 1, 1867 after the British Empire passed the British North America Act, previously being colonies of Britain and France. Representatives from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada, known as the Fathers of Confederation, worked with British officials to peacefully obtain independence.^[2]

Mozambique gained independence from Portugal on June 25, 1975, after fierce fighting between the Portuguese and Mozambican anti-colonial groups.^[1]

Today, Canada is considered a First World Country, while Mozambique is considered a Third World country.^[3][4]

Since gaining independence, Canada and Mozambique have engaged in peaceful diplomatic relations.^[5]

Diplomatic offices

Canada is represented in Mozambique through the High Commission of Canada to Mozambique in the capital of Mozambique, Maputo^[5], where Mr. Alain Latulippe is the High Commissioner.^[6] Mozambican representation in Canada is through the High Commission of Mozambique to Canada, located in Washington D.C..^[5]

Economic trade

Trade between Canada and Mozambique is limited, however in future years is growing. The total amount of two-way trade between the two nations in 2008 was $13.3 million. Canada primarily exports wheat and clothing and textiles while 75% Mozambican exports to Canada is tobacco. In recent years, Canadian mining companies have invested in Mozambique and may continue to expand in the coming years.^[5]

Military Presence

Canada has participated in peacekeeping missions from 1992-1994^[5] as part of the United Nations (U.N.) operation ONUMOZ after Mozambique’s 15-year civil war.^[7] Canada and the United Nations monitored Mozambique to implement the General Peace Agreement signed between the Republic of Mozambique and the Resistência Nacional Moçambicana., which included protecting transportation routes, ensuring the ceasefire and monitoring the electoral process.^[7]

Foreign Aid

Aid Effectiveness Agenda

The Aid Effectiveness Agenda is a program made by the Government of Canada to make its International aid more “efficient, focused, and accountable.”^[8] This was achieved through focusing on specific countries. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) chose 20 countries that met 3 sets of criteria: Needs, Ability to benefit meaningfully from Canada's assistance, Alignment with Canada's foreign policy. The Agenda also included 3 priority themes: children and youth, food security and economic growth which are all employed in CIDA’s efforts towards Mozambique.^[8] In Mozambique’s case, Canada is “one of the lead bilateral donors”^[9].

Canadian International Development Agency's efforts

Mozambique was included as a focus country in 2009 as part of its Aid Effectiveness Agenda. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) supports the Government of Mozambique’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, which outlines “economic development, including agriculture, human capital (education and health)[and] governance (including efficient use of public resources).” CIDA’s efforts are categorized in the themes of children and youth, food security and economic growth. Mozambican children are supported through increase in education quality and access to health services, including response to the HIV/AIDS crisis. Food security is encouraged through plans to assist the Mozambican Ministry of Agriculture to increase production by uniting farmers, introducing new technologies and improving land and water management. Economic growth is promoted through the Mozambican national budget and agricultural programs. CIDA is also involved with “public sector reform, the strengthening of the national statistics system, and support to local civil society.”^[9]

External links

• U.S. Deparment of State Profile of Mozambique
• Foreign Affairs and Internation Trade Canada Website
• CIDA Mozambique Overview
• Government of Canada: Mozambique Relations

References