This document is a summary report of a CSR study process that assesses the impact of the Global Compact Regional Learning Forum Sub-Saharan Africa in Mozambique. As such, it provides summary information whose detail is presented in separate and specific reports such as the Desk and Case Studies prepared along with this report.

Foreword by Armando Emílio Guebuza, President of the Republic of Mozambique

The present report evaluates the progress made in Mozambique towards achieving the MDGs in Mozambique over the period 2003-2008. This is the third progress report which allows to reflect on achievements and their impact, and to identify priorities and challenges to speed up the realization of the MDGs. As in previous editions, this report seeks to systematically document progress in the implementation of the Government’s Programme, with a particular focus on achievement of the MDGs and the Mozambican National Vision as consecrated in the Agenda 2015.

The report shows that Mozambique has continued to record significant progress over the last five years. Special reference is made to economic growth, exemplary in the region, inflation contained to one digit, improvements in access to education, reductions in infant mortality rates and improvements to the business environment amongst others. The incidence of adverse natural phenomena (the combined impact of floods, droughts, and cyclones) linked to international price rises in oil and foodstuffs, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, malaria and other diseases have often challenged our efforts and successes in achieving the MDGs.

However, Mozambique continues to be committed to achieving the MDGs. This challenge requires concerted and continuous effort by the Government and by all its development partners in the coming years. It is only through uniting our efforts that we can achieve the future that we have planned led by Mozambicans – a better future in which Mozambicans free themselves from all forms of poverty.

The theme of the Mozambique National Human Development Report 2007 edition is the HIV and AIDS pandemic. The report looks carefully at the general status of HIV and AIDS in Mozambique, its different facets and causes, its historical evolution, how it is regarded by society and its potential impact on the public and private sectors. The report finds that HIV and AIDS are exacerbating the problems of poverty, malnutrition, low educational levels and gender disparities, thus threatening the attainment of the MDGs as well as slowing growth and development.