Mozambique: Providing a new resource for inter-university dialogue

In order to facilitate discussion of important development issues in Mozambique, eight universities have joined in collaboration to produce a new journal about economic, policy, and development studies. A recent article explains the journal, called "Economia, Politica e Desenvolvimento," will produce three annual issues that address topics such as participation in the democratic processes and analysis of socio-professional mobility among civil servants in Maputo. With the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), students and researchers from institutions of higher education will be able to discuss, debate, and discover ways to improve society with other prominent members of the Mozambican community.

In creating this journal, the affiliated universities are providing a space for students to take an active role in their communities. The eight universities involved in this venture include: the Eduardo Mondlane University (from which the journal is hosted and managed), the Pedagogical University (UP), the Polytechnic University (ISPU), the Higher Institute of Science and Technology (ISCTEM), the Higher Institute of Public Administration (ISAP), the Higher Institute of International Relations (ISRI), the São Tomás University of Mozambique (USTM), and the Technical University (UDM). Although these select universities will contribute material for the journal’s articles, university libraries across the country will be able to access the journal, ensuring that the knowledge gained is knowledge shared throughout the Mozambique.

The United Nations Development Programme is also playing a vital role through its sponsorship of the project. During the initial round table discussion about the journal, the UNDP Resident Representative and UN Coordinator in Mozambique, Ndolamb Ngokwey, stressed that this project would fill in an educational gap that has a long history in the country. The initiative will “maximize and consolidate development and governance opportunities and challenges” that students did not have access to or knowledge of in the past. Not only will the journal provide quality academic resources for the university community, it will also give students and researchers the opportunity to become engaged and involved in the development of Mozambique.

Professor Eduardo J. Sitoe, Executive Director of the journal, believes “this publication will foster a country-wide debate on developmental matters, bringing together academia, the business community and society at large” and will allow universities to “contribute towards social problems and challenges." Institutions of higher education in Mozambique, as well as representatives from UNDP, realize their ability to provide an outlet for students to become actively engaged citizens. With this initiative, students, researchers, employers, and members of the community can work with one another to find solutions for their country’s problems. The creation of this journal is a positive step towards fostering civic participation throughout the higher education community.