Note to our readers: Background Notes are no longer being updated or produced. They are being replaced with Fact Sheets focusing on U.S. relations with countries and providing links to additional resources. For archived versions of Background Notes, see http://www.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/.
More information about Mozabique is available on the Mozambique Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-MOZAMBIQUE RELATIONS
Mozambique's independence from Portugal in 1975 was followed by years of civil conflict that ended in 1992. U.S. aid to Mozambique in the post-conflict period supported the peace and reconciliation process. The country has had one ruling political party since 1975. The United States and Mozambique share a commitment to economic development, improved living standards, and good governance for all Mozambicans.
U.S. Assistance to Mozambique
At the end of the civil war in 1992, Mozambique ranked among the least developed countries in the world and despite a strong macroeconomic performance, continues to be so today. The United States is the largest bilateral donor to the country and plays a leading role in donor efforts to assist Mozambique. The United States seeks to strengthen democracy and inclusive governance in Mozambique as well as a continued economic growth that expands opportunity for those most at risk. Poverty reduction and job creation remain high priorities, as do improved healthcare, education, and food security. Our role as the country’s largest bilateral donor continues, with such significant U.S. foreign assistance programs as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Feed the Future Initiative, and the President’s Malaria Initiative.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Bilateral trade between the United States and Mozambique rose 68% in 2011 reaching over $US 487 million according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. A substantial amount of foreign direct investment from Mozambique comes from the United States. The two principal U.S. investors in Mozambique are Anadarko Petroleum and Mozambique Leaf Tobacco Limitada, although interest by other U.S companies is on the rise. A Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between the two nations came into effect in March, 2005. The U.S. and Mozambique signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) in 2005, and the TIFA Council held its first meeting in October, 2006, with the most recent session in January 2012.
Mozambique's Membership in International Organizations
The twin pillars of Mozambique's foreign policy are maintenance of good relations with its neighbors and maintenance and expansion of ties to development partners. Mozambique and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Mozambique is Douglas Griffiths; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Mozambique maintains an embassy in the United States at 1525 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036; tel: 202-293-7146; fax: 202-835-0245.
More information about Mozambique is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Mozambique Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Mozambique Page
U.S. Embassy: Mozambique
USAID Mozambique Page
History of U.S. Relations With Mozambique
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Country Commercial Guide
Millennium Challenge Corporation
Travel and Business Information
