Introduction

Mozambique’s literacy rate currently stands at 61%, meaning that 39% of individuals over 15 years old lack basic reading and writing skills. Considering the country’s literacy rate was around 7% after independence in 1975, the growth of 54% in 50 years is notable. However, the low literacy rate can be attributed to various factors. This article aims to discuss the factors contributing to the low literacy rate, the educational reforms implemented, and the future challenges.

Literacy Rates and Policies

Mozambique’s literacy rate is approximately 61%, which translates to around 13.9 million people aged 15 and above being unable to read or write. Given the total population of 35.6 million, it’s estimated that around 21.7 million people have access to education or are literate. Primary education enrolment rates are relatively high, with around 94% of children in urban areas and 78% in rural areas attending school. However, the current Economic and Social Plan (PESOE) for 2025 includes a reduction in the education budget from 82.3 billion meticais to 72.9 billion meticais, representing a 9.4% decrease. This reduction may negatively impact the quality of education.

Factors Contributing to Low Literacy

The low literacy rate in Mozambique can be attributed to several factors, including limited access to education (many children and adults lack access to schools or literacy programs, particularly in rural areas), poverty (many families cannot afford school fees, uniforms, or materials), inadequate infrastructure (many schools lack basic infrastructure, such as classrooms, teaching materials, and technological resources), shortage of qualified teachers  (the lack of qualified and motivated teachers affects the quality of education), gender inequality (girls and women face educational barriers, including early marriage and domestic responsibilities), conflict and instability (conflicts and instability can disrupt education and limit access to literacy programs), and lack of resources (insufficient resources hinder the implementation of effective literacy programs).

Educational Reforms and Future Projections

Mozambique’s education sector has undergone several significant reforms. The 1984 reform influenced by the World Bank, this reform implemented the Economic Rehabilitation Program (PRE), which aimed to adjust the country’s economy and reform the education system. The 1992 reform implemented through Law 6/1992, this reform aimed to improve the education system. The 2003/2004 reform introduced a new basic curriculum, aiming to make education more relevant and improve quality. The 2018 reform launched through Law 18/2018, this reform focused on technological advancements in education and extending basic education to include the 7th grade in secondary education.

Conclusion

Education in Mozambique faces significant challenges, including a low literacy rate. Despite the reforms implemented, there is a need to expand educational strategies and provide more substantial funding to the education sector. By addressing the factors contributing to low literacy and building on the reforms, Mozambique can work towards improving the quality of education and increasing access to literacy programs for all.