Corporate Social Responsibility in Mozambique

Abstract

Mozambique is a young African country with a strong growing economy and increasing foreign direct investment. We can observe a rising number of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects and activities in the country. Nevertheless there is still no systematic approach or coordination through public authorities or the business sector itself. CSR is mainly motivated by immediate own company needs like training or health of workers. We also find philanthropy projects as well as projects supporting local communities on development priorities, mainly health, education and community development. CSR, as part of a business concept, is mainly limited to large companies and foreign investors with international experience and less to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Many national companies, especially SMEs still do not have the CSR capacity or the respective mind set. First of all it is the mega projects that have their professional CSR departments and budgets. In the mining sector a CSR component is now compulsory by law since 2014.