Mozambique is set to mobilise US$4.6 billion by 2036 as part of an extensive, decade-long programme to improve water supply and sanitation coverage across the nation. The initiative, named the National Water Security Compact (ProÁguas), was officially launched by President Daniel Chapo in Maputo.

The primary objective of the ProÁguas programme is to lift national water supply coverage from its current 62.6 percent to 75 percent by 2036, according to a media report.

While the country is rich in water resources, possessing some of Africa’s largest river systems, including the Zambezi, Rovuma, Limpopo, Save, and Lúrio, and major infrastructure like the Cahora Bassa dam, a significant proportion of the population still has restricted access to services.

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The current sanitation situation remains challenging, with national coverage standing at 38.2 percent, and dramatically lower at 24.6 percent in rural areas. The government has stated that the plan will focus on expanding service access, strengthening water resource management, and enhancing climate resilience in a country frequently affected by both floods and droughts.

Planned infrastructure improvements include the construction and rehabilitation of four large dams, around 1,000 smaller dams and reservoirs, over 300 water monitoring stations, and expanded water connections nationwide, the report said. 

The US$4.6 billion is expected to be mobilised through a combination of public funds, external financing, and private sector participation over the next decade.