This report presents findings from the Leaving No One Behind evaluation conducted in six provinces of Mozambique between December 2022 and January 2024. The study was led by a national team in close collaboration with UNDP Mozambique, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Planning and Development, with contributions from national and international experts.

Key Insights on Maputo Province:

•    Population & Demographics: 2.2 million people across 8 districts; 71% urban. Matola is the most populous district. The province has better demographic indicators than national averages, with higher life expectancy (62 years vs. 54 nationally) and lower infant mortality.
•    Economy & Employment: Maputo is Mozambique’s most industrialized province, hosting major industries such as the Mozal aluminum plant. Despite this, unemployment is high (31.6%), particularly among women (35.5%). Over 90% of the economy remains informal.
•    Living Conditions: Families face poverty, unemployment, and high food insecurity. Nearly 70% of households reported concerns about food shortages. Declining purchasing power has worsened economic vulnerability.
•    Education: Illiteracy rate stands at 8.6% (higher among women). School enrolment is strong in primary education (96%) but drops significantly at secondary level. The pupil–teacher ratio is around 55:1.
•    Health & Services: The province has 112 health units, with around 18,000 inhabitants per facility. Access to water (64%), sanitation (32%), and electricity (82%) has improved but still shows gaps.
 

Overall, Maputo Province combines the advantages of being the country’s industrial hub with persistent social challenges, particularly unemployment, poverty, and inequality between men and women.