L9:An African Success Story? Trade and conflicting narratives in Mozambique Flashcards
What does Sen (1998) say about judging economic development?
(Sen 1998) asserts that in judging economic development, looking at GNP growth or other economic indicators related to expansion is insufficient. Also need to “look at impact of democracy and political freedoms on lives and capabilities of the citizens” pg 150
Outline Mozambique’s colonial history
Former Portuguese colony for over 500 years (Vasco de Gama landing in 1498).
- Portuguese strengthened claims in 19th century during Scramble for Arica.
- Salazar dictatorship in Portugal (1920s – 74) limited social development of colonies + had oppressive labour laws.
- Independence struggles began in 1960
Outline Mozambique’s Independence Struggle
- Resistance began following protests over taxation.
- Frelimo founded 1962 (led by Eduardo Mondlane) operated a guerrilla war from Tanzania and liberated territory in the north.
- progress was slow, war was at stalemate in 70s but Salazar regime was overthrown in Portugal in 1975 which led to independence of Mozambique + Angola
Outline independence post 1974 and the civil war
Frelimo was socialist gov. Frelimo supported African National Congress (ANC) and Zimbabwean African People’s Union.
- Renamo established with Rhodesian and later South African support to destabilise Frelimo.
- Renamo made no attempt to govern Mozambique and terrorised communites.
- Peace established in 1992 at end of apartheid.
Outline the Peace Dividend.
• The peace dividend: Frelimo has defeated Renamo in elections ’94, 99, 04, 09
- Chissano, 1st president succeed by current leader Guebuza (business man)
- goal of socialism abandoned. Aid has flowed in.
- econ performance has been good, but from a low level, Mozambique still one of poorest countries in the world.
Outline how Mozambique is seen as model of development in Africa:
- Economic liberalisation framed ‘market friendly’ policies ‘ adopt by Frelimo gov as being a success.
- e.g. IMF (2011, 5) ‘2005-09 Annual growth averaged 7.6% of GDP and income per capita rose on average by 5% a year’
- Thus Mozambique presented as model for donor intervention
What effects has economic liberalisation had on Mozambique?
liberalisation has encouraged the import of goods, which has made consumption more affordable. But cost of supporting Mozambican population is subsidised by donor funding and people face daily struggles to make a living
What is the Hanlon and Smart (2008) book “Do bicycles equal development in Mozambique?”
only a minority of Mozambicans have witnessed benefits of economic growth. The development success of donor community and government stands in contrast to the persistent poverty among majority.
How do the elite accumulate capital in Mozambique?
The local capitalist class is not dependent on extracting surpluses from a mass labour fore with waged jobs in a modern economy. The elite’s capital accumulation focus on extractive industries, telecommunications, tourism and retail which employ few people. Appropriation of donor funding, corruption and drugs trade is prevalent
200,000 second hand cars were imported into Africa from Japan in 2009. Discuss this flow of trade in Mozambique
New car purchased in Japan -> 2nd hand sale to Japanese wholesaler -> car purchased by Pakistani trader and shipped to Durban - > Mozambican trader buys car for re-export to Maputo -> Customs inspection, payment of fees and bribes in Maputo -> Car Sold in Maputo
- (Customs officer Orlando Jose shot for exposing corruption)
- Is this development and liberalisation success in Mozambique?
How is corruption being tackled in Mozambique?
Corruption tackled with ‘Customs Reform Programme 1997-2006’ but this has glossed over the problem of corruption still existing.
Discuss the Mozambican used car trade in context
Economic growth is occurring alongside corruption in Mozambique. The Crown Agents ‘Customs Reform Progrmme 1997-2006’ has underestimated corruption. The donor programme is part of neoliberal policies that frame their poverty reduction goals as being successful. (The donor community id desperate for success stories.
Has there been a development success in Mozambique?
Hanlon argues that donors have tolerated corruption and violent acts as the continue to see ‘good economic performance’, though most of the country remains poor + some of the development was/is post-war recovery. Development success = doublespeak, and hides the need for critique.
