East & Southern Africa

Mozambique

GCERF has been investing in Mozambique since 2024, funding civil society organisations in the northern provinces to address the root causes of violent extremism and strengthen community resilience.

Cabo Delgado Nampula Niassa

Background & Context

Understanding Violent
Extremism in Mozambique

The violent extremism (VE) in Cabo Delgado started in October 2017 when an extremist non-state armed group attacked a police station and district administration buildings in Mocimboa da Praia. The violence has escalated in the years since, spreading to the other two northern provinces, namely Nampula and Niassa.

Security forces, with assistance from international actors, are continuing efforts to stabilise the region; however, the situation remains volatile. In Mozambique, the drivers behind violent extremism are complex, but three of the most widely identified are: socio-economic hardships, lack of sense of purpose and perceived marginalisation.

GCERF began investing in the country in 2024 and to date USD 4 million has been invested to address these drivers and strengthen community resilience against violent extremism.

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Key Drivers of Violent Extremism

Socio-Economic Hardships

Exclusion from the natural gas economy, high unemployment and food insecurity have left communities economically vulnerable — a key lever for extremist recruitment.

Lack of Sense of Purpose

Low education attainment, limited vocational pathways and a crisis of identity among young men create fertile ground for extremist messaging.

Perceived Marginalisation

Communities feel excluded from political and economic life. Eroded trust in the state and security services weakens social cohesion and resilience.

Results at a Glance

Key Results

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Total amount invested (USD)

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Grants

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Civil society organisations

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Individuals at risk of radicalisation by extremist groups trained in conflict sensitivity, critical thinking, conflict resolution and early detection of signs of radicalisation

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Individuals at-risk of radicalisation received livelihood, economic or material support, to address the economic driver of recruitment

Investment & grant figures updated January 2026 · Programme results updated June 2025

Our Approach

Investment Strategy
in Mozambique

Strengthening the Resilience of Communities in Northern Mozambique

Building the capacity of communities to resist radicalisation, recruitment and exploitation by violent extremist groups through inclusive dialogue and local networks.

Increased mainstreaming of PVE in local decision-making
Stronger inter-community and interfaith dialogue
Enhanced early detection within communities

Providing Economic Opportunities for Vulnerable Youth

Providing sustainable livelihood pathways for young men and women at greatest risk of recruitment, undermining the economic driver of violent extremism.