POTENCIAR is a programme focused on addressing accountability and governance issues undermining the delivery of basic services in Mozambique. The programme takes an innovative research-led and knowledge-centred adaptive approach to achieving inclusive development outcomes via a series of collaborative Pro-Accountability Initiatives (PAIs) at District and Provincial levels with associated national-level evidence synthesis, communication and advocacy strategies.
Funded by UK aid through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and overseen by the British High Commission in Maputo, the programme aims to contribute to national efforts for increased government transparency, accountability and responsiveness to citizen demands, and to improved human development outcomes.
The programme’s initial phase of work has centred on PAIs in Nampula Province in Northern Mozambique that aim to promote the humanisation of maternal health services and reduce levels of disrespect and abuse, together with support for a national campaign to end obstetric violence. Work is currently under way to identify priorities for further PAIs in other sectors and/or Provinces.
POTENCIAR is implemented by a consortium consisting of Chemonics (consortium lead), IDS, Konung International, CESC and COWI, and IDS leads the Research, Evidence and Learning component. The programme is delivered by a team that is based in Maputo and Nampula and composed of staff seconded to the Programme Management Unit (PMU) by different consortium partners, backstopped by an international Extended Team of specialist consultants.