A participatory forest governance assessment was conducted in Mozambique in 2016, revealing a consensus among stakeholders that governance is weak, particularly around the implementation of laws and regulations.

Forest law enforcement is absent and forest crimes often go unpunished, permitting widespread illegality. Forest sector policies contradict those in other sectors, while measures to combat corruption do not exist. Stakeholder participation in planning and decision-making in the sector is low, particularly the inclusion of women. Participants identified priority interventions including policy reforms, institutional strengthening and incentives for stimulating sustainable forest management. The World Bank is committed to strengthening forest governance in Mozambique at all levels, and is actively engaged with the government in policy dialogue and financing opportunities through its Integrated Landscape and Forest Management portfolio.