Africa’s Social Policy Trajectories: The Case of Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde and Guinea Bissau

Abstract

This report presents a comparative examination of the evolution of social policies in Angola, Cabo Verde,
Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique. The study aimed to analyse how social policies have been conceptualised and
framed from colonial times to the present and how these policies have influenced the pursuit of gender equality,
particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis focused on four sectors: education, health,
work/employment and social security. The study draws on a comprehensive review of legislation, reports and
academic literature, complemented by semi-structured interviews with key informants and policymakers involved
in the design, financing and implementation of social policies. Statistical data relevant to the selected sectors were
also examined. The analysis followed a timeline that reflects the common historical trajectories of the four
countries: (1) the late colonial period (1933–1974); (2) the post-independence period (1975–1986/9); (3) the
period of structural adjustments (1987–1999); and (4) the period after the Millennium Declaration (2000–
present). The findings show that, despite some differences, particularly in Cabo Verde, the social, economic and
political paradigms of the four countries have changed little over time. In three of them, the state has remained a
centralised, paternalistic decision-maker. Cabo Verde stands out for having benefited from differentiated
legislation prior to independence and no armed conflict pre- and post-independence. Whereas the other three
have had recurrent instability that negatively affects the implementation of any meaningful reform.

Keywords: Social policy, gender equality, Lusophone Africa, post-colonial trajectories, social protection, political
instability, COVID-19