Mozambique

USAID sponsored a two-year in-country project, via State University of New York (SUNY), conducted in conjunction with Boston University School of Law. 

This project, twice renewed, provided technical assistance and training to the National Assembly of Mozambique for parliamentary modernization. The project developed professional bill drafting, budget analysis, and public information and constituent relation services within the Assembly. Its accomplishments included developing professional, nonpartisan research services in the National Assembly; conducting expert studies, holding public hearings, and developing and distributing information about the Assembly's work. The project developed a technical Cabinet and officially incorporated it into structure of National Assembly (bill drafting, research, and analysis). The project also conducted public hearings on legislation and nationwide public hearings and national debate on the proposed new constitution, national anthem, economic corridor development and other issues. The project’s Public Information Services included production of a monthly bulletin, a daily session agenda and minutes, and additional materials on the Assembly's activities, and it included interaction with the media.
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This aspect of the project comprised a learning program for a total of 66 legislators, ministers, government officials, and staff.

During this time period, Mozambique had a newly elected government dealing with the aftermath of civil war. The learning program included MPs from both sides of the struggle. MPs learned to debate bills on basis of facts and logic, and for first time, MPs began to introduce bills.

The former deputy dean of Mondelane University Law School, who attended the Residence Program, continued to teach workshops for legislators.

Bills drafted:
Anti-Corruption
Disability Services
Environment and Public Health in Development
Informal Economic Sector Regulations
Land Reform
Legislative Procedures