Pemba, 10 April – As Mozambique continues to navigate one of Southern Africa’s most complex displacement situations, government, humanitarian and development actors are investing in one of the most powerful tools for change: reliable, timely data.

This week in Pemba, Cabo Delgado, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD), together with partners including Resident Coordinator Office, UNHCR, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN-Habitat, WFP, WHO and FAO, hosted a two-day workshop focused on improving local governments' ability to manage data and respond to internal displacement.

With over 50 participants from government institutions from Maputo, Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Niassa, and the UN,  the workshop played a key role in raising awareness of Mozambique’s Policy and Action Plan for Managing Internally Displaced Persons (PEGDI). It strengthened INGD’s leadership in coordinating data and insights, paving the way for sustainable, durable solutions to internal displacement at both national and subnational levels. Participants engaged in practical exercises and discussions to establish standards for tracking internal displacement and measuring the progress displaced families make toward self-reliance, whether through return, relocation, or local integration.

Mozambique faces multiple displacement risks, from armed conflict in the north to recurring climate shocks in central and southern regions. As of December 2024, over 700,000 people remained internally displaced across the country. Many families have been uprooted more than once, often returning home to rebuild in fragile conditions or seeking shelter in overcrowded host communities.

This reality demands coordinated, long-term strategies—and that begins with data.

“Data is an important factor to make an informed decision. For local officials to act effectively, they need access to reliable and disaggregated data that captures not only how many people are displaced, but what they need to recover for effective planning, response and reconstruction.” said Mr. Adelto Chambela, Director of the Social Safeguards Division of INGD. “Strengthening the capacity of government officials and sharing relevant tools and knowledge on data with the local government at provincial and district levels are essential to delivering lasting solutions.”

By collaborating closely with national institutions, IOM plays a crucial role in strengthening local data systems and ensuring seamless information flow across various agencies and levels of government. This strategic approach fosters a more coherent and effective response, prioritizing the needs and rights of communities affected by displacement.

Moreover, IOM's initiatives align with key international frameworks, including the UN Secretary-General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement and the Data for Solutions to Internal Displacement (DSID) initiative, as well as the Global Compact for Migration. Each of these frameworks underscores the critical role of data in crafting area-based and effective policies for displaced populations, reinforcing IOM’s commitment to this essential work.

“Investing in data systems is about investing in people,” said Mr. Andrew Mbala, Head of IOM Sub-office in Pemba.  “By investing in data systems and local capacity, we are empowering Mozambique to create long-term, people-centric and inclusive solutions for displaced populations.”

Mozambique’s efforts are bolstered by joint work across institutions, including the National Institute of Statistics (INE) and the North Integrated Development Agency (ADIN), creating a foundation for more integrated and responsive displacement management.

As displacement continues to affect hundreds of thousands across Mozambique, efforts to improve data use, strengthen coordination, and empower local leadership are helping to build the foundation for lasting solutions. Workshops like this represent a meaningful shift—from treating displacement as a short-term crisis to planning for long-term recovery. 

*** For more details, please contact:

Maputo: NYAWARA Victoria Nyawara vnyawara@iom.int - Amanda Nero, anero@iom.int