Volunteer Programs in Mozambique

Mozambique has ample cities and towns, with many lining its stunning coasts. While Maputo is the most developed city in the country, there are still plenty of opportunities to volunteer in Mozambique outside of this bustling central hub. Regardless of whether you are volunteering in Mozambique in a big city, small town, or rural village, you will have a number of placement options to choose from.

Maputo is located in the south, just west of Maputo Bay. Although city planning efforts were made in the past to improve the city’s infrastructure, due to a lack of funding the plans have yet to be completed. Despite these infrastructural struggles, Maputo is still the most developed city in Mozambique. The city is mainly influenced by the Portuguese and Bantu culture, but has also been influenced by multiple Arab nations, India, and China. Maputo happens to be one of the more expensive cities in Mozambique, because of greater access to imported goods for the most part, so living in Maputo can still be budget-friendly. An integral part of the country as its capital city, Maputo is home to the largest amount of volunteer opportunities in Mozambique, yet it still provides volunteers with exposure to the relaxed and vibrant culture. 

Inhambane. One of the earliest settlements in Mozambique, Inhambane rests on the southeastern coast. Since Bazaruto National Park and Guinjata Bay are within arms reach, Inhambane is a noteworthy place to volunteer in Mozambique among those who want to get outside and experience nature. Not to mention it has incredible scuba diving opportunities, and is home to the “whale shark central” of the entire world. Inhambane is a historic town, which can be seen through its colonial architecture, and it was also named the “land of the good people,” by Vasco De Gama. 

Rural Areas. Volunteer work in rural Mozambique usually revolves around projects that focus on combatting poverty and improving the lives of locals. Poverty is at its highest in Mozambique’s rural areas; most families lack access to sanitation, potable water, and education in these areas. Agricultural farming and fishing are the biggest sources of income for rural dwellers, but most earn less than $1 a day. On top of challenges related to a lack of health care and education, rural communities are also most susceptible to natural disasters, such as flooding and droughts, increasing the need for volunteer assistance astronomically.