President Daniel Chapo on Monday, 12 October, reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving school infrastructure, teacher training and teaching conditions, while cautioning that the pace of investment would depend on the country's financial capacity.

Speaking at celebrations marking Teachers' Day in Maputo, Chapo said: "On our part, we reaffirm our commitment to continuing to invest in education, in accordance with our country's possibilities," according to a statement cited by the Mozambique Information Agency (AIM).

Chapo acknowledged that growth in the school-age population represents progress in access to education, but argued it places greater demands on the state for teachers, classrooms, teaching materials and improved school operating conditions.

"The growth of the school population is a national achievement, but it requires greater investment in teachers, classrooms, teaching materials and adequate conditions for the teaching and learning process," he said.

The president also underscored the need to prepare schools for new demands. "We will continue to work to improve school infrastructure, strengthen teacher training and promote safe, inclusive learning environments that are prepared for the challenges of the 21st century," he added.

In his view, the expansion of the education system must be matched by economic growth and increased domestic production, in order to generate the resources needed to meet the needs of education, health and other social sectors.

Chapo linked this objective to the National Development Strategy 2025–44, which places human capital development among the priorities for the structural transformation of the economy. He argued that technical, scientific and professional training is essential to increasing productive capacity, stimulating research, and converting natural resources into wealth and economic opportunity.

On the question of teacher welfare, Chapo acknowledged the difficult conditions in which many educators work, both in rural areas and urban centres. He pointed to challenges related to career management and progression, professional development, and the processing of overtime payments.

To incentivise teaching quality, he directed the Ministry of Education and Culture to establish mechanisms to recognise teachers who distinguish themselves through merit, dedication, competence and responsibility. He also argued that career advancement must be accompanied by stronger professional integrity, attendance standards and commitment to educational quality.

The head of state also highlighted the role of teachers in promoting citizenship, tolerance and national unity, as well as in preparing students to participate in economic and social development.

This year's Teachers' Day celebrations coincide with the 45th anniversary of the National Organisation of Teachers (ONP), which was founded in 1981.

Despite the commitments reaffirmed by Chapo, the president did not announce specific investment figures, teacher hiring targets or timelines for delivering the improvements outlined.