In the face of shrinking civic space and declining funding for accountability and service delivery, this report draws on our work under the UK aid-funded POTENCIAR programme in Mozambique to highlight the value of politically informed, adaptive approaches that prioritise collaboration. Using the metaphor of Snakes and Ladders, the analysis illustrates how collaboration—taking many forms from information sharing to informal coordination to structured alliances—can help navigate complex power dynamics and extend limited resources. Drawing on six case studies and introducing a “Ladder of Collaboration” framework, the findings underscore the importance of evidence-based strategies that think and work politically (TWP), rely on continuous issue-based engagement, and adapt to shifting contexts in order to achieve sustainable impact. In restrictive, resource-constrained environments, these flexible, trust-based approaches offer a practical and effective route to strengthening governance and accountability.

Read the Full Report at: IDS Research Report 91: Succeeding in the Snakes and Ladders Game of Development in Mozambique: The Role of Collaborative Approaches

For more information on FHI 360 UK’s political economy analysis and working and thinking politically please contact Karin Alexander KAlexander@fhi360uk.com