Capital humano no crescimento económico em Moçambique: 2003 – 2023

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the impact of human capital on economic growth in Mozambique during the period from 2003 to 2023, using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) methodology based on the Solow model adapted to include variables related to human capital, such as investment in education, the illiteracy rate, and the student-teacher ratio.The research revealed that education investment levels have a significant positive correlation with economic growth, showing that a 1% increase in educational investment results in a 0.13% increase in GDP, confirming the hypothesis that better-quality education improves labor force productivity.Furthermore, the analysis indicated that reducing the illiteracy rate and improving the student-teacher ratio are fundamental for promoting higher productivity and, consequently, economic growth.However, it was also found that a 1% increase in the illiteracy rate leads to a drop of about 1.068% in per capita GDP, reinforcing the idea that a higher illiteracy rate harms human capital and growth.Regarding physical capital, the research confirmed that the accumulation of physical capital per worker has a positive relationship with economic growth, suggesting that investments in infrastructure are also important for the country's development.Nevertheless, structural challenges in the education system, such as the high illiteracy rate and the lack of qualified teachers, remain barriers that must be overcome to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.Thus, it is recommended that the Mozambican government significantly invest in improving the quality of education, teacher training, and updating skills according to labor market demands. It is also important to strengthen adult literacy programs to ensure a more inclusive and accessible education for all.