Absa Bank Mozambique and the Instituto de Cereais de Moçambique (ICM) have formalised a partnership to facilitate access to financial solutions and support the import, export, and commercialisation of agricultural products in the country, according to a statement issued to Diário Económico.
Concluded through a memorandum of understanding, the agreement combines Absa's expertise in trade finance, foreign exchange operations, and international payments with ICM's capacity to coordinate the various players across the agricultural sector, opening new channels of dialogue with operators.
Agriculture holds a central place in Mozambique's national economy and in the activities of producers, traders, and agribusinesses. With agricultural value chains becoming increasingly structured, the partnership aims to connect operators with financial solutions suited to the different stages of production, commercialisation, and market access.
The development of the sector depends not only on productive capacity but also on conditions for storage, commercialisation, and market delivery. In this process, ICM coordinates agricultural marketing, supports the distribution of production, and promotes the storage and conservation of grains.
The institution also contributes to the formation of strategic reserves and to the development of commercialisation and agro-industry in rural areas. The partnership will strengthen dialogue with operators and improve understanding of the challenges spanning production and storage through to commercialisation and market access.
Absa has established expertise in trade finance and in providing working capital to importers, exporters, manufacturers, and commodity operators. These solutions address needs around liquidity, payments, and risk management associated with commercial transactions.
"Agriculture has significant potential to generate income, employment, and new business opportunities in Mozambique. Transforming that potential into sustainable commercial activity requires stronger connections between operators, markets, and financial solutions," said Patrícia Darsam, Director of Corporate and Investment Banking at Absa Bank Mozambique, adding that the partnership will combine ICM's sectoral knowledge with the bank's expertise in financing, payments, and trade.
The partnership takes on added significance given ICM's role in the commercialisation and importation of cereals — the institution has been designated as a state agent to conduct the importation of rice and wheat. "Strengthening agricultural commercialisation requires permanent coordination between producers, operators, markets, and institutions," said Luís José Jobe Fazenda, Director-General of ICM, adding that the partnership brings the sector closer to financial and trade solutions that can unlock the value of production and the opportunities available across agricultural value chains.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/09/11/negocios/agronegocios/absa-e-icm-reforcam-parceria-para-apoiar-cadeias-de-valor-agricolas/
