The governments of Italy and Mozambique have this week reinforced agricultural cooperation, entering a new phase marked by investments and structuring projects in the province of Manica, in the central region of the country.
According to a report by the Mozambique Information Agency, the parties aim not only to boost agricultural production but also to promote local entrepreneurship, enhance environmental sustainability, and expand the economic autonomy of women.
In this context, Italy’s ambassador to Mozambique, Gabriele Annis, recently visited the province to assess ongoing initiatives on the ground as part of a joint mission that also covers Sofala province.
“In Chimoio, the diplomat met with the mayor, João Ferreira, as well as representatives of the Confederation of Economic Associations (CTA). Discussions focused on the strategic role of the Manica Agro-Food Center (CAAM), considered a structuring project to strengthen the agricultural value chain and create new economic opportunities along the Beira Corridor,” the statement said.
The agenda also included visits to areas designated for the “Villes Vertes” project, a future expansion of CAAM supported by technical studies and preparatory activities already underway. The ambassador also visited Zembe, a company specializing in fruit and horticulture, whose operations, supported by Italian cooperation, reinforce the commitment to enhancing local production.
“One of the highlights of the mission was in the Manica district, with a visit to the Café Vumba project. Recognized as one of the most promising initiatives in the province, the project combines productive excellence with social impact, promoting good agricultural practices, environmental sustainability, and access to international markets,” the report added.
In the Gondola district, the ambassador met with the district administrator, Patrício Meque, and visited the “Ponto Verde” center, an integrated sustainable rural development facility. Created under the EU “Peace and Finance” program, the initiative provides conditions for irrigation, production, and agricultural processing, with a focus on social inclusion.
The mission also included a meeting with Manica province’s Secretary of State, Lourenço Mateus Lindonde, during which the strategic importance of the region within Mozambique-Italy cooperation—particularly in the agricultural sector—was reaffirmed.
“The activities concluded with visits to the multinational Westfalia Fruit, specialized in avocado and lychee production and export, and to the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) delegation in Chimoio, where future strategies with local partners were discussed,” the statement concluded.
Source: Diário Económico
