The European Union (EU) aims to deepen economic and trade relations with Mozambique by strengthening partnerships between European and Mozambican companies in the energy, agriculture, and critical minerals sectors. The intention was expressed this Thursday (28) in Maputo by the head of the European Parliament delegation, Hilde Vautmans.
The position was presented after an audience with Mozambique’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas. According to Hilde Vautmans, Europe considers Mozambique a strategic partner due to its economic potential and the investment and business cooperation opportunities available in the country.
“We want to further strengthen trade relations with Mozambique, increase trade flows and export volumes, and reinforce partnerships in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, and critical minerals,” the MEP said during her visit.
She also highlighted the importance of the Mozambique–EU Forum, scheduled for 9 and 10 June, describing it as a decisive platform to boost investment and create new opportunities for cooperation between European and Mozambican private sectors.
“One of the strategies of the forum is to bring European and Mozambican companies closer together, enabling the sharing of experiences and the identification of concrete investment opportunities. This is an important step towards deepening economic relations between Europe and Mozambique,” she said. Vautmans added that the event could play a key role in developing projects related to energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate change mitigation.
During the visit, the European delegation toured several EU-funded projects, including schools, hospitals, and youth entrepreneurship initiatives.
“We visited projects that provide training to young people, boys and girls, and help them create their own businesses. It was inspiring to witness firsthand the impact these programmes are having on communities’ lives,” she said.
The MEP also highlighted Mozambique’s potential in the energy and mining sectors, noting that these resources reinforce Europe’s interest in a long-term strategic partnership. Security and stability in Cabo Delgado were also central topics in the discussions between both parties.
The delegation also visited projects supporting populations affected by terrorism, including internally displaced persons’ reception centres, income-generating initiatives, and youth training programmes. “Europe and Africa are neighbours. And neighbours support each other in both good and difficult times. That is the message we bring from the European Parliament,” Vautmans concluded.
Source: Agência de Informação de Moçambique (AIM)
