The Deputy Minister of International Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Pascalle Grotenhuis, inaugurated a new coffee processing factory on Tuesday, December 2, in the sustainable development zone of Gorongosa, in Sofala province, central Mozambique. The ceremony was also attended by the Dutch Ambassador to Mozambique, Elsbeth Akkerman, and other members of the Dutch delegation.
In her speech, Pascalle Grotenhuis emphasized that the partnership between Mozambique and the Kingdom of the Netherlands continues to be a key pillar for the economic and social development of the region. “As we renew our partnership for the next 50 years, we intend to continue transforming and contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of our communities,” said the Deputy Minister.
The new agro-industrial unit was designed to generate approximately 200,000 direct and indirect jobs, aligning with the bilateral strategy that promotes sustainable agriculture and the private sector in Mozambique. The factory aims to strengthen the coffee value chain in Gorongosa and promote local development in an inclusive and sustainable manner.
The district administrator, Pedro Mussengue, highlighted that the collaboration with the Kingdom of the Netherlands was crucial for the realization of the project. “With this factory, we aim to lift around 115,000 women and 77,000 young people in Gorongosa out of unemployment and hardship,” assured Pedro Mussengue, announcing the creation of numerous new jobs in cultivation, harvesting, and processing.
He added that the progress achieved in the district results from ongoing environmental conservation, which has enabled local resources to become income sources for families. The coffee factory joins an existing honey processing facility, with macadamia and soybean units planned in the coming years, further strengthening agricultural diversification in the region.
Local producers also highlighted the immediate impact of the new facility. The initiative is expected to strengthen the coffee value chain, promote agroforestry practices that help reduce deforestation, and create conditions for improving family livelihoods. The project represents a decisive step toward a more prosperous and inclusive future in Gorongosa, aligning with the priorities for the next 50 years of cooperation between Mozambique and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, especially in agriculture and food security.
Source: Mozambican News Agency (AIM)
