The Japanese government announced on Friday (28) the disbursement of nine million euros for the reconstruction of the Natete Bridge, aimed at reinforcing the strategic Nacala Corridor in Nampula Province, in northern Mozambique. The support, channelled through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), was formalised in Maputo with the signing of an exchange of notes and the respective grant agreements between Mozambique, Japan, and the Japanese cooperation agency.
JICA's Deputy Resident Representative in Mozambique, Takahashi Sulimara, said the agreement is 'yet another demonstration of the solid friendship and cooperation between Japan and Mozambique, built over several decades and grounded in shared values of sustainable development, prosperity and well-being.'
'Following the discussions and outcomes of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), which reaffirmed the importance of developing the Nacala Corridor to strengthen connectivity and logistical efficiency in the region, JICA is pleased to celebrate today the signing of the grant agreement for the Natete Bridge reconstruction project in Nampula Province,' she stated.
According to the official, the reconstruction of the Natete Bridge represents the 'joint commitment' of both countries to strengthening regional connectivity, facilitating trade, and promoting resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
'The project encompasses the construction of a bridge, in addition to works to improve access roads and riverbank protection,' she explained, adding that the infrastructure will 'improve the mobility of people and goods, increase infrastructure resilience in the face of climate change, and strengthen the region's economic integration.'
The Japanese government's support also included the signing of a €1.3 million grant agreement for the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) project, a postgraduate programme targeting 40 Mozambican civil servants that has already trained around 20 government officials.
On the programme, Sulimara emphasised that JICA places 'high importance on human capital development, recognising it as a fundamental element for the development of a nation.' She explained that the initiative will allow 'up to 10 Mozambican civil servants to pursue postgraduate studies at Japanese universities every year.'
Japan's Ambassador to Mozambique, Hamada Keiji, framed both projects within the commitments made by Tokyo at TICAD. 'Japan announced that it would accelerate human resource development and exchange efforts with a focus on youth and women,' he said. The diplomat also highlighted Japan's strategic commitment to the Nacala Corridor.
'The Nacala Corridor is important not only for the development of northern Mozambique, but also to strengthen the link between Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and the Indian Ocean,' he said, expressing hope that the new Natete Bridge would help 'ensure safer and more stable movement of people and goods.'
In her remarks, Maria Manso, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and the Mozambican Community Abroad, noted that the bridge now financed by Japan follows the damage sustained by a previous structure built in 2014 — also with Japanese support — after it was severely affected by extreme weather events.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=535027
