The Italian government will make a total of 8.5 million euros (581.5 million meticals) available in the coming days to promote investment, agricultural trade, food security and mitigate the impact of climate change in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
The funds will be managed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the projects aim to help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), towards the 2030 agenda.
The information published on Tuesday (26) by Further Africa was released during a courtesy meeting between the FAO’s sub-regional coordinator for Southern Africa, Patrice Talla, and the Italian ambassador to Zimbabwe, Umberto Malnati.
“At the meeting, the parties discussed the FAO’s willingness to implement the initiatives in the countries highlighted, as well as to develop future programmes that will be supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation,” said the portal.
In his speech, the Italian diplomat expressed great interest in exploring opportunities to deepen private sector facilitation for agricultural development and investment.
He also considered that agriculture is the cornerstone for achieving the SDGs outlined in the UN’s 2030 agenda, synthesising the vital intersection between environmental management, economic growth and social equity necessary for sustainable global progress.
For his part, Patrice Talla said that his organisation believes that the programmes will contribute to the development of both countries, as they will help to eliminate hunger and promote sustainable techniques in the face of climate change.
“The FAO is working closely with the relevant ministries and stakeholders in both countries to ensure the implementation of these initiatives, where we hope to achieve positive results,” he emphasised.
