Japan will continue to support Mozambique in finding solutions to the main challenges facing the country, particularly the security of populations in areas affected by conflict, poverty reduction and equitable growth. This commitment was reaffirmed by Akihiko Tanaka, president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in a message marking the 70th anniversary of the start of Japan’s official development assistance.
According to a news report, over the last 20 years JICA has developed a series of projects to support Mozambique’s recovery from the 16-year war, focussing on infrastructure rehabilitation, industrial promotion and human capital development.
Among the most recent are the funding for the development of the Maputo combined cycle gas power plant and the expansion of the Port of Nacala, with the aim of improving infrastructure in the region’s corridor. The agency has also contributed to improving water capacity in rural areas and strengthening the education and health sectors.
Tanaka emphasised that Mozambique is on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in areas such as eradicating poverty, fighting hunger, improving public health and quality education.
However, he noted that ‘some objectives are challenging, such as decent work and economic growth, justice, peace and strong institutions. The international community needs to work closely to overcome these crises.’
The JICA president also emphasised the revision, in June 2023, of Japan’s development cooperation charter, which now positions human security as a guiding principle.
‘Human security refers to a state in which people are free from fear and want and can live with dignity. In the midst of this worsening crisis, many people see their security threatened,’ he said, pointing to the situation of internally displaced people due to terrorism in Cabo Delgado and the populations affected by floods caused by climate change.
JICA’s representative in Maputo, Otsuka Kazuki, reinforced Japan’s commitment to
continuing to support Mozambique, concluding that ‘cooperation will continue to be centred on encouraging the country and its people to make efforts towards development.’
