Mozambique and Japan consolidated their strategic partnership this Friday (6) with the signing of new cooperation agreements aimed at financing key projects in the country, namely the construction of drainage infrastructure in the city of Nacala and the building of a Neonatal Unit at Maputo Central Hospital (HCM), initiatives considered crucial for urban development and the strengthening of the national health system.
According to the Mozambique Information Agency (AIM), the ceremony took place in Maputo and was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Maria Lucas, who announced an upward revision of the funding allocated to the two interventions.
“The Project for the Construction of Sabo Facilities and Drainage Infrastructure in the City of Nacala, initially budgeted at $20.8 million, has been revised upward to $21.8 million,” the minister said, noting that funding for the construction of the Neonatal Unit at Maputo Central Hospital was also increased from $19.4 million to $21 million.
According to Maria Lucas, the signed agreements reflect the strength of bilateral relations between Mozambique and Japan, which have evolved into a true strategic partnership based on mutual trust, predictability, and a shared vision of sustainable, inclusive, and results-oriented development.
The minister emphasized that the projects now formalized are aligned with the priorities of the Mozambican government, reinforcing policies that place citizens at the center of government action, with the aim of promoting a healthy life with dignity. Maria Lucas also reiterated the Executive’s commitment to ensuring the rigorous and transparent implementation of the funded initiatives. On the same occasion, the minister expressed the gratitude of the Mozambican government and people to Japan for the humanitarian support provided to populations affected by the recent floods in the country.
For his part, the resident representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Otsuka Kazuki, explained that the Project for the Construction of Sabo Facilities and Drainage in Nacala will be financed through a grant of up to $21.4 million, aimed at mitigating the impacts of disasters associated with erosion and sediment transport.
According to Otsuka Kazuki, this is an essential investment to strengthen the urban resilience of a city that is strategic for the national and regional economy.
Regarding the Neonatal Unit project at Maputo Central Hospital, the official stated that the additional funding of $1.6 million will help overcome challenges related to the degradation of existing infrastructure, the shortage of medical equipment, and the need to improve care for pregnant women and newborns.
Meanwhile, Nacala Mayor Faruk Momade described the drainage project as “very good for the municipality,” emphasizing that the initiative will contribute to improving urban drainage and reducing the impacts of floods that cyclically affect the city.
He explained that the works are expected to begin between June and August 2026, after the completion of tenders for the hiring of consultants and contractors, adding that the intervention will have a significant impact by attracting investors to the low-lying area of Nacala.
The Director of Planning and Cooperation at the Ministry of Health, José Manuel, clarified that the construction of the Neonatal Unit is in its early stages and will include nurseries, delivery and surgery rooms, intensive care, laboratories, and state-of-the-art medical equipment.
The official highlighted that the proximity of the new unit to the maternity service will allow immediate care for newborns, contributing to the reduction of neonatal mortality in the country. “It is expected that by 2027 this infrastructure will be ready to serve our population, strengthening the capacity to provide specialized care,” he stated.
Source: Diário Económico
