Portugal's ambassador to Mozambique, Jorge Monteiro, said on Thursday in Maputo that the country has the conditions necessary to increase agri-food production, strengthen food sovereignty and become a supplier to regional and global markets.
The diplomat was speaking at the Mozambique-Portugal Agri-Food Forum, organised by the Association of Young Farmers of Portugal (AJAP), which brought together policymakers, business executives, farmers, academics and specialists from both countries.
Jorge Monteiro estimated that around 80% of Mozambique's population depends on agriculture for subsistence and income. The sector accounts for approximately 26% of gross domestic product (GDP), while the broader agri-food segment represents between 30% and 35% of the national economy.
Mozambique currently cultivates around seven million of the 36 million hectares of arable land available. For the ambassador, these figures illustrate both the weight of the agri-food sector and the scale of existing opportunities. 'The country has exceptional natural conditions to reinforce not only its food sovereignty, but also to assume a role of growing relevance in the regional and international agri-food landscape,' he said.
Among Mozambique's principal advantages, Jorge Monteiro highlighted its vast arable areas, water resources, climatic diversity, young population and strategic geographic location.
These conditions, he added, could enable Mozambique to 'strengthen the competitiveness of its agri-food sector and become a supplier to fast-growing regional and global markets.'
'The challenge lies in transforming that potential into wealth, employment and sustainable development,' he declared, arguing that cooperation with Portugal could help achieve that objective.
Jorge Monteiro suggested that Portugal's experience in modernising agriculture could be of use to Mozambique, particularly in the areas of technology, research, water management, quality standards and value chain development.
The ambassador cited the Alqueva project as an example of a region previously characterised by water scarcity that has been transformed into one of Europe's most dynamic agro-industrial hubs, attracting investment, creating employment and boosting exports.
'I believe this Portuguese experience can be useful to Mozambique. But it is important to stress that the cooperation we advocate is based on a partnership logic,' he said.
According to the diplomat, Portugal can share production and agricultural management techniques, while Mozambique offers opportunities to develop solutions tailored to its own reality. Portuguese investment is already present in areas including agricultural production, agro-industry, forestry, mechanisation, irrigation, logistics and rural development. In his view, these investments contribute to increasing local production, promoting knowledge transfer, creating employment and strengthening value chains.
Jorge Monteiro also identified opportunities in agro-industrial processing, storage, certification, technology services and professional training. In this context, he highlighted the establishment of a training hub in Mozambique, which he described as 'an undoubtedly winning bet.'
The diplomat warned that the pandemic, international conflicts, disruptions to logistics chains, the climate emergency and market volatility have once again placed food security at the centre of political and economic decision-making.
'No country can take stable and sustainable access to food for granted,' he said.
For the ambassador, discussing the future of the agri-food sector requires addressing not only production, but also resilience, economic development, supply chains, employment, environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
Jorge Monteiro also noted that Portugal and Mozambique are experiencing one of the strongest periods in their bilateral relations in the past 50 years, characterised by regular political dialogue and frequent meetings between representatives of the two governments.
'We must know how to seize this opportunity,' he argued, calling for closer engagement between policymakers, business leaders, researchers and other economic actors in both countries.
The Association of Young Farmers of Portugal (AJAP) is a private non-profit organisation with Non-Governmental Organisation for Development status and recognised as a body of public utility. It represents young Portuguese agricultural entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 40, both in Portugal and abroad.
With more than 40 years of activity, AJAP works with public and private entities, promotes the internationalisation of agricultural businesses and has participated in the European Council of Young Farmers since 1983. The organisation also advocates for the interests of young farmers and supports rural development.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/07/30/negocios/comercio/embaixador-de-portugal-mocambique-pode-afirmar-se-como-fornecedor-de-mercados-globais/
