News in Brief:
– Italy and Mozambique sign a $4.4 million deal for a new project aimed at strengthening Mozambique’s coffee and fruit and vegetable industries.
– The initiative is a collaborative effort between the UN’s Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and Mozambique’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
Italy has committed $4.4 million to support a new agricultural development project in Mozambique.
This initiative is titled Project for Improving the Inclusive and Sustainable Development of Agricultural Value Chains (MAIS VALOR II). It aims to revitalise the coffee and fruit and vegetable industries in Manica and northern Cabo Delgado.
The project follows the success of MAIS VALOR I, which focused on enhancing coffee production and processing on Ibo Island in Cabo Delgado.
UNIDO, Mozambique collaborate on agricultural development
The project is a collaborative effort between the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Mozambique’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce. A signed memorandum of understanding outlines joint monitoring and information exchange to ensure the project’s effective implementation.
MAIS VALOR II seeks to strengthen food security and economic opportunities in the target regions.
UNIDO Representative Jamie Muniz stressed the project’s potential to empower small and medium-sized businesses. The project focuses on businesses involved in fruit and vegetable production, coffee processing, and youth employment creation.
Also, Mozambique’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce Secretary Jorge Jairoce believes the initiative will contribute to stabilizing the economic and social situation in Cabo Delgado, a province facing ongoing security challenges.
Meantime, this investment aligns with Italy’s commitment to fostering âcooperation between equalsâ with African nations, as outlined by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Italy-Africa summit in January.
Meloni unveiled the Mattei Development Plan during the summit. The Italian prime minister also pledged an initial $5.95 billion towards development projects. These are focused on education, healthcare, water, energy, and agriculture across Africa. Italy also aspires to become a crucial energy hub facilitating the transportation of African natural gas to Europe.
