Inhambane – Strengthening economic and cooperation ties between Italy and Mozambique, unlocking the potential of Inhambane Province and promoting new investment opportunities. These were the objectives of the mission carried out by the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gabriele Annis, to the province from 20 to 22 October.
During the visit, the Ambassador met with key local authorities, including State Secretary Arsénia Felicidade Félix Massingue, Mayor of Inhambane City Benedito Eduardo Guimino, and Provincial Governor Francisco Pagula.
Discussions with the Governor focused on prospects for cooperation in tourism and agriculture, two strategic sectors for the province’s economic development and for creating new opportunities for local businesses and communities.
Tourism is one of the province’s main economic strengths. Inhambane has been designated Mozambique’s national tourism capital by President Daniel Francisco Chapo. Starting on 5 November, the province will also host the Second National Tourism Investment Forum, an event aimed at showcasing the sector’s potential and attracting new investment.
Air connectivity, transport and hospitality are among the areas offering opportunities to strengthen cooperation with Italy, enhance the province’s attractions and support its economic development.
“Mozambique, and Inhambane Province in particular, has enormous tourism potential that Italy, drawing on its experience and long-standing tradition in the sector, is ready to help unlock. Our commitment, however, does not stop there: we want to maintain our presence in the province through agricultural projects and investment as well, promoting inclusive, multisectoral development that leaves no one behind,” Ambassador Annis stated.
The mission continued with a visit to the Inhambane Exhibition Centre (CEXPO), a facility that can play an important role in promoting local economic and business activities by creating opportunities for institutions, companies and international partners to connect.
Agricultural cooperation was also a key focus, with a visit to the site of the Semeando Valor project, supported by Italian Cooperation. Now in its final phase, the initiative has helped increase productivity and improve the sustainability of family farming systems, while facilitating access to value chains and enhancing local agricultural production, with a particular focus on cashew nuts.
The mission concluded with a visit to the headquarters of the non-governmental organisation Medicus Mundi, where the Ambassador met with the medical team working to improve access to essential healthcare services for the local population, much of which lives in rural areas.
Two major projects funded by Italian Cooperation and implemented by Medicus Mundi are contributing to these efforts. The first aims to decentralise the delivery of primary healthcare through mobile health teams, enabling healthcare professionals to reach even the most remote rural communities. The second project, which also involves the Municipality of Brescia, seeks to improve selected urban services, including access to safe drinking water through the construction of new water treatment systems, as well as solid waste management through the development of controlled landfills.
The visit reaffirms Italy’s commitment to strengthening its ties with the authorities and economic and social stakeholders of Inhambane Province, fostering synergies between investment, cooperation and the enhancement of local resources, with the aim of contributing to sustainable and inclusive development.
