From 24 to 26 March, the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gabriele Annis, continued his institutional visit — which had begun in Sofala Province — in Manica Province, with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of agricultural development, local entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability.
During the mission, Ambassador Annis met with the Mayor of Chimoio, João Ferreira, and representatives of the Confederação das Associações Económicas (CTA) of Manica Province. The meetings provided an opportunity to further explore the strategic role of the Manica Agro-Food Centre (CAAM), a key project for strengthening the local agricultural value chain and creating new economic opportunities along the Beira Corridor.
The visit continued with a site inspection of the areas designated for the development of the “Green Cities” project and the CAAM construction site, where technical surveys and preparatory activities are currently underway. The Ambassador also visited Companhia de Zembe (horticulture), an initiative supported by Italian Cooperation, confirming Italy’s commitment to promoting productive development in the region.
On 25 March, Ambassador Annis travelled to the Manica district, where he met with local authorities and visited the Vumba Coffee project, one of the most dynamic and promising coffee production initiatives in the Province, combining high-quality production with strong social impact. Supported by Italian Cooperation, in collaboration with FAO and UNIDO, the project promotes improved agricultural techniques, environmental sustainability and access to international markets for local smallholder coffee producers. Particularly noteworthy is the role of women, who account for around 80% of producers, thereby strengthening women’s economic empowerment and the development of local communities.
Subsequently, in Gondola district, the Ambassador met with the District Administrator, Patrício Meque, and visited “Ponto Verde”, an initiative implemented under the DELPAZ programme, funded by the European Union and carried out by Italian Cooperation together with a consortium of civil society organisations. The centre represents an integrated model of sustainable rural development, providing infrastructure for irrigation, agricultural production and processing, with a particular focus on the inclusion of local communities.
The mission continued with a meeting with the Secretary of State of Manica Province, Lourenço Mateus Lindonde. The discussion reaffirmed the strong ties between Italy and Mozambique and highlighted the priority role of Manica Province in bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on the agricultural sector, exemplified by the project for the construction of the Agro-Food Centre.
During the visit, Ambassador Annis also visited the facilities of the multinational company Westfalia Fruit, active in the production and export of avocados and lychees, and the office of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in Chimoio, where he met with Italian implementing partners (CSOs and UN agencies) to share strategies and priorities, and provide operational guidance.
The mission to Manica reaffirms Italy’s commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable development in Mozambique, enhancing agricultural potential and promoting partnerships capable of generating economic growth and well-being for local communities.
For further information, please write to: ambasciata.maputo@esteri.it
