H.E. Enrico De Agostini, Ambassador of Italy to Zambia, and Honourable Mulambo Haimbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, during the signing of the Agreement.

Lusaka, 24^th September 2026– Today, at the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Zambia, the Framework Agreement on Development Cooperation between the Italian Republic and the Republic of Zambia was signed.

The Agreement was signed by H.E. Enrico De Agostini, Ambassador of Italy to Zambia, and the Honourable Mulambo Haimbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The ceremony was also attended by Mr. Paolo Enrico Sertoli, Head of Office of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in Maputo.

The signing of the Agreement marks a significant milestone in further strengthening the longstanding friendship between Italy and Zambia. It establishes a solid framework for promoting inclusive and sustainable development, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The launch of a renewed partnership with Africa took place in January 2024, with the presentation of the Piano Mattei for Africa during the Italy–Africa Summit held in Rome. The initiative aims to establish a new model of cooperation based on partnerships among equals, supported by an initial commitment of EUR 5.5 billion.

In line with this renewed approach, Italy has strengthened its engagement with Zambia through its Development Cooperation activities, a process that has gained momentum in recent years. In June 2024, Zambia was included among the priority countries for Italian Development Cooperation and placed under the coordination of the AICS Office in Maputo. The visit of the Director General for Development Cooperation, Stefano Gatti, in July 2024 and the opening of an Italian Cooperation Office within the premises of the Italian Embassy, made this decision operational.

In addition, Italy responded positively to the Government of Zambia’s emergency appeal, to mitigate the impact of the El Niño induced drought, with a particular focus on improving the living conditions of rural communities.

In conclusion, E. the Ambassador of Italy to Zambia H.E. Enrico De Agostini stated: “As highlighted by our Prime Minister, H.E. Giorgia Meloni, in February 2026 Zambia has become a priority country for the Mattei Plan, which is the Italian investment strategy in Africa, a partnership among equals, based on true dialogue and reciprocal interest. The signing of this Agreement reflects the shared commitment among our governments to work side by side towards a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future for the people of Zambia”

The Head of AICS Maputo office Mr. Paolo Enrico Sertoli said: “We aim to further strengthen our presence in Zambia, starting with the launch of a EUR 6 million initiative in the Northern and Copperbelt provinces, within the Lobito Corridor region, focused on ecosystem restoration and sustainable value chains.”

From left to right:Silvia Piccinini (Commercial and Political office- Embassy of Italy in Lusaka), H.E. Enrico De Agostini, Ambassador of Italy to Zambia, Paolo Enrico Sertoli, Head of the AICS Office in Maputo, Alessandro Botta, Head of the AICS Office in Lusaka.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Programme of Environmental Sanitation for stormwater drainage in neighbourhoods of the city of Maputo took place on 19 March, financed by the Italian Cooperation. The project is expected to last three years and represents an investment through an aid credit of EUR 60 million (for engineering design and construction works), complemented by a grant component of EUR 1.752 million (aimed at supporting programme management by the Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources).

The event was attended by high-level authorities, including the Minister of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources, Fernando Rafael, the Mayor of Maputo, Rasaque Manhique, the Ambassador of Italy to Mozambique, Gabriele Annis, and the Head of AICS Maputo Office, Paolo Enrico Sertoli, among other distinguished institutional representatives.

Although officially launched on this date, works have been underway since September 2025 and include the construction of 14 kilometres of stormwater drainage systems, as well as the paving of more than 8 kilometres of roads in the KaMaxaquene district. Currently, approximately 8% of the works have already been completed. The works are being carried out by the Italian company Renco, with supervision by the Italian consultancy FCRR s.r.l.

These interventions play a key role in mitigating the impacts caused by extreme weather events, in a context where Mozambique ranks among the countries most vulnerable to climate change.

The programme is part of the Italian Cooperation’s infrastructure sector efforts to promote the development of cities and communities that are more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, in coordination with two other complementary initiatives: the Drainage Programme, currently being implemented in the KaMaxaquene district, and the Regenera Programme, underway in the Chamanculo C neighbourhood.

Together, these interventions will contribute to improving environmental and urban conditions by reducing the risk of flooding and preventing waterborne diseases (such as cholera), generating a direct and positive impact on the quality of life of beneficiary populations.

During his remarks, the Ambassador of Italy to Mozambique highlighted that “the project integrates different technical solutions, including open channels, underground drainage systems and gabion structures, which will significantly improve stormwater flow and reduce flood risk.”

The Ambassador also underlined that “this project represents, in the city of Maputo, the commitment of the Italy System and Italian companies to put their technical expertise and engineering experience at the service of sustainable development, for the benefit of communities and the environment.”

This project reaffirms the commitment of the Italian Cooperation to supporting Mozambique in the implementation of integrated solutions across the infrastructure, urban development and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) sectors, contributing to improved living conditions for communities and to strengthening urban resilience in the face of climate change challenges

Dear Reader,

As my mandate as Head of the AICS Maputo Office draws to a close at the end of this month of March, after more than four years of intense work, the time has come to say goodbye. It is not easy to take stock of such a period, rich in challenges, experiences, and achievements.

I arrived in Mozambique in 2022, a landmark year for Italian Development Cooperation in the country. Indeed, in July 2022, the President of the Italian Republic, H.E. Sergio Mattarella, paid an official visit to Mozambique. On that occasion, the Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) between Italy and Mozambique for the period 2022–2026 was signed—representing the first major concrete result of my mandate.

My arrival also coincided with a time when the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were still being felt, something we must not forget. In that context, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of Italian Development Cooperation, particularly through support to the Biotechnology Centre of Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM), which was at the forefront of diagnostic activities. It was also a symbolic year, marked by the celebration of 45 years of cooperation between Italy and UEM, the largest and most prestigious university in Mozambique, with which we have long collaborated in capacity building and strengthening higher education.

During my mandate, I have felt deeply proud to witness the growth of AICS and Italian Development Cooperation within the complex regional context of Southern Africa. One figure above all illustrates this: at the beginning of my assignment, the AICS Maputo Office was responsible for three countries, of which only one (Mozambique) was a priority for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). I conclude my mandate with responsibility for five countries, three of which are priority countries (Mozambique, Zambia, and Malawi) for MAECI, and three (Mozambique, Zambia, and Angola) within the framework of the Mattei Plan for Africa.

Among the most significant moments of my mandate, particularly in terms of expanding responsibilities, were the inauguration of the Programme Office in Chimoio (Mozambique, Manica Province, in 2023)—a hub coordinating our activities in the province, especially in the agricultural sector, and playing a key role in the development of the Manica Agro-Food Centre (CAAM), a flagship initiative of the Mattei Plan for Africa—and the opening of the Programme Office in Lusaka, with responsibility for Malawi and Zambia, strengthening the presence and operational capacity of Italian Development Cooperation and AICS in Southern Africa.

Among the most emblematic achievements of my mandate, I would particularly like to recall: in September 2025, the reopening of the Natural History Museum of Maputo, a true jewel of the city and an important milestone for the protection and promotion of Mozambique’s cultural and scientific heritage; in 2024, the contribution to the organisation of the first Coffee Expo in Mozambique and the inauguration of key infrastructures, such as the start-up incubator at Eduardo Mondlane University (in 2023) and the health centre in Namaacha (in 2022); as well as, in 2023, 2024, and 2025, the organisation of delegations of agricultural producers from partner countries to the Macfrut fair, thereby strengthening knowledge exchange and opportunities in the agricultural sector.

One of the most important legacies of my tenure lies in the processes I have helped to structure and consolidate, based on an increasingly results-oriented vision and on projects designed with a regional dimension. This has been achieved by leveraging a strong team spirit across the entire “Sistema Italia”, engaging the private sector (including well-established collaborations with ENI Rovuma, Macfrut, and The European House Ambrosetti – TEHA), and enhancing communication as a strategic tool of Development Cooperation.

Over these years, I have travelled thousands of kilometres and spent countless hours in the air, which allowed me to gain a close understanding of the region, its communities, and our beneficiaries. Above all, this journey gave me the opportunity to witness the extraordinary resilience of the people and their determination to build a better future for their communities.

My special thanks go to the relevant Diplomatic Representations—the Embassies in Maputo, Lusaka, Harare, and Luanda—as well as to partner institutions, local authorities, Italian and Mozambican Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the Delegations of the European Union, the United Nations Agencies, and all those who have contributed to this shared path.

Finally, I would like to express my deepest and most sincere gratitude to all the staff of the AICS Maputo Office. These results would not have been possible without your commitment, dedication, expertise, and team spirit.

Thank you very much. Muito obrigado. Kanimambo. Thank you.

On 19 February 2026, within the framework of initiatives aimed at strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities to climate change in Mozambique, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), two events were held to support populations affected by the recent heavy rains and flooding that struck the country at the beginning of the year.

The first event took place in Marracuene (Maputo Province), an area that has already benefited from significant funding from the Italian Development Cooperation, particularly through the A-GEO Programme, which enabled the creation of the country’s first “model beach” in the locality of Macaneta. This is one of the areas most affected by the recent floods, which caused the interruption of the road connection between Marracuene and Macaneta, isolating several local communities.

On this occasion, the Ambassador of Italy to Mozambique, Gabriele Annis, accompanied by the Head of AICS Maputo Office, Paolo Enrico Sertoli, and the Mayor of Marracuene, Shafee Sidat, proceeded with the distribution of 70 food kits, containing essential goods such as flour, rice, and chicken, with the aim of supporting the most affected families.

During the ceremony, the Ambassador underlined that he was present “to bring the solidarity of the Italian people” and emphasized that “despite the distance, the Italian people and the Mozambican people are brothers.” For his part, the Mayor of Marracuene stated that “Italy has provided its support since the very first moment,” recognizing the continuous commitment of the Italian Development Cooperation in favour of the affected communities.

The second event took place in Macate District (Manica Province), where maize and bean seeds were distributed to 26 beneficiaries as part of a strategy aimed at strengthening food security and supporting the recovery of the livelihoods of affected communities. This distribution, carried out with the support of AICS, is part of a broader provincial intervention that, within the framework of the 2025/2026 agricultural campaign, will support approximately 300 beneficiaries overall.

During the ceremony, an awareness-raising session was also conducted for the beneficiaries, highlighting the importance of the proper use of the distributed seeds as essential productive inputs for the upcoming agricultural campaign.

Isaquias, community leader of Macate, expressed his gratitude for the support received and emphasized that “we are committed to using the seeds exclusively for production, following the guidance provided during the awareness session, in order to ensure good results in the current agricultural campaign.” He added that “we believe that, through commitment and joint effort, we will achieve a good harvest and contribute to the development of our community.”

The floods currently affecting Mozambique have already impacted more than 700,000 people since 7 January (data as of 1 February), leading to the rescue of nearly 20,000 people and causing significant damage to essential national infrastructure, including the closure of National Road No. 1 (N1) between the provinces of Maputo and Gaza.

In Marracuene, the overflow of the Incomati River has disrupted road circulation between the town of Marracuene and the tourist area of Macaneta, which is supported under the A-GEO programme, funded by Italian Cooperation.

Of the 18 lifeguards trained under the programme, 11 have taken part in search, rescue, and assistance operations for affected communities, particularly in the districts of Manhica, Boane, and Marracuene, among the areas most severely impacted by the floods. Equipment donated through the project, especially jet skis, has also been used to support these operations.

Elias Novela, one of the lifeguards trained under A-GEO, says he is “proud to be able to help my own community,” adding that “we have already rescued children in distress, persons with disabilities, and elderly people with no hope.” He also stressed that the training he received enabled him “to learn how to think quickly and act in time to save human lives.”

Giulia Natali (AICS – Health) during the distribution of hygiene kits to the Magoanine community, affected by the floods.

On Friday, 30 January, the Ambassador of Italy to Mozambique, Gabriele Annis, together with representatives from the health sector, visited the reception centre in the Magoanine neighbourhood, providing support to communities hosting people displaced by the floods. In one of the most affected areas, 135 hygiene kits were distributed, including water purifiers, with the aim of preventing infectious diseases such as cholera.

In Manica Province, a seed package consisting of 1,500 kg of maize and 600 kg of beans was delivered to support farming families affected by heavy rains and flooding. The donation falls under the programme to strengthen the resilience of the most vulnerable communities in the provinces of Zambézia, Manica, and Tete.

It is also important to highlight that, through the Ready2ACT programme, funded by Italian Cooperation, the CIMA Foundation is providing remote support to technicians from the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) and other competent institutions within the early warning system, such as INAM and DNGRH, supporting monitoring and analysis operations through forecasting and advisory tools developed under the project, including the new operations room inaugurated last year.

In parallel, under the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism activated for this emergency, the arrival in the country of a flood management expert from the CIMA Foundation is expected, as part of the European Union’s contribution to support risk management.

According to Paolo Enrico Sertoli, Head of the AICS Office in Maputo, “we know that Mozambique is one of the countries most affected by climate change. In recent years, through projects such as Ready2ACT, we have invested strongly in risk management and in strengthening early warning systems, relying on the know-how of the CIMA Foundation and the Italian Civil Protection Department. We also acknowledge the essential role played by lifeguards trained under the A-GEO programme in safeguarding human lives and supporting communities. Italy and Italian Cooperation will continue to do everything possible to support the Mozambican population.

Lifeguards trained under the A-GEO project during search and rescue operations.

The AICS Office in Maputo, in close coordination and synergy with the Embassies of Italy in Maputo, Lusaka, Harare and Luanda, with the respective Offices of ICE – the Italian Trade Agency, as well as with AICS Headquarters, participated on 20–21 November in the 12th edition of the CEO Dialogue on Southern Africa, organised by The European House – Ambrosetti in Johannesburg. AICS was recognised as a Golden Sponsor of the event.

Launched in 2014, the Forum has become the main platform in Southern Africa for business and institutional leaders interested in exchanging ideas, building partnerships and exploring opportunities for cooperation between Europe and the African continent, with a particular focus on the SADC region. Its core objective is to promote strategic business opportunities and strengthen commercial and political relations between the two continents.

In this edition, AICS Maputo supported the participation of eleven[1] companies from the Office’s five countries of competence — Mozambique, Angola, Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe — reaffirming the commitment of the Italian Cooperation to promoting partnerships between the private sector and sustainable development in Southern Africa.

On 21 November, the Head of the AICS Maputo Office, Paolo Enrico Sertoli, delivered a keynote address during the panel “Promoting Resilience: Energy-Smart and Circular Agrifood Value Chains”, where the discussion focused on the contribution of the renewable energy–food–circularity nexus to increasing SME competitiveness, improving food security and strengthening climate resilience.

His intervention also highlighted concrete examples of collaboration with the private sector, including the recent joint launch of Blue Economy initiatives with ENI in Cabo Delgado and the partnership with Illy to develop the coffee sector in Malawi and Mozambique.

One of the most significant moments of the event was the signing of the CEO Manifesto on the Future of African Business, where AICS was represented by the Head of the Maputo Office, Paolo Enrico Sertoli. The document brings together ten priorities identified by the private sector to promote sustainable growth in Africa, and AICS’ endorsement underscores its commitment to fostering constructive dialogue between public institutions and economic actors. The Manifesto will be delivered to the South African Presidency and to G20 leaders, meeting in the country the following day, so that these recommendations may contribute to global discussions on investment and development.

Reflecting on the participation, Paolo Enrico Sertoli underlined that “the presence of the Italian Development Cooperation and AICS at the CEO Forum on Southern Africa represents a moment of great significance: on one hand, it allows us to present the strategies of the Italian Cooperation in Southern Africa; on the other, it engages local companies — often small or very small — in an inspiring context full of development opportunities.”

He further added that “in the spirit of Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa and the EU’s Global Gateway, the Italian Cooperation considers the private sector a key actor in development dynamics, particularly in the agrifood and energy sectors, where the experience of companies provides concrete added value in our operational contexts.”

For Fumukazi, representing Phoka Coffee Growers from Malawi, “the real value of the Forum was the community. Connecting with peers facing similar challenges is invaluable. I will be leaving with a stronger network.”

On his side, Paulo de Lemos from Artcult Angola highlighted the strategic relevance of the event: “the Forum provided an exclusive platform to build and strengthen high-level relationships with key decision-makers from both the public and private sectors across the region.”

Throughout the Forum, the Head of AICS Maputo office, engaged with internationally prominent figures, including José Manuel Durão Barroso, Chair of the GAVI Alliance and former President of the European Commission, and Enrico Letta, former President of the Council of Ministers of Italy. These exchanges allowed for substantive discussions on themes such as education, training, and health.

This edition of the CEO Dialogue underscored the growing relevance of Europe–Africa cooperation, especially in a year when South Africa hosts the G20 Summit — a moment that brings renewed attention to regional priorities and opportunities, reinforcing the strategic relevance of a strengthened Europe–Africa partnership.

[1] From Mozambique, Café Vumba, Café Chimanimani, Cooperativa Frutas de Barué and Leonardo Green Deal took part in the event; from Angola, Mitagro LDA and ArtCult Lda were present; from Zimbabwe, Murimi 247 and the Cicada Group participated; from Zambia, Balmoral Farm Ltd and Real Naturation Africa joined; and from Malawi, the Phoka Coffee Growers Cooperative attended.

On 10 November 2025, the ECOBLU Project – Sustainable and Integrated Development of Marine and Coastal Resources in Cabo Delgado Province was launched in Pemba.

Funded by the Italian Cooperation with an amount of 3.5 million euros, the programme aims to promote the economic and social empowerment of coastal communities through the development of alternative and sustainable livelihoods linked to the blue economy, while simultaneously contributing to the preservation of marine and coastal ecosystems in Mozambique. The initiative will be implemented by the Italian NGO OIKOS.

The project launch took place on the first day of the “Sistema Italia” mission to Cabo Delgado Province, led by the Embassy of Italy in Mozambique, with the participation of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), the Italy–Mozambique Chamber of Commerce, AICS, and ENI.

During his remarks, Paolo Enrico Sertoli, Head of AICS Maputo Office, highlighted that “the Italian Cooperation has been working closely with Mozambican institutions to promote and strengthen the blue economy. In Marracuene, through the A-GEO programme, the Macaneta beach has been transformed into Mozambique’s pilot beach, an example of sustainable management of coastal resources. With the Mangrowth project, mangroves are being reforested in Maputo Bay.” These two initiatives, together with the newly launched ECOBLU project, represent a total investment of 9.5 million euros in programmes related to the sea and the blue economy in Mozambique.

For his part, Gabriele Annis, Ambassador of Italy to Mozambique, stressed that “the sea — of which Mozambique has one of the longest coastlines in Africa, stretching about 2,750 kilometres, and which has historically connected our cultures and peoples — continues today to unite us as a symbol of friendship, trust, and cooperation between our nations.”

The event also marked the launch of the Blu Ibo Niri Project – Enhancing Livelihoods through Environmental Conservation and Economic Development, funded by ENI Rovuma Basin on behalf of the Area 4 Partners.

The initiative reinforces the synergies between the Italian Cooperation and the private sector, as highlighted in the Letter of Intent signed in June 2025 between AICS and ENI.

In her remarks, Marica Calabrese, General Manager of ENI in Mozambique, stated: “It is a great honour to be here today in Pemba to mark the beginning of such important projects for Cabo Delgado Province and for all Mozambicans. Today we are not only celebrating the launch of these projects but also the continuation of this valuable and meaningful collaboration between ENI, Italy, Mozambique, and all the people present here.”

The event also featured the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between AICS, represented by Paolo Enrico Sertoli, Head of AICS Maputo Office, and the Government of Cabo Delgado Province, represented by Iolanda Almeida, Provincial Director of Tourism and Culture.

The ceremony concluded with the first meeting of the Programme’s Steering Committee, consolidating institutional coordination and a shared vision for the sustainable development of Cabo Delgado’s coastal communities.

The AIM Zambia initiative was launched on  9 October in Lusaka, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The programme aims to strengthen resilience and improve the living conditions of rural communities across Zambia. It forms part of a broader €3.5 million regional programme designed to enhance climate resilience and mitigate the impacts of El Niño in Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi.

The launch event was attended by H.E. Enrico De Agostini, Ambassador of Italy to Zambia; Mr. Makoye Chisuta, Representative of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU); Ms. Luciana Andreini, Manager of the AICS Office in Lusaka; as well as representatives from implementing partners, donors, and the Government of Zambia.

Specifically, the project seeks to enhance the resilience and living conditions of rural communities in the Western, Southern, Central, and Lusaka Provinces, reaching approximately 61,850 people, including children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and persons with disabilities. It will be implemented by CELIM, in partnership with Africa Call Organisation, CBM, People in Need, ADRA, and Keepers Zambia Foundation.

Luciana Andreini, Manager of the AICS Lusaka Office, together with H.E. Enrico De Agostini, the Italian Ambassador to Zambia.

During her remarks, Luciana Andreini underlined that “Zambia has experienced the devastating effects of El Niño, one of the most severe droughts in recent history. Entire harvests have been lost, livestock has perished, and millions of households are facing food insecurity.” Indeed, President Hakainde Hichilema declared the El Niño crisis a national disaster, underscoring the magnitude of its impact.

The programme will not only respond to the immediate effects of the crisis but also aims to build the resilience of vulnerable communities so they can better withstand future climate shocks, as highlighted by the AICS Manager in Lusaka.

The Ambassador of Italy to Zambia further added, “Climate change is real and the occurrence of weather-related catastrophic events cannot be ruled out in Zambia. But humans adapt. This project aims at providing the populations concerned with the correct instruments to face them: climate-smart agriculture is a necessity in modern Zambia and Italy is here to help.”

Zambia has been recognized as a priority country for the Italian Cooperation since 2024. Last month, the new Italian Cooperation / AICS Office in Lusaka was inaugurated, reaffirming Italy’s long-term commitment to the country. The AIM Zambia Project represents a strong signal of Italy’s renewed engagement and commitment to supporting Zambia’s sustainable and inclusive development.

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Group photo

Luciana Andreini Manager AICS Lusaka Office with Mattia Binacchi, Africa Call Organization