Harare, 14 May 2025 – Today, the official launch of two cross-border projects between Mozambique and Zimbabwe took place in Harare. The projects are funded by the Italian Government through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The event was attended, among others, by His Excellency the Ambassador of Italy to Zimbabwe, Umberto Malnati; the Head of the AICS Office in Maputo, Paolo Enrico Sertoli; the FAO Regional Coordinator for Southern Africa, Patrice Talla Takouman; as well as representatives of the governments of Mozambique and Zimbabwe. These included, on the Zimbabwean side, Secretaries of State from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; and on the Mozambican side, representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries, and the Ambassador of Mozambique to Zimbabwe, Carvalho Muária.
Signed in July 2024 and officially launched today in Harare, the two cross-border projects have a combined budget of €8.5 million and are being implemented in shared border areas between Mozambique and Zimbabwe. These initiatives aim to improve ecosystem health, strengthen agricultural value chains, and increase the participation of local communities in national, regional, and international markets.
The first project focuses on the sustainable management of the Miombo woodlands, one of the largest dry forest ecosystems in the world, stretching across 2.7 million square kilometres in Southern Africa and covering Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. These forests are vital to millions of people in rural areas, providing essential resources such as firewood, food, and water. The initiative aims to directly benefit 5,000 families in selected areas, promoting gender equality and youth participation. It aligns with the regional commitment made in August 2022, when eleven SADC Member States, including Mozambique and Zimbabwe, signed the Maputo Declaration on the Miombo Forest, setting priorities for the sustainable management and governance of this ecosystem’s natural resources. Through this initiative, Italy proudly positions itself as one of the first donors to have invested in the issue in response to the Maputo Declaration.
The second project, titled “Agricultural Value Chain and Trade Development Between Mozambique and Zimbabwe (ATDP Zim-Moza),” aims to enhance agricultural value chains and trade between the two countries. By improving market access, developing production practices, and promoting cross-border collaboration, the project intends to strengthen the economic prospects of smallholder farmers and agri-businesses. Targeted value chains include citrus, pineapple, banana, coffee, macadamia nuts, maize, and various vegetables. A strong synergy is expected with the Manica Agro-Food Centre (CAAM) initiative, which is part of the Italian Government’s Mattei Plan for Africa.
The Ambassador of Italy to Zimbabwe, Umberto Malnati, stated that “these projects reflect a shared vision: to contribute to the resilience, sustainability, and regional integration of Southern Africa by promoting the inclusive and equitable use of natural and productive resources through strengthened partnerships between the two countries.” He further noted that the initiative aligns with the Mattei Plan for Africa, which promotes a renewed model of cooperation based on listening, mutual partnership, and the enhancement of local potential.
For his part, the Head of AICS Maputo Office, Paolo Enrico Sertoli, affirmed that “these projects are not just opportunities for technical collaboration but represent a concrete platform to strengthen ties between our countries, fostering economic growth and human development while respecting and protecting the rich biodiversity that unites our territories.”
Patrice Talla, FAO Regional Coordinator for Southern Africa, emphasized that “the Miombo woodlands are among the largest dry forest ecosystems in the world” and that, “when managed sustainably, they mitigate climate shocks, conserve biodiversity, prevent land degradation, and strengthen food and energy security.”
Later in the day, the first steering committee meeting of the two cross-border initiatives was held, with the participation of representatives from the governments of Zimbabwe and Mozambique, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. During the meeting, the Terms of Reference for the implementation of the projects were approved.
The initiatives launched today represent a concrete step by Italy to reinforce its commitment to sustainable environmental management, the promotion of inclusive and resilient agricultural value chains, and deeper regional integration between Mozambique and Zimbabwe.