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.