Marcos Augusto: personal transformation and creating opportunities for the youth of his community

Marcos Augusto, with a trajectory like that of many young people in his village of Mudima, in the northwestern interior of Gondola, Manica province, finished 10th grade and spent many years waiting for a job opportunity in the public sector.

He only had one year left of ‘hope’ for his dream job in the state – as the age limit for admission is 35 – when, earlier this year, he applied for a carpentry training position under DELPAZ, a Mozambican government programme implemented by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), which pays special attention to creating opportunities for young people, women, ex-combatants and their families.

‘I applied and was selected in the two phases before the training and, together with other trainees, we were admitted to a training course that started on 15 May 2024, and I chose the area of carpentry,’ explained Marcos Augusto, who is doing a one-month internship.

He emphasised that training in carpentry was the push he needed to take the lead in his career. Since then, he has started to ‘write’ his own story,’ says Marcos Augusto, ’embracing with dedication the opportunity to train in carpentry, a trade with which he intends to create self-employment and help his remote community.

‘From where I live to the town of Gondola is 18 kilometres, and for those who need coffins for burials, or to have windows, doors and other items built, getting there is quite expensive. That is why I thought of becoming a local carpenter,’ he said.

Learning the trade, he said, was essential for him to think about building a successful career, one that will focus on helping many young people in his village get out of unemployment, taking refuge in crime and drug use.

‘There are young people who are not working, so if I bet on self-employment, with the kit they will give me in this training and some money, I will take young people and employ them in my carpentry workshop. That way, these young people won’t steal, and they won’t have dependencies. They will work in my company, which I want to grow,’ he said.

This training was quite advantageous for him. It would have taken him a lot longer to become a carpenter, a desire, however, that he had also long had to follow in the footsteps of his uncle, a carpenter.

‘I would like the project to provide me with manual and electronic equipment, because electrical equipment produces furniture faster than manual equipment, which would really help me achieve my goal of employing many young people in my area who are not working,’ he said.

Thanks to the development of skills and confidence, Marcos Augusto is grateful for the opportunity provided by DELPAZ and hopes that the programme will reach other young people in the provinces affected by the armed conflict.
A total of 100 young people have already benefited from vocational training in carpentry, blacksmithing, construction, mechanics and tailoring in the five districts where DELPAZ is implemented in Manica province.

Celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), in collaboration with the Forum of Mozambican Associations of Persons with Disabilities (FAMOD) and other partners, celebrated today in Maputo the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event was held under the theme “For the Implementation of the Disability Act in Mozambique”, highlighting the importance of turning legislative principles into concrete actions to benefit persons with disabilities.

This year, the celebration in Mozambique holds particular significance due to the recent approval of the Law for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the first specific legislation adopted by the Mozambican Parliament on April 3, 2024.

The event brought together key institutional figures and civil society representatives, including the President of FAMOD, Cantol Podja, the U.S. Ambassador to Mozambique, Peter Vrooman, and the Deputy Director of AICS Maputo, Maria Cristina Pescante. Representatives of Italian NGOs such as ACAP, AIFO, and CUAMM, alongside other civil society actors committed to promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities, were also present.

The celebration took place at the Parque dos Continuadores and began with a symbolic run, embodying the spirit of inclusion and the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities. Several stands were set up in the park to showcase projects funded by AICS, such as INCLU.DE and the Non-Communicable Diseases Programme, both aimed at strengthening inclusion and the rights of persons with disabilities, with a particular focus on the health sector.

The President of FAMOD, Cantol Podja, emphasized that “the approval of the first law on the rights of persons with disabilities represents a crucial opportunity for society to reflect and renew efforts to eliminate inequalities and human rights violations. However, we all understand that this is just a starting point: the approval of the law marks the end of one phase and the beginning of an even more challenging one, that of its effective implementation.”

The Deputy Director of AICS, Maria Cristina Pescante, reiterated the commitment of Italian cooperation, stating: “The promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities is a historical priority for Italian cooperation.” She added that AICS has actively collaborated with local institutions and Italian civil society organizations “in initiatives aimed at the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities, with a particular focus on health, employment, and human rights.”

The celebration reaffirms the commitment of AICS and its partners to continue efforts to ensure full respect and implementation of the rights of persons with disabilities. This commitment is particularly relevant in light of the significant milestone achieved by Mozambique in 2024, with the approval of its first law dedicated to the rights of persons with disabilities.

United for Equality: AICS Maputo’s Commitment to Ending Gender-Based Violence

In Mozambique, gender-based violence is one of the main social challenges affecting millions of women, taking various forms such as economic, physical, and sexual abuse. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), approximately 35% of Mozambican women have experienced physical or sexual violence by their partner. Despite progress made, gender inequalities remain significant, with women representing only 27% of parliamentary members and being underrepresented in decision-making positions.

In the international context, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action of 1995 set fundamental goals for gender equality. Thirty years after its adoption, Mozambique continues to pursue these goals, although gender-based violence and discrimination remain challenges to be addressed.

On the occasion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, AICS Maputo joins the UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls campaign, under the theme “Towards 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls.” With the goal of eliminating gender-based violence by 2030, the initiative aims to ensure that every woman and girl can live without fear.

Among the most significant initiatives of AICS, we highlight:

DELPAZ, a project that supports local economic development by improving livelihoods in rural areas as a key to peace and stability, with a particular focus on women and vulnerable groups. The project involves over 20,000 beneficiaries in the provinces of Manica and Tete, with 15,285 women in Manica and 5,504 in Tete. Among the expected results, DELPAZ aims to improve the living conditions of rural communities, with specific attention to gender equality.
‘Coding Girls’, which promotes female involvement in the tech sector, improving girls’ access to digital technologies and supporting the development of ICT skills. The project has trained 586 high school students (ages 16-18) and 80 university students, with the creation of 7 female-run businesses in the ICT sector, supported by the CI-UEM business incubator – Innovation Space
‘As Mulheres do SUSTENTA’, which involves over 8,000 women, including female farmers and small producers. The project promotes the creation of 2 sustainable production chains, strengthening the capacities of public institutions and developing measures to support female entrepreneurship, agro-food product quality, and environmental sustainability.

Today, dressed in orange, the symbol of hope and a future free from violence, our team reaffirms its commitment to continue working for a world where every woman and girl can live free from fear and discrimination. 🧡

Participation of AICS Maputo in the 11th Edition of the CEO Dialogue on Southern Africa organized by The European House Ambrosetti (TEHA): Promoting Agribusiness and Integration in the SADC

The AICS Maputo office, in close coordination with the AICS Directorate-General, the AICS Deputy Technical Directorate, and AICS Office VII, participated in the 11th Edition of the CEO Dialogue on Southern Africa organized by The European House Ambrosetti (TEHA), which took place on November 14-15, 2024, in Johannesburg. Launched in 2014, this forum serves as a key platform in Southern Africa for business and institutional leaders to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and explore collaboration opportunities in Europe-Africa relations, with a specific focus on the SADC region. Its objective is to foster strategic business opportunities and strengthen commercial and political ties between the two continents.

In this context, the AICS Maputo office, in collaboration with the Italian Embassies in Maputo and Lusaka, ICE (Italian Trade Agency), and other partners such as UNIDO and the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA), supported the participation of five companies[1] from Mozambique (particularly from the Manica Province) and two companies from Zambia[2] at the Forum. These companies operate in sectors such as dried pineapple production, goat farming, agricultural inputs supply, and fruit trading. Thanks to the Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings organized during the Forum, these companies had the opportunity to explore new collaborations with CEOs and executives from public and private entities across the region.

One of the central themes of the Forum was the potential of agro-industry in the region. In this regard, Paolo Enrico Sertoli, Head of the AICS Maputo office, participated in a panel on “Unlocking Agroindustry Potential: Sustainable and Inclusive Growth for Business and Communities.” During his intervention, he highlighted the crucial role of AICS in supporting agribusiness in the SADC region by financing sustainable agricultural value chains and promoting public-private partnerships.

As an example, he mentioned the project of the Manica Agro-Food Center (CAAM), one of the nine pilot initiatives included under the Mattei Plan for Africa, launched in January 2024 by the Italian Presidency of the Council of Ministers. The goal is to establish an agro-processing center in Manica Province (Mozambique) to support agricultural SMEs by enhancing production, processing, and market access. As Sertoli emphasized: “Thanks to its strategic location along the Beira Corridor, it will have a catalytic impact not only on Mozambique but also on neighboring countries, fostering regional trade and the development of the agri-food sector.”

The project is complemented by other initiatives also funded by the Italian Development Cooperation and AICS in the region (including PRODAI and ZIM-MOZA), aimed at promoting agro-trade and reducing barriers to facilitate regional commerce.

The Forum was attended by prominent figures, including Enrico Letta, former Prime Minister of the Italian Republic; Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Finance of Zimbabwe; Pietro Mininni, CEO of The European House – Ambrosetti Africa; Alberto Vecchi, Italian Ambassador to South Africa; Lorenzo Galanti, Director-General of ICE; Riccardo Zani, Executive Director of INALCA; Raffaele Cattaneo, Undersecretary for International and European Relations of the Lombardy Region; and Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University. The Ambassadors of Angola and Mozambique, along with former ministers from various countries, also participated.

The participation of the AICS Maputo office in the CEO Dialogue on Southern Africa marks a decisive step in promoting sustainable development and socio-economic inclusion in the SADC region. Starting in 2024, the Maputo office has expanded its scope, adding Angola and Zambia to the three countries already covered (Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe), thereby reaching a total of five SADC countries with a combined population of 148 million. The collaborations initiated demonstrate AICS’s strong commitment to strengthening the agro-industrial sector to tackle common challenges, such as the effects of El Niño and food crises, by focusing on public-private partnerships to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.

[1] The five companies from Mozambique that participated in the Forum were: Agromaco, Luteari – Insumos e Serviços Agrícolas, Novo Mundo Comércio e Serviços, Agropecuária Frutas de Révuè, and Cooperativa Frutas de Báruè.

[2] The two companies from Zambia that participated in the Forum were: Zamgoat Products e Northwest Crown Fruits.

Mozambique – Mozambican coffee featured in the pages of “Coffee Magazine” thanks to AICS support

The history of Mozambican coffee received significant visibility in issue 49 of Coffee Magazine[1]. The publication highlights the fact that the country is “home to unique and endemic coffee species along its coast.” A notable example is Coffea zanguebariae, grown in the Quirimbas archipelago, particularly on Ibo Island. In 1906, this coffee received a gold medal at the International Fair in Lisbon, thanks to its unique flavor and aroma, distinguishing it from the robusta and arabica varieties. The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), through the MAIS VALOR[2] project, supports the export and commercialization of Ibo coffee.

The article also explores the cultivation of another coffee variety, Coffea racemosa, which has traditionally been produced in Inhambane Province. Over time, Mozambique has expanded arabica coffee production to other provinces and regions of the country, such as Niassa, Gorongosa, Tete, and Chimanimani. Currently, over 13 companies are involved in coffee production, engaging around 4,000 farmers.

This progress in the coffee sector has attracted international attention, culminating in Mozambique’s membership in the International Coffee Organization (ICO)[3] in July 2023. A year later, in line with this international recognition, AICS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADER), the Mozambican Coffee Growers Association (Amocafé), UNIDO, and other partners, organized the first Mozambique Coffee Festival, held on June 14 and 15, 2024.

The festival, which brought together over 8,000 participants, showcased the diverse varieties of Mozambican coffee, with dynamic panels and presentations led by experts from countries such as Brazil, Italy, Ethiopia, and Portugal. The event was a celebration of Mozambican coffee, also highlighting the union of two famous Italian products: coffee and gelato, with tastings of five types of Mozambican coffee gelato. The festival received numerous accolades, with the magazine emphasizing: “participants praised the event’s structure, the quality of the presentations, and the overall experience.”

This event was a promising prelude to strengthening the country’s coffee sector, with the goal of Mozambique becoming a relevant player in the global coffee market. The Italian Development Cooperation and AICS, also through the Mattei Plan (which includes upcoming sectoral initiatives), are strongly committed to collaborating with the private sector, including major Italian producers such as Illy and Lavazza, as well as engaging with government authorities and international partners, to further promote the development of the coffee sector.

The reference in Coffee Magazine represents another important step towards the progressive recognition of the sector’s potential in Mozambique.

[1]The Coffee Magazine was launched in 2012, inspired by the growing coffee culture, especially in South Africa. The magazine is dedicated to celebrating the coffee sector, covering baristas, coffee shops, competitions, and innovations within the industry. Over the years, the magazine has gained popularity and is now published quarterly in both print and digital formats.

[2] With funding from the Italian Cooperation for Development and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) launched an initiative aimed at rediscovering local traditions and enhancing the agrobiodiversity of the Ibo region. In 2019, the project “Mais Valor” was introduced with the goal of reviving “Ibo coffee” to strengthen the resilience of the local population.

[3] The International Coffee Organization (ICO), founded in 1963 and based in London, promotes cooperation between coffee-producing and coffee-consuming countries, supporting the sustainable development of the industry. It currently has 49 members, including both producing and consuming countries.

Mozambique – World Food Day – The AICS Office in Maputo renews its commitment to nutrition and agricultural resilience in the Manica Province.

Mozambique, Chimoio, Manica, Agriculture © Andrea Borgarello

Mozambique is one of the countries most affected by climate change. According to the Global Climate Risk Index, published in 2021 by the German NGO Germanwatch[1], the country was classified as the most vulnerable in the world to these impacts. The report highlights the consequences already suffered by Mozambique, such as Cyclones Idai and Kenneth, as well as prolonged periods of drought.

Currently, the Manica Province, in the center of the country, is facing the effects of El Niño[2], which has caused severe drought, affecting around 1.8 million people. February 2024 was the driest month in the last 100 years[3].

Bartolomeu Tenesse, a beneficiary of the DELPAZ program[4], describes the situation: “The hunger this year is frightening. There are families feeding on corn bran, fruits, and wild tubers. Others go days without eating.” Aida Diekson, a farmer in the Macossa district and a beneficiary of the “Mulheres No Sustenta” project funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS)[5], reports, “This year, nothing grew. The tomatoes, onions, and lettuce dried up.”

The numbers confirm these alarming accounts, with 166,126 people facing acute food insecurity and around 49,384 in emergency situations in Manica Province. This results in 39.1% of children under five suffering from chronic malnutrition.

In light of this alarming scenario, AICS has joined forces with the Government of Mozambique to combat hunger and increase agricultural production in Manica Province[6]. These actions are even more relevant considering the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and the growing food insecurity in the country.

To reinforce these efforts, AICS, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), celebrated World Food Day in Chimoio, the capital of Manica Province, under the theme “The Right to Food for a Better Life and Future.” In this context, a series of activities were organized at the Nhamatsane Center School, reflecting the common commitment to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious and quality food.

In his speech, Giovanni Barbagli, Gender and Rural Development Officer and representative of the Agency in Chimoio, emphasized AICS’s commitment in Manica Province, highlighting the various ongoing interventions[7] aimed at improving food security and nutrition.

He also pointed out that agriculture is one of the five essential pillars of the Mattei Plan, approved this year by the Italian government. Barbagli further mentioned the Manica Agro-Food Center (CAAM[8]), a €38 million investment that will be built in Chimoio.

This center will play a crucial role in promoting fair and inclusive agricultural value chains, helping to strengthen the resilience of farmers and communities against extreme phenomena, such as El Niño.

Ensuring a secure market for local production is fundamental to stimulating agricultural growth and better utilizing the natural resources of the Province. CAAM aims to stabilize agricultural product prices by increasing the purchase price for producers, reducing the number of intermediaries, and creating a short supply chain between producer and consumer.

In addition, it aims to add value to agricultural products through washing, calibration, packaging, direct and wholesale sales; preservation and processing of raw materials for the production of juices, pulps, oils, essential oils, dried fruits, dehydrated products, etc. Once the domestic market is satisfied, CAAM aims to look toward export, promoting Mozambique’s agricultural excellences in the international market.

Located in the Beira Corridor, Manica Province is strategic for the country’s food security. CAAM will not only adopt sustainable green technologies and enhance the role of women but will also promote the circular economy through technical studies that will improve the region’s capacity to face challenges posed by adverse climatic events.

Celebrating World Food Day, AICS reaffirms its commitment to support the communities in Manica, severely affected by drought caused by El Niño. Through agricultural and climate resilience projects, the agency seeks to ensure access to safe and nutritious food, contributing to mitigating the effects of food insecurity in the region.

[1] The next report will be published in 2025, presenting an updated methodology to improve the comparability between country rankings and a more sustainable dataset on climate impacts for future publications.

[2] El Niño is a climatic phenomenon characterized by the warming of the waters of the Pacific Ocean, which causes disturbances in atmospheric patterns. In the Manica province of Mozambique, this phenomenon has been associated with severe droughts, particularly between 2015 and 2016, when precipitation decreased by up to 50%. Currently, the region is facing challenges related to El Niño once again, with drought forecasts affecting agricultural production and increasing food insecurity.

[3] According to data from the report published by OCHA, “El Niño Humanitarian Overview Southern Africa.

[4] DELPAZ, funded by the European Union in Mozambique, is a program of the Mozambican government that works to consolidate peace in 14 districts of the provinces of Manica, Tete, and Sofala. In Manica province, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) supports economic development by collaborating with local authorities and a consortium of Italian and local civil society organizations led by Helpcode

[5] AICS is currently funding and implementing 7 interventions in Manica Province (Mulheres No Sustenta, PRODAI, Rural Development Support Program – PADR, DELPAZ, MAIS VALOR 1, MAIS VALOR 2, and CAAM), each with different implementing partners, but all sharing a common goal: to eradicate hunger. These interventions focus on supporting small and medium agricultural enterprises, with initiatives that include marketing their products, creating green spaces, distributing seeds, installing irrigation systems, agroforestry, beekeeping, etc., thus promoting more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive agriculture.

[6] In addition to the various projects funded by AICS in Manica Province, aimed at strengthening food security, in May 2024, we delivered, at the request of the Provincial Secretary of State, 1,100 kg of bean seeds.

[7] (i) the PSSR (Rural Development Support Program), conducted in partnership with FAR, which aims to support commercial agriculture and local economic development through strengthening small producers and community organizations, as well as micro, small, and medium agricultural enterprises, through technical and financial assistance services, access to land, and formalization of its use, in order to improve productive capacities and facilitate access to the market for agri-food production;

(ii) the initiative called “Women in SUSTENTA,” implemented by a consortium of Italian and Mozambican NGOs, represented by Progettomondo, which promotes women’s participation in the rural economy by supporting innovation, with particular attention to production processes and value chain enhancement in the agri-food sector;

(iii) Pro-DAI, an initiative implemented by FAO, which aims to reduce poverty and improve food and nutritional security through the transformation of diversified, innovative, efficient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems, and the adoption of sustainable models for intensifying agricultural production through appropriate soil management practices and promoting agroforestry systems to strengthen economic, social, and ecological sustainability;

(iv) MAIS VALOR II – Improving inclusive and sustainable development of agricultural supply chains, a technical assistance initiative implemented by UNIDO, which aims to increase local capacities, technological updating, and the transfer of know-how to strengthen agribusiness models and contribute to the development of the agro-industry in Mozambique, focusing on promoting added value and improving agricultural processing, with interventions in the horticulture, coffee, and cereal production sectors.

[8] On July 8, 2024, an agreement was signed for the development of an agri-food center in Manica province, Mozambique, under the Mission Structure for Southern Africa of the Mattei Plan. The agreement was signed by Stefano Gatti, Director-General for Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Paolo Lombardo, Director of International Cooperation of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, along with Ernesto Max Elias Tonela, Minister of Economy and Finance of Mozambique. This project, worth €38 million, aims to strengthen food security and promote sustainable agriculture.

Inauguration ceremony of the infrastructure works of the Inhaca Marine Biology Station

On October 14, the inauguration ceremony for the rehabilitation/construction works of part of the infrastructure of the Inhaca Marine Biology Station (EBMI), of the Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM), took place on Inhaca Island (Maputo Province, Mozambique). The event was attended by, among others, the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, the Deputy Ambassador, Eugeniu Rotaru, the Head of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) – Maputo Office, Paolo Enrico Sertoli, and the Magnificent Rector of Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM), Manuel Guilherme Júnior, along with other government officials, donors, and representatives from local and religious authorities.

AICS is supporting the EBMI through several programs related to the environmental sector (in particular, Mangrowth, RINO, and BioForMoz), contributing to the training of human resources and the rehabilitation and construction of certain infrastructures, with the aim of supporting knowledge transfer and the development of local scientific skills, in an attempt to “decolonize” research and the management of Mozambique’s natural resources.

Among the works carried out at the EBMI, the refurbishment of the dormitories and dining hall stands out, along with the new construction of the research laboratory, which will equip the Station with spaces and equipment suitable for conducting scientific research in both dry and wet environments.

The delegation, welcomed by the highest authorities of the Municipality of Inhaca, had the opportunity to visit the facilities. The new dormitories, which can accommodate 58 students and teachers, as well as the dining hall and laboratory, are essential for providing optimal conditions for national and international researchers involved in studying the rich biodiversity of the island, which is largely identified as a natural reserve and hosts various biomes, from the southernmost coral reefs on the planet to dunes, mangroves, and wetlands, and is home to families of dugongs (considered globally a vulnerable species). During the ceremony, it was possible to observe the use of the new facilities, which are currently hosting Italian and Mozambican students participating in the second edition of the Summer School, a program that, with the support of the Mangrowth project, focuses on the study of mangrove habitats. The delegation had the opportunity to interact with the students and learn about their work.

The delegation also visited the facilities that will house the laboratory, which will have the capacity to accommodate at least 10 researchers simultaneously. The laboratory consists of a wet lab, used for studying marine biological samples under controlled conditions, and a dry lab, intended for the analysis of predominantly terrestrial samples and data processing. These two types of laboratories are essential for comprehensive research on the marine and coastal ecosystems of Inhaca Island. In fact, the EBMI hosts Mozambican researchers from UEM and other national institutions, as well as from Southern African institutions, to conduct research on the protection of marine biodiversity.

The Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, emphasized that “Research and protection of the marine environment are even more crucial in the context of environmental preservation, as the damage caused to maritime resources, although less visible than that on land, is enormous.” He also reiterated that “The environment is fundamental for all of us, being essential to guarantee and promote a future for new generations. We have a very important moral responsibility: to hand over the planet to the young in the best possible conditions.”

For his part, the Rector of Eduardo Mondlane University, Manuel Guilherme Júnior, thanked the Italian government, “our partner, who has supported us for the past 45 years. This cooperation has been important for UEM and has allowed UEM to reach the hands of Mozambicans through teaching actions, in research as well as in extension and innovation.” He also warned about the importance of sustainability, “not only in terms of science and research, but also in preserving the infrastructures built here, so that they can last and benefit not only this generation but also future generations who will need these structures.”

The event concluded with a visit to the EBMI Museum, where a technician highlighted the rich history of the station, founded in 1951, and the more than 12,000 species recorded in Inhaca, including over 150 species of corals, 300 species of birds, and four species of turtles. The technician presented some specimens, such as a dugong skeleton, an endangered animal that, thanks to the efforts of partners, including Italian Cooperation, is returning to the waters of Inhaca.

INCLU.DE: Ensuring Inclusive Access to Health Services for People with Disabilities in Mozambique

The INCLU.DE – Inclusion for Development (AID –12759), an initiative funded by AICS, was launched in August 2024 with the primary goal of improving the living conditions of men and women with disabilities in Mozambique by implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The project focuses on the provinces of Sofala and Maputo and will work closely with the National Human Rights Commission.

With a significant focus on health, the project will ensure that people with disabilities can access health centers by removing barriers that obstruct access and promoting awareness and training for health professionals. Specific courses will be organized to ensure inclusive and quality care. During the field needs assessment, healthcare staff reported issues in relating to people with disabilities due to inadequate and unadapted communication skills and methods, with visual and auditory disabilities being among the most neglected categories. Therefore, the project will include training for healthcare staff on inclusive communication methods, including sign language, to develop strategies and communication tools that meet the needs of patients with disabilities.

One of the main obstacles faced by the 68,000 people with hearing disabilities in Mozambique is the difficulty of communicating their symptoms or ailments to health professionals due to the lack of sign language knowledge among these technicians. This barrier can be life-threatening, especially in a country like Mozambique, where malaria remains one of the leading causes of death. In 2022, approximately 11 million malaria cases were recorded in the country, making it crucial that all individuals, regardless of their conditions, can effectively and safely access health services.

To address this challenge, REMOTELINE, a Mozambican company that collaborates actively with AICS, launched a remote interpreting service in July 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that people with hearing disabilities could access health services, especially at a time when many services were moved online. The service offers remote sign language and Portuguese interpreting, facilitating communication between people with hearing disabilities and health professionals. The service is free and available via WhatsApp from Monday to Friday, covering the entire country and extending to countries with significant Mozambican communities, such as Portugal.

REMOTELINE’s line will play a crucial role in the INCLU.DE project, particularly in ensuring inclusive access to health services. This tool will ensure that, regardless of where the project’s activities are implemented, people with hearing disabilities can receive immediate assistance, overcoming communication barriers and ensuring effective and inclusive care.

To publicize this service, REMOTELINE presented the impact of the interpreting service on the project’s success at FACIM, the largest private sector fair in Mozambique, on August 31 as part of AICS’s cultural agenda, reaching thousands of visitors. Additionally, the TV Gestual was also introduced, aiming to ensure that people with hearing disabilities have access to crucial information, including health information. Through its sign language news broadcasts on YouTube from Monday to Friday, it provides guidance on disease prevention, such as Monkeypox, declared a public health emergency in Africa on August 13, 2024.

The INCLU.DE project represents a significant step towards promoting inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities in Mozambique. With the collaboration of REMOTELINE and the implementation of solutions such as the interpreting service, the project aims to overcome barriers and ensure that all citizens can access essential services equitably.

Maputo – September 11th. Closing ceremony of the BioForMoz project

On September 11th, the closing ceremony of the project AID 12089 BioForMoz – Support for Environmental Research, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) for the period 2021-2024, took place at Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM). The event was attended by, among others, the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, the Rector of UEM, Manuel Guilhermo Junior, the Director of AICS-Maputo, Paolo Enrico Sertoli, and the Director of the UEM Biotechnology Center, Luciana de Araújo.

The project, which began in July 2021, was implemented by the UEM Biotechnology Center in partnership with a consortium of Italian universities, led by the University of Sassari. The main objective of BioForMoz was to build the capacity of researchers and lecturers from UEM’s biomedical institutions and to develop a network of infrastructure and excellent laboratories in some UEM centers (in particular, the Biotechnology Center and the Museum of Natural History). These infrastructures have played an essential role in producing scientific research, innovation, and providing services aimed at solving environmental and health problems in Mozambique.

During the ceremony, the main results achieved by the project were highlighted, including the awarding of 28 scholarships for Master’s and Doctoral studies to young Mozambicans. Some of the studies funded by these scholarships addressed, for instance, the analysis of the prevalence of cholera in Sofala province after Cyclone Idai, as well as the genetic evaluation of African buffalo in the country.

The creation of the BioBank for biodiversity conservation, which currently houses over 200 aquatic species and 100 terrestrial species, was also highlighted, constituting an important resource for the preservation of Mozambican biodiversity. Additionally, the development of laboratory infrastructure on Inhaca Island was mentioned. This space will allow the investigation of Inhaca Island’s unique biodiversity, which is home to the southernmost coral reef in the world, by Mozambican and international scientists.

The Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, emphasized the importance of investing in scientific research, stating that “the most advanced countries are those that invest heavily in this sector.” Bardini further stressed that, despite the project’s closure, its impacts will endure thanks to the network of relationships established between UEM and prestigious Italian universities, such as Sapienza, Genoa, Sassari, Parma, as well as Italy’s Water Research Institute. The Ambassador also emphasized the need for universities not to be seen as “ivory towers” distant from the community. “We must seize all opportunities to connect academic research to job creation and services for the population,” he said, citing the creation of jobs in Mozambique’s reserves and parks as an example.

The UEM Rector, Manuel Júnior, praised the project’s “remarkable contribution” to institutional capacity-building, highlighting the accreditation of laboratories and the advancements in quality control of food, water, and the environment, in accordance with international standards. The Rector expressed particular satisfaction with the fact that over 80% of the scholarships were awarded to women, recognizing the importance of female participation in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) as a way to promote gender equality.

The closure of the BioForMoz project marks the end of one phase, but AICS’s efforts to promote biodiversity in Mozambique continue, with initiatives such as the rehabilitation of the Museum of Natural History and the new project in Chimanimani National Park. This sees the Biotechnology Center as a partner in the consortium of universities that will implement the program, further marking the transition from being a beneficiary of Italian cooperation actions to becoming an implementing entity. It is also important to remember that the center, through the RINO program, is currently providing consulting services to Mozambique’s criminal police, with laboratory training for forensic technicians aimed at combating crimes committed against the country’s biodiversity.

Finally, thanks to the support of Italian cooperation, which helped elevate the center to a reference institute, it is worth noting that since 2019, it has been part of the Enhancing Research for Africa Network, promoted by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise.

FACIM 2024: AICS and the Private Sector Contributing to Mozambique’s Sustainable Development

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) took part in the 59th edition of the Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Fair of Mozambique (FACIM), held under the slogan ‘Industrialisation: Innovation and Diversification of the National Economy’, in Marracuene from 26 August to 1 September.

FACIM, the largest private sector trade fair in Mozambique, aims to promote trade, stimulate production and consumption, and attract investment to the country. In this edition, more than 3,000 exhibitors from 26 countries were present, including 2,300 Mozambican companies and 750 foreign economic operators. The AICS stand was in the Italian pavilion, where 17 Italian companies presented the excellence of ‘Made in Italy’.

During the event, AICS organised a cultural programme. As part of the project to prevent and control non-communicable diseases, more than 40 visitors had their blood pressure and glycaemia measured. Those with high blood glucose and blood pressure levels received recommendations for preventing diseases such as diabetes.

In addition, the green and resilient urban infrastructure project was presented, through which the first Municipal Composting Unit will be built in Maputo, with the involvement of private sector partners.

The INCLU.DE project presented its partnership with REMOTELINE, a Mozambican company that offers sign language interpretation to facilitate communication with hearing-impaired people via WhatsApp calls.

The visitors also had the opportunity to meet various cooperatives and companies supported by AICS, such as the Kuvanga company, which sells dehydrated fruit such as mango, pineapple and coconut in Inhambane, the Barué fruit cooperative, which specialises in selling litchi, and the Ibo Coffee Producers Association, which sells Ibo coffee as part of the MAIS VALOR 1 project. The farmers from the DELPAZ Programme stressed their joy and satisfaction at taking part in the international fair in Maputo, where they were able to exhibit and sell their products, maize, beans, onions, peanuts, mapira, etc. and, above all, to showcase good practices and network, as highlighted by the report dedicated to them by the international television channel RTP, in Repórter África on 29 August.

The AICS stand attracted many visitors, including businesspeople, journalists and partners interested in Italian cooperation and in AICS’s work with the private sector in Mozambique. Among the visitors was the President of the Republic of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, accompanied by Osvaldo Petersburgo, Secretary of State for Youth and Employment. Both had the opportunity to dialogue with the Job Creation Team Leader, Alberto Tanganelli, about AICS’s new strategy to promote innovation in employment in partnership with local entities.