AICS and FAO Sign Cross-Border Projects for Sustainable Forest Management and Agricultural Trade between Mozambique and Zimbabwe

On July 30, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the Italian Embassy, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Governments of Mozambique and Zimbabwe signed an agreement to implement two cross-border projects between the two countries.

The event was attended by the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, the FAO Representative in Mozambique, José Fernández, the Deputy Director of AICS-Maputo, Maria Cristina Pescante, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Land and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

The Integrated Transboundary Sustainable Management of Miombo Forests project aims to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of the Miombo forests shared by Mozambique and Zimbabwe. This vital ecosystem supports millions of people in rural areas by providing essential resources such as firewood, food, and water. The project will focus on sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and improving natural resource management practices within communities. The initiative will directly benefit 5,000 families in selected areas, promoting gender equality and youth participation.

The Agricultural Value Chain Development and Trade between Zim-Moza (ATDP Zim-Moza) project is designed to strengthen agricultural value chains and trade between Mozambique and Zimbabwe. By improving market access, developing production practices, and promoting cross-border collaboration, the project aims to boost the economic prospects of smallholder farmers and agro-industries. Key focus areas include citrus fruits, pineapples, bananas, coffee, macadamia nuts, maize, and various vegetables. The initiative will address trade barriers, support value addition, and enhance the competitiveness of agricultural products in local and international markets.

In his signing speech, the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, emphasized that “these projects, as the name indicates, are cross-border, involving multiple countries, because challenges such as biodiversity conservation or the El Niño phenomenon are problems that a single country cannot solve alone.” He added, “these initiatives will strengthen regional integration, and this is the path we must take together to address common challenges, from agriculture to food security.”

These two initiatives are aligned with AICS’s efforts to develop the Beira Corridor, adding to the 8 other initiatives already funded by AICS in the region, which aim to strengthen food security, promote sustainable agriculture, and encourage youth and women’s entrepreneurship.

Provincial coordination committee wants extension of DELPAZ to ensure sustainability of projects in Manica

The DELPAZ provincial coordination committee in Manica has recommended extending the programme by one year, until 2025, to ensure that all the investments already made, in personnel and social infrastructure, become sustainable and continue to benefit the communities at the end of their implementation.

The coordinating body, which met in hybrid (face-to-face and remote) at the 5th Manica provincial committee on 29 May in the district headquarters of Macossa, whose debate was dominated by the extension of the programme, applauded the gains and social impact achieved so far with the implementation of DELPAZ in the five districts and suggested speeding up the implementation of the plans to catch up.

The committee members argue that the communities need more time to take ownership of the ongoing investments, which are improving their incomes and living conditions through livelihoods, as well as having a direct impact on agricultural activities and public infrastructure, such as water sources, markets, warehouses and others.

‘Everything is happening at the end, and in order to have all the gains we wanted with DELPAZ it was important to re-plan,’ to ensure that there is an exit strategy and sustainability, and that it must be integrated into the plans of the districts, emphasised Adelaide Charles, Permanent Secretary of the host district.

“We’re halfway there. Now things are looking up because they’re being done, and we need to guarantee sustainability, because our experience is that many projects have discontinued with their exit, and that won’t do any good if we want to contribute to consolidating peace,” emphasised Ernesto Lopes, Manica’s provincial director of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), which implements DELPAZ in Manica and Tete, in partnership with a consortium of civil society organisations led by the Italian NGO Helpcode, noted that the extension of the programme is on the table and remains open, having already been discussed at the National Committee meeting on 24 May in Maputo.

In all five districts of Manica province, DELPAZ is implementing projects in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure and entrepreneurship to ensure the economic and social reintegration of all ex-combatants, their families and rural communities affected by the conflict in order to achieve lasting peace in Mozambique.

Meanwhile, the Manica provincial coordinating committee gave a positive assessment of the progress of DELPAZ’s activities between November 2023 and April 2024, highlighting the construction, rehabilitation, extension and equipping of public infrastructure, as well as the training of 64 public service technicians and 77 community members to improve local governance and community livelihoods.

Access to water

In the period in question, AICS notes that six hydraulic infrastructures were built, eight hydraulic infrastructures were rehabilitated and a manual pumping system was converted to solar, benefiting more than 19,000 people, including former guerrillas under the DDR. Of all the beneficiaries, 60 per cent are women.

In the Barué district, two water supplies were built, directly affecting more than 3,800 people in two communities, where 12 former guerrillas under the DDR also live.

In Gondola, two water supplies were built, benefiting more than 1,200 people from two communities, where a former guerrilla is based.

In Macossa, eight water supply sources were rehabilitated, which has a direct impact on the lives of more than 11,600 people, including eight demobilised soldiers, while in Guro, a water supply source was built, benefiting more than 600 people in the community.

In the district of Tambara, a water supply source was built and a manual pumping system was converted to photovoltaic pumping, benefiting 2,700 members of two communities and five members of the DDR.

Furthermore, out of a total of 13 communities in the five districts that should benefit from solar-powered multi-purpose boreholes, geophysical surveys have been carried out in Macossa, while two boreholes have already been successfully drilled in two communities in Gondola, one positive and one negative borehole in Barué, two boreholes in Guro, and drilling has been completed in the three communities in Tambara.

Agriculture

In agriculture, AICS continued, there was an increase in the adoption of intelligent agricultural technologies and practices to increase production and productivity, with the assistance of local institutions to be ‘green incubators’, with 51 agricultural associations benefiting.

In addition, 47 demonstration fields were set up for maize, mapira, beans, nhemba and peanuts, and certified seeds were delivered. Certified vegetable and common bean seeds were also delivered, along with the distribution of production materials. In addition, 18 multiplication plants were installed.

Five green points were also set up, one in each district, where in addition to irrigation infrastructure and incubators (shade trees), regular technical assistance is provided for production and marketing.

Also in the agricultural sector, animal treatment corridors were built, a carracicide tank was rehabilitated in Guro and Macossa, and a market and district warehouse in Macossa were rehabilitated to make agricultural production viable.

An irrigation system was set up in Guro, and a drip irrigation system and a gravity irrigation system were installed in Tambara.

Training

Training was given in associations and leadership. As part of improving service provision for public, private and civil society actors, 64 public service technicians from the 5 districts were trained in human rights, citizenship, financial literacy, participatory governance and protection from sexual abuse.

77 people were also trained in human rights, gender equality, leadership, climate change, economic empowerment and business and savings management, as part of local capacity building.

Seven savings groups were also set up in producers’ associations to support women’s empowerment and social inclusion at district and community level.

Two cycles of training were also completed, covering 131 young small farmers from the districts of Barué and Guro (20% of whom are relatives of former guerrillas under the DDR) in the areas of agricultural and animal production techniques and the conservation of agricultural products, in partnership with the Chimoio Agrarian Institute (IAC), the oldest institution in the field in Mozambique and Africa.

World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day, celebrated each year on 8 June, is a crucial date for raising awareness of the vital importance of the oceans and the urgency of protecting them. This international initiative was first proposed in 1992 during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2008. Its objective is to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) globally and to promote public interest in the protection of the oceans and the sustainable management of their resources. The Government of Mozambique joins the celebration of World Oceans Day, with the support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), to raise awareness of the importance of the oceans for human life on the one hand and the threats to the oceans and the need to protect them and conserve marine and coastal resources on the other.

Ph. Marco Lombardi ©AICS

Oceans are essential for life on the planet. Not only do they serve as a source of food, transport and energy generation, but they also play a crucial role in climate regulation and offer countless opportunities for recreation. In addition, oceans are home to vast biodiversity and are critical to the economy and livelihoods of local, national and global populations. According to the Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), about 28% of the world’s population lives in coastal regions and more than two billion people depend directly or indirectly on marine ecosystems.

Marine ecosystems are home to at least 230,000 species, including plants, invertebrates, fish and other vertebrates. They are crucial for the production of oxygen on Earth, with marine phytoplankton contributing between 50 and 80 per cent of the total. Oceans also regulate the global climate by absorbing CO2 and heat from the atmosphere and distributing heat through ocean currents. However, marine environments are being degraded by human activities such as overfishing, pollution, particularly plastic pollution, and climate change. The IPCC’s SCROCC report highlights specific threats to the oceans: rising water temperatures, melting polar ice and rising sea levels, changes in sea currents, ocean acidification and changes in ocean cycles, with intensification of phenomena such as El Niño.

In this context, the AICS promotes ocean conservation and the sustainable use of marine resources by funding several initiatives: the blue economy programme A-GEO implemented in Macaneta, MANGROWTH in Inhaca, RINO and BIOFORMOZ. In addition to developing sustainable economic activities for the conservation of marine resources, AICS promotes scientific research on marine ecosystems through the Inhaca Marine Biology Station (EBMI).

The EBMI was founded in 1951 to support the research activities of the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. Its strategic location on an island, 32 kilometres from the city of Maputo, with special ecological features, has attracted the attention of many scientists and other curious people regionally and internationally. From a simple place of accommodation for students and scientists, EBMI quickly evolved into one of the first marine research stations established on the east coast of Africa. Currently, thanks to AICS-funded programmes, the EBMI is improving its capacity to host more researchers, upgrading its infrastructure (particularly the station’s dormitories and refectories) and introducing a new laboratory for marine and terrestrial scientific research.

International experts and local community to launch the fifth edition of the course on sustainable development of coastal communities

The fifth edition of the International Advanced Course for the Sustainable Development of Coastal Communities kicked off today at the Tricase Branch of CIHEAM Bari. This year, the programme welcomes a delegation of 13 ministerial officials from 10 Mediterranean and African coastal countries, including Albania, Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Lebanon, Mozambique, Senegal, Somalia, Tunisia and Uganda.

Funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), the course is organised by CIHEAM Bari with the technical support of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM). The main objective is to support the Blue Transformation and Sustainable Development of Coastal Communities, promoting an integrated approach that takes into account the multiple dimensions of sustainability and the balance between environmental conservation and socio-economic development.

During the opening ceremony, the presence of international experts was emphasised, along with the participation of the local community. In particular, the conclusions were entrusted to Paolo Enrico Sertoli, Head of the Maputo Office of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), who brought forward AICS Maputo’s message of collaboration and support for sustainable development efforts in Mozambique.

The local community welcomed the international guest delegation, highlighting the inclusive and inspiring role of the Tricase Port Museum, where cultural diversity fosters the sharing of ideas and perspectives for a more sustainable future of global coastal communities. This fifth edition of the course offers an important opportunity for dialogue and cooperation between experts, researchers, decision-makers and local communities, laying the foundations for a joint commitment to environmental and social sustainability.

Furthermore, Paolo Enrico Sertoli highlighted the crucial role of AICS Maputo in promoting sustainable development in Mozambique, stating that “through AICS initiatives in Mozambique, an integrated approach is being promoted to support Blue Transformation and Sustainable Development of Coastal Communities.”

The Head of Office also stressed that “AICS Maputo’s active involvement in capacity building and regulatory support reflects the Agency’s commitment to supporting Mozambique in adhering to international conventions and protocols, thereby contributing to national efforts at sustainable coastal and marine management.”

This recognition was reiterated by the Director, who stated that “the ongoing initiatives led by AICS Maputo, including the proposals in Cabo Delgado province, are tangible examples of the Agency’s commitment to fostering participatory and sustainable management models, ensuring the active involvement of local communities and institutions in the conservation of marine ecosystems.”

The Course is attended by Ciro Novidade, current Head of the Central Department of Sea Administration at the National Institute of the Sea (INAMAR, IP). His presence among the participants reflects Mozambique’s commitment to contributing to the sustainable development of coastal communities through participation in international specialised training initiatives.

United for Reconstruction: Renovated Casa Algarve Handed Over in Búzi

On April 12th, the handover ceremony for the rehabilitation works of Casa Algarve in Búzi, Sofala Province took place. The requalification work lasted 12 months and was carried out as part of the project “Multidimensional Resilient Reconstruction of the Districts of Ibo and Búzi” funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and jointly implemented by three United Nations agencies: UN-Habitat, ILO, and UNESCO.

The event was attended by the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, the Head of the AICS Regional Office in Maputo, Paolo Enrico Sertoli, the District Administrator of Búzi, João Oliveira, as well as representatives from the United Nations and the Post-Cyclone Reconstruction Office (GREPOC), among others.

Casa Algarve, an emblematic building, was constructed in 1928 and represents a unique architectural heritage for Búzi. Besides its beauty, Casa Algarve played a significant role during the 2019 Cyclone Idai, which struck the region, providing shelter to thousands of cyclone victims.

During the cerimony, the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique highlighted some transformations made in the rehabilitation process, with particular emphasis on the “installation of a community radio station for climate risk alert.” This initiative gains even more importance given the proximity of the Búzi River, an area prone to floods, and Sofala Province, susceptible to cyclones, exacerbated by climate change.

The recovery process of Casa Algarve incorporated the “Building Back Better” (BBB) methodology. BBB is a post-disaster recovery approach that reduces vulnerability to future disasters and strengthens community resilience to address physical, social, environmental, and economic vulnerabilities, as well as shocks.

In addition to the restoration of Casa Algarve in the city center, AICS supported the construction of 75 houses for vulnerable families, resettled in the Guara-guara locality, in the Búzi district.

These actions demonstrate AICS’s commitment to collaborating with partners and the Mozambican government to build resilient and adaptable infrastructure to extreme climate challenges, such as the cyclones faced by Mozambique, particularly in Sofala Province.

Reflections and aspirations: the voices of DELPAZ beneficiaries in the provinces of Tete, Sofala and Manica

While the political scene in Maputo is fervently discussing the possibility of a National Reintegration Plan, stimulating an in-depth dialogue between the authorities and civil society, a path towards tangible change is already being taken in the provinces of Manica, Tete and Sofala. These steps, taken with determination, have already produced results that deserve to be supported and can constitute a solid starting point. However, the solution lies not only in policies and action plans, but above all in the direct experience and authentic voices of the protagonists of this transformation.

On 21 and 22 March, the International Conference on Post-Conflict Reintegration was held in Maputo, promoted by the Institute for Multiparty Democracy (IMD), under the high patronage of the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Combatants and the Secretariat for Peace (PPS). Among the participants, from the provinces of Tete, Sofala and Manica, the vibrant voices of Florinda, Rita, Mário, Graça, Anita, Isabel, Carménia and Carlota stood out.

For many of them, it was their first time in Maputo and they brought with them a message full of hope and urgency: “We want peace,” they declared emphatically. “We want to work the land, we are peasants. We want to grow our own food, send our children to school. We want to live in peace and for that we need your help.” Their words resonate with a palpable urgency, as they reflect essential needs: access to water, infrastructure, roads, markets, hospitals and schools.

The experiences recounted during the conference were moving and enlightening. Anita, her eyes still incredulous, commented on the sight of the abundance of water in Maputo’s hotels, contrasting it with the reality of her community, where water is a precious commodity that can only be reached after long journeys. Mário, impressed by the grandeur and vibrancy of the capital, thanked DELPAZ for bringing the borehole to his community and new agricultural practices, along with seeds and tools, expressing the importance of extending this type of project to all communities in need.

Florinda shared a feeling of gratitude and recognition: “We were nothing, but now we’re here talking and you’re listening to us. DELPAZ has made us visible.” These testimonies are a tangible reflection of the work done by DELPAZ, also evidenced by the distribution of the Declaration of Inhanzónia, a symbol of solidarity and inclusion promoted through the organisation of the solidarity camp in November last year in the Báruè district.

The role of women as local actors and leaders was particularly emphasised, with Carlota Inhamussua, an active DELPAZ Programme collaborator in Sofala Province, sharing significant experiences such as the savings project and the dream box. These activities aim not only to make tangible resources available, but also to stimulate the dreams and objectives of the communities involved, strengthening trust and people’s sense of belonging to their communities.

The road to peace and prosperity requires a collective and sustained commitment. When these communities begin to take the first steps towards change, it is crucial that they are not left on their own. They need time, support and resources to grow and continue to cultivate peace in their territories. Only through a shared commitment and lasting solidarity can a future of hope and prosperity be guaranteed for all Mozambican communities.

All of them demanded loudly not to be left alone, now that they are starting to ‘crawl’ and need more time and support so that they can ‘grow up’ and continue to cultivate peace in their communities.

DELPAZ, in partnership with the IMD, implemented by the AICS in Manica and Tete, and by the ADA in Sofala, with the support of the UNCFD, also contributes to this. In addition to water, infrastructure, access roads, seeds and new agricultural practices, it has stimulated the dreams of the communities most affected by armed violence, where DDR beneficiaries have returned to live together with their families.

As repeatedly expressed by the EU Ambassador to Mozambique, Antonino Maggiore, “As Mozambique’s partners, we are fully aware of the challenges we face in terms of reintegration and reconciliation; […] Peace and reconciliation can only be achieved through a thriving democracy and prosperity for the benefit of all Mozambican citizens.”

Water: an Instrument of Peace

World Water Day is celebrated today, a crucial date that reminds us of the importance of this vital resource for human survival and the balance of ecosystems. This year’s theme, “Leveraging Water for Peace”, highlights water’s ability to promote peace and co-operation between communities and countries.

In Mozambique, the word “water” begins with “m”. Mati, massi, mazhi, matchi, mave, madzi, maze, madi, madji – all these variations resonate with the root “m” and are closely linked to fertility, life and femininity. Water, like a pregnant woman, adapts to circumstances, overcomes obstacles and gives birth to life. It’s a powerful metaphor that reflects the transformative and vital nature of water.

However, when water is scarce or polluted, when people have unequal access or no access at all, tensions can arise between communities and countries. Climate change is exacerbating these challenges, making it even more urgent to unite around the protection and conservation of this precious resource.

In response to crises such as the cholera epidemic in Mozambique, international organisations, working with Mozambican institutions such as the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), have played a crucial role, providing funding to guarantee access to drinking water and basic sanitation services for hundreds of thousands of people. Contaminated water is the main means of cholera transmission, so guaranteeing access to drinking water is an effective way of stopping the epidemic. International cooperation, including the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation’s (AICS) investment in CERF, demonstrates the power of solidarity and global cooperation.

In addition, initiatives such as the workshop on water monitoring and quality that took place from 28 to 29 November 2023, organised by the biotechnology centre of the “Eduardo Mondlane” University (UEM) with the support of AICS, highlight the ongoing commitment to the sustainable management of water resources: the challenges faced by Mozambique were highlighted, especially after extreme weather events such as cyclones, and the importance of international cooperation and the exchange of knowledge to address these challenges.

In Cabo Delgado, AICS together with the United Nations – namely the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) – have been supporting Mozambican institutions to provide access to drinking water and essential basic services for children and families displaced in camps due to the violent attacks that continue to occur in the region. For example, in the localities of Palma Sede, Quitunda and Mute, 15 boreholes were built and another 15 rehabilitated. 57 awareness-raising sessions were held, centred on promoting positive hygiene practices, including the importance of washing hands with water, as a means of preventing illness. These awareness-raising sessions reached more than 22,000 people. These interventions not only guarantee access to clean water, but also promote hygiene and health education among people displaced by the conflict in Cabo Delgado, demonstrating how water is intrinsically linked to human well-being and sustainable development.

AICS is actively involved in building water systems and drilling wells in the areas most affected by the civil war through DELPAZ. DELPAZ, the Mozambican government’s programme funded by the European Union, with the support of the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), is implemented in Manica and Tete Provinces by AICS, while the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) is active in Sofala Province. These efforts not only improve access to drinking water, but also play a crucial role in restoring confidence and stability in communities devastated by the conflict. The DELPAZ Programme is a tangible example of how international cooperation can positively transform people’s lives, promoting peace and post-conflict reconstruction through access to fundamental resources such as water.

As we approach the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia (18-25 May), it is crucial that we maintain the exchange of best practices and global collaboration to address water-related challenges. The presence of the AICS Regional Headquarters in Maputo at the forum underscores the international community’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable water management and achieving common development goals.

Smartphone and chickens

Mr Artur Mainato Randim no longer wants to hear about the war. Time has helped him forget the terrible days and now he just wants to think about his farm and look to the future. He is one of the DDR, the people who entered the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programme, the result of the Maputo peace agreement signed in 2019.

Mr Artur lives in the Missoche community in the Dôa district of Tete province.

In the past, he produced maize, peanuts, butter beans and nehmba, banana trees and sugar cane. But his dream was to grow tomatoes and cabbage.

With the arrival of DELPAZ – the Mozambican government programme funded by the European Union – in the Dôa district, his dream came true.

Through the SEPPA Foundation – a member of the consortium working with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) – he received cabbage, tomato and bean seeds. In addition, they received training to produce these vegetables on their 9800 square metre field.

The harvest was generous and with the sale of the vegetables, Mr Artur was also able to buy a smartphone and five chickens.Now let’s get to work. He plans to increase the production area to two hectares and grow cabbage, kale, carrots and onions in the second season of the current year.

“I really hope that DELPAZ lasts here because it has brought so many benefits to our community,” says Mr Artur with conviction, whose dream now is to become a model farmer and even set an example for the whole community.

Beyond the Challenges: The Story of Berta Arlindo, a Courageous Entrepreneur in Remote Mozambique

In a remote district of Mozambique, in the province of Manica, 24-year-old Berta Arlindo stands out as a true entrepreneur, defying local adversities to carve out her own destiny. Residing in Macossa and holding a degree in accounting and auditing from the University of Chimoio, Berta decided to confront unemployment head-on and initiated a business of breeding and selling chickens last year.

For Berta, unemployment served as the catalyst that propelled her to find solutions to meet expenses. Despite efforts to secure employment after her studies, she was unsuccessful. Even with her husband employed, the desire to be self-sufficient and independent motivated her to venture into entrepreneurship.

Being an entrepreneur in Macossa is no easy task. The success of her chicken business heavily relies on market peaks, such as during Christmas and New Year, when demand increases. However, she faces slower months, making it challenging to sell her products. Berta encounters additional challenges due to the lack of access to poultry-related products and medications for treating chicken diseases, as there is no specialized store in Macossa.

The lack of access to these resources forces her to travel for five hours to Chimoio whenever she encounters health issues in her chickens. Despite these obstacles, Berta remains optimistic, acknowledging the country’s constraints but smiling in the face of difficulties.

Berta decided to start the chicken business for two main reasons. Firstly, she noticed the absence of direct competition in chicken breeding in Macossa, presenting a unique business opportunity. Secondly, she recognized the important nutritional value of chicken, especially in a region where access to animal protein sources may be limited.

The entrepreneur highlights the significant role of the DELPAZ program in the community, mentioning the distribution of seeds for agricultural practices. Additionally, Berta hopes to benefit from the training provided by the program in microcredit or marketing, aiming to attract new customers and improve the structure of her business.

Berta Arlindo acknowledges the additional challenges that women entrepreneurs face in Macossa due to the lack of opportunities, but her resilience and determination serve as sources of inspiration. Her story not only emphasizes the difficulties faced but also underscores the importance of programs like DELPAZ in empowering and supporting local communities in the pursuit of economic self-sufficiency.

AICS and Mozambique: District-level extension of the Government’s digital network GovNet (GovNet Plus).

Today, the closing ceremony of the GOVNET Plus project, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), was celebrated. The specific objective of this project was to expand connectivity at the district level through wireless connections with antennas, as well as to train public officials from district administrations in the use of ICT in the workplace (office applications, email, internet, elements of cybersecurity and ethics in computing).

The event was attended by the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, Daniel Daniel Nivagara, the Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS – Maputo Headquarters), Paolo Enrico Sertoli, and the Director of INAGE – National Institute of Electronic Government, Ermínio Jasse, among others.

During the ceremony, INAGE presented some concrete results of the GOVNET Plus project, including the training of 1,352 employees of the state administration in ICT and the fact that 88 institutions have been connected to the GOVNET network in 32 districts. These results demonstrate the positive impact of the project on improving technological infrastructure and training public officials in Mozambique.

The Italian Ambassador to Mozambique highlighted Italy’s long-standing support for Mozambique’s digitization, mentioning, for example, Mozambique’s participation in the International Conference on Electronic Government for Development, held in Palermo in 2002, which gave rise to the idea of creating a digital government network for the country. He also highlighted Italy’s first initiative funded in 2004, which led to the creation of the electronic government network (GOVNET), enabling more efficient communication between various institutions. Finally, he mentioned AICS-funded projects such as Coding Girls and DIGIT, emphasizing Italy’s continuous support for “digitization, a fundamental necessity to leave no one behind”.

In turn, the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education expressed gratitude for Italy’s support, highlighting the importance of GOVNET “in collecting data from public administrations throughout the country.” He also emphasized that the platform is “present in 963 public institutions in the country, covering 141 districts.”

The event concluded with a symbolic ceremony for the delivery of computer equipment and communication devices by Italy. These resources aim to improve access to information and technology in remote areas of Mozambique, especially in the most distant districts.