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.

Launch of the INCLU.DE Project

Today saw the launch of the INCLU.DE – Inclusion for Development project, aimed at improving the living conditions of men and women with disabilities in Mozambique through the effective implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The event was attended by the Director of the National Human Rights Commission of Mozambique (CNDH), Dr. Albachir Macassar, the Deputy Director of AICS – Maputo Headquarters, Maria Cristina Pescante, and representatives from Mozambican ministries, namely the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Action and the Ministry of Health. Civil society organizations were also present, such as the Italian Association of Friends of Raoul Follereau (AIFO), the implementer of lot 1, Doctors with Africa (CUAMM), the implementer of lot 2, Remoteline, and the Forum of Mozambican Associations of Persons with Disabilities (FAMOD).

During the launch, Deputy Director Maria Cristina Pescante emphasized that “the INCLU.DE initiative represents an important step towards promoting equality and social inclusion. We want to create opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender, age, disability, or socioeconomic context. We want to build a society where every individual can actively contribute.”

The Director of CNDH, Dr. Albachir Macassar, thanked the Italian Cooperation for including the Commission as a key implementer in this matter. He further emphasized the importance of the project in the health sector, highlighting the “need to increase accessibility for people with disabilities.” He noted that due to the lack of accessibility, many people with disabilities end up not utilizing health services.

The INCLU.DE project, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), will last for 36 months and aims to strengthen the system of promoting and protecting the rights of people with disabilities through institutional strengthening actions at the central and local levels, research and analysis activities, and pilot interventions in the health and social sectors in the Provinces of Maputo and Sofala. The intervention strategy is structured into four main components:

Capacity building and support for the Unit of the National Human Rights Commission responsible for promoting, protecting, and monitoring the rights of people with disabilities.
Knowledge transfer and awareness-raising about the rights of people with disabilities to public officials, Organizations of People with Disabilities, and Civil Society Organizations, creating a shared base of information and awareness.
Support for the processes of collecting relevant and comparable data on the condition of people with disabilities in the country, promoting the disaggregation by disability of the main internationally coded indicators.
Definition, experimentation, and standardization of innovative and replicable measures for accessible and quality services at the primary and community levels, starting with the health sector.

This initiative aims to ensure that people with disabilities have access to quality and inclusive health services, promoting equal opportunities and social inclusion in Mozambique, leaving no one behind.

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.”