On December 11th and 12th, 2023, the International Conference on “The Contribution of Eduardo Mondlane University to the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” took place, with active participation from the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development (AICS). The ceremony was organized within the framework of the Localization Program of the SDGs in the provinces of Maputo and Cabo-Delgado, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and financed by the Andalusian Agency for International Development Cooperation (AACID).

The event served as a foundation to assess the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Mozambique and to exchange ideas on the implementation of the 17 SDGs and their 169 targets among academic institutions, government, civil society, international donors, and United Nations agencies. The event featured the presence, among others, of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain, Alberto Cerezo, the Representative of UNDP in Mozambique, Edo Stork, the Director of AICS-Maputo, Paolo Enrico Sertoli, the Rector of UEM, Manuel Guilherme Júnior, as well as the Coordinator for Central and Eastern Africa of AACID, Esther Hernández.

In his opening speech, the Magnificent Rector of UEM, Manuel Guilherme Júnior, highlighted the “2030 Agenda as one of the most ambitious global agreements in history” and reinforced UEM’s commitment to promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He cited the recent Workshop on Water Quality Monitoring in Mozambique, organized under the AID. 12089 – BioForMoz project, funded by AICS, as a concrete initiative to achieve SDG number 6, “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.”

In the panel on “National and International Cooperation for the Mainstreaming of the 2030 Agenda” Paolo Enrico Sertoli, Director of the AICS office in Maputo, presented the Agency’s initiatives in collaboration with the University UEM, highlighting the SDGs and the targets intended to be achieved through these initiatives. He mentioned the recent opening of the UEM business incubator, a result of the AID. 12227 Coding Girls project, which supports young entrepreneurs to contribute to SDG 5, especially target 5.2 of empowering women and girls through information and communication technologies. Significant emphasis was placed on initiatives contributing to the achievement of SDGs 14 and 15, with special reference to targets 14.2, 15.1, 15.5, and 15.9.

Furthermore, during the AICS intervention, the four principles of effectiveness were mentioned: Ownership, Results-Based Management, Inclusive Partnership, and Transparency and Mutual Accountability. In conclusion, it was emphasized that in 2024, AICS will conduct a Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Multi-Year Indicative Plan (PIP) 2022-2024, a review useful for identifying, among other things, possible cooperation sectors with UEM, serving as a basis for future joint projects.

In the other panels, it was emphasized that the achievement of SDGs depends on the collective efforts of the government, civil society, individuals, and the private sector. In this context, the example of Nike was mentioned, which currently uses 80% renewable energy and aims to reach 100% by 2025. The importance of involving young people in achieving the SDGs was highlighted, especially considering that 75% of the population in Mozambique is under 35 years old. Finally, all participants stressed the urgency of accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, given that only 6 years remain…

Photo: Women from the provinces of Sofala, Tete, and Manica, singing “Mexeu com uma, mexeu com todas”

From November 20 to 21, 2023, the first solidarity camp of DELPAZ took place in the Province of Manica, specifically in Inhazónia, in the District of Bárue. The idea of solidarity camps emerged in 2014, during the resumption of hostilities between FRELIMO and RENAMO[1]. This concept originated from the Group of Women for Idea Sharing in Sofala (GMPIS), evolving into an initiative to give a voice to women affected by the conflict in central Mozambique. As explained by the camp organizer, Inês Chamuchifinha, “the idea of the solidarity camp emerged to be a space where women feel safe to express and share what is within them.” Since then, dozens of solidarity camps have been organized across the country.

The camp in Inhazónia brought together 250 participants, women and men from the provinces of Tete, Manica, and Sofala. Following the principles of other camps, based on solidarity, inclusion, and diversity, all camp food was prepared based on solidarity principles by women from the community, using local products. The event saw the participation of various individuals, including religious leaders, local government members, traditional leaders, and farmers, all united with the goal of achieving gender equality.

Domingas Sebastião, a GMPIS member, highlights that the provinces of Manica, Tete, and Sofala were the most affected by the war. One of the main objectives of the camp is to facilitate the exchange of experiences so that “women, when they leave here, can bring peace to their families, communities, and even to the Province.” In this context, discussions about the United Nations Resolution 1325, recognizing the significant role of women in peacebuilding and maintenance, promoting their active and equal participation in decision-making processes, take center stage.

Apart from this perspective, participants are organized into groups exploring three other central themes: Armed Conflicts, Climate Change, and Human Rights. Ines Chamuchifinha clarifies that, in the space dedicated to Human Rights, women address issues related to gender-based violence, including forced and early marriages[2], with the aim that “women learn to say no and assert that, as women, they have their rights.”

The camp observes the participation of men. Ines Chamuchifinha explains that, aligned with the movement launched by UN Women, HeForShe, which seeks to involve men in promoting gender equality, it is crucial to have men in the camp, as they “understand women’s rights and comprehend their daily challenges.” Indeed, during the event, a group of men engaged in discussions about toxic masculinity and positive masculinity.

Amélia Andalusa, who came from the District of Macossa, specifically from Dunda, expresses her enthusiasm, sharing that this is the second time she has participated in a camp. For her, these events represent moments of camaraderie, where “we talk with many women, mothers, and their children, all in an atmosphere of harmony and peace.” Thus, to promote the participation of all, the camp utilizes community feminist methods, including dialogues in local languages to foster empathy and strengthen self-esteem.

Amélia emphasizes that, now that she no longer lives in a war environment, she can “work on the farm, feed the children, and take them to school.” However, she warns of the need to create economic opportunities for women, as many companies in her province often “only hire men.” She expresses hope that the declaration drafted at the end of the camp – which will serve as an advocacy tool – includes the crucial need to promote the hiring of women. This aligns with the camp’s motto: “Women empowered for peace, social inclusion, and local economic empowerment.”

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

[1] On October 21, 2013, RENAMO announced the end of the Rome General Peace Agreement after government forces attacked the RENAMO base in Gorongosa, in the center of the country. The armed conflict persisted until August 5, 2014, when both parties reached an agreement to cease hostilities.

[2] According to UNICEF data, Mozambique has one of the highest rates of early marriage in the world, affecting nearly one in two girls, and is the second-highest in East and Southern Africa. Approximately 48% of women in Mozambique aged 20 to 24 have married or entered into a union before the age of 18, and 14% before the age of 15 (IDS, 2011).

Today is World Diabetes Day.

Currently, in Africa, there are 24 million cases of diabetes in adults, with estimates indicating that this number will reach 55 million by 2045. In the African continent, these statistics can be explained by various factors, including the lack of diagnosis, a shortage of qualified healthcare professionals to identify and treat the disease, lifestyle changes, and low awareness among the population regarding the disease and risk factors.

Mozambique is not exempt from this reality, and the Ministry of Health, aware of this challenge, has implemented the Multisectoral Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), with the goal of reducing major risk factors such as obesity, an unbalanced diet, and sedentary behavior.

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), recognizing the significance of NCDs, has prioritized the fight against this global epidemic in the country’s health initiatives, with Italy standing out as the main donor in Mozambique. Thus, the project “Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases” was launched with an investment of 7 million euros, concluded at the end of 2022, and implemented by the consortium of NGOs AIFO, CUAMM, and ACAP. Additionally, a new project of 5 million euros has been funded, ensuring its continuity for the next three years.

Dr. Fernanda Fernando Parruque, working on the project with the Saint Egidio community, and Dr. Isabel Guilamba from the Provincial Health Directorate (DPS) explain that, in the recent past, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) were mistakenly considered exclusive to developed countries. For Mozambique, still facing significant challenges related to infectious diseases such as HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, NCDs become an additional and complex burden.

This project played a crucial role, empowering over 413 healthcare professionals in diabetes diagnosis and expanding screening services, providing diagnoses to over 35,237 people. It also ensured that 14 health centers in the provinces of Maputo, Sofala, and Zambezia, including the São Damaso Health Center, provide access to necessary healthcare services.

At the São Damaso Health Center, we met Mrs. Faustina Ernesto, a resilient woman facing diabetes for over two decades. She emphasized that the first step in facing the disease was “adapting dietary habits, reducing sugar.” The doctor overseeing her care emphasized the importance of physical exercise, leading Faustina to adopt the practice of “walking, walking, and walking.” It is noteworthy that the project funded by AICS played a crucial role, empowering community healthcare workers to disseminate information about the need for physical activity and a healthy diet in preventing Type 2 Diabetes.

On the other hand, Mr. Pedro Lourenço recently discovered he has diabetes, precisely on October 26, 2022, confessing that “it was scary at first, but I immediately sought treatment.” Access to medications represents one of the main challenges in diabetes treatment, which is why the project provided essential medications and equipment (glucose meter, blood pressure device to be specified) to the 14 health centers involved. It should be noted that, if diabetes is not treated properly, it can lead to complications and, in severe cases, even amputations.

Dr. Isabel Macamo, a doctor and focal point for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) at the São Damaso Health Center, emphasizes the importance of celebrating World Diabetes Day. She highlights that, unlike HIV, widely discussed even in local transport known as “chapas” in Mozambique, diabetes is considered a “silent” disease. Often, it does not present obvious symptoms, and the consequences manifest in the long term, resulting in undiagnosed cases.

On World Diabetes Day, AICS remains committed to mitigating the impact of this “silent” disease, and following the results achieved in the first project, it has decided to implement a new project on NCDs, consolidating previous progress. The new project will also focus on diabetes complications that can cause disabilities, providing continuous care and assistance in an attempt to improve the quality of life for people with chronic diseases.

On October 24th, we celebrate United Nations Day. The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) has played a crucial role by collaborating with various United Nations agencies and funds in Mozambique, significantly contributing to the advancement of sustainable development in the country and supporting the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

In partnership with the United Nations, AICS has played a fundamental role in various areas. In particular, it has provided humanitarian assistance to people displaced due to the conflict in Cabo Delgado, supported peace consolidation efforts in Mozambique, assisted small farmers in promoting and marketing coffee, contributed to the sustainable management of the Quirimbas National Park, strengthened the healthcare system, and supported the country in building resilience against cyclones and floods.

In the agriculture sector, AICS in Maputo has supported the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADER) in the areas of food security, agriculture, and rural development. The geographic focus of interventions is primarily in the Beira Corridor, where AICS collaborates not only with local authorities but also with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Soon, they will also collaborate with the World Food Programme (WFP) with the aim of promoting the integrated development of the horticultural sector and guiding the development of the coffee sector in the Beira Corridor, connecting Mozambique to Zimbabwe.

In the field of environment and energy access, AICS in Maputo is involved in the resilient reconstruction of the districts of Ibo and Buzi, which were affected by Cyclones Kenneth and Idai. They finance the “Multidimensional Resilient Recovery of the Ibo and Buzi Districts” project, implemented by a consortium led by UN-Habitat in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The project promotes an integrated and sustainable approach aimed at conserving natural resources, protecting local heritage, and empowering local communities to withstand the impacts of extreme weather events. In collaboration with UNESCO, AICS has contributed to ensuring the sustainability of the Quirimbas Biosphere Reserve by developing a Business Management Plan 2023-2032, promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable business opportunities.

In Cabo Delgado, AICS has collaborated with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) in providing humanitarian assistance to displaced people due to the conflict. This includes offering essential services in the water and sanitation, nutrition sectors, and engaging communities to promote behavior changes related to health, nutrition, hygiene, and sanitation.

Together with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), AICS is involved in carrying out activities of the DELPAZ program – Local Development for Peace Consolidation in Mozambique, funded by the European Union, in 14 districts most affected by political-military conflict in the provinces of Tete, Manica, and Sofala. This program focuses on the most vulnerable groups, including beneficiaries of the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) process and their families. Promoting more inclusive governance and equitable and sustainable local economic development are key components of the intervention, crucial for the socio-economic stability of rural communities.

In the health sector, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other donors, Italy funds the PROSAÚDE Common Fund, one of its main objectives being to reduce geographical inequalities in access to healthcare services by supporting the decentralization process in the country.

On the 78th anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter, AICS remains committed to collaborating with the United Nations to ensure the sustainable development of Mozambique, ensuring that no one is left behind.

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) was present at the 58th edition of the Agricultural, Commercial, and Industrial Fair of Mozambique (FACIM), which took place in Marracuene from August 28th to September 3rd.

The primary objective of Mozambique’s largest private sector fair is to showcase the country’s production and export potential and promote business and investment opportunities in various sectors, both domestic and foreign. The AICS stand was in the Italy pavilion, where 22 Italian companies showcased the excellence of “Made in Italy.”

For the event, AICS also organized a cultural program, featuring the presentation of various projects and specific activities, including support for the marketing of coffee from IBO Island, urban agriculture in the Maputo Province, and initiatives open to private sector participation in job creation through new technologies.

On the first day of FACIM, the Head of the AICS Regional Office in Maputo, Dr. Paolo Sertoli, gave a presentation titled “AICS and the Private Sector: Best Practices, Opportunities, and Perspectives.” During the presentation, he explained how AICS, within the framework of the Profit Funds managed by the AICS Rome Office, is currently co-financing three private sector companies: Carbosink, with activities focused on promoting efficient food cooking technologies; Newster, with activities aimed at promoting proper management of special solid waste at Beira Hospital; and Novamont, with activities related to the development of horticultural and fruit value chains. Dr. Sertoli concluded his presentation by stating that the AICS partnership with the private sector is based on three fundamental pillars: “inclusion, innovation, and sustainability” the ISI approach.

To ensure access to information for individuals with hearing impairments, AICS collaborated with the Mozambican company REMOTELINE. Interpreters from this company provided simultaneous sign language translations for both the cultural program and the speech by His Excellency the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, during Italy’s dedicated day.

More than 50,000 visitors had the opportunity to observe numerous cooperatives and companies that received support from AICS, including the Barué Fruit Cooperative, which is involved in the production and sale of lychee; Revué Fruits, specializing in the marketing of dehydrated fruits such as papaya and banana; and the Mozambique Honey Company, which sells Chibabava honey produced under the Rural Development Support Program (AID. 9021 – PSSR).

Throughout the week, the AICS booth received many visitors (more or less 200), including journalists, entrepreneurs, partners, and students seeking more information about Italian cooperation. Among the visitors, the visit of the President of the Republic of Mozambique, His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, was particularly significant as he expressed his gratitude for Italy’s unwavering support in Mozambique’s sustainable development.

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation Office in Maputo launched a call for proposals in the framework of the programme “Job creation through Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Mozambique” – AID 12454. The full guidelines for applicants are available for consultation on the following internet site:

https://maputo.aics.gov.it/en/home/opportunities/calls/. The deadline for submission of proposals is 3^rd November 2023 at 12.00 pm (noon, Maputo time).

Two online information sessions will be held on 8^th August 2023 at 14.30 (Maputo time) and 11^th September 2023 at 14.30 (Maputo time).

To have more information on the first online meeting click here -> https://maputo.aics.gov.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/save-the-date-ICT.pdf

Friday, 20^th of January 2023 saw the opening of the new program headquarters of the Italian Development Cooperation Agency (AICS) in the city of Chimoio (Province of Manica).

In the presence of the Governor of the Province of Manica, Francisca Domingos Tomás, the Ambassador of Italy in Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, and the Head of the AICS Office in Maputo, Paolo Enrico Sertoli, the new office was presented to the population and local authorities.

The Province of Manica is of great importance to the AICS office in Maputo, which over the years has established a strong network of relationships in the area. The new program office, in fact, will become the logistics center for two important programs, today in their initial stages:

AID 12300 – DELPAZ – Desenvolvimento Local para a Consolidação da Paz em Moçambique, is a program of the Mozambican Government financed by the European Union with the aim of contributing to the consolidation of peace at a subnational level in Mozambique. The program is currently operating in 14 districts of the provinces of Manica, Tete and Sofala, where activities are carried out to strengthen local institutions, for the benefit of the population that has most suffered from the consequences of the conflict.

AID 12248 – AS MULHERES NO SUSTENTA, which aims to promote rural development and job creation in the rural areas of the Province of Manica through support to the MADER 2020-2024 Program and the SUSTENTA initiative, with particular attention to women producers.

In addition to these two programs, AICS is already working in the Manica area with other important, well established projects, which will now find a new landmark in the new AICS headquarters in Chimoio. Particularly:

The AID 11671 initiative “Improving the inclusive and sustainable development of agricultural supply chains, including the typical Ibo coffee”, in collaboration with UNIDO, with the aim of increasing income generation for small producers in Cabo Delgado and Manica, through the promotion of inclusive and sustainable supply chains in the fruit and vegetable and coffee sectors.

The AID 9021 initiative “Rural Development Support Program (PADR) in the Provinces of Manica and Sofala”, launched in 2010, implemented by MADER through the Fundo de Fomento Agrario e Extension Rural (FAR, FP) with the aim of improving the income and social conditions of the rural populations of the Provinces of Manica and Sofala.

The opening ceremony of the new program office was also the occasion to deliver four five-ton trucks and four motorcycles that will contribute to the enhancement of local agricultural services, in the framework of the AID program. 9021 – PADR.

At the end of the ceremony, the Italian Ambassador Gianni Bardini and AICS Head of Office Paolo Enrico Sertoli had the opportunity to visit the district of Macate, where they were able to speak with the beneficiaries of the programs financed by AICS and see the results achieved so far in the areas of intervention.