Italy anticipates investments of 100 million euros to develop green cities in Mozambique, with agreements set to be signed at a business forum taking place this June in Maputo, the Italian ambassador announced today.
“We will sign a ‘letter of intentions,’ a letter of intent, regarding the ‘Green Cities’ project, which is an initiative that falls within the Mattei Plan, the Italian Government’s plan that redefines a new paradigm for Italy’s relations with African countries,” said the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gabriele Annis, during a press conference about the preparations for the Mozambique-Italy Business Forum, which will take place on June 8 and 9.
According to the diplomat, the agreement foresees a financing package of 100 million euros and will be signed by companies from both delegations to allow the Green Cities project to move forward. This project has Italian backing and involves a total of ten cities across five countries in Africa, two of which are located in Mozambique.
In Chimoio, Manica province, in the central region, the investment will focus on projects for drinking water and the regeneration of parks for the public’s enjoyment.
Read more: Mozambique: 81,000 euros needed to repair vandalized dam
In the city of Pemba, in Cabo Delgado, in the north, the goal is to fund a waste recycling project, Annis explained, assuring that work is underway with local authorities to finalize the plan.
As part of the same event, which precedes the Mozambique-EU Business Forum that will run from June 9 to 12, a memorandum of understanding in the environmental sector will also be signed between the Italian Ministry of the Environment and the Mozambican Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, and Fisheries.
“This will allow funding from the Italian Ministry of the Environment to arrive directly in Mozambique for local projects. It will be an instrument that opens doors to new projects and new financing of mutual interest,” Gabriele Annis said.
The Italian business mission will be composed of more than 20 companies, including contractors, intending to strike deals and “move into action,” he said.
Read more: Mozambique: Wild animals devastate 12,000 hectares of farmland
Italy intends to deepen actions with the Mozambican delegation for the development of logistical corridors, among which the ambassador highlighted the Beira corridor in Sofala, in the center, to transport production from Manica province, also in the center, where there are Italian investments in the agricultural sector.
“Therefore, this production, which will have added value from Italian investments, will leave Manica passing through the Beira corridor, and who knows, one day it will reach major international markets departing from the Port of Beira. This is just to emphasize the importance of logistical corridors,” he noted.
The diplomat stressed that during the business forum, topics regarding the development of Mozambican dams and energy resources will also be debated.
