Photo: Minister of Agriculture, Ambiente e Pescas

Mozambique’s agricultural sector is poised for a significant boost following renewed commitments from the Italian government to invest in agribusiness and rural development. Speaking at a bilateral business forum in Maputo, Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, affirmed his country’s strategic interest in strengthening Mozambique’s economy through targeted cooperation.

“This is more than diplomacy—it’s a partnership for prosperity,” Lollobrigida stated. “Mozambique is fundamental to Africa’s development, and through the Mattei Plan, we are investing in nine African nations to help them become richer and stronger.”

The Mattei Plan, Italy’s flagship development initiative for Africa, is now being actively deployed in Mozambique, with agribusiness identified as a priority sector. The Mozambican government confirmed that negotiations are underway to finalize new financing agreements worth approximately €160 million. These funds will support a portfolio of projects focused on agribusiness expansion, women’s inclusion, rural infrastructure, and value chain development along the Beira corridor.

Mozambique’s Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries, Roberto Albino, emphasized the importance of the forum in catalyzing private sector engagement. “This is a moment to elevate our cooperation to another level,” Albino said. “We want to bring Mozambican and Italian businesses together to seize opportunities that generate jobs, promote competitive production, and unlock export potential.”

Italy’s existing cooperation portfolio in Mozambique already exceeds €300 million, with active projects spanning agriculture, climate resilience, and infrastructure. One of the most ambitious undertakings is the €100 million investment in Manica Province, where €38 million has been earmarked for the development of a state-of-the-art agri-food centre in Chimoio. The facility aims to transform local agriculture into a more industrialized and value-driven sector.

Italian Ambassador Gabriele Annis previously described the Chimoio centre as a strategic hub for food security and agro-industrial growth. The initiative is expected to enhance processing capacity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve market access for small and medium-sized producers.

As both governments reaffirm their commitment to mutual development, the Mozambique–Italy partnership is emerging as a model for inclusive and commercially viable agribusiness cooperation in Africa.