By:
Kanto Kai Okanta
Italy
has announced plans to invest €100 million in the development of green cities
in Mozambique, as part of its broader Mattei Plan aimed at strengthening
economic and environmental cooperation with African countries.
The
agreement is expected to be formalised during the Mozambique–Italy Business
Forum scheduled for 8–9 June in Maputo, according to Italian Ambassador
Gabriele Annis, who outlined the initiative during a press briefing on
preparations for the event.
The
investment will support the implementation of the Green Cities initiative
across ten cities in five African countries, including Pemba and Chimoio in
Mozambique.
In
Chimoio, the capital of Manica Province, the project will focus on improving
drinking water supply systems and the regeneration of public parks to enhance
urban living conditions. In Pemba, located in Cabo Delgado Province, the
investment will be directed toward waste recycling and environmental management
systems.
Mozambique
is among the beneficiaries of the programme, which aims to promote sustainable
urban development through infrastructure investment and environmental
rehabilitation.
Ambassador
Annis said the project will be accompanied by a letter of intent under the
Mattei Plan, which seeks to redefine Italy’s engagement with African partners
through long-term development cooperation and investment.
He
added that a memorandum of understanding will also be signed between Italy’s
Ministry for the Environment and Mozambique’s Ministry of Agriculture,
Environment and Fisheries to support future financing for environmental
projects.
A
business delegation of more than 200 participants, including over 20 Italian
companies, is expected to attend the forum, with discussions also covering
logistics corridors, energy development and agricultural value chains,
particularly along the Beira Corridor.
The
initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance sustainable infrastructure,
strengthen trade routes and promote long-term economic cooperation between
Italy and Mozambique.
