As Mozambique launches AgriConnect, government and partners reinforce commitment to structural transformation of the agricultural sector

The launch of AgriConnect took place on Monday, 2 March, in Maputo, in a ceremony led by the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries, Roberto Mito Albino, who reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to positioning the platform as a strategic instrument to boost the agricultural and fisheries sector in Mozambique. Among its priorities, the platform is expected to consolidate value chains with high income potential, such as banana, sugar, cotton and cashew, as well as to energise emerging strategic chains—namely rice, maize, beans and tilapia—which are currently heavily reliant on imports but hold significant potential for job creation and reduction of external vulnerability. Photo: Ministério da Agricultura, Ambiente e Pescas “What we want, at the end of the day, is to build a sustainable, solid and resilient foundation,” Minister Roberto Albino said, emphasising that achieving these goals requires clear priorities, including the production of sufficient, nutritious and affordable food; strengthening the national seed system; expanding rural extension services with a focus on agribusiness and the use of digital platforms; as well as investment in sustainable irrigation and water reserve mechanisms, all essential elements for a sustainable development framework.

The Minister also advocated the creation of financial instruments suited to the reality of producers, especially women and small-scale farmers, who face greater barriers to accessing the formal banking system. He highlighted that, beyond mobilising resources, it is essential to ensure they effectively reach the main actors in agricultural development, with active involvement from the private sector. Speaking at the event, the Director of the World Bank Group for Mozambique and the region, Fily Sissoko, noted that AgriConnect is aligned with the country’s new partnership framework, which places employment and economic opportunities at the centre of cooperation.

He highlighted that agribusiness represents around 26% of GDP and employs approximately 70% of the population, making the sector best positioned to drive this agenda, particularly in a context where about half a million young people enter the labour market annually, with a limited number of formal jobs available. For his part, FENAGRI representative Ângelo Cumaio described the initiative as commendable for establishing a direct link between the field, financiers, production centres, and consumer markets. He expressed the expectation that conditions will be created to ensure access to the instrument for those who need it most, including those who currently do not meet all formal membership requirements. He also reiterated FENAGRI and its members’ willingness to actively participate in the initiative’s implementation, contributing to increased national production.