Irish Minister for Development and Diaspora visits Mozambique to mark St. Patrick’s Day and 30 years of bilateral relations

Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, will arrive in Mozambique on Wednesday, 11th March for a three-day visit. Minister Richmond’s visit coincides with Ireland’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations and with the 30th anniversary of bilateral cooperation between Ireland and Mozambique. The visit will reinforce Ireland’s commitment to supporting Mozambique’s development, humanitarian, and peacebuilding efforts.

Ireland’s development budget in Mozambique is the second highest in Irish Aid’s bilateral network. The Embassy of Ireland in Mozambique has committed 162 million Euro in bilateral development funding over its current strategy period (2025-2030). “This year sees Ireland and Mozambique celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations.

When Ireland opened its Embassy in Maputo in 1996, the country was emerging from the shadows of a horrific civil war. Despite challenges, Mozambique has since experienced sustained growth and progress in recent decades. I look forward to continuing our partnership and bilateral relationship with Mozambique to contribute to addressing poverty and inequality.

[paywall]

“Irish Aid programmes continue to have a strong impact on people’s lives. I will visit a school, a health centre and a food security programme funded by Ireland, benefitting people in an economically deprived region.” During the visit, Minister Richmond will undertake high-level bilateral meetings, meet Mozambican civil society and context experts, and visit some of Ireland’s development programmes in Inhambane province. Traditional Irish music band, Cnoc na Gaoithe will also visit Maputo this week for the St.

Patrick’s Day celebrations. The band return to Maputo after a successful visit in 2025. The group will perform at several locations, including a performance with Mozambican outfit – Orquestra Xiquitsi – at Centro Cultural Franco-Mocambicano at 17.30 on Thursday, 12th March.

In 2025, the two ensembles shared the stage in Maputo and later performed together in Ireland at a traditional Irish music festival, creating a powerful cultural exchange that brought audiences in both countries to their feet. Entry is free and all are welcome to join. As part of the#StPatricksDaycelebrations, we are proud to present a special evening of musical fusion featuring the Irish band Cnoc na Gaoithe 🇮🇪 & the Mozambican orchestra Xiquitsi 🇲🇿. Date: 12 March 2026Time: 5:30 PMVenue: Centro Cultural Franco-Moçambicano — Ireland in Mozambique (@IrlEmbMaputo)March 3, 2026

[/paywall]