Maputo, 28 May (AIM) – Italian businesses intend to invest 100 million Euros (116.2 million US dollars at the current exchange rate) in the development of green cities in Mozambique.
According to Gabriele Annis, Italian ambassador to Mozambique, speaking on Wednesday to reporters, the agreements for this investment will be signed at the Business Forum between Mozambique and Italy, which will take place on 8 and 9 June.
“We will sign a letter of intent on the Green Cities project, which forms part of the Mattei Plan, the Italian government’s plan that redefines a new paradigm for Italy’s relations with African countries”, he said.
The project will cover the central city of Chimoio and the northern province of Cabo Delgado. “The investment will focus on projects for drinking water supply and the regeneration of parks for public use. It will also fund a recycling project”, he said.
As part of the Mattei Plan, the Italian government, through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has disbursed 100 million dollars to fund the implementation of the “Digital Flagship for Africa” project, which is aimed at supporting Mozambique’s digital transformation.
According to Annis, the agreement will be signed by companies to enable progress on the Green Cities project, which involves a total of ten cities across five African countries, including two in Mozambique.
“The memorandum of understanding between authorities of both countries will allow financing to come directly from the Italian Ministry for the Environment for projects in Mozambique. It will be an instrument that opens the door to new projects and new funding of mutual interest”, he said.
Italy intends to deepen cooperation with the Mozambican delegation on the development of logistics corridors and energy projects.
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