The Proposal for the implementation of the first phase of the Pemba-Lichinga Corridor Integrated Development Program, which aims to lay the foundation for the creation of an agro-industrial processing zone linking the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Niassa, will be presented by the end of the year to the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (ADB).

The fact was announced a few days ago in Maputo by Pietro Toigo, the ADB representative in Mozambique, during the signing ceremony of an agreement for the Project for Strengthening the Productive Capacity of SMEs in the Agribusiness Sector, with the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA).

According to the source, ADB's strategy for Mozambique, approved in 2018 until 2022 aims to leverage investments in road infrastructure made over the years by the Mozambican government, through a comprehensive intervention in the productive and industrial capacity of the agricultural sector and its empowerment to create jobs.

"In particular, we are looking at increasing the competitiveness of this sector, which is so crucial to the transformation and diversification of the country, so that they can be prepared and benefit from the opportunities that will be created by the Free Trade Area of the African Continent," he said.

The ADB has already invested about 1.3 billion dollars along the three major road corridors of Nacala, Pemba, and Lichinga, including the Mueda-Negomano road; in the railway line connecting the Port of Nacala to the province of Tete; in the chicken value chain in the province of Niassa and northern Zambézia province, among others.

However, Pietro Toigo, believes that rail and road infrastructures without products to sell, or liquefied natural gas exploration aimed solely at export, cannot bring a lasting solution to the critical challenges facing the central and northern regions of the country, nor the desired development to be achieved.

He further explained that this is why the ADB has directed its actions in adding layers of development around these investments, particularly anchored in the growth of the local private sector.