The World Bank has expressed its willingness to finance the Mozambican government's priority programs for the development of the Blue Economy, since the institution's new disbursement cycle will be defined by the middle of this year.

"The new World Bank funding cycle will be defined by July 2025. Therefore, this is the ideal time for the Government of Mozambique to present the Blue Economy agenda as a priority in its programmes, and for there to be a commitment at the level of the line Ministry and the Ministry of Finance to design projects with the potential to mobilize the private sector and promote employment within the framework of the implementation of the Blue Economy Development Strategy (EDEA)," said the World Bank's Senior Environmental Specialist, based in Washington, United States.

Sylvia Michele was speaking during a courtesy meeting she recently had in Maputo with the Secretary of State for the Sea and Fisheries, Momed Juízo.

Michele congratulated Mozambique on the results already achieved with the bank's previous financing for the Blue Economy, as well as recognizing the merit of the priorities presented by Juízo.

"The Blue Economy is a relevant part of the government's agenda, taking into account the existing instruments and legislation, as well as the public institutions created to implement initiatives on the matter," said the SE.

The government intends, among several priorities, to improve literacy about the Blue Economy, involve the private sector in the implementation of projects in the area and ensure community involvement to increase production in aquaculture and mariculture. (Source: ProAzul)