The Italian government will disburse around 4 million euros for the implementation of a project aimed at boosting agricultural activity over the next three years in the provinces of Manica and Cabo Delgado, the northern and central regions of Mozambique respectively.

Financed by the Government of the Republic of Italy through the Italian Cooperation Agency and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Agency (UNIDO), the project falls within the mandate of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIC).

Entitled the Project to Improve the Inclusive and Sustainable Development of Agricultural Value Chains (Mais Valor II), it also aims to support the government's efforts to structurally transform the development of the agro-industry sector and value chains in Manica and Cabo Delgado.

To this end, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the MIC and UNIDO, the entity implementing the project.

According to a AIMThe agreement allows for the exchange of information and coordination in carrying out joint monitoring activities in the implementation of the aforementioned project's activities.

Speaking after the signing of the memorandum, the permanent secretary of the MIC, Jorge Jairoce, said that the project focuses on the production of fruit and vegetables in Manica and coffee in Cabo Delgado.

"This project will focus on promoting the added value of agricultural products and improving the performance of agro-processing of fruit and vegetables, coffee and cereals," he said.

For his part, UNIDO's representative in Mozambique, Jaime Muniz, said he hoped the program would help boost agro-processing in the country.

"We hope that with the formalization of the "Mais valor II" programme, we can contribute to the agro-processing and training of small and medium-sized companies in the area of fruit and vegetables and coffee and find creative ways to strengthen youth employment opportunities," said Muniz.

The first phase of the Mais Valor program, "Mais Valor I", was under the tutelage of the Ministry of Agriculture and was focused on coffee cultivation in Cabo Delgado, especially on Ibo Island. Because of the current situation in the country, it was extended to horticulture and coffee in Manica province with the "Mais Valor II" program, all financed by Italy.