The European Union (EU) has approved the Strategic Programme for Mozambique (2021-2027), with a financial package for the first four years worth 428 million euros for the development sector, announced the EU delegation in the African country
Mozambique's Multi-Year Indicative Program for the period 2021 to 2027 was approved under the new Global Europe Neighborhood, Development Cooperation and International Cooperation Instrument, which replaced the European Development Fund, Lusa news agency reported.
"The partnership between the European Union and Mozambique will be based on a multidimensional approach, focusing on the priority needs of the country, with gender aspects a cross-cutting priority. This development support will contribute to an integrated response to the issues of peace and security, humanitarian aid and development, reads the document quoted by Lusa.
Mozambique's new Multi-Year Indicative Program 2021-2027 features three priority areas: Green Growth, Youth Growth, and Governance, Peace and Just Society.
Green Growth focuses on the conservation and protection of the environment for the sustainable development of Mozambique.
"The European Union's support aims - among others - to create economic opportunities and jobs by transforming production patterns towards more sustainable and inclusive models," the statement said.
The second priority area - Youth Growth -, aims to "ensure adequate nutrition and food security, more investment in inclusive and quality education, and the creation of more employment opportunities."
In the third area - Governance, Peace and a Just Society, the Indicative Program aims to "respond to the challenges of governance and promote an inclusive society through the strengthening of democratic institutions at central and decentralized levels, the protection and promotion of human rights, and support for an independent and pluralistic press.
The program will also support the strengthening of social cohesion and peace and stability.
"Among the priority interventions of this program will be to combat growing inequalities. Support for civil society will also have an important place in cooperation between the European Union and Mozambique with a view to strengthening pluralism," the statement added.
Once the implementation of the 2021-2024 phase of the Indicative Program is complete, and after the evaluation of its results, "the financial allocation for 2025-2027 will be subject to decision by the European Union."
Source: Lusa