Maputo, May 28, 2026 (Lusa) - Italy plans €100 million in investments to develop green cities in Mozambique, the Italian ambassador, Gabriele Annis, has said, adding that delegates will sign the agreements at a June business forum in Maputo.

"We will sign a letter of intent on the 'Green Cities' project, which fits into the Mattei Plan, Italy's government plan to redefine a new paradigm for relations with African countries," the ambassador said on Wednesday during a press conference on the preparations for the Mozambique-Italy Business Forum, taking place on 8 and 9 June.

The diplomat said the agreement provides €100 million in funding.

Companies from the two delegations will sign it to advance the Green Cities project, which Italy supports and involves 10 cities across five African countries, including two in Mozambique.

The investment in Chimoio, in the central Manica province, will focus on clean water projects and park regeneration for locals to enjoy.

Annis explained that Italy intends to finance a waste recycling project in Pemba, located in the northern Cabo Delgado province.

He said officials are currently working with authorities to finalise the plan.

Italy's environment ministry and Mozambique's ministry of agriculture, environment and fisheries will also sign an environmental memorandum of understanding during the event.

This meeting precedes the Mozambique-EU (European Union) Business Forum, which runs from 9 to 12 June.

"This will allow funding from Italy's environment ministry to flow directly to projects in Mozambique. It will open doors for new projects and funding of mutual interest," Annis said.

The Italian business delegation brings together more than 20 companies, including contractors, aiming to sign agreements and "move to action," he said.

Italy intends to work with the Mozambican delegation to develop logistics corridors, including the Beira corridor (a vital trade and transport route) in central Sofala.

This corridor transports produce from Manica province, where Italy has agricultural investments.

"Italian investments will add value to this produce, which will leave Manica through the Beira corridor and perhaps one day reach large international markets from the Port of Beira. This just shows the importance of logistics corridors," he said.

The diplomat said the business forum will also address the development of Mozambique's dams and energy resources.

VIYS/LYT // AYLS

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