Xai-Xai, Mozambique, Aug. 19, 2026 (Lusa) - Mozambique's government intends to make «massive» investments to boost agricultural productivity, mobilising around $2 billion (€1.4 billion) over the next four years, the Minister for Planning and Development announced on Tuesday.

«We are talking about $2 billion [€1.4 billion] over four years, to make massive and substantial investments in agriculture, to boost productivity, particularly amongst smallholders, but also in the most promising value chains», said Minister Salim Valá, on the sidelines of a visit to monitor the recovery following the floods in January and March in Gaza province (south).

According to the Mozambican minister, the measure, which he described as «bold», will enable support for the agricultural activities of more than 2 million farmers, with Mozambique's government currently mobilising funds from national and foreign partners.

The minister highlighted the Chókwè and Lower Limpopo irrigation schemes, in Gaza, as «priority areas for intervention», with a series of simultaneous measures planned, from agricultural extension and research, through to financing for farmers, the use of improved seeds, fertilisers and plant protection products, to agricultural mechanisation and irrigation, in order to establish a scientifically sustainable agricultural sector.

On 14 July, Mozambican business leaders called for access to information and education systems for smallholders, arguing that these are essential to facilitate the digital transformation of the agricultural sector in Mozambique.

Mohamed Zameer Adam, from the Digital Transformation department at the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA), speaking at the 21st Annual Private Sector Conference, advocated introducing services to improve the information available to farmers, particularly regarding storms or pests, as well as their education.

The president of the Digital Transformation and Innovation Agency, Adilson Gomes, citing data from the Mozambican Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries, stated that 70% of the Mozambican population lives off agriculture, whilst noting that the sector currently contributes 25% to the national economy – a situation he attributed to opportunities for the state to enhance its capacity to identify its citizens.

LCE/ADB // ADB.

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