Maputo, Sept. 1, 2026 (Lusa) - The Brazilian authorities intend to formalise the launch of a direct flight to Maputo in the coming weeks, a development seen as strategic for bringing the two markets closer together and strengthening Mozambique's role as a link to the southern African region.
«Negotiations are under way and we expect this to be formalised in the coming weeks,» Laudemir Müller, president of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), told Lusa during the 61st Maputo International Fair (FACIM), which has been running since Monday and continues until 5 September.
Although he did not go into further detail, Müller stated that the future air link would facilitate trade relations between the two countries and strengthen Mozambique's position as a gateway to other markets within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), at a time when Brazilian companies are seeking to establish partnerships in the country.
«Mozambique has an important market; it is a market of young, dynamic people, and it serves as a hub for the region,» he said, adding that the direct flight is expected to reinforce this role as a regional hub and facilitate closer ties between Brazilian companies and the markets of southern Africa.
ApexBrasil is participating in Facim alongside Brazilian companies, cooperatives and institutions from sectors such as food, health, energy, gas and minerals, seeking to increase business opportunities, partnerships and investments between the two countries. Brazil is, in fact, the guest of honour at the 2026 edition of Mozambique's largest trade fair, which brings together around 3,000 exhibitors.
In the area of food security, the Brazilian delegation is showcasing products from family farming, including nuts, beverages, animal protein and grains, and is participating alongside the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), which aims to contribute to the transfer of knowledge and the training of Mozambican technicians, with a focus on the development of family farming.
Health is another priority area, with the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) and private pharmaceutical companies in attendance. According to ApexBrasil, the aim is also to stimulate local production of medicines and vaccines, both in Mozambique and in Brazil.
Energy, gas, the energy transition and minerals are also highlighted as strategic sectors, with the Brazilian agency advocating the joint development of technologies, an increase in local content and the transformation of mineral resources into products with higher added value.
«Brazil is the country that offers support. Of course, it is not the only one, but we want to be a priority partner for Mozambique, because for Brazil, Mozambique is a priority in terms of cooperation and partnership,» said Müller, also highlighting opportunities for cooperation in technology, agriculture, healthcare, medicines, vaccines, gas and other fuels.
Brazil's participation also aims to bring companies from both countries closer together, although ApexBrasil stresses that it is up to the companies themselves to finalise business deals. Müller said he had already observed, on the very first day of the fair, meetings between Brazilian companies and potential Mozambican buyers, but considered it too early to assess the results.
«It is our companies that close deals. So our expectations are as high as possible. We always hope that companies will make good contacts and also, as far as possible, do business and close deals," he said.
The 61st Facim is expected to attract around 3,000 exhibitors from 29 countries, including approximately 600 foreign companies and 2,300 domestic ones, and hopes to welcome around 55,000 visitors over the six days.
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