On Tuesday, Belgian Minister of Development Cooperation Caroline Gennez arrived in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, after a journey of over 16 hours. During her visit, Minister Gennez,

along with Mozambique's Foreign Minister Verónica Macamo, signed a new cooperation program valued at €25 million.

The program, spanning from 2023 to 2028, aims to assist Mozambique in transitioning to a more climate-friendly economy. It will primarily focus on promoting green energy and implementing sustainable waste management initiatives. Additionally, €2.5 million of the budget will be allocated to compensating for losses and damages caused by human-induced climate change. The Brussels Capital Region will contribute an extra €1 million towards the establishment of new drinking water facilities.

Against the backdrop of the Maputo-Ketembe bridge and the Umbuluzi River, the ministers discussed the challenges faced by Mozambique on Tuesday. Minister Macamo expressed her gratitude for Belgium's support in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and provided an overview of the country's political and economic situation. However, much of the conversation centered around the significant impact of the climate crisis.

Mozambique has been severely affected by cyclones in recent years. In 2019, Cyclones Idai and Kenneth claimed the lives of over 600 people. Earlier this year, the country experienced Cyclone Freddy, the longest-lasting cyclone ever recorded. The government is now focused on implementing preventive measures, such as relocating residents from low-lying areas and promoting the construction of climate-resistant houses. However, the challenges remain formidable, with warning systems often proving insufficient. Mozambique finds itself in a precarious position, emphasized Minister Macamo.

Later in the day, Minister Gennez has scheduled bilateral meetings with Mozambique's Minister of Land and Environment, Ivete Maibaze, and Deputy Minister of Finance, Carla Loveira.

This cooperation program between Belgium and Mozambique represents a significant step towards supporting climate resilience and sustainable development in the country. With a focus on green energy and waste management, the initiative aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote a more environmentally friendly and prosperous future for Mozambique. Photo by Maurits & Marjol from Cape Town, South Africa, Wikimedia commons.