Tánaiste commits €1 million to Inhambane Province (Mozambique) for jobs, health and water

Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, has today committed €1 million to support the blue economy, food production and basic services such as health and water infrastructure through the Provincial Government in Inhambane Province, Mozambique.

During a visit to the province, the Tánaiste met with Inhambane State Secretary, Mr Amosse Julio Macamo, and Provincial Governor, Mr Daniel Francisco Chapom to discuss the potential of the province for future development, particularly increasing job opportunities for young people and encouraging the expansion of the private sector. The Tánaiste highlighted Ireland’s commitment to supporting the climate-vulnerable province of Inhambane, where we have worked for the past 26 years.

Announcing the €1 million in funding, the Tánaiste said:

"It is vital that people have access to good food, good nutrition, clean water and good health care to contribute to the development of the country. It was a privilege to see first-hand the important work Ireland has done in Inhambane over the last 26 years and, today, I renew our commitment to working together to create opportunities for young people through agri-business development in the food sector, ecotourism, youth entrepreneurship, the blue economy, as well as addressing the impacts of climate change."

The Tánaiste is visiting a number of sites supported by Ireland in the province of Inhambane, including a health centre, a school, and a solar-powered water system. The Tánaiste is also visiting an Agriculture and Blue Economy Fair, highlighting the local produce and ecotourism promotion that is being developed with Ireland’s support.

Notes

Ireland has supported Inhambane Province since 1997 (over 26 years), providing more than €29 million in funding.

Today’s announcement of €1 million will be delivered in 2023/24 to help support:

improved primary health care, including access to potable water and improved nutrition. Through the Provincial Council, annual support is provided to build new climate adapted water systems and expand basic health infrastructure
sustainable food systems: essential to community resilience and include aquaculture, mussel production, bee-keeping, coconut trees, cashew disease management, roots & tubers (orange-fleshed sweet potato and potato), poultry, seed systems, small-scale irrigation for vegetable production
Blue Economy: includes community resilience to climate change, conservation of marine life and protection of coastal areas and new job opportunities for women and young people. Main actions include mangrove reforestation, preparation for carbon credits, improving ecotourism services, recycling, community capacity building in coastal management, marine conservation and research