Press release
Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora visits Mozambique
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy, begins a visit to Mozambique on Monday, 23 May.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Minister Brophy said:
"I look forward to this opportunity to mark Ireland’s longstanding commitment to bilateral cooperation with Mozambique, and to witness first-hand the positive and sustainable difference that Ireland’s second largest bilateral development cooperation programme is making to the people of Mozambique.
"This visit holds special significance for a number of reasons. I particularly look forward to marking Africa Day in Mozambique, and to visiting the Province of Inhambane, where this year we mark 25 years of Ireland’s presence.
"As Minister for Diaspora, I am also particularly looking forward to meeting with the Irish community in Mozambique, who are active in development work, business and culture."
During his visit, Minister of State Brophy will visit the Province of Inhambane, where Irish Aid has been working for many years. While there, Minister of State Brophy will visit Irish Aid partners working in the health, education, climate and nutrition sectors. These include a new primary school and the Rural Hospital in Vilankulo, and the International Potato Centre, through which Ireland supports the climate smart production and local consumption of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes to improve the nutrition and energy intake for over 20,000 rural households.
The Minister will also meet with local officials including the Governor of Inhambane Province, before travelling to Maputo for a series of high-level meetings with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Health, at which he will confirm Ireland’s continued support for Mozambique.
In Maputo, as well as visiting partners in the health and education sectors, Minister Brophy will attend a range of cultural events, and meet the local Irish Community and youth entrepreneurs supported by Ireland.
Mozambique is Ireland’s second-largest bilateral cooperation programme, with a budget of €26 million in 2022.
As well as an Embassy in Maputo, Ireland has two provincial offices in Mozambique, situated in Inhambane City, Inhambane and Lichinga, Niassa. October 2022 will mark the 25th anniversary of Ireland’s presence in the two provinces.