04 April 2015, Maputo — The Japanese government is to grant Mozambique 19 million US dollars to strengthen the electricity grid in the Nacala Corridor, in the northern province of Nampula.
An agreement to this effect was signed in Maputo on Thursday by Deputy Foreign Minister Nyeleti Mondlane and Japanese ambassador Akira Mizutabi.
“The grant from the Japanese government is a valuable contribution to the efforts of the Mozambican government is pursuing its economic and social development goals”, said Mondlane.
“This grant demonstrates the strong ties of friendship and cooperation between the two peoples”.
Mondlane noted that Japan has also assisted Mozambique in agricultural projects, the transfer of technology, demining and the construction of infrastructures including roads, bridges and schools.
“It is also important to note that the presence of Japan in institutional capacity building and human resources in Mozambique is crucial, in that Japan grants scholarships for masters degrees and doctorates in various professional fields”, she added.
For his part, Mizutani said “we are pleased that we can help Mozambique develop its infrastructures. The electricity grid is one of these infrastructures, and a stable supply of electrical power is needed in the north of the country”.
The Japanese government is also financing the “Pro-Savana” agricultural programme, which involves tripartite cooperation between Mozambique, Brazil and Japan for agricultural development along the Nacala Corridor.
*Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique (Maputo)