Mozambique Emerges as a Priority Partner in Italy’s Expanding Africa Strategy

Speaking during celebrations marking Italy’s Republic Day in Maputo, Italian Ambassador Gabriele Annis highlighted the significant progress achieved in bilateral relations over the past year and reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to deepening its economic engagement with Mozambique. The remarks underscored the increasingly strategic role Mozambique occupies within Italy’s broader engagement with Africa.

According to Ambassador Annis, bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded €424 million during the first eight months of 2025, representing growth of more than 20% compared to the previous period. At the same time, Italian foreign direct investment approached €200 million, reflecting growing confidence among Italian businesses operating in the Mozambican market.

More than fifty Italian companies are currently active in Mozambique across sectors including energy, construction, infrastructure, agribusiness and industrial services. Their presence has contributed to the strengthening of commercial ties while supporting job creation and local value chain development.

The energy sector remains at the centre of the economic relationship. Italian energy major Eni continues to play a leading role through the Coral Sul and Coral Norte floating liquefied natural gas projects. Combined investments exceed US$14 billion and have already generated approximately 1,400 jobs while creating contract opportunities worth around US$800 million for Mozambican companies.

Italian engineering and industrial groups have also established a significant footprint in the country. Companies including Saipem, Renco, Inalca, Bonatti, CMC Ravenna and Baker Hughes are supporting major projects in infrastructure, industrial development, food security and energy services.

Further momentum is expected in the coming months. Ambassador Annis announced that an Italian business delegation focused on infrastructure and construction would visit Maputo in June to explore new investment opportunities and identify future areas of collaboration between the two countries.

The growing partnership is closely linked to Italy’s Piano Mattei, the flagship African development strategy launched by the Italian government. Mozambique has been identified as one of the priority countries under the initiative, benefiting from programmes designed to accelerate sustainable development and economic transformation.

Among the flagship projects is ASCENT, an initiative backed by up to €100 million from the Italian Climate Fund to expand access to sustainable energy in rural communities. Italy is also supporting the development of the Manica Agrifood Centre, a project aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains and improving market integration for producers.

In the digital sphere, Mozambique has been selected as one of only four priority African countries under Italy’s Digital Flagship programme, reflecting growing cooperation in technology and digital transformation.

The strengthening of economic ties has been reinforced by increased political engagement between the two countries. In December 2025, Mozambican President Daniel Chapo undertook his first official visit to Rome, where meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni resulted in the signing of cooperation agreements covering development cooperation, justice, civil protection and digitalisation.

As both governments seek to expand trade, investment and development cooperation, Italy’s growing presence in Mozambique reflects a broader strategic vision centred on long-term partnership, shared economic growth and sustainable development. The trajectory of bilateral relations suggests that Mozambique will remain a key pillar of Italy’s engagement with Africa in the years ahead.

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