Gennez signs cooperation program of 25 million euros in Mozambique for a more climate-friendly economy | Interior

The program, which runs from 2023 to 2028, should help Mozambique to make its economy more climate-friendly by investing in green energy, and supports the national program for sustainable waste management. Of the budget, 2.5 million euros will go to compensation for loss and damage as a result of man-made climate change (‘loss and damage’). The Brussels-Capital Region is making an additional contribution of one million euros for new drinking water facilities.

Overlooking the Maputo-Ketembe Bridge and the Umbuluzi River, ministers spoke on Tuesday about the challenges facing the South-East African country. Minister Macamo thanked the Belgian development cooperation projects in her country. “The people of Mozambique will never forget Belgium’s support in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said. She outlined the political and economic situation, but the conversation was mainly about the consequences of the climate crisis.

In 2019, cyclones Idai and Kenneth killed more than 600 people. In February and March of this year, the country was hit by Freddy, the longest-lasting cyclone ever. The government is trying to take preventive measures – by moving people into low-lying areas, by advising people to build more climate-resistant houses – but the warnings often come too late. Mozambique is in a very critical position, Minister Macamo stressed.

Later in the day, Minister Gennez had a bilateral meeting scheduled with Mozambican Minister of Land and Environment Ivete Maibaze and Deputy Minister of Finance Carla Loveira.