Lichinga, Niassa Province (18 November 2025) — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Government of Mozambique, the National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (INGD), and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), yesterday launched the fifth and final nationwide capacity-building training in Lichinga City, Niassa Province.

This three-day training (17–19 November 2025) brings together 39 focal points from INGD’s Provincial and District Technical Councils (CTPGD/CTDGD) and Operational Emergency Centres (COEs), representing Lichinga City (multisectoral), Mecula, Marrupa, Lago, Mandimba, Mecanhelas, and Cuamba. Participants are developing practical skills in disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate adaptation, risk communication, conflict sensitivity, social cohesion, and humanitarian response.

A Major Milestone: 5 Provinces Reached, Nationwide Rollout Completed

With this final session in Niassa, UNDP, INGD and KOICA officially conclude the full rollout across the five high-risk provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala and Manica—a significant milestone in strengthening Mozambique’s national disaster preparedness and resilience architecture.

Niassa, Mozambique’s largest northern province, is less densely populated yet highly vulnerable to floods, heavy rains, droughts, epidemics, and insecurity—making enhanced preparedness essential.

During the opening session, Mr. Alberto Armando, INGD Deputy Director for the National Emergency Operation Center (CENOE), welcomed participants, reinforcing that the training is an opportunity to exchange experiences between central and local levels.

He highlighted the importance of inter-institutional collaboration, noting the engagement of key government partners such as the Ministry of Interior (through the National Public Safety Service), the Ministry of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, and the National Institute for Social Affairs under the Ministry of Labour, Gender and Social Affairs.

Mr. Armando encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained, stating that improved technical capacity must translate into faster, more coordinated disaster prevention, preparedness, and response, ultimately strengthening resilience and social cohesion. He thanked KOICA and UNDP for their support, emphasizing that the training comes at a critical moment at the onset of the rainy and cyclonic season.

Ms. Isabel Cavo, INGD Delegate for Niassa, urged participants to make full use of the training, noting its importance for improving provincial readiness ahead of the rainy season. She reiterated that disaster management and social cohesion are cross-cutting responsibilities requiring coordinated action from all sectors. She encouraged participants to promote alignment and collective action through existing coordination mechanisms.

Representing UNDP, Ms. Manuela Muianga acknowledged KOICA’s continued support, which has enabled the extension of this capacity-building initiative across central and northern Mozambique. She conveyed greetings from UNDP and KOICA senior management and reaffirmed their commitment to the Resilience Agenda.

She encouraged participants to keep the effort alive beyond the training room:

“The knowledge you gain here must help you make a meaningful difference in your daily work at district, municipal, and provincial levels.”

The Niassa training contributes to UNDP’s commitment to train 175 INGD focal points across Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, and Manica. By equipping local leadership with tools to integrate DRR and social cohesion into district-level planning and implementation, the initiative promotes sustainable, community-centered preparedness, especially for vulnerable populations.

UNDP remains steadfast in its partnership with the Government of Mozambique and KOICA to deliver targeted, scalable solutions that strengthen national disaster resilience and foster long-term social stability.

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About UNDP 

UNDP is the United Nations’ lead agency on international development. Working in more than 170 countries and territories, UNDP helps nations to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience so that progress can be sustained. In Mozambique, UNDP supports national and local partners to advance peace, recovery, and sustainable development—empowering communities and institutions to build a more inclusive and resilient future for all. Learn more at www.undp.org or follow us at www.undp.org/mozambique.

For more information, contact: 

Manuel Mabuiangue, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Communication

manuel.mabuiangue@undp.org