UNDP and Government of Japan sign Agreement for Rehabilitation of Infrastructure Project for Stabilization of Cabo Delgado Province

May 31, 2023

The Government of Japan and The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mozambique signed today, at the Official Residence of Japan in Mozambique, the agreement of the Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project for Stabilization in Cabo Delgado Province, budgeted at 1,328,000,000 yen (around US$ 10 million).

From right to left: His Excellency Mr. Hajime Kimura, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in Mozambique, and Mr. Antonio Molpeceres, Acting Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Mozambique, showing the signed Memoranda of Understanding

UNDP/Mateus Fotine

The agreement was signed by H.E Mr. Hajime Kimura, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Mozambique, and Mr. Antonio Molpeceres, Resident Representative ad interim of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mozambique.

With this generous contribution from the Government of Japan, the project aims to (i) re-establish government’s presence, (ii) restore basic services and livelihoods, and (iii) contribute to protecting and resuming economic development investments from public and private sectors in the Province of Cabo Delgado. 

It is estimated that the project will reach a total of 405,000 beneficiaries, half of these being women in the target districts. As part of ‘Reconstruction Plan of Cabo Delgado (PRCD, acronym in Portuguese)’ of the Government of Mozambique and the UNDP's Immediate Stabilization and Recovery Programme of Cabo Delgado Province, the project will be implemented until April 2024 in the districts of Palma, Mocímboa da Praia, Macomia, Quissanga, Meluco, Ancuabe, Muidumbe and Nangade and the city of Pemba, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), the Agency for Integrated Development in the North (ADIN), the Provincial Government of Cabo Delgado and the district administrations.

His Excellency Mr. Hajime Kimura, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in Mozambique, delivering his speech at the event

UNDP/Mateus Fotine

During the signing ceremony, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Mozambique, H.E Hajime Kimura, said, "The government of Japan has decided to give more support to people in Cabo Delgado. People there have been suffering due to terrorism since 2017, and Japan has been supporting the Mozambican government to improve the situation. Thanks to a lot of efforts by the Mozambican government and the international community, the situation there has been getting better. We believe that we must take this opportunity to boost our efforts. Many of the IDPs are starting to go back to places where they used to live, and daily and governmental infrastructure are crucially needed. Thanks to the strong support from UNDP, we can contribute to rehabilitating their necessary infrastructure. Through this project, we sincerely hope for a better future for Mozambique and will keep standing with the people in this country.”

Mr. Antonio Molpeceres Excellency Mr. Hajime Kimura, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in Mozambique, delivering his opening speech at the event

UNDP/Mateus Fotine

The Resident Representative Ad Interim of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mozambique, Antonio Molpeceres, stressed the importance of rebuilding basic infrastructure in the targeted districts to ensure access to basic services by the affected communities. For him: "with the leadership of the government, the participation of the affected communities and support from development partners, we will have a positive sustainable impact in the lives of Mozambican people in the province”.

Group photo

UNDP/Mateus Fotine

The Coordinator of the Northern Integrated Development Agency (ADIN), Mr. Haggai Mário, the Government representative on the occasion, explained that "the project will, among other things, help the reconstruction of public buildings such as schools and hospitals, as well as water supply systems. The issue of social infrastructure is quite crucial. And this program is aligned with the Reconstruction Plan for Cabo Delgado, conceived and approved by our Government."

From left to right: flag of the United Nations, flag of the Republic of Mozambique and the flag of Japan.

UNDP/Mateus Fotine

The project's areas of intervention have been agreed with the Government of Mozambique and are an integral part of the UNDP Stabilization Programme. The proposed activities are in full alignment with the two main national frameworks to address the current crisis in Cabo Delgado, namely the Programme for Resilience and Integrated Development in the North (PREDIN) and the Plan for Reconstruction in the areas affected by terrorism in Cabo Delgado (PRCD - 2021-2024).

Notes for editors:

• As part of national stabilization and recovery efforts, UNDP established a local office in Pemba in 2021 and began implementing stabilization activities. In collaboration with the central government, including the Secretary of State of Cabo Delgado Province, the Provincial Governor, the Provincial Secretariat of Economy and Finance and the Northern Integrated Development Agency (ADIN), among others, UNDP has supported the re-establishment of basic services through rehabilitation and reconstruction of destroyed public infrastructure, economic recovery through monetary interventions and livelihood support.
• Participatory community involvement is key to re-establishing the social contract maintaining peace and enabling long-term social cohesion and development processes. A community-based approach also ensures ownership and sustainability of project results.
• The six target districts of the program were, prior to the conflict and based on 2017 census data, predominantly rural, with over 70% of the population living in rural areas. Based on this reality, the program will not limit interventions to the main urban centers but will also engage the communities to which most of the population will eventually return voluntarily.


About UNDP

• As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.


Mission and Vision

• UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.


For more information:

UNDP:
• Eduardo Fujikawa. Tel +258 850751959, eduardo.fujikawa@undp.org – Programme Analyst – Peace and Social Cohesion
• Florian Morier. Tel. +32 466 204 613 florian.morier@undp.org - Senior Stabilization and Recovery Advisor
• Olivia Pereira. Tel +258 850751959, olivia.pereira@undp.org – Strategic Partnerships and Integration Specialist
• Mateus Fotine. Tel. +258 879880203, mateus.fotine@undp.org – Communication and Visibility Officer


Government of Japan in Mozambique:

• Ryohei Shiozaki. Tel. +258 856004869, ryohei.shiozaki@mofa.go.jp – Coordinator for Economic Cooperation

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