The Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme (GCIP) led a high-level discussion during the Mozambique–UK Business and Investment Forum in Maputo on 30 May. The programme presented its objectives to accelerate sustainable growth, including an ambitious plan to increase access to climate finance and identify additional bankable infrastructure projects. These projects are aimed at improving the climate resilience of three cities: Beira, Nacala and Pemba.
The Forum, a testament to the strong partnership between the UK and Mozambique governments, was hosted by the UK Minister for Exports, Lord Offord of Garvel, and the Mozambican Minister of Industry and Trade, His Excellency Silvino Augusto Moreno. The event brought together around 100 representatives from the private sector, financial institutions, diplomatic missions and the Government of Mozambique. The objective was to discuss investment opportunities in the infrastructure and energy sectors, a crucial topic in the face of climate change. It is crucial to note that Mozambique is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change shocks and is in urgent need of mobilising investment for inclusive, climate-resilient infrastructure projects.
The GCIP Coordinator for Mozambique, Mr. Geert van Boekel, initiated the discussion by presenting the programme’s ambition. Lord Offord, the Mozambican Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, Minister Amilcar Tivane, and the National Director of Planning and Research, Mr. Francisco Sambo, then took part in a panel discussion exploring the relevance of GCIP’s activities in the current situation in Mozambique. The panellists underlined the importance of building resilient and inclusive infrastructure in coastal cities, as climate change is increasingly affecting and impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in these regions, many already in precarious situations. To achieve this, local communities and private sector involvement is essential, while the government, at all levels, must recognise and incorporate climate risks in its policies.
Lord Offord of Garvel closed the event with a speech recognising that climate change adaptation can be supported by improving the public debate around the interconnectedness of systems in urban areas. British companies can play a role in this, providing opportunities and risks are adequately promoted and communicated. All parties acknowledged that more needs to be done to promote opportunities in Mozambique and that British instruments – including British International Investment and the Private Infrastructure Development Group – can help unlock new investments.
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The UK’s Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme will accelerate the delivery of sustainable green cities and climate-resilient infrastructure – tackling climate change and extreme poverty.
