Maputo, July 27, 2026 (Lusa) - Mozambique's prime minister on Monday called on the National Fund for Sustainable Development (FNDS) to work towards eradicating hunger, promoting food security and creating tangible opportunities for young people and community members in local communities.
«Mozambique has exceptional agro-ecological conditions. We have the potential to produce enough food to supply the domestic market and even to export. We must, therefore, strengthen food and nutritional security. We can, and must, also generate income for Mozambican families,» said Maria Benvinda Levi.
The prime minister was speaking in Maputo as she officially appointed Dino Foi as chair of the FNDS board of directors, reminding him that he is taking charge of an institution responsible for helping the country to develop.
«The eradication of hunger must be a national commitment. This commitment must mobilise the government, the private sector, cooperation partners and the communities. The food insecurity that continues to affect various regions of our country must, gradually, become a thing of the past,» said Levi.
«It is not just a matter of producing more. We need to transform our food systems. We need to increase productivity. We need to improve access to markets and reduce post-harvest losses,» she added.
In this regard, she told the newly sworn-in chair that it is necessary to promote agro-industrialisation, add value to domestic production, and ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach communities.
The prime minister pointed out that, in recent years, Mozambique has faced extreme weather events that «present challenges to agricultural production» and require the reconstruction of infrastructure essential to the livelihoods of Mozambican families.
For this reason, she said, the fund must establish itself as a key instrument for the country's economic transformation, supporting citizens with «concrete solutions» for inclusive, resilient and sustainable development, particularly for people in rural areas who face the greatest challenges.
«The institution must also take a leading role in creating opportunities for young, talented individuals. We want thousands of Mozambicans to find professional fulfilment without having to leave their communities,» she said, pointing out that creating local opportunities boosts the economy in the districts and reduces regional inequalities.
Mozambique's government wants the fund to transform natural resources, agricultural potential and human capital into prosperity for all Mozambicans.
«We also hope that the Fund will support and facilitate access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. I am referring to businesses operating in the fields of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, environmental conservation, renewable energy, sustainable tourism and the green economy,» said Levi, also calling for transparent management of resources and the development of human capital.
Dino Foi pledged, on that occasion, to make every effort to understand how the fund operates and to move forward with concrete plans to end hunger, in line with Mozambique's government guidelines.
«I have just one priority: to feed the Mozambican people,» he said.
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