Maputo - On July 8, an agreement was signed in Maputo, Mozambique, for the construction and equipping of the Manica Food Hub. Recognized as a strategic project under the Mattei Plan for Africa, this initiative aims to develop and equip a food hub in the western Mozambican province of Manica. The hub will serve as a regional center for the processing and distribution of agricultural products. The 38-million-euro project is financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation - Directorate General for Development Cooperation. It aligns with the priorities of the Mozambican authorities, strengthening food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting the inclusion of women and youth in local entrepreneurship. The initiative continues Italy's strategy of enhancing sustainable food processing in Africa. The agreement was signed by Stefano Gatti, Director General for Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Paolo Lombardo, Director of International Cooperation and Development Finance of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, alongside Mozambique's Minister of Economy and Finance, Ernesto Max Elias Tonela. This signing follows the participation of Mozambican President Nyusi at the Italy-Africa Summit on January 29. It took place during the mission of representatives from Italian Cooperation and the mission structure for implementing the Mattei Plan in Southern Africa (South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia), following recent regional missions in East and West Africa. (9colonne)