In a pivotal move signalling a reinvigorated focus on food security and sustainable development, Mozambique’s Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), Roberto Mito Albino, last Monday unveiled the new cohort of national directors set to steer the country’s vital agricultural, fisheries, and environmental sectors. This strategic assembly, tasked with ensuring compliance with the ambitious objectives outlined in the Government’s Five-Year Programme 2025-2029, marks a new chapter for the newly consolidated ministry.
The appointments, announced at a morning ceremony on May 5th, bring a fresh wave of leadership to critical portfolios. Heading the National Directorate of Agriculture is Jabula Arlindo Zibia, while the crucial legal landscape will be navigated by Daniel Sérgio Massinga, appointed Director of Legal Affairs and Litigation.
Planning and policy, the bedrock of strategic growth, will be the domain of Nilza Joubert Paunde. Meanwhile, the National Directorate of Livestock will be taken over by Rafael José Airone Escrivão, and Licínia Raquel de Castanheira e Cossa steps into the role of National Director of Extension, crucial for empowering rural communities.
The critical intersection of land and development sees Adérito Jorge Benedito M. Wetela entrusted with the National Directorate of Lands and Territorial Development. The custodianship of Mozambique’s rich natural heritage falls to Imede Chafim Falume, who will head the National Directorate of Forests and Wildlife.
Environmental stewardship, an increasingly urgent concern, will be overseen by Francisco Fenequisso Sambo, leading the National Directorate of Environment and Climate Change. Supporting this expansive team will be Marcos Romão Saúte, responsible for the Human Resources Directorate, ensuring the right talent is in place to drive the ministry’s agenda.
Financial prudence and administrative efficiency will be managed by Eurico Colarinho Navaia, appointed Director of Administration and Finance, while Elias José Matsinhe takes on the vital role of Director of Information and Communication. The marine realm, a significant economic contributor, will see Lucinda Mangue at the helm of the National Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture, with Felismina Armando Covane Antia leading the National Directorate of Maritime Affairs.
In his address, Minister Albino underscored the imperative to strengthen the sector and its interventions across the board. He emphasised the need for robust policy formulation and analysis, meticulous design and implementation of strategies, programmes, and development projects, and the crucial mobilisation of human, material, and financial resources. The overarching goal, he stressed, is to achieve economic and social development through the promotion of sustainable family and commercial farming, forestry, and fishing.
“Stakeholders in the agricultural, environmental and fisheries sectors expect strong institutional coordination and articulation from us,” the Minister asserted, “based on robust policies, strategies, programmes and projects that respond to the demands of the private sector and the aspirations of our society in general.”
In a significant announcement, Minister Albino revealed his intention to re-establish the Coordination Committee for the Agricultural and Fisheries Sector (CCSA). This body, he explained, will serve as a vital platform for enhanced coordination of MAAP actions, fostering deeper reflection and the pursuit of joint solutions to the complex challenges facing the sector. The CCSA will be inclusive, bringing together representatives from government institutions, the private sector, development partners, socio-professional organisations, and civil society.
Ultimately, the Minister concluded, the Mozambican populace expects “increasing access to food.” This necessitates the implementation of effective institutional policies that promote both rural and urban development, ensuring better living conditions for all. With this new leadership in place, Minister Albino’s MAAP is poised to embark on a concerted effort to transform Mozambique’s agricultural, fisheries, and environmental landscape, promising a future of greater prosperity and food security for the nation.
