Mozambique is looking to deepen its agricultural partnership with India by leveraging Indian expertise in agro-processing and agricultural technology, while using its strategic ports to expand trade access across Southern Africa.
Antonio Do Rosário Grispos, Secretary of State for Trade of Mozambique, outlined the opportunities for stronger bilateral cooperation while speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the Bharat International Rice Conference on Friday. He said Mozambique aims to adopt India’s agro-processing techniques and open regional markets to Indian businesses through its port infrastructure.
“We want to increase that through agro-processing, experience these techniques from India, and open our borders and markets for the Southern African countries through Mozambique’s ports,” Grispos said.
He highlighted India’s role in Mozambique’s food security, noting that the country imports around 600,000 tonnes of rice annually, with most of its supplies coming from India. He said the existing partnership could be expanded through greater cooperation in agricultural technology, processing and trade.
Mozambique’s ports offer strategic access to landlocked countries across Southern Africa, creating opportunities to facilitate regional commerce and improve market access for Indian exporters. Stronger port connectivity and logistics links could also support the movement of agricultural commodities and other goods across the region.
Grispos emphasised the longstanding historical and cultural ties between the two countries, noting that the Indian community has been present in Mozambique for more than five centuries. He also shared his personal connection with India, saying his grandfather came from Goa and expressing pride in his Indian heritage.
Describing India as a strategic partner, Grispos said relations between the two countries remained strong, supported by close engagement between their governments. He also highlighted the relationship between Mozambique President Daniel Chapo and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a factor supporting bilateral cooperation.
The Bharat International Rice Conference provides a platform for stakeholders to explore opportunities across the rice value chain, strengthen international trade partnerships and address food security challenges. For India and Mozambique, closer cooperation in agro-processing, rice trade and port-led connectivity could expand economic engagement and strengthen India’s access to markets across Southern Africa.