In a landmark collaboration for Southern Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique have launched two transformative initiatives aimed at turning forests and farms into engines of inclusive green growth. 

Spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and funded by the Italian government, the dual projects focus on sustainable forest management and regional agricultural trade.

The projects, the Transboundary Integrated Sustainable Management of Miombo Woodlands and the Agricultural Value Chain and Trade Development, are set to boost climate resilience, empower smallholder farmers, and unlock structured cross-border trade that uplifts rural communities.

Speaking at the launch, Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Ambassador Tedious Chifamba, redefined the narrative around the Miombo woodlands.

“The Miombo woodlands are no longer seen solely as vulnerable ecosystems, but as climate assets, integral to national adaptation and mitigation efforts, and central to green economic recovery,” said Ambassador Chifamba. “The benefits of this project and our broader environmental reforms extend far beyond the Miombo. A healthy Miombo ecosystem underpins agricultural productivity, reduces rural poverty, and enhances resilience to climate shocks.”

Stretching across vast swathes of Southern Africa, the Miombo woodlands support the livelihoods of millions. The FAO-AICS Miombo project will focus on conserving this vital ecosystem, which is essential for biodiversity, food security, and the stability of rural communities.

Meanwhile, the ZIM-MOZA Agricultural Trade and Development Project will enhance agricultural value chains by improving market access for small-scale producers, promoting agro-processing, and supporting small enterprises, particularly those led by women and youth.

Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, praised the regional effort to make agriculture more commercially viable and globally connected.

“The project will enable the economic agents to capture concrete advantages of bilateral, regional, and international trade facilitating frameworks, at a time that continental and regional integration is gaining momentum on the continent,” said Professor Jiri. 

The launch also received strong support from international partners. Italian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Umberto Malnati, described the projects as part of Italy’s broader Mattei Plan for Africa, a strategy built on cooperation and support for local potential.

“Mozambique and Zimbabwe are strategic partners with whom we aim to build shared pathways for sustainable economic growth and human development,” said Ambassador Malnati.

FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for Southern Africa, Dr Patrice Talla Takoukam, emphasized the organisation’s holistic approach to development.

“Both projects embody FAO's integrated approach to agrifood systems, promoting sustainable production, enhancing nutrition, conserving natural resources, and improving livelihoods. To make this vision real, FAO capitalises on its vast experience and its technical excellence,” he said. 

With climate change and economic inequality looming large over rural Africa, these projects offer a timely and promising model: forests and farms working in harmony, not just to survive but to thrive.