AfDB’s New Mozambique Country Manager Presents Credentials, Pledges Faster Delivery of $1.6bn Portfolio

The African Development Bank Group's newly appointed Country Manager for Mozambique, Rômulo Cunha Corrêa, has formally presented his credentials to the Government in Maputo, marking the start of his official mandate in one of the Bank's key southern African partners.

Corrêa was received by Mozambique's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas, who reaffirmed the strength of the long-standing partnership between Mozambique and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

"The African Development Bank is a strategic partner in Mozambique's journey toward structural transformation," Lucas said. "We greatly welcome Mr Corrêa and anticipate working closely to ensure our joint portfolio delivers tangible results for our citizens."

$1.6 Billion Active Portfolio Across Key Sectors

Corrêa assumes leadership of a substantial AfDB portfolio in Mozambique, comprising 39 projects valued at $1.6 billion.

The investment breakdown reflects Mozambique's core development priorities:

• Energy – 53%

• Transport – 27%

• Agriculture – 14%

• Economic governance – 2%

• Water and sanitation – 2%

• Education – 2%

• Multi-sector initiatives – 0.1%

The focus on energy and transport highlights the Bank's commitment to infrastructure-led growth, regional integration, and improved access to essential services.

Accelerating Delivery and Deepening Policy Dialogue

In his remarks, Corrêa expressed appreciation for the Government's confidence in the Bank and outlined his immediate priorities.

"I am deeply honoured to serve as the Country Manager for Mozambique, a nation with immense potential," he said.

"My immediate priority is to deepen our policy dialogue and accelerate the pace of delivery across our diverse portfolio to foster sustainable, broad-based, inclusive growth across all regions."

His appointment comes at a critical time as Mozambique seeks to strengthen economic resilience, expand infrastructure, and unlock growth across agriculture and energy sectors.

Engagement With Finance Ministry

Corrêa also met with Mozambique's Minister of Finance, Carla do Rosário Fernandes Loveira, who serves as the country's Governor to the African Development Bank Group.

The Finance Minister underscored the importance of AfDB support in advancing national development priorities and achieving long-term economic transformation.

Strategic Partnership for Structural Transformation

Mozambique has been a long-standing partner of the AfDB, with cooperation spanning infrastructure, agricultural development, governance reforms, and social sector investments.

Corrêa's appointment signals continuity in the Bank's commitment while emphasizing a renewed focus on delivery speed, policy engagement, and measurable impact.

As Mozambique pursues structural transformation and inclusive growth, the AfDB's $1.6 billion portfolio is expected to remain central to financing energy expansion, transport connectivity, agricultural productivity, and institutional strengthening.