Representatives from the Government of Mozambique, the European Union, UNIDO, the private sector, and technical institutions gathered in Maputo to mark the closure of the PROMOVE Comércio component, a four-year project that strengthened SME competitiveness and the national Quality Infrastructure.
Implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and financed by the European Union, the project was launched in 2020 and carried out in close partnership with the Ministry of Economy and national institutions, namely IPEME.IP, INNOQ.IP, APIEX, CCM, GAPI, and ALM.
Strengthening Mozambique’s Quality Infrastructure
In the area of Quality Infrastructure, the project successfully built technical and institutional capacities in standardization, metrology, certification, and inspection. The National Institute for Standardization and Quality (INNOQ.IP) expanded its services in ISO 22000 and HACCP certifications and reinforced its role in implementing the National Quality Policy. The National Laboratory of Water and Food Hygiene (LNHAA) and the National Institute for Fish Inspection (INIP.IP) maintained their laboratory and sanitary accreditations, ensuring compliance with international export requirements. Meanwhile, the Association of Laboratories of Mozambique (ALM) recorded a significant increase in accredited laboratories, growing from 5 (in 2012) to 22 (by 2025).
According to Francois Denner of UNIDO, “the strengthening of technical capacities, institutional integration, and active participation in regional and international networks have positioned Mozambique at a more competitive and resilient level.”
Technical Manuals and Digital Tools: A Lasting Legacy
During the forum, two technical manuals developed under the project were officially launched:
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Manual 1: Business Development Services for SME Export Readiness
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Manual 2: Good Manufacturing Practices for Food Handling and Production
Built upon practical experiences across several provinces, these manuals are complemented by more than 30 training videos, 25 thematic presentations, and 18 technical diagnostic and planning tools. The full collection has been transferred to the servers of the Institute for the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (IPEME.IP) and the Chamber of Commerce of Mozambique (CCM), ensuring continuous access for national institutions and the broader public.
SME Testimonials and Achievements
The project supported more than 70 SMEs with export potential. Companies such as Mathária, Finana, and Gutsamba reported significant progress, ranging from obtaining food safety certifications to achieving their first exports. Some SMEs also benefited from specialized equipment, such as UV disinfection machines and metal detectors.
During the International Trade Fair of Maputo (FACIM) editions of 2022–2024, more than 100 B2B meetings were facilitated between Mozambican SMEs and international buyers. The Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEX), through its Exporter Database and matchmaking tool, enhanced the visibility of local companies in international markets.
Post-Project Sustainability: A Firm Commitment
Through the Training of Trainers (ToT) strategy, implemented since 2022, the project has ensured that technical knowledge and tools continue to be disseminated across the country. With the manuals now available and trainers capacitated, institutions such as IPEME, GAPI, and CCM have taken on the responsibility of carrying forward SME development efforts.
“The PROMOVE Comércio project closes today, but its impact truly begins now,” affirmed Jaime Comiche, UNIDO Representative in Mozambique, emphasising the organization’s commitment to supporting the sustainability of the results achieved.
The ceremony concluded with the awarding of certificates to 10 SMEs that completed training in food safety, good hygiene practices, and organic certification, attended by representatives from the Ministry of Economy, the European Union, and UNIDO.
About PROMOVE Comércio
PROMOVE Comércio is part of the broader PROMOVE – European Union Integrated Rural Development Programme in Mozambique, focusing on improving the business environment, strengthening Quality Infrastructure, and providing direct support to SMEs in the agribusiness, fisheries, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.