The World Bank will provide financing to bolster agribusiness within Mozambique’s Beira Corridor, announced during a meeting between the government and regional business leaders. Private sector representatives welcomed the support, citing a need for increased investment to enhance agricultural production and competitiveness. However, the Manica Economic Development Agency stressed the initiative’s success hinges on integrating smallholder farmers into value chains for greater inclusivity and sustainability. Concerns were raised by fisheries entrepreneur Mamade Sulumane, referencing past World Bank funding that yielded disappointing results due to foreign exchange shortages and lack of funding for fishing vessels. In response, the Minister of Agriculture announced harsher penalties for the sale of counterfeit seeds – now classified as fraud – and a campaign to reclaim unproductive, titled land. Recovered land will be prioritized for young people and women seeking agricultural opportunities, with the government advocating for production contracts between the state, companies, and cooperatives to maximize impact.