Japan Contributes Food Assistance for 94,000 People in Northern Mozambique

The Government of Japan has announced a contribution to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to provide food assistance to 94,000 displaced and conflict-affected people in northern Mozambique, the agency announced at a ceremony in Maputo.

The assistance will target populations in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, areas heavily impacted by insecurity and displacement. The aid package includes canned fish provided by Japan and locally procured rice aimed at supporting Mozambican suppliers and markets.

According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis published in September, approximately 1.84 million people in Mozambique are facing crisis levels of food insecurity or worse (IPC Phase 3 or above). The report noted that food insecurity across the country is being driven by ongoing conflict, high food prices, and extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, and cyclones.

Speaking at the announcement ceremony, Keiji Hamada, Ambassador of Japan to Mozambique, stated that Japan remains committed to addressing the food needs of vulnerable populations affected by conflict and natural disasters in coordination with the Mozambican government and WFP.

WFP reported that severe funding shortages have forced it to prioritise aid strictly for the most vulnerable populations in northern Mozambique. Claire Conan, WFP Representative and Country Director in Mozambique, noted that the contribution arrives amid critical resource constraints, which could worsen as forecasts indicate El Niño may further exacerbate food insecurity in the region.

Since 2022, Japan has provided a total of USD 14 million to WFP to support humanitarian and development operations across Mozambique.

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