The Government of Japan donated 630 tons of rice and 90 tons of sardines to the Government of Cabo Delgado on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Pemba, under a programme implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP). The food supplies will be distributed to internally displaced people and vulnerable communities affected by the armed conflict.
During the handover ceremony, the Governor of Cabo Delgado, Valige Tauabo, said that the donation would complement ongoing assistance to the most vulnerable families, strengthen food security, and accelerate the recovery of communities affected by the conflict.
The governor also called on development partners, the private sector, and all those who support humanitarian causes to continue assisting the Government of Mozambique in its efforts to provide humanitarian aid and rebuild the province.
The Ambassador of Japan to Mozambique, Keiji Hamada, stated that many people remain displaced from their communities because of the armed conflict. In this context, he recalled that in 2024 the Government of Japan announced a US$2 million contribution to support food assistance in Cabo Delgado.
The ambassador expressed his hope that the assistance would reach those in need as quickly as possible, helping to improve their living conditions. He also noted that Japan would resume funding for suspended projects and rural infrastructure once the political and security situation in the affected areas becomes stable.
The WFP Representative in Mozambique, Claire Conan, said that the donation represents more than a logistical operation; it is a gesture of friendship between the people of Japan and Mozambique. According to her, no humanitarian crisis can be addressed by one country alone.
She added that, "every kilogram of food carries a simple message: human life matters, and the dignity of every family must be protected," expressing hope for a better future.
Claire Conan also highlighted that, since 2022, Japan has contributed more than US$14 million to humanitarian assistance programmes in Mozambique.
She further recalled that two years ago, the WFP was assisting more than one million people. However, due to declining funding, the agency is now able to support only about 425,000 people in Cabo Delgado every two months, acknowledging that this falls far short of meeting existing needs.
With this donation, four months of food assistance are guaranteed for the most vulnerable people, including malnourished children, women-headed households, and other groups at greater risk. (Maria Forquilha)
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