Companies supported by UNIDO’s MAMAP project, funded by NORAD, demonstrate significant growth following participation in the country’s largest trade fair
The participation of small and medium-sized Mozambican aquaculture producers in FACIM 2025 proved to be a turning point for the sector, with results that exceeded initial expectations and consolidated new business opportunities for companies that, just a few years ago, struggled to find space in the formal market.
Between August 25 and 31, in Ricatla, Marracuene district, two beneficiary companies of the MAMAP project – Market Access for Mozambican Aquaculture Products – were present at the country’s largest multi-sectoral commercial event, demonstrating that investment in quality and training can transform small producers into credible suppliers for the national and regional market.
Quinta Irini and Sihaka were the protagonists of this success story. With a professional stand and carefully prepared products, the companies attracted hundreds of visitors throughout the week, recording impressive numbers that reflect the potential of Mozambique’s aquaculture sector.
“We counted 762 professional visitors interested in our products,” revealed the Sihaka team. Quinta Irini, for its part, reported a constant flow of visitors, with so many interested parties that it became impossible to make an accurate count. “There were many visitors, without possible counting,” stated the company representative.
Immediate sales numbers surprised even the most optimistic. Quinta Irini recorded sales exceeding 60,000 meticais during the event. Sihaka, specializing in saltwater tilapia, sold 2,000 meticais, with four orders of 40 kg of fish each, which have already been delivered.
The impact of participation extended beyond direct sales, resulting in concrete commercial partnerships. Quinta Irini reactivated relationships with two former clients and captured a new one, with two of these agreements already resulting in supplies to a restaurant and a grocery store. Sihaka, in turn, held five meetings with suppliers and established contact with two financial institutions to discuss credit solutions adapted to the sector.
Visibility for the producers was amplified by high-level visits, including that of His Excellency the President of the Republic to the stand, a moment that honored the exhibitors. The interest of other entities, such as the German cooperation agency GIZ, which expressed the intention to visit Quinta Irini’s facilities, points to future collaboration opportunities.
UNIDO’s support, formalized through a Commitment Agreement, was fundamental, covering the costs of renting and setting up a professional stand. This support allowed the companies to focus on promoting their products and negotiating with potential clients. Carla Mariza Esculudes, from Quinta Irini, highlighted the importance of this assistance: “It was very important for the company to have a stand… had it not been for the project, we would not have been in a position to pay for the stand. Thank you very much“. The success at FACIM 2025 serves as a clear demonstration of the impact of the MAMAP project, which aims to empower SMEs to move from a production focus to a market-driven approach.
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