The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), through its MAMAP project funded by NORAD, is supporting an initiative to transform the Machangulo Mussel Producers Association into a modern cooperative. The activity, taking place from 27 to 31 October 2025 in Machangulo District, Maputo Province, is being implemented in close partnership with the National Institute for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (IDEPA) and the Mozambican Association for the Promotion of Modern Cooperativism (AMPCM).
This intervention responds to the challenges faced by small-scale producers in the aquaculture sector, who often operate individually and in isolation. Such limitations include weak capitalization of their investments and difficulties in adopting a structured business approach, such as proper management and licensing of activities. Cooperativism emerges as a strategic approach to empower these producers, enabling them to combine efforts, share costs and risks, and improve access to essential services and commercial partnerships.
The activity falls under the scope of the project Market Access of Mozambican Aquaculture Products (MAMAP), which is part of the Global Market Access Programme (GMAP). UNIDO’s mandate focuses on promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development (ISID), aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG-9). The MAMAP project specifically aims to strengthen the aquaculture value chain by enhancing compliance capacities with quality standards for market access.
Over the five days of training, members of the association will be capacitated in key thematic areas. The agenda includes training on the economic, social, and cultural advantages of cooperativism; the new General Law of Cooperatives (Law No. 23/2009); good governance and leadership; and simplified financial management. The methodology will be tailored to the group’s specific needs and will culminate in the holding of a Constituent Assembly to formalize the new cooperative.
The expected outcomes include strengthening the Machangulo Mussel Producers Association in modern cooperativism and good governance. In addition, the group will receive support throughout the process of obtaining legal status as a modern cooperative. This mission will also produce important results for the sustainability and replication of the model, including guidelines for replicating the activity in other provinces and a detailed action plan.
This collaborative effort between UNIDO, IDEPA, and AMPCM represents a significant step toward strengthening the aquaculture value chain in Mozambique – promoting food security, improving household incomes, and fostering the integration of producers into the formal economy.
