Between 28 August and 3 September, the 58th edition of the Maputo International Fair (FACIM) took place, promoted by Mozambique's Ministry of Industry and Trade through the Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEX) and regarded as the country's largest international-scale trade event. Under the motto Industrialisation: Innovation and Diversification of the National Economy, this edition captured attention and surpassed all expectations, marking a significant milestone in the history of business exhibitions in Mozambique.
Held at the Ricatla International Fairs and Exhibitions Centre, in the district of Marracuene, Maputo Province, FACIM 2023 was the epicentre of the most vibrant economic activity, bringing together a myriad of stakeholders from various spheres of the national and international economy. Through a series of seminars, contact exchanges and promotional sessions, it created an environment conducive to fostering business and investment opportunities.
The event was characterised by a diverse structure, featuring significant innovations that caught participants' attention. One of the highlights was the Lusophone Pavilion, a novelty that opened its doors to CPLP member states to showcase their business and investment potential. Italy, as guest country of honour, was present with a high-level business delegation, while, as province of honour, Cabo Delgado province shone, displaying a kaleidoscope of local opportunities and talent.
The agricultural and livestock sector was not left behind, with an exclusive space overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADER) that served as a stage for presenting the sector's flagship projects and initiatives. The sports industry also had its moment in the spotlight, in the sports pavilion, an initiative orchestrated by the Secretariat of State for Sport (SED) seeking to promote the widespread uptake of sport in the country.
In the context of internationalisation, the fair did not shy away from looking to the future, providing a space dedicated to artificial intelligence and robotics, where science and technology institutions laid the groundwork for Mozambique's representation at Expo 2025.
It is estimated that the event brought together more than 2,000 exhibitors, both national and foreign, from around 25 countries and representing more than 450 companies. Spread across ten pavilions and open spaces, participants were able to interact, share ideas and establish partnerships that are intended to be lasting.
The 2023 edition achieved its stated goals and demonstrated, once again, that Mozambique is on the right path to becoming a considerable player on the international economic stage. Through innovation and diversification, the nation has been preparing to face future challenges with resilience and determination.
