Niassa Province is preparing to host, on 26 and 27 April 2026, the 2nd Niassa Investment Forum (FORIN 2026), a strategic event that aims to position the region as the future Agricultural Capital of Mozambique, with a strong focus on agriculture and the agro-processing value chain. The meeting will take place in the city of Lichinga, bringing together around 200 national and international participants.
FORIN 2026 follows on from the efforts begun at the 2018 Investors' Conference and reinforced at the first Forum held in 2023, which drew more than 180 participants and made it possible to present concrete investment opportunities in strategic crops such as macadamia, soya and wheat. This time, the focus is on consolidating agricultural value chains and attracting capital capable of turning Niassa's vast productive potential into tangible economic results.
The ambition is backed by impressive figures: Niassa is the largest province in the country, at around 129,000 km², with 10.3 million hectares of arable land, of which 2.8 million are available for new investment. Its geostrategic position, with links to Tanzania, Malawi and the Nacala Corridor, gives it competitive advantages in access to regional and international markets.
The event is in line with the vision of the President of the Republic, Daniel Francisco Chapo, who declared Niassa the country's future agricultural capital, and has the strong involvement of the Provincial Government, led by Governor Elina Judite da Rosa Victor Massengele. The strategy is to gradually integrate smallholders into structured commercial chains, promoting productivity, competitiveness and access to markets.
During the two days of proceedings, field visits are planned to districts with available arable land, plenary sessions, thematic panels on priority crops — such as beans, maize, soya, macadamia and strawberries — B2B meetings between investors and project promoters, as well as cultural and networking occasions. The programme also includes the sharing of experiences from Brazil, South Africa and Niassa province itself in the areas of production, agro-processing and export.
With an estimated budget of six million meticais, FORIN 2026 aims to go beyond debate, establishing itself as a platform for concrete action to mobilise investment, foster strategic partnerships, create jobs and drive sustainable industrialisation. On the horizon is the transformation of a territory described as a “rough diamond” into a competitive agricultural hub, inclusive and integrated into the national and regional economy.
