The Prime Minister of Mozambique, Alberto Vaquina, visited IREX’s Maputo office last week as part of a series of working visits to media organizations. During the visit, the Prime Minister learned about the Media Strengthening Program in Mozambique [6] and also toured the facilities and media lab. While there, he heard about ongoing activities in the areas of capacity building, media business management, journalism education, community radio, and advocacy.
Speaking during the visit, the Prime Minister said: "The government is open and available to collaborate with media organizations and, naturally, with those who support the media’s efforts in working towards shared objectives in the development of Mozambique.” He also sympathized with the managers of media companies which, while maintaining a business, contribute to job creation and collaborate with the government's efforts in the fight against poverty. Polly Dunford, USAID Deputy Mission Director, said the Mozambican government’s message of openness and cooperation was very welcome by the U.S. government. "This shows that we are aligned in our objectives, and because of this the U.S. government is ready to provide support," she said.
IREX Chief of Party Arild Drivdal commented, “We are very pleased that the Prime Minister was able to take time out of his busy agenda to visit us, thus reinforcing the government’s support for the program and for the country’s media sector.”
IREX is implementing the five-year, USAID-funded Media Strengthening Program in Mozambique.