Maputo, Mozambique, 14 Jun – Finland will cooperate with Mozambique in the area of science, technology and innovation under terms of a programme to be implemented over the next five years.

Agreement on the programme was reached last Friday in Maputo. Budgeted at 22 million euros, to be laid out by Finland, it aims to support implementation of the science, technology and innovation strategy approved in June 2006 by the Mozambican government.

Via this programme, Finland will also help Mozambique enhance the science and technology system by strengthening the legal framework and institutional capabilities, and improving mechanisms for coordination and collaboration among public institutions, among others.

Some 76 percent of the financing’s total value will go to the Science and Technology Ministry to implement activities linked to the programme. The rest will be channelled through Ramboll, a consulting agency with a major presence in the Nordic countries.

The Finnish ambassador explained that the amount corresponding to the 24 percent is reserved for costs associated to technical assistance and other science, technology and innovation activities.

Implementation of the programme is set to begin this year. (macauhub)