On 18 September 2026, H.E. Mr. Bancha Yuenyongchongcharoen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Mozambique, met with H.E. Mr. Francisco Manuel Pagula, Governor of Inhambane Province, to exchange views on ways to strengthen cooperation between Thailand and Inhambane Province, particularly in the areas of tourism, aquaculture, agricultural processing, vocational skills development, and economic linkages between the private sectors of both sides.

 

On this occasion, Ambassador Bancha expressed appreciation to the Government of Inhambane Province for its continued support and facilitation of the operations of Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, a Thai investment located in Inhambane Province.

 

The Governor highlighted Inhambane’s role as the “Capital of Tourism” of Mozambique, noting the province’s renowned coastal and natural attractions, particularly Vilankulo and the Bazaruto Archipelago. He also invited the Ambassador and representatives of Thailand’s private sector, particularly those in the tourism and services industries, to participate in the Mozambique Tourism Summit 2026, to be held in Vilankulo later this year, with the aim of promoting tourism investment and cooperation between Mozambique and international partners.

Both sides also discussed the potential of the fisheries sector in Inhambane Province, particularly tilapia farming and inland fisheries, which could contribute to sustainable income generation, job creation, and enhanced food security at the community level. They also explored opportunities for cooperation in aquaculture technology, processing, product development, and value addition for fisheries products.

Ambassador Bancha further expressed his appreciation to the Governor of Inhambane Province for the cooperation extended to the implementation of the Thailand–Mozambique Seafood Processing Incubator, held from 14–18 September 2026 in Vilankulo. The project was implemented by Thailand in partnership with Mozambican institutions to transfer knowledge and practical skills in seafood processing, food hygiene and safety, preservation, and value addition.

The programme brought together 38 participants from different sectors, including lecturers, students, fishermen, and local small-scale entrepreneurs.

The Ambassador highlighted that the project represents a concrete example of development cooperation between Thailand and Mozambique and could be further expanded through product development, marketing and branding, as well as the application of processing knowledge to both marine and freshwater fisheries products, including tilapia. Such initiatives could help increase the value of local products and create new economic opportunities for communities in Inhambane Province.

 

Both sides expressed their readiness to further strengthen cooperation by combining Inhambane Province’s potential in tourism, fisheries, and agricultural products, particularly cashew nuts and coconuts, as well as other local resources, with Thailand’s knowledge, technology, and experience under the Thailand–Africa Initiative (TAI). Such cooperation aims to support sustainable local economic development and further strengthen relations between Thailand and Mozambique.

 

Following the meeting, the Governor invited the Ambassador to visit the provincial exhibition centre showcasing Inhambane’s products, resources, and economic and tourism potential. The province is home to several outstanding coastal and island destinations with beautiful white-sand beaches, including Tofo, the coastline of Vilankulo, and the Bazaruto Archipelago, which is also known for its dugong population. Inhambane also offers nature and safari tourism, particularly at Zinave National Park, which is home to Africa’s “Big Five” wildlife.