Delivering ambitious climate mitigation projects requires more than funding alone. Throughout project preparation and implementation, the Technical Support Unit (TSU) of the Mitigation Action Facility works alongside project teams to help them navigate challenges, strengthen capacities, share knowledge, and maximise long-term impact.
For projects like Mozambique’s National Sustainable Waste Management Programme (ValoRe), this support takes many forms. From providing technical guidance on project implementation and risk management to facilitating knowledge exchange, showcasing project achievements, and connecting implementing partners with peers across the portfolio, the TSU helps create the conditions for successful delivery.
One recent example of ValoRe project implementation was two technical workshops held in Maputo on 16 and 17 July 2026, organised as the project entered the physical implementation phase following the award and signature of the construction and supervision contracts for the first lot of the integrated waste management infrastructure in the Municipality of Nacala.
The first workshop brought together 27 participants, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), the National Sustainable Development Fund (FNDS), the National Association of Municipalities of Mozambique (ANAMM), the Municipality of Nacala, the National Agency for Environmental Quality Control (AQUA), the Ministry of State Administration and Civil Service (MAEFP), the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA), the Implementation Organisation Enabel, the contractor and the supervision consultant to strengthen a shared understanding of governance arrangements, contractual responsibilities, reporting procedures, environmental and social safeguards, and construction supervision. By aligning stakeholders early, the workshop helped establish a common foundation for transparent and effective implementation.
The second technical workshop focused on preparing for the long-term operation of the infrastructure. 19 participants explored business models, concession design, stakeholder engagement, regulatory requirements and approaches for engaging the private sector, while also discussing inclusion of waste pickers and long-term financial sustainability. Beyond the technical discussions, the workshop created an opportunity for partners to exchange experiences and strengthen collaboration across institutions.
“Having the contractor and the supervisor in the same room meant that progress on the infrastructure could be discussed openly, with questions and answers across a very mixed audience. The second day reinforced the role of the private sector and its engagement, which is our focus for the months ahead. This is an experience we intend to bring to other municipalities“
– Assucena Baptista, Techical Officer, MAAP
Together, the two events demonstrate that successful climate infrastructure depends not only on engineering, but also on strong institutions, coordinated governance, and early engagement of future operators. By preparing stakeholders before construction begins, the project is reducing implementation risks while creating the conditions for sustainable operation and long-term climate impact.
Through an EUR 18.4 million grant from the Mitigation Action Facility, ValoRe is supporting the development of waste treatment and disposal infrastructure and related value chain activities across Nampula, Nacala and Pemba. In Nacala, the first lot covers the construction of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and shared infrastructure that will form the backbone of the municipality’s future integrated waste management system.
By combining infrastructure investment with institutional capacity development, strong partnerships and continuous implementation support, the project is helping establish integrated municipal waste management systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create green jobs, improve living conditions for communities affected by open dumpsites, and accelerate Mozambique’s transition towards a circular economy.
The Mitigation Action Facility supports projects beyond grant financing. Throughout implementation, the TSU – on behalf of the Mitigation Action Facility – provides tailored advice on project management, contractual and reporting requirements, facilitates learning across the Mitigation Action Facility portfolio, and helps projects communicate their achievements to wider audiences. By combining technical guidance with opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange, the TSU supports implementing partners in delivering sustainable climate outcomes.
From day one, the TSU has been part of how we work through the obstacles that a programme as ambitious as ValoRe inevitably brings. The support operates at several levels but, from a project management perspective, I would highlight the attention given to risk management and mitigation — built into the follow-up actions and into the coordination between the PIU and the TSU. That attention is genuinely valued, and it strengthens our day-to-day work.
– Simão Dias, Project Manager at ValoRe PIU, Enabel