(Ecofin Agency) - The European Union has pledged $116 million to support Mozambique in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement was made yesterday by Antonio Sanchez-Benedito Gaspar (pictured, left), the EU envoy in the country.

The financing will be injected into programs aimed at mitigating the social and economic impacts of the crisis. According to the EU envoy, the money will be provided over two years under several transparency and control terms agreed with the country.

Like many African countries, Mozambique has been hit hard by the covid-19 health crisis, which has prompted governments to implement restrictions that slow down economic activities. According to the latest figures from the African Union, the country has recorded 12,988 confirmed cases of coronavirus with 93 deaths and 10,439 recoveries.

Antonio Sanchez-Benedito Gaspar says the new financing deal has "different characteristics" compared to the direct budgetary aid provided to Maputo under previous agreements.

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou