Online Reporter
Acting President Dr Kembo Mohadi is this morning presiding over a high-level resource mobilisation ceremony aimed at assisting Mozambique following devastating floods that have hit the neighbouring country.
The initiative comes after Zimbabwe received an urgent appeal for help from Maputo in the wake of widespread destruction caused by the floods.
In a statement, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Mrs Petronella Nyagura, said the floods have displaced communities, destroyed infrastructure and disrupted access to basic services in the provinces of Gaza, Maputo, Maputo Metropolitan and Nampula.
Preliminary reports from Mozambique’s disaster authorities indicate that several lives have been lost, while more than 200 000 families and crops have been affected.
The mobilisation ceremony, organised through ZimAID, is being held in Harare and is expected to attract pledges from local donors and stakeholders.
Mozambican Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Carvalho Muaria, is also attending.
The initiative underscores regional solidarity and Africa’s collective approach to disaster response.
Harmony Agere is providing live updates.
Delegates are steadily arriving for the handover ceremony of humanitarian aid to Mozambique, following devastating floods that have affected large parts of the country.
Some Senior Government officials are already in attendance, alongside representatives from the Mozambican Embassy, as preparations for the event continue.
The weather is partly cloudy, with morning sunshine adding warmth and colour to the proceedings.
Acting President Dr Kembo Mohadi is expected to arrive shortly to preside over the event.
Samora Machel Avenue temporarily closed
The City of Harare has announced the temporary closure of a section of Samora Machel Avenue for the handover ceremony of humanitarian assistance to Mozambique.
According to a public notice issued by the local authority, the affected stretch is along Samora Machel Avenue between Sam Nujoma Street and Simon Vengesai Muzenda Street.
The road closure commenced on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 4pm and will remain in effect until Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 1pm.
The closure is intended to allow for preparations and the official handover ceremony of aid to the Republic of Mozambique, which is being coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Motorists have been advised that alternative routes will be indicated through informative signage and directions from officers on site.
The City of Harare has urged all road users approaching the area to exercise caution during the period of the closure.
Acting President Kembo Mohadi arrives
Acting President Dr Kembo Mohadi has arrived at the venue for the Mozambique aid handover ceremony.
He is accompanied by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira and the Mozambican Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Carvalho Muaria.
The arrival of the Acting President signals the official commencement of proceedings.
You are not alone: Professor Murwira
In the midst of Mozambique’s flood-induced humanitarian crisis, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira has reassured the SADC nation that they are not alone and they have a steadfast friend in Zimbabwe.
Professor Murwira said Zimbabwe and Mozambique share a long history dating back to the liberation struggle.
“We share a long history and we have always been there for each other when it mattered most. We won’t stop now,” he said.
“We want you to know that we are in this together and you are not alone.”
Zimbabwe will always stand by Mozambique: Acting President Mohadi
Zimbabwe will continue to stand with Mozambique in times of need, Acting President Dr Kembo Mohadi said this morning.
Dr Mohadi was speaking at the handover of humanitarian assistance under the ZimAid framework, following devastating floods that have hit several Mozambican provinces.
“I am honoured to address you today as we gather for this handover ceremony under the ZimAid framework. We stand in solidarity with the government and the people of the Republic of Mozambique following the devastating floods that have affected the provinces of Gaza, Maputo, Maputo Metropolitan and Nampula,” said Acting President Mohadi.
He conveyed Zimbabwe’s condolences to the affected communities, noting the severe human and economic toll of the disaster.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, allow me to convey our heartfelt sympathy and deep solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Mozambique,” he said.
Dr Mohadi said the tragedy underscores the region’s growing exposure to climate-induced disasters.
He said the floods were part of a wider pattern of extreme weather events linked to climate change, which continue to undermine food security, infrastructure and human development across Southern Africa.
The Acting President went on to stress the need for strengthened preparedness, resilience and collective regional action.
In response to an urgent request from Maputo, Zimbabwe deployed air rescue helicopters to assist search and rescue efforts, a move authorised by President Mnangagwa.
Dr Mohadi said the gesture demonstrated Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian assistance and regional cooperation.
He praised Mozambique for close coordination during the deployment and highlighted the deep historical, cultural and political ties between the two countries.
“This response aligns with the principles of the African Union and SADC. May this cooperation continue to strengthen the bonds between our nations.”
Ambassador Muaria thanks Zimbabwe for assistance
Mozambican Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Carvalho Muaria, has expressed profound appreciation to the Government and people of Zimbabwe for the humanitarian assistance extended to Mozambique following devastating floods that have displaced communities and destroyed livelihoods.
Speaking this morning at the handover ceremony of relief items in Harare, Ambassador Muaria said the support demonstrates the deep-rooted bonds of solidarity between the two neighbouring countries.
“We express deep gratitude to Zimbabwe for its kind-hearted assistance,” said Ambassador Muaria, noting that the timely intervention will go a long way in alleviating the suffering of affected communities in Mozambique.
The humanitarian aid was mobilised under Zimbabwe’s ZimAid framework after severe flooding hit several Mozambican provinces, including Gaza, Maputo, Maputo Metropolitan and Nampula, leaving thousands of families in urgent need of support.
Ambassador Muaria paid special tribute to President Mnangagwa for authorising the assistance, describing the gesture as a clear reflection of Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional solidarity and good neighbourliness.
“I would like to thank the President of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, for this assistance,” he said.
Receiving the aid on behalf of his country, Ambassador Muaria formally accepted the donation, reaffirming the enduring friendship between Harare and Maputo.
“On behalf of President Chapo and the people of Mozambique, we accept this donation,” he said.
