Africa-Press – Mozambique. The High Commission of Canada to the Republic of Mozambique hosted a vibrant celebration of Canada Day on the evening of June 17 at FEIMA in Maputo, marking not only Canada’s national day but also the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Mozambique.
The event brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society, business leaders, and friends of Canada for an evening of cultural exchange, reflection, and celebration. Guests were welcomed with a fusion of Canadian and Mozambican cuisine catered by Paragem, Canadian music, and a curated display of the work of local artisans.
Photo exhibitions and a commemorative video highlighted the historical and contemporary aspects of the Canada-Mozambique partnership. The evening featured national anthems performed by the talented Xixel Langa, and a toast to continued friendship and cooperation
Her Excellency Sara Nicholls, High Commissioner of Canada, delivered a heartfelt farewell speech as she concludes her mandate, reflecting on five decades of solidarity, peacebuilding, and partnership.
“It is fitting to end on this note as through the 50 years – when I look back at the common denominator and the “why” of Canada and Mozambique – it has been investing in women – as leaders, advocates, peacemakers, entrepreneurs and change makers and I am hopeful this carries Canada and Mozambique through as a foundation for the next 50 years.,” said Sara Nicholls, High Commission of Canada to Mozambique
She was joined by Her Excellency Carla Fernandes Louveira, Minister of Finance of Mozambique, who offered remarks on behalf of the Government of Mozambique.
The High Commission extends its gratitude to its partners, including the Municipality of Maputo, PHULA, GardaWorld, COTUR, and Shani Holdings, for their generous support in making the event a success.
Speech by Her Excellency Sara Nicholls, High Commissioner of Canada to Mozambique
Canada Day in Maputo, 17 June 2025
All protocol observed.
To begin, I’d like to thank to the talented artisans and creators from FEIMA for having us in their space this evening. With tonight being a celebration of 50 years of Canada-Mozambique relations, this is a wonderful place to showcase Mozambican talent. Let’s give the artisans a round of applause please.
Special appreciation goes to the team from Paragem & PHULA who are putting on a special menu of Canada-Mozambique fusion cuisine and beverages for us. Please give them a round of applause as well. We would not be able to host you this evening without the support of the Conselho Municipal da Cidade de Maputo. Thank you for your vision and support.
Adding to my opening words of appreciation, I want to thank our corporate sponsors: Shani Holdings and his Excellency, Mr. Yunus Merali – an eminent Canadian and member of the diplomatic corps in Maputo as well as longtime businessman in Mozambique. Your contribution is thoroughly appreciated, merci encore.
To GardaWorld: a Canadian company who provides top-notch security services to hundreds of institutions in Mozambique, as well as to COTUR: a partner to so many of us for all our travel needs: thank you both for your contributions that make tonight possible.
A final thanks go to my team at the High Commission of Canada wo have worked so hard to plan this event in commemoration of 50 years of Mozambique-Canada. You have delivered a very special event, and I am grateful for the support and commitment you bring to representing Canada everyday and especially tonight with such energy and style – Obrigada a todos!
When I arrived in Mozambique three years ago, I was often asked, “Canada in Mozambique eh… why??”
And now, reflecting on conversations with many of you, travelling this beautiful country and reflecting on the history of 50 years, I am clear on the “why” … and am inspired as to the “what next.”
It started with solidarity:
Then Canada in Mozambique invested in peace:
Today, Canada in Mozambique is about partnerships:
50 years creates an important moment for reflection and together we have produced results for Mozambicans. Things worth doing are rarely easy, and based on where I stand now, I am convinced that the most impactful things that we have accomplished together, we did intentionally and with impact.
The last year here provided many lessons about what citizens expect from their leadership, and as Mozambique takes forward its inclusive national dialogue – Canada pledges to work in support of these efforts to ensure that the benefits of development, the power of accountability, and transparent reach everyone.
As President of the G7 this year, and with the Leaders’ meetings happening t now as we speak in Kananaskis, Canada is reinforcing our commitment to our shared future. We recognize that we face a more dangerous and divided world and continue to stand with our friends in Ukraine. We must continue to speak of the crises in Gaza and Sudan – as the suffering and devastation being experienced by millions of people continues and is compounded by the danger faced by the humanitarians taking incredible risks to help the most vulnerable.
Mozambique is not immune to similar challenges related to conflict and Canada stands alongside its partners in the north to continue to assist those in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa that have been affected by the insurgency. Canada’s will continue to lend support to efforts to protect children, advance Women Peace and Security, and to support humanitarian efforts.
Earlier this year, Canada launched its own Africa Strategy, which is set to redefine our security and commercial relationships on the continent. Team Canada will work to create opportunities for shared prosperity in infrastructure, energy, and extractive industries, while strengthening Canada’s relationships with reliable allies, trading partners, and development collaborators – from governments to civil society – to advance shared prosperity and cooperation around the world.
These efforts are driving broader economic and social change across communities but also touching individuals. A highlight of every year is the Ambassador for a Day program that Canada participates in with 5 other Embassies that is linked to our commitment to ending child marriage. This year I spent time with Ms Rosa Vilankulos in Tete province where I saw her inspirational leadership firsthand and how she navigates crucial advocacy on the critical issue of early marriage.
This generation of leaders gives me hope that women truly are the future of a strong and prosperous Mozambique. It is fitting to end on this note as through the 50 years – when I look back at the common denominator and the “why” of Canada and Mozambique – it has been investing in women – as leaders, advocates, peacemakers, entrepreneurs and change makers and I am hopeful this carries Canada and Mozambique through as a foundation for the next 50 years.
Before I bid you farewell and propose a toast. As many of you already know, this will be my last Canada Day in Mozambique as I have completed my mandate.
Serving as High Commissioner of Canada to Mozambique, to Eswatini and as Ambassador to Angola has been the single greatest honour in my career.
I take this opportunity to thank my husband Mark, who has supported me in navigating the twists and turns of a diplomatic life. A true partner in this adventure – I am so grateful for you. My family and I will forever hold a special place for Mozambique – the people, the colleagues, the beaches – in our hearts forever
To my team at the High Commission – you are best in class and bring your best to every task you are faced with. I could not do this without you.
Thank you, again dear guests, for being here tonight to celebrate with us.
As we look to the future – we stand together in our shared vision for peace and prosperity.
With that, Dear Minister Louveira, please join me for a toast
On this, the celebration of Canada day in Maputo and in commemoration of 50 years of Mozambique-Canada relations, I wish health to the President of the Republic of Mozambique, His Excellency Daniel Francisco Chapo and to the Governor General and Commander-in-chief of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honorable Mary Simon. Saúde!
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