Government and KOICA sign grant agreements for school nutrition and reforestation initiatives
On April 14th, 2026, in Dili, the Government, through the Ministry of Finance, signed two grant agreements with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) totalling approximately US$13 million to implement projects in the areas of school nutrition and forest restoration. 
The agreements cover the Forest Restoration Capacity Development and Sustainable Management Project in Timor-Leste (2026–2033) and the Integrated Nutrition and Food Security Program, which encompasses school feeding, food fortification, and the strengthening of school infrastructure (2026–2030).
The funding will be allocated between the two programmes, with approximately US$6 million earmarked for the agriculture and forestry sector, under the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forests, and approximately US$7.2 million for the education sector to support school meals and improve school conditions.
The forest restoration project focuses on the municipalities of Baucau and Manatuto and includes reforestation efforts, the establishment of nurseries, and technical training, with local communities involved. The project also aims to restore degraded areas and strengthen the sustainable management of natural resources.
The nutrition and food security programme will be implemented in several municipalities and aims to improve students’ diets, strengthen infrastructure such as school kitchens, and promote supply chains based on local production, thereby contributing to better health and academic performance.
Members of the Government, representatives of KOICA, international partners, and local officials attended the ceremony.
