Chinese distiller Moutai Group has given nearly US$500,000 to extend a primary school in the Catembe district of Maputo, Xinhua reports.

The Chinese state-run news agency says a ceremony to mark the start of the expansion work was attended by representatives of the company, Mayor of Maputo David Simango and Chinese Ambassador to Mozambique Su Jian.

The report says the money given by Moutai Group will be spent on classrooms, recreational facilities and offices for teachers.

Moutai Group General Manager Li Baofang said Mozambique was the first African country to benefit from his company’s charity, according to Xinhua.