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This article aims to analyse and explain the reasons behind the CSOs’ strong criticism of the ProSavana programme. This will contribute toward: (1) understanding the role of Mozambican CSOs as actors regulating international development cooperation projects; (2) revealing the political and economic interests behind ProSavana, as a first step toward a more critical approach to trilateral cooperation; and (3) illustrating through this case how a partnership between Brazil and “traditional” donors actually works. Firstly, we will analyse the cooperation policies of Brazil and Japan in Mozambique, taking into account its evolution, actors, mechanisms and motives. Secondly, we will introduce ProSavana, examining the narratives and roles of Japan and Brazil in this programme. Thirdly, we will consider the engagement of CSOs from the three countries, their role in exerting a political check on the Brazilian and Japanese governments, investors, and companies, as well as their narratives and mechanisms of protest.