The Government, in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), launched on Friday (6) the Resilient Investment Project for Socioeconomic Empowerment, Peace, and Security (RISE-PS), valued at $27.83 million, aimed at creating economic opportunities, strengthening institutions, and promoting resilience in communities affected by conflict.
The initiative, which provides for investments until 2029, will be implemented by the Northern Integrated Development Agency (ADIN).
Edo Stork, UNDP resident representative in Mozambique, explained that the funding includes $17 million from the African Development Bank, more than $4 million from UNDP’s own resources, and about $2.4 million from Germany, in addition to more than $3 million in private sector investment.
In this context, the UNDP stated that the project should act as a catalyst for new investments in the province and contribute to boosting local economic growth. “Cabo Delgado has resources, it has youth, and it has the potential to attract investment. This project should serve as a catalyst for more initiatives and more jobs,” he said.
According to the Minister of Planning and Development, Salim Valá, the RISE project should strengthen the ecosystem supporting entrepreneurship, especially in the districts of Palma and Ancuabe, which were selected for the initial implementation phase. “This initiative is aligned with national strategic instruments, such as the National Development Strategy 2025-2044 and the Government’s Five-Year Program 2025-2029, which aim to lay the foundations for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy,” he stressed.
The resident representative of the African Development Bank in Mozambique, Rómulo Correia, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to the development of the north of the country. He explained that the initiative provides for the rehabilitation of around 150 social infrastructures, including schools, markets, and water supply systems, as well as vocational training and entrepreneurship programs aimed at young people and women. The project also includes the creation of a Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Village in Palma, designed to support local businesses and integrate national companies into the region’s economic opportunities.
“The people of the north have shown extraordinary resilience in recent years. Today we want to send a message of optimism and hope,” said Rómulo Correia, adding that the project symbolizes the commitment of international partners to support reconstruction and generate economic opportunities for communities affected by the conflict.
According to the chairman of the ADIN Executive Committee, Jacinto Loureiro, RISE-PS is expected to create more than 24,000 jobs, with a focus on youth and women, and directly benefit more than 100,000 people through productive inclusion initiatives, training, and rehabilitation of community infrastructure.
The private sector, represented by the vice president of the Confederation of Economic Associations (CTA) and director general of MozParks, Onório Manuel, sees this initiative as an opportunity for “economic turnaround and an important milestone for the province’s recovery.” He recalled that despite the province’s economic potential—which includes agriculture, tourism, fishing, and major natural gas projects—the country still faces structural challenges. “Studies indicate that more than 68% of the population lives below the poverty line, reinforcing the need for structural initiatives such as RISE-PS.”
In turn, the Governor of Cabo Delgado province, Valige Tauabo, highlighted that the RISE project is part of a broader effort by the Government to promote economic and social recovery in the north of the country.
According to the governor, the initiative complements programs already underway, including the Northern Mozambique Resilience and Integrated Development Program (PREDIN) and the Cabo Delgado Stabilization Program, both aimed at rebuilding areas affected by instability and improving living conditions for communities.
Source: Diário Económico
