President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, announced this Thursday that 60% of the resources from the Local Economic Development Fund (FDEL) will be allocated to youth-led projects, with the aim of stimulating youth entrepreneurship and boosting development in districts and municipalities across the country.
The announcement was made at the opening of the 7th National Conference of the Mozambican Youth Organization (OJM), a three-day event taking place at the Central School of the Frelimo Party in Matola, gathering over a thousand delegates from all provinces.
“The Local Economic Development Fund will be available in all districts and municipalities of the country, and 60% of its resources will be directed towards financing youth projects,” assured the Head of State.
He emphasized that FDEL will act as a catalyst for youth economic initiatives, promoting income generation, productive inclusion, and the democratization of access to financing.
According to Daniel Chapo, the fund represents a strategic effort to overcome barriers to formal credit, support small businesses, and create jobs, drawing on lessons learned from the past.
In parallel with FDEL, the government is preparing additional funding lines specifically for young entrepreneurs, such as the Mutual Guarantee Fund, the National Development Bank, the Economic Recovery Fund, and other mechanisms to foster creativity and innovation among youth, as part of the integrated youth economic agenda defined by the current administration.
During the event, Chapo challenged young people to transform the OJM and think up their own solutions, guided by proactivity and innovation. He urged youth to focus less on “questioning what the government should do for the youth” and more on proposing concrete solutions to challenges like unemployment, lack of adequate housing, and access to vocational training.
“We need a financially robust OJM, free from external dependency. It’s time for young people to think about how to make their organization relevant, sustainable, and ready to face national challenges,” the President said, in a call for autonomy and generational responsibility.
The 7th National Conference of the OJM, held over three days, will culminate in the election of new leadership bodies, including the selection of a new Secretary-General, as the current leader has been appointed to other state functions.
Daniel Chapo acknowledged the historical role of the OJM in mobilizing Mozambican youth and highlighted the importance of solid consensus to strengthen its position as an active force in nation-building.
Source: AIM
