The Minister of Planning and Development, Salim Valá, stated on Wednesday, November 12, that youth employment is one of the Government’s main priorities, during the opening of the symposium “Facing the Challenge of Youth Employment in Mozambique”, held in Maputo.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Planning and Development (MPD) with the support of the Inclusive Growth in Mozambique (IGM) program, brings together experts, policymakers, and researchers to discuss opportunities and challenges related to youth employment in the country.
In his remarks, the minister said that Mozambique is at a decisive moment, in which youth must be placed at the center of public policies.
“Transforming the potential of a generation into a productive force is both a challenge and an opportunity for national growth and development,” Valá said.
According to the minister, more than 60% of Mozambicans are under the age of 25, and around 400,000 young people enter the labor market each year. For him, this represents both pressure on the economic system and an opportunity for expansion.
Salim Valá explained that the Government is strengthening programs for technical and vocational training, youth entrepreneurship support, and work placement internships, while also launching mechanisms to monitor labor market dynamics.
Among the measures highlighted is the Local Economic Development Fund, created to support business ideas and promote development in districts and municipalities.
“Every metical invested in this fund is an investment in the productive future of the country,” he emphasized.
The minister acknowledged that the path toward inclusive growth “is not simple,” due to global economic transformations, climate change, and the impact of digitalization. Even so, he expressed optimism about the signs of national economic recovery observed in recent months.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted the role of the IGM program, which is now entering its third phase, with support from Sweden and Switzerland. The goal is to produce data and analyses that help the Government make evidence-based policy decisions.
During the event, Salim Valá called for cooperation between the State, the private sector, academia, and civil society to find concrete and sustainable solutions for youth employment.
“We want a country where young people do not wait for opportunities, but create them — a country where every young person can work, innovate, and prosper here in Mozambique,” he concluded.
Source: Diário Económico
