The Swiss Ambassador to Mozambique, Nicolas Randin, reaffirmed on Wednesday, November 12, his country’s commitment to continue supporting initiatives that promote employment and inclusive development in Mozambique.
The diplomat spoke during the symposium “Facing the Challenge of Youth Employment in Mozambique”, organized by the Ministry of Planning and Development (MPD) with support from the Inclusive Growth in Mozambique (IGM) program. The event brings together government representatives, the private sector, experts, researchers, and civil society to discuss solutions for youth unemployment.
Randin highlighted that Switzerland has been a partner of the IGM Program since 2015, and that this collaboration reflects the Swiss government’s commitment to supporting evidence-based, results-oriented policies. “It is with great satisfaction that we continue to support this new phase of the program, strengthening our partnerships for the benefit of Mozambican youth,” he said.
The ambassador described the symposium as an opportune moment to reflect on youth employment amid rapid demographic growth and changes in the labor market. “Every year, hundreds of thousands of young people enter the market, but the economy still does not generate enough opportunities. We need to act with vision and innovation,” he warned.
According to Randin, Switzerland’s experience shows that investment in technical and vocational training is essential to ensure youth employability. He also advocated strengthening the links between education, employability, and local communities, aligning skills with the real needs of the market. The diplomat further emphasized the role of new technologies and Artificial Intelligence as drivers of transformation: “These innovations bring opportunities but require new skills. It is important to prepare young people for a constantly evolving labor market,” he stressed.
Randin announced that Switzerland will continue to support capacity-building and knowledge-sharing programs, reinforcing dialogue between academic institutions and development partners. For the ambassador, the success of these initiatives depends on the involvement of all sectors of society. “Youth employment is not just a government challenge; it is a challenge for the entire society. Academia, the private sector, and international partners must work together to create lasting solutions,” he agreed.
The ambassador also praised the MPD and Mozambican universities for their commitment to promoting a more open and innovative economy: “This event shows that Mozambique is taking firm steps to turn knowledge into action and opportunities into results.”
Concluding his remarks, he reinforced the shared vision between Mozambique and Switzerland. “We want to contribute to a future where every Mozambican youth has access to quality education, decent employment, and opportunities to thrive in their own country,” he concluded.
Text: Germano Ndlovo
