Growing demand for sustainable solutions is creating new employment opportunities for young people in Mozambique. Although still relatively limited in scale, sectors such as renewable energy and waste management are showing significant potential.
At a time when youth unemployment remains one of Mozambique’s greatest socio-economic challenges, the green economy is beginning to emerge as a source of new opportunities. Closely linked to environmental sustainability and innovation, this approach is not only a response to climate change but also an alternative for integrating young people into the labour market, although its impact remains limited for now.
One example is the Green Poultry Farm initiative, developed by a team of students from Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM), which won international recognition in 2023 after receiving an award at the 928 Challenge startup competition held in Macau. The project developed a biogas production system using poultry waste, combining lower production costs in poultry farming with the generation of clean electricity.
The initiative was created by a multidisciplinary team of five young Mozambicans led by Vasco Cossa. Speaking to E&M, Cossa explained: “We realised that chicken produced in Mozambique is more expensive than imported poultry. When we analysed the production process, we found that energy consumption represents a significant share of production costs.”
The project’s international recognition highlights an emerging trend. Despite the structural limitations of the country’s higher education system, interest in green innovation among young Mozambicans is steadily increasing. According to environmental specialist Regina Charumar, this remains “a niche market” that is still developing in Mozambique. “When we talk about green employment, we are referring to jobs focused on environmental preservation, involving companies and institutions operating in specific sectors,” she said.
Among these sectors, solid waste management has become one of the most important sources of employment for young people. “There are no precise statistics, but based on current realities, we can say that the solid waste management sector currently employs the largest number of young people,” Charumar noted.
Maputo provides several practical examples of this trend. Small recycling businesses have created income-generating opportunities for local communities. “The Mozambican Recycling Association (AMOR), Recicla and RLR are examples of companies creating jobs for communities,” she said, adding that such initiatives generate a double benefit by improving both environmental conditions and social well-being.
Still a Small Share of the Labour Market
Despite these encouraging developments, the overall contribution of the green economy to Mozambique’s labour market remains modest. Economist Egas Daniel believes its contribution is “limited, but not insignificant.”
“A large proportion of the workforce is employed in agriculture, a sector that depends heavily on natural resources and offers considerable potential for sustainable practices. However, only a small share can genuinely be considered part of the green economy,” he explained.
Daniel also pointed to the expansion of solar energy systems, particularly in rural areas, as one of the most tangible opportunities currently available. According to him, this segment has created direct and indirect jobs, especially in installation and maintenance services.
Even so, available estimates illustrate the scale of the challenge. Green jobs account for less than 5% of total employment in comparable African economies, suggesting that Mozambique remains at an even earlier stage of development. In Daniel’s view, this demonstrates that “the country has significant potential but still lacks the productive and institutional capacity required to transform that potential into formal and skilled employment.”
Young People Are Ready but Face Structural Barriers
When it comes to youth employment, the green economy represents an opportunity rather than an immediate solution. Daniel believes that “green jobs can help reduce youth unemployment, particularly in low- and medium-skilled occupations.” However, he warns that a major structural obstacle remains: “There is a clear mismatch between young people’s skills and labour market requirements, which limits their absorption into the workforce.”
Regina Charumar takes a more optimistic view of the country’s human capital. She believes young Mozambicans are prepared to seize the opportunities that emerge in this sector. “Young Mozambicans are ready for any opportunity, regardless of the field. They have the ability and the determination to help develop this sector,” she said.
Nevertheless, she acknowledges that green employment continues to face significant barriers, including limited incentives for entrepreneurship and “high interest rates, which make it difficult for new businesses to emerge.” She also criticised current public policies, arguing that “they do not reflect real needs and fail to prioritise these alternative employment opportunities.”
Although specialised training is beneficial, Charumar stressed that it is not essential. “Formal training is not necessary to get started. The most important factors are interest and commitment. However, those with technical training are naturally better equipped to achieve stronger results and expand the impact of their projects.”
Investment and Policy Will Shape the Sector’s Future
From a macroeconomic perspective, the future expansion of the green economy will depend largely on investment choices. According to Egas Daniel, an integrated approach is essential.
“It is crucial to invest in sustainable infrastructure, technical training and institutional incentives. Without these elements, the growth of the green economy will remain fragmented and its impact will be limited,” he argued.
Although private sector participation has increased, Daniel believes it remains insufficient. Limited access to finance and regulatory uncertainty continue to discourage greater investment.
In a country that is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, the relationship between environmental challenges and job creation is becoming increasingly evident. Regina Charumar believes this reality should serve as a catalyst for stronger action.
Looking ahead, both experts agree that the green economy could play a much more significant role in Mozambique’s development. However, this will depend on the country’s ability to translate potential into concrete action. As Egas Daniel concluded, “Mozambique faces a strategic choice: either transform sustainability into a driver of economic growth and employment, or remain on a path of limited development.”
Text: Nário Sixpene • Photo: D.R.
