The study ‘’Youth Employment in Northern Mozambique” was launched Wednesday at Feira de Emprego Pemba 2026, providing new evidence on the challenges young people face in accessing work and the opportunities that could create more jobs across Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Niassa.
The study was commissioned by the Agência de Desenvolvimento Integrado do Norte (ADIN) and conducted by MozYouth. The process also drew on contributions from young people, communities, companies, public institutions and other development partners across Northern Mozambique.
The findings show that more than 75% of the population in the three northern provinces is under 35, while approximately 380,000 young people enter the labour market every year. Formal job creation is not keeping pace, leaving many young people dependent on informal work, self-employment and subsistence agriculture.
“This study shows that youth employment in Northern Mozambique must be treated not only as an economic issue, but also as a question of inclusion, dignity and peace. The opportunities exist, but we need stronger links between investment, companies, training institutions and young people to ensure that economic growth translates into real opportunities for local communities,” said Jacinto Loureiro, President of ADIN.
Skills remain another major challenge. Less than 1.5% of young people in the North hold post-secondary qualifications, while employers report difficulties finding candidates with the practical experience, technical skills and soft skills required for available jobs.
At the same time, the study identifies significant employment potential linked to investments in mining, energy, logistics, construction and agriculture. Realising this potential will require stronger local recruitment, supplier development, internships and apprenticeships, and closer cooperation between employers and training institutions.
The study also finds that many existing youth employment initiatives are delivering results but remain fragmented and limited in scale. It calls for stronger coordination between government, the private sector and development partners, with ADIN playing a central role in aligning efforts across Northern Mozambique.
“The findings show that creating jobs is only part of the challenge. We also need to make sure young people have the skills, practical experience and access they need to take advantage of the opportunities being created across the region,” said Daniela Timmich, Programme Director at MozYouth.
The launch of the study at Feira de Emprego Pemba 2026 brings this evidence directly into a space where young people, employers, government institutions and development partners are already connecting around employment opportunities.
The full “Youth Employment in Northern Mozambique” study is available on the MozYouth website.
About MozYouth Foundation
MozYouth is a non-profit foundation established by MozParks in December 2023, committed to empowering and developing young Mozambicans through professional internships, training programs, and community initiatives. To date, MozYouth has placed more than 2,000 interns, working with over 300 companies across the country.
Source: MozYouth Foundation / Press Release
