UNDP Mozambique and MozParks Sign USD 6 Million Agreement to Advance Youth Empowerment and Economic Resilience

March 4, 2026

Maputo — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Mozambique has signed a landmark USD 6 million partnership agreement with MozParks under the Resilient Investment for Socio‑Economic Empowerment, Peace and Security (RISE‑PS) Project. The agreement represents a significant milestone in national efforts to promote youth inclusion, strengthen private‑sector development, and expand sustainable socio‑economic opportunities across Mozambique.

The initiative is financed through a Tripartite Funding and Implementation Agreement between the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Government of Mozambique, and UNDP Mozambique, reaffirming a shared commitment to fostering stability, resilience, and prosperity in communities most affected by inequality and economic vulnerability.

Photo: two men in suits shake hands at a United Nations event, with SDG banners in the background.

Under the partnership, MozParks will play a central role in implementing the national youth internship programme. The initiative will:

  • Establish 108 partnerships with private‑sector companies to create structured internship opportunities for young people across key economic sectors.
  • Provide industry‑responsive training, including soft skills development, occupational health and safety, and professional mentorship, benefiting 1,055 youth and preparing them for improved participation in competitive labour markets.
  • Facilitate linkages between trained, work‑ready youth and employers to enhance access to decent and long‑term employment across the country.

This component of RISE‑PS is expected to significantly broaden pathways for youth empowerment, addressing unemployment challenges while strengthening Mozambique’s future workforce.

The agreement also supports the development of the SME Village within the Afungi Agro‑Industrial Hub—one of the project's flagship interventions aimed at accelerating inclusive private‑sector growth. Through this collaboration, the project will:

  • Develop 50,000 m² of critical infrastructure to enable small and medium‑sized enterprises to operate within an organized and well‑serviced industrial environment.
  • Launch an occupancy programme designed to attract up to 100 MSMEs, supporting entrepreneurship, value‑chain development, and local economic diversification.

The SME Village is expected to create a dynamic space for enterprise growth in northern Mozambique, fostering innovation, productivity, and long‑term economic resilience.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held on 20 February, representatives emphasized that the partnership marks a transformational moment in advancing inclusive development and peacebuilding efforts in Mozambique. The collaboration between UNDP, AfDB, the Government of Mozambique, and MozParks demonstrates a strong, joint commitment to investing in human capital, expanding economic opportunities, and supporting community stability.

This agreement underscores the importance of public‑private collaboration in delivering sustainable development outcomes and reinforces UNDP’s continued support to national efforts aimed at strengthening livelihoods, boosting local economies, and building a more resilient future for all Mozambicans.

Manuel Mabuiangue manuel.mabuiangue@undp.org - Head of Strategic Partnerships & Communication or 

Sarah Lagot Odwong sarah.lagot@undp.org - Communications Specialist