Italy has pledged approximately $28.8 million (1.8 billion meticais) to support a new initiative in Mozambique designed to boost youth employability and entrepreneurship, with a strong focus on innovation and technology.
The funding, announced during a bilateral agreement signing in Maputo recently, will be channelled through Innovation for Development IN4JOB, a joint programme between the Italian and Mozambican governments.
The initiative targets final-year students and recent graduates, aiming to bridge the gap between education and the labour market through startup development, tech incubation and skills training.
“Entrepreneurship and employability are central to this programme,” read a joint statement issued by Mozambique’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Maria Manso, and Italy’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Giorgio Silli.
“We want to equip young people with the capabilities to participate meaningfully in a rapidly evolving economy.”
The funding comprises two streams:
- Concessional credit worth $21.8 million will be allocated to support tech-focused small businesses and innovation-driven enterprises.
- An additional $7 million in grants will fund capacity building, startup incubation, and market-oriented training programmes.
The initiative will be implemented through the Ministry of Education and Culture, in coordination with several national agencies including the National Directorate of Science and Technology, Science and Technology Parks Company, National Employment Institute and Institute for Small and Medium Enterprises.
Mozambique, like many African nations, is grappling with high youth unemployment despite a growing pool of graduates. With a strategic push towards entrepreneurship, both governments are betting on innovation as a pathway to economic transformation.
The IN4JOB programme aligns with broader continental goals to foster home-grown enterprises and reduce dependence on informal or precarious jobs. For Mozambique’s young population, the initiative could mark a critical step toward building a competitive, tech-enabled economy.
