The African Development Bank has approved a $17 million grant to support economic recovery efforts in conflict-affected regions of northern Mozambique. This funding will be used for the Resilient Investment for Socio-Economic Empowerment, Peace, and Security (RISE-PS) Project, aimed at rebuilding communities through targeted initiatives.
Expected to create 24,000 jobs, with a focus on young people aged 18 to 35 and women, the project promises significant economic impact. Over 100,000 individuals are expected to benefit from this initiative, addressing critical challenges such as youth unemployment rates of 25% and the destruction of over 4,965 small businesses due to violent conflicts.
RISE-PS emphasizes peacebuilding by empowering young people through skills development and entrepreneurship, creating pathways for economic stabilization. A key component is the establishment of a Peace and Security Investment Hub, coordinated by Mozambique’s Northern Integrated Development Agency (ADIN), which will facilitate collaboration between public and private partners.
The project aligns with Mozambique’s National Development Strategy (2025-2044) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1 – No Poverty; SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 5 – Gender Equality; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth). It also fits within the African Development Bank’s broader strategies for addressing fragility and promoting resilience.
Implementation begins in September 2025, with a focus on creating sustainable economic zones through MozParks, leveraging its extensive experience in attracting investments and generating job opportunities nationwide. The project will run until August 2029, supported by a diverse funding base including contributions from the Government of Mozambique, Germany, UNDP, and private sector partners.
By addressing both immediate recovery needs and long-term resilience, this initiative offers hope for communities affected by conflict, fostering economic growth and social stability through inclusive development efforts.
