MozParks and the United Nations Development Programme have formalized a USD 6 million partnership under the Resilient Investment for Socio-Economic Empowerment, Peace and Security (RISE-PS) Project. The agreement was signed by MozParks’ General Director, Onório Manuel, and Edo Stork, UNDP Country Representative in Mozambique. Supported through a Funding and Implementation Agreement involving the African Development Bank, the Government of Mozambique, and UNDP Mozambique, the initiative reinforces a collaborative effort to promote inclusive economic growth and resilience nationwide.
The project will be implemented in the province of Cabo Delgado, in Afungi, representing a milestone toward advancing sustainable economic development in Cabo Delgado Province.
A key flagship intervention under the RISE-PS Project is the development of an SME Village within the Afungi Industrial Park. The project will include the construction of 50,000 m² of critical infrastructure which will allow SMEs to operate within a structured industrial area. An occupancy programme will also be launched to attract up to 100 MSMEs to this area as a way of fostering entrepreneurship, strengthening value chains, and promoting economic growth to Cabo Delgado.
In parallel, MozParks will play a central role in implementing a youth internship programme through the MozYouth Foundation which provides young Mozambicans with hands-on work experience. The initiative will establish 108 partnerships with private-sector companies to create structured internship opportunities for young people across key economic sectors.
The programme will offer targeted, industry-relevant training, covering areas such as soft skills, occupational health and safety, and professional mentorship. This initiative will benefit 1,055 young Mozambicans in Cabo Delgado, Niassa and Nampula, equipping them with the knowledge and experience needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
The initiative with RISE-PS aligns with MozParks’ broader vision of industrial parks in Cabo Delgado, contributing to its nationwide strategy of establishing 20 industrial parks across all Mozambican provinces, and reinforcing inclusive industrialisation and sustainable economic expansion.
Niassa’s potential is about to take on a new dimension. With the launch of Niassa Parks, the province is entering a new phase of economic development: one that places communities, local businesses, and young people at the centre of transformation. The initiative stems from a partnership between MozParks and the Niassa Provincial Executive Council, formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between MozParks General Director, Onório Manuel, and the Governor of Niassa Province, Elina Judite.
At the heart of Niassa Parks will be a large-scale anchor project designed to stimulate value chains and create space for local businesses to grow as suppliers. This model not only attracts investment but also builds direct linkages between major projects and the local private sector strengthening the economy from the ground up.
For Governor Elina Judite, this initiative marks a structural shift in how development is approached in the province:“Niassa Parks is more than just another initiative. It introduces a new model of development for our Province through a strategic Public-Private Partnership between our Executive and MozParks. By uniting the Public and Private Sectors around a shared vision, we aim to turn Niassa’s potential into real progress for our communities.”
With two industrial parks planned, Niassa Parks is designed to become a true hub of development connected to projects that generate value, activate supply chains, and unlock tangible opportunities. The initiative goes beyond infrastructure by focusing on people, especially youth, through the MozYouth programme, which provides skills training and paid internships aligned with industry needs. In 2026, at least 100 young people will gain practical experience, helping bridge the gap between education and employment.
According to MozParks General Director, Onório Manuel, this connection between investment and local talent is essential: “Industrial parks create real value when they are linked to people. By combining investment, local supplier development, and internships, we are creating a system where businesses grow, jobs are created, and young Mozambicans can access real opportunities.”
Niassa Parks forms part of the broader Parques do Norte initiative – a partnership between ADIN and MozParks that also covers Cabo Delgado and Nampula. The goal is clear: to boost industrial growth, strengthen local economies, and create sustainable opportunities for businesses and communities.
