The International Labour Organization (ILO), through its IFAD-funded Projecta Jovem Project, has partnered with the Government of Mozambique and the National Institute for Employment Promotion (INEP) to enhance youth employability and practical skills. The initiative provides professional and paid internships in collaboration with private sector companies, already benefiting 432 young people. Recently, ten Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates began a six-month paid internship at Favos de Nampula, a major egg tray manufacturing company in Northern Mozambique.
Favos de Nampula produces more than 25,000 trays daily to supply poultry farmers and distributors across central and northern Mozambique. Using recycled paper pulp, the company creates trays that are molded, dried, and packaged for safe transport, while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. The internship programme offers students valuable exposure to real-world industrial operations, quality control, and workplace safety, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and workplace demands.
Under the mentorship of experienced supervisors, the interns gain insights into manufacturing processes and business management, strengthening both their technical and professional skills. For many, the experience is transformative. Delfina Afonso, a 25-year-old IT graduate from Vahosha Institute, expressed her gratitude, noting that the internship allowed her to apply classroom concepts in a professional setting. Similarly, 21-year-old metal fabrication graduate Lutehi Siudeque emphasized that hands-on work with machinery has made him more competitive in the job market.
The success of these placements demonstrates the importance of connecting education with industry. By offering young Mozambicans practical training opportunities, the programme not only equips them with essential skills but also builds their confidence to pursue employment or entrepreneurship. This model of industry-based training is helping to empower the next generation and strengthen Mozambique’s workforce resilience.
