MAPUTO— Stakeholders in higher education, research, and innovation gathered in Mozambique capital Maputo for the 2nd Annual Implementers Forum of the MozSkills Project, and under the auspices of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET)- Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif).
The MozSkills Project was launched in 2021 through a partnership between the Government of Mozambique and the World Bank. It seeks to strengthen skills development by investing about USD 6 million into Rsif. Of that amount, USD 4 million supports 40 PhD scholarships, while USD 2 million funds 14 research and innovation projects led by Mozambican higher-education institutions.
More than 100 participants comprising 63 men and 43 women attended from universities, research institutes, industry, development partners, and regional bodies. They gathered under the theme “Strengthening Higher Education, Research and Innovation Capacity for Socio-economic Transformation in Mozambique.”
The Forum reviewed achievements of the MozSkills over the last five years, and how these contribute to Mozambique’s socioeconomic transformation agenda.
According to the World Bank statistics, Mozambique, home to 34.6 million people, is one of the fastest-growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa, yet it faces a low base of scientific and technological capacity: only about 0.3 per cent of GDP is spent on research and development significantly below the 1 % benchmark recommended by the African Union. For Mozambique to transform its abundant natural resources and youthful population into a diversified economy, the country must scale up human capital, research excellence, and innovation.
Speaking at the opening of the forum, Secretary of State for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Edson Macuacua, emphasized that building a strong innovation system was key to ensuring a productive economy.
“Knowledge alone without entrepreneurial skills to put the knowledge to productive use in the economy is not sufficient. Mozambique must build a strong innovation system so that it can create wealth exploration and sustainable use of it natural resources,” he said. He noted that in the new science strategy, Mozambique plans to spend at least 1.5% of its GDP on R&D. He noted further that each province now hosts a higher education institution designed around local thematic framework to create hubs of excellence and local innovation systems.
Dr Julius Ecuru, Manager of the Rsif Regional Coordination Unit at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), stated that, “A good innovation system has three main functions: skilled, creative, and productive people; policies that promote innovation; and financing for creative ideas, research, and development. If these functions interact well, we can have an effective innovation system that produces new goods and services that meet our daily needs and solve societal challenges.
Dr Ana Menezes, senior education specialist at the World Bank Mozambique, echoed the need for high quality and skilled human capital in the economy.
She added that, “Research and innovation is key to achieving national development priorities including technical skills transfer, evidence-based knowledge sharing.”
“The World bank is keen to continue facilitating the innovation agenda outlined in the Government priorities for implementing public institutions of higher learning,” she said.
Dr Calado Muinga from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, who also serves as the Mozambique representative on PASET Executive Board, reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in people:
“Twenty-seven per cent of students in higher education are pursuing STEM courses. Investing in education for socio economic impact is a key pillar of our national development priorities.”
National research policy and stronger innovation
The discussion progressed into a panel session chaired by Dr Ecuru, featuring Prof Jorge Ferrão, Rector of the Pedagogical University; Prof Mouzinho Mario, Project Coordinator Higher Education Science and Technology – Ministry of Education and Culture Dr Menezes; Prof Zélia Menete, Director of Instituto de Investigação Agrária de Moçambique (IIAM); and Mr Pedro Tomo, researcher, innovator, and founder of Gutsamba. The panelists underscored the vital role higher education institutions, Prof Ferrão underlined the importance of aligning academic programmes with the country’s development needs and emphasized the need to expand technical and vocational education alongside university training. Dr Menezes indicated that building a skilled workforce, including more women and youth innovators, is a critical foundation for a thriving knowledge economy.
Strong collaboration among stakeholders emerged as a central theme, with Prof Menete, calling for enhancement of partnerships between universities, research institutions, industry, and government.
Prof Mouzinho noted that the existing university funding structures are barriers to cooperation, suggesting a need for reforms that incentivize joint efforts. According to Mr Tomo, creating an enabling environment—especially through increased investment and private sector engagement—was key to creating a dynamic innovation ecosystem capable of producing market-ready solutions.
The conversation also stressed the necessity of supporting scientists beyond research by helping them translate ideas into commercial products and services. This includes mentoring researchers, strengthening entrepreneurial leadership, and establishing platforms that foster interaction with the private sector. Such support mechanisms are critical for closing the gap between innovation and market impact, ultimately driving economic growth and national development.
These observations by the panelists align with findings from a UNESCO study on “Mapping research and innovation in the Republic of Mozambique” which urged the country to expand postgraduate studies and promote high-quality research and innovation. The study also recommended promotion of doctoral studies for university academic staff and researchers and institutionalizing novel ways to foster higher education institutions -industry linkages, incentive schemes, and support for prototype development.
The forum also featured another discussion on how investments in higher education and research can be more effective in contributing to Mozambique’s socioeconomic transformation. The panelists included Prof. Catarina Tivane Nhamposse, the Rector Universidade Save, Dr Angelo Francisco Notisso Nhalidede from the Ministry of Planning and Development, Dr Ruth Moirana, Rsif alumna and Faculty Member Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, Tanzania and Dr Manuel Rebelo, Pedagogical University of Maputo.
The panelists reflected on the importance of reforming the higher education system and the need for flexible policies for hiring staff to support entrepreneurship at the university. Dr Rebelo reiterated the need for alignment between higher education and national priorities while Dr Nhalidede suggested that sustainability depends on researchers as a catalyzer for economic transformation. Prof Nhamposse noted the need for more investments on innovations development as this ensures the universities are able achieve more sustainability and have more impact in their community a Dr Moirana while reflecting on the impact of Rsif pointed out the importance of integrating early career scientists in the education system to learn and be ready to take up the mantle.
Impact of MozSkills
Dr Danilo Parbato, Manager of the Institutional Development Fund (FDI) highlighted how MozSkills project played a pivotal role in enhancing Mozambique’s higher education and research landscape, contributing directly to the development of an innovation-driven economy.
By improving digital infrastructure across institutions of higher learning, it has enabled a more connected and collaborative learning environment, both locally and internationally. The project has strengthened academic quality through curriculum accreditation and the establishment of quality assurance units, setting higher education institutions on a path of improved governance and standards.
In teaching and capacity building, MozSkills has empowered university lecturers with modern STEM teaching methods, positively impacting thousands of students and promoting gender inclusivity in science and technology fields. The support for advanced research through scholarships and innovation projects is nurturing a new generation of researchers equipped to tackle Mozambique’s development challenges.
Furthermore, MozSkills emphasizes inclusion and employability by increasing female participation, facilitating employability workshops, promoting student entrepreneurship, and providing digital tools to students who need them most. Overall, the project is driving systemic improvements in Mozambique’s innovation ecosystem by developing human capital, expanding research capacity, and bridging digital and gender gaps.
Lessons for the future
While highlighting successes alongside emerging lessons for the future, participants underscored the importance of stronger innovation systems which are crucial for socio-economic transformation, relying on three key elements: human capital, adequate financing, and a supportive policy environment. Developing skilled researchers and innovators, ensuring sustainable funding for research and innovation activities, and creating clear policies that foster creativity and commercialization are fundamental to building an ecosystem that drives growth and development.
The forum acknowledged the need for long-term commitment which is essential for sustaining the MozSkills project over decades—to nurture talent, build infrastructure, and embed a culture of innovation that can adapt and evolve with changing needs. This extended timeframe allows for meaningful impact on higher education, research quality, and technological advancement.
Furthermore, there was a call for scientists to be active players within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. By engaging directly with industry and commercialization processes, researchers can help translate discoveries into market-ready products and services. This connection not only accelerates economic growth but also ensures that innovation responds effectively to societal challenges, reinforcing the link between knowledge generation and real-world impact.
In her closing remarks, Dr Raquel Matavele Chisumba who represented the Minister of Education and Culture, reiterated earlier observation that enhancing the quality and impact of doctoral training aligns with the national agenda for research. “Successful examples shared during this forum serves as inspiration for advancing our higher education systems,” she said while emphasizing the importance of commitment, creativity, and collaboration in achieving the desired goals following the forum discussions.
Mozambique is now at a crucial juncture; to realize its full innovation potential, urgent steps are needed to strengthen institutional frameworks and increase investment in research and development. Building stronger partnerships across sectors and embedding inclusive policies will create a great environment for sustainable innovation. By prioritizing these areas, Mozambique can transform its scientific knowledge into tangible economic and social benefits for the nation.
