The Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Agriculture (YEFFA) Mozambique Convening, held under the theme “Empowering Youth for Engagement in the Agri-food Sector to Create Job Opportunities and Climate-Resilient Food Systems,” concluded successfully on June 21, 2025, in Maputo. This landmark gathering elevated the voices of young Mozambicans and opened dialogue among youth, policymakers and key partners to confront the pressing challenges shaping Mozambique’s food system.
The YEFFA Convening identified several critical challenges that financially disadvantaged youth, particularly young women and youth in difficult circumstances (disability, refugees, internally displaced), face in gaining access to dignified and rewarding job opportunities in the agri-food sector. The cooperation is central to the program’s operation, focusing on an integrated value chain.
The convening captured the voices of Mozambique’s youth, documenting the realities they face in the agri-food sector and introduced practical, youth-led solutions to guide future program design. It also led to the development of a forward-looking policy brief with actionable recommendations to enhance the youth’s participation in climate resilient food systems.
With unemployment rates as high, as 30% due to low skill levels that prevent their integration into the formal labor market. The YEFFA program equips the youth with skills in sustainable farming, business, and finance, while still advocating for policies that support their agribusinesses. It advocates for land and market access.
“Through YEFFA we are transforming their potential into real economic and social impact,” noted Mr Litos Jose Raimundo, Country Director-Mozambique AGRA “Our holistic approach empowers young Mozambicans to become influential drivers of prosperity within the agriculture sector.”
YEFFA Mozambique goes beyond simply connecting young people to agriculture. It aims to harness the potential of Mozambique’s youth as key contributors to agricultural innovation, food security, and economic prosperity, positioning them at the forefront of a thriving agri-food sector.
“This convening creates a space for knowledge exchange and collaboration. A space for linking young agripreneurs with the tools and expertise,” said Nana Amoah, Director – Gender, Youth and Inclusiveness at AGRA. “So, we as YEFFA are dedicated to build a sustainable agricultural sector that delivers lasting impact for Mozambique and her people.”
In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, The YEFFA program is a 5-year initiative aimed at increasing youth and young women’s involvement in agricultural transformation. In Mozambique, the program seeks to create dignified job opportunities for youth, with a strong emphasis on female participation.
