By Janet Otieno
MAPUTO – Stakeholders in higher education, research, and innovation convened in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, for the 2nd Annual Implementers Forum of the MozSkills Project, held under the auspices of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif).
Launched in 2021 through a partnership between the Government of Mozambique and the World Bank, MozSkills aims to strengthen national skills development. The government has invested USD 6 million into Rsif, of which USD 4 million supports 40 PhD scholarships, and USD 2 million finances 14 research and innovation projects led by Mozambican higher education institutions.
More than 100 participants comprising 63 men and 43 women from universities, research institutes, industry, development partners, and regional bodies attended the forum. This year’s theme was “Strengthening Higher Education, Research and Innovation Capacity for Socio-economic Transformation in Mozambique.”
The forum reviewed MozSkills’ achievements over the last five years and assessed their contribution to Mozambique’s socioeconomic transformation agenda.
According to World Bank statistics, Mozambique, home to 34.6 million people, is among the fastest-growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the country invests only 0.3 per cent of GDP in research and development, significantly below the 1 per cent AU benchmark. Strengthening scientific capacity is therefore essential to transforming natural resources and demographic strengths into a diversified, knowledge-driven economy.
Speaking at the opening of the forum, Dr Edson Macuacua, Secretary of State for Higher Education, Science and Technology, emphasized the importance of developing a robust innovation system to support a productive economy.
“Knowledge alone without entrepreneurial skills to put it to productive use is not sufficient. Mozambique must build a strong innovation system to create wealth from the sustainable use of its natural resources,” he said. He noted that Mozambique’s new science strategy targets 1.5 per cent of GDP spending on research and development. He added that each province now hosts a higher education institution aligned with local development priorities to strengthen regional innovation systems.
Dr Julius Ecuru, Manager of the Rsif Regional Coordination Unit at icipe, underlined the three pillars of an effective innovation system: skilled and creative people, supportive innovation policies, and financing.
“If these functions interact well, we can have an innovation system that produces new goods and services that meet daily needs and solve societal challenges,” he said.
Dr Ana Menezes, Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank Mozambique, echoed the need for a skilled and high-quality human capital base. She stressed that research and innovation are essential for technical skills transfer and evidence-based decision-making.
“The World Bank is keen to continue supporting the innovation agenda outlined in government priorities for strengthening public institutions of higher learning,” she said.
Dr Calado Muinga, representing the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology and serving on the PASET Executive Board, reaffirmed 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,” he said.
National research policy and stronger innovation
A panel discussion chaired by Dr Ecuru brought together leading voices including Prof Jorge Ferrão, Rector of Pedagogical University, Prof Mouzinho Mario, Project Coordinator Higher Education Science and Technology, Dr Menezes, Prof Zélia Menete of IIAM and Mr Pedro Tomo, researcher and founder of Gutsamba.
Prof Ferrão emphasized aligning academic programmes with national development needs and expanding technical and vocational education. Dr Menezes highlighted building a skilled workforce, especially women and youth innovators, as central to a vibrant knowledge economy.
Prof Menete underscored the need for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions, industry, and government. Prof Mouzinho observed that current university funding structures hinder collaboration and called for reforms. Mr Tomo stressed the need for more investment and private sector engagement to build a dynamic innovation ecosystem capable of producing market-ready solutions.
Panelists also emphasized supporting researchers beyond academic work through mentoring, entrepreneurial leadership development, and mechanisms that link research to private sector needs to help transform ideas into commercial products.
These insights echo recommendations from a UNESCO study on research and innovation in Mozambique which calls for expanding postgraduate training, promoting doctoral studies for academic staff, and institutionalizing industry–university linkages and prototype development support.
A second panel featuring Prof Catarina Tivane Nhamposse, Dr Angelo Francisco Notisso Nhalidede, Dr Ruth Moirana, and Dr Manuel Rebelo discussed how investments in higher education and research can more effectively advance socioeconomic transformation. Speakers highlighted the need for flexible hiring policies to support entrepreneurship, stronger alignment of higher education with national priorities, and increased investment in innovation development.
Dr Moirana emphasized integrating early-career scientists into the higher education system to prepare future research leader’s.
Impact of MozSkills
Dr Danilo Parbato, Manager of the Institutional Development Fund, presented key achievements of the MozSkills project in enhancing Mozambique’s higher education and research landscape.
He noted that the project has strengthened digital infrastructure, improved academic quality through curriculum accreditation and quality assurance mechanisms, and empowered lecturers with modern STEM teaching methods. These efforts have improved governance and teaching standards, and supported thousands of students, especially women in STEM.
MozSkills’ investment in research scholarships and innovation projects is nurturing a new generation of researchers equipped to address national development challenges. The project has also advanced inclusion by increasing female participation, supporting student entrepreneurship, and providing digital tools to disadvantaged learners.
Lessons for the future
Participants highlighted that strong innovation systems built on human capital, adequate financing, and a supportive policy environment are essential for socioeconomic transformation. Long-term commitment is crucial to sustain achievements, build infrastructure, and entrench a culture of innovation.
The forum also underscored the importance of researchers participating actively in the entrepreneurial ecosystem by engaging with industry and commercialization processes. This helps translate discoveries into market-ready products, accelerating growth and addressing societal needs.
In her closing remarks, Dr Raquel Matavele Chisumba, representing the Minister of Education and Culture, reiterated that enhancing doctoral training quality aligns with national research priorities.
“Successful examples shared during this forum serve as inspiration for advancing our higher education systems,” she said, emphasizing commitment, creativity, and collaboration.
Mozambique is now at a pivotal moment. Strengthening institutional frameworks, boosting investment in research and development, and deepening cross-sector partnerships will be critical. By prioritizing these areas, the nation can transform scientific knowledge into tangible economic and social gains.
