Mozambique, the African Development Bank and the United Nations Development Programme have launched a $28 million project to rebuild livelihoods and strengthen governance across conflict-affected districts of Cabo Delgado, the country’s northernmost province.

The Resilient Investment for Socio-Economic Empowerment, Peace and Security project launches as Cabo Delgado has faced an armed insurgency since 2017 that has displaced nearly 1 million people and disrupted investment in one of Africa’s largest natural gas corridors.

The project targets approximately 24,000 young people, more than 3,000 female-headed households and more than 7,300 local enterprises across the province, with indirect benefits reaching a wider population of 11.6 million across northern Mozambique, according to a UNDP statement in early March.

The financing brings together $17 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB)’s Transition Support Facility, $4.2 million from UNDP, $2.4 million from Germany, $3.1 million from private-sector partners and $1.3 million from the Mozambican government.

The project focuses on rehabilitating community infrastructure, expanding youth employment, developing local markets and strengthening institutions.

A separate $6 million agreement with MozParks targets 108 private-sector partnerships for youth internships and the establishment of a climate-smart small-business facility in Afungi.

Minister of Planning and Development Salim Cripton Valá said the project reflects “a shared commitment for the next four years” to generate economic opportunities and “contribute to laying the foundations for lasting peace.”

Rômulo Cunha Corrêa, Country Manager of the AfDB Mozambique Office, said the initiative gives “approximately 24,000 young people and women a reason to believe in their future.”

The project aligns with Mozambique’s National Development Strategy covering 2025 to 2044 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.