Events
AFIDEP to contribute evidence-informed perspectives on harnessing Mozambique’s demographic transition
The Ministry of Planning and Development of the Republic of Mozambique will host the Conference on Population and Development on 4–5 November 2026 at the Mozambique-China Cultural Centre, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, in Maputo. The conference will be held under the theme “Population, Economic Transformation and Well-being: Policies to Harness the Demographic Dividend in Mozambique.”
The conference forms part of the review of Mozambique’s National Population Policy, adopted in 1999, and seeks to generate policy insights that promote population well-being, uphold rights and freedom of choice, and strengthen the country’s capacity to harness the demographic dividend.
Discussions will explore the relationship between population dynamics and economic transformation, including the investments and policy reforms needed to translate Mozambique’s demographic transition into improved livelihoods and sustainable development outcomes.
AFIDEP’s Deputy Executive Director and Head of Programmes, Dr Rose N. Oronje, will contribute to the conference as a keynote speaker on 4 November. Her presentation, titled “How can Mozambique harness its demographic transition for accelerated development for its people?”, will examine the opportunities and challenges presented by Mozambique’s changing population structure and the policy choices needed to harness its demographic dividend.
Drawing on evidence from Mozambique and experiences from neighbouring countries, Dr Oronje will highlight two critical priorities: accelerating fertility decline through voluntary, rights-based family planning, and investing in people through improved health, education and skills development. She will also examine the country’s employment challenges, particularly the gap between the number of young people entering the labour market and the limited formal employment opportunities available.
Her presentation will outline three pathways for harnessing the demographic dividend: accelerating fertility decline, reforming education and skills development, and creating productive employment opportunities at scale. She will further emphasise the importance of updated demographic dividend modelling and National Transfer Accounts to inform policy decisions and guide investments in Mozambique’s development.
The conference provides an important platform for strengthening evidence-informed dialogue on population and development. Through its participation, AFIDEP will contribute research evidence and policy perspectives to discussions on how Mozambique can invest in its people, address demographic challenges and accelerate inclusive and sustainable development.