Maputo to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in Mozambique’s forestry sector

MAPUTO, Mozambique (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO), through the Swedish-funded the MozTrabalha Project, in collaboration with the Government of Mozambique and stakeholders, has convened a forestry national dialogue in Maputo to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in Mozambique’s forestry sector.

The two-day dialogue, which was held from 14 to 15 July 2025, brought together 40 key stakeholders, including government ministries, employers’ and workers’ organizations, private sector companies, and international partners.

Participants included: the Forestry General Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture; the Ministry of Manpower; the Consultative Labour Commission (CCT); the Confederation of Economic Associations (CTA); the Mozambique Workers’ Organization (OTM-CS); and the National Confederation of Independent and Free Trade Unions of Mozambique (CONSILMO).

Others were; the Mozambique Federation of Forestry Operators (FEDEMOMA); the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); and leading forestry companies such as GreenResources, LevasFlor, Portucel, and Grupo Interposto.

The dialogue aimed to identify priorities and opportunities for collaboration to unlock the sector’s potential while ensuring decent work and economic growth, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 8 and the principles of a just transition.

Among others, participants discussed challenges and opportunities shaping the forestry sector; the new Forestry Law (Law No. 17/2023), developed with ILO support on employment formalization, occupational safety and health (OSH), and working conditions; and the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration) and its role in promoting responsible business practices.

A major outcome was a joint document outlining economic, labour, and environmental challenges. This will guide the development of a roadmap and action plan, strengthening partnerships in line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The forestry national dialogue represents a critical step toward building a resilient, competitive, and socially responsible forestry sector in Mozambique.