ILO initiative drives safer, sustainable jobs in Mozambique’s native forestry sector

MAPUTO, Mozambique (ILO News) - Mozambique’s natural forests, which cover 43 percent of the country’s territory, are among its most valuable resources. To ensure these forests contribute to sustainable development, the International Labour Organization (ILO), through the MozTrabalha project, is working to promote decent work and responsible business practices in the forestry sector.

This initiative aims to help rural households escape poverty by creating formal, safe, and sustainable employment opportunities— advancing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

© ILO/Allan Mulenga

© ILO/Allan Mulenga

Supported by the Government of Sweden and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), MozTrabalha project focuses on structural transformation, sustainable enterprises, and a just transition for Mozambicans living in poverty.

The project also contributes to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration and SDG 4: Quality Education through continuous skills development.

In 2025, MozTrabalha project partnered with the ILO’s Multinational Enterprises and Responsible Business Conduct (MULTI) Unit and the Sectoral Policies Department (SECTOR) to develop a strategic plan for the sustainability of Mozambique’s native forestry sector.

This plan emphasizes improving working conditions, particularly occupational safety and health (OSH), to protect workers and enhance productivity.

To support this effort, the project has organized capacity-building activities and strategic meetings with key stakeholders, equipping forestry workers and enterprises with the tools and knowledge needed to adopt responsible business practices while safeguarding the environment.