From skills to markets: Growing opportunities through agroforestry in Timor-Leste

DILI, Timor-Leste (ILO News) – The Agroforestry Skills Immersive Expo 2026, held in Dili from 31 July to 1 August under the theme “Cultivating Skills, Connecting Markets, Creating Opportunities,” brought together government partners, training institutions, cooperatives, businesses, and communities to showcase skills development, local products and opportunities for employment and enterprise. It was organized by the ILO, supported by the European Union (EU), in collaboration with national partners.

Leonito Soares de Jesus, Director General at the Ministry of Economic Coordinating Affairs, praised the Expo as an important initiative that combined learning and business opportunities while bringing together ideas and people from across the sector.

The vibrant and engaging atmosphere of the Expo brought together inspiring ideas and opportunities while creating a welcoming space for people to learn, connect and experience the potential of Timor-Leste’s agroforestry sector.

© Nuncio Da Costa/ILO

© Nuncio Da Costa/ILO

The Expo connected Timor-Leste’s coconut, vanilla and cacao value chains through three exhibition zones covering good agricultural practices, processing and value addition and market-ready products. Visitors experienced live demonstrations, including coconut fibre extraction, vanilla curing, cacao fermentation and chocolate-making, while also gaining information on employment and business opportunities.

ILO Programme Manager Richard Hanson said the Expo showcased the Agroforestry Skills Programme's success in building skills and creating employment and enterprise opportunities. The programme has trained thousands of participants in agroforestry, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and cooperative development.

The Expo brings these achievements to life by showcasing how skills development can translate into stronger businesses, better livelihoods and new opportunities for employment and enterprise.

© Nuncio Da Costa/ILO

© Nuncio Da Costa/ILO

The Expo generated tangible outcomes that extended well beyond the event itself. New partnerships were forged between training institutions and private-sector actors, including collaborations aimed at strengthening the cacao value chain. It also provided employment support to 40 young people in Liquiça and helped raise the profile of a coconut fibre fashion collection, which was invited to be showcased at the Dili International Marathon.

In addition, the Expo featured a business pitching competition organized by the Institute for Business Development Support (IADE), where 19 entrepreneurs, selected from a pool of 160 applicants, presented their business ideas to a panel of judges. The event also connected young people to employment services, with 67 students registering on the national SIMU-Web employment platform with support from counsellors from the Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE).

The Expo was attended by representatives of the EU Delegation, government ministries, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, development partners, embassies, trade unions and business associations, as well as students from 12 universities in Dili and members of the public.