Mozambique is a country located in Southeastern Africa with a population of around 30 million people. The job market in Mozambique has gone through changes in recent years as the economy continues to develop. Some of the most common and popular jobs currently held by Mozambicans include positions in agriculture, fishing, mining, tourism, construction, manufacturing, and trade.
Agriculture
Agriculture is a huge industry in Mozambique, employing around 80% of the total workforce. Subsistence farming is very common, with many people engaged in small-scale agriculture to provide food for their families. The most popular agricultural crops grown in Mozambique include maize, cassava, sorghum, millet, rice, cashew nuts, and cotton. Other common jobs related to agriculture include:
- Farmers – grow crops like maize, cassava, cashews etc.
- Farm workers/laborers – work on larger commercial farms and plantations
- Agricultural technicians – provide expertise on crop cultivation, soil management, animal husbandry etc.
- Agronomists – specialists in the science of crop and soil management
- Agricultural extension officers – educate farmers on best practices and new technologies
These agricultural jobs employ a large percentage of Mozambique’s rural population. Agriculture accounts for around 25% of the total GDP of Mozambique.
Fishing
Fishing is another huge industry and source of employment in Mozambique due to its long coastline and abundant marine resources. Common fishing jobs include:
- Small-scale/artisanal fishermen – fish close to shore using traditional methods like nets, baskets, lines etc.
- Commercial fishermen – crew members working on larger fishing vessels further from shore
- Fish farmers – work on aquaculture farms raising fish like tilapia and prawns
- Fish processors – clean, preserve, package and prepare fish for sale and export
- Boat builders and repairers – build and maintain fishing boats and equipment
Fishing provides income and employment to over 400,000 people in Mozambique. Seafood is also the second largest Mozambican export after aluminum.
Mining
Mozambique has considerable mineral resources including coal, gold, graphite, iron ore, titanium, natural gas and petroleum. Mining is a growing industry and jobs include:
- Miners/drillers – extract coal, minerals, and natural gas
- Geologists – find and evaluate new mining sites and mineral reserves
- Engineers – design, maintain and improve mining operations and equipment
- Electricians – install and repair electrical infrastructure in mines
- Health and safety specialists – monitor working conditions and minimize hazards
Major mining projects have brought in billions of dollars of investment and created thousands of jobs in Mozambique. Mineral fuels were Mozambique’s largest export in 2019.
Tourism
Tourism is a growing industry in Mozambique. The country’s beaches, wildlife reserves, coral reefs, and culture attract visitors from around the world. Common jobs in the tourism sector include:
- Hotel staff – receptionists, housekeepers, caterers, waiters etc.
- Tour guides – lead visitors on tours around attractions
- Game wardens and rangers – manage and protect wildlife in reserves
- drivers – transport tourists to destinations and attractions
- Travel agents – plan and book trip itineraries
Mozambique received over 2 million international visitors in 2018. Tourism accounted for 3.2% of Mozambique’s GDP in 2019 and is an important source of foreign currency and employment.
Construction
Rapid urbanization and major infrastructure projects have spurred the demand for construction jobs including:
- Carpenters – construct and install wooden structures
- Steel fixers – place and secure steel bars in concrete
- Masons – build structures from bricks, concrete blocks, stone etc.
- Crane and machine operators – operate heavy equipment
- Electricians – install wiring and lighting
- Plumbers – install and repair water pipes, drainage, sanitation etc.
Major investments in roads, rail, ports, mines and dams have created many construction job opportunities. Construction accounts for around 4% of Mozambique’s GDP.
Manufacturing
Mozambique’s manufacturing sector is still developing but some common factory jobs include:
- Food processing – baking, dairy, beverage, grain milling etc.
- Textile workers – produce fabrics, clothing, shoes etc.
- Chemical/plastic manufacturers – make soaps, paints, plastics, petrol refining
- Metalworkers – smelting, welding, tool making
- Wood workers – sawmill, furniture making, crafts
- Machine operators and assemblers
Manufacturing accounts for around 11% of Mozambique’s GDP. Agro-processing of cashews and other foods are major manufactured exports.
Trade
Trade and commerce jobs support Mozambique’s developing consumer economy:
- Retail workers – cashiers, shop assistants, salespeople
- Market vendors – sell produce, food, clothing at informal markets
- Import/export agents – arrange international trade of goods
- Wholesalers – sell and distribute products in bulk to retailers
- Banking – clerks, tellers, loan officers
- Insurance agents
Rapid urbanization and economic growth is supporting employment in trade and commerce across Mozambique. Wholesale and retail trade account for around 11% of GDP.
Conclusion
While Mozambique’s economy is still developing, some of the most common and popular jobs are found in agriculture, fishing, mining, tourism, construction, manufacturing and trade sectors. Rapid development across these industries continues to support employment growth and rising incomes across the country.