In Q4 2024, Mozambique witnessed a 1.8% rise in unemployment, totaling 190,558 persons. The central region faced the highest unemployment rate, while job creation fell by 13.7% with 103,834 new positions. Foreign labor hiring experienced a slight increase, alongside a notable rise in cases of illegal foreign workers. Regional disparities in employment trends necessitate targeted solutions.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, unemployment in Mozambique increased by 1.8%, resulting in 190,558 individuals registered as unemployed, up from 187,149 in the preceding quarter. This information was disclosed through the Labour Market Information Bulletin, issued by the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security. Additionally, the report highlighted that 91,215 people were seeking their first job during this period, while the remaining were in search of new employment opportunities.
The regional breakdown of unemployment indicates that the central region has the highest rate at 36.1%, followed by the southern region at 33.4%, with the northern region recording the lowest at 30.5%. By gender, unemployment among females was most pronounced in the southern region at 38.1%, while the northern region had the lowest at 25.0%. Notably, 47.9% of those registered were first-time job seekers, predominantly from Nampula province, which accounted for 22.9% of this group.
The Mozambican government reported a decrease in employment, as 103,834 new jobs were registered, marking a 13.7% decline compared to 120,252 jobs in the previous quarter. The central region led in job creation, contributing 43.6% of the total, with Nampula, Sofala, and Gaza provinces having the highest job percentages at 51.2%, 40.9%, and 39.6%, respectively. Among the registered positions, 33.3% were occupied by women.
The hiring of foreign workers rose by 2.1%, with 5,426 foreign employees compared to 5,316 in the third quarter of 2024. The wholesale and retail trade, along with the repair services for motor vehicles and motorbikes, employed the majority of foreign workers at 43.8%, followed by construction and mining sectors. Furthermore, 22 illegal foreign workers were suspended, representing a 29.4% increase over the previous quarter, with Maputo City reporting the highest number of cases.
Suspended workers were primarily involved in commerce (63.6%), followed by construction and public works as well as manufacturing sectors.
The increase in unemployment figures in Mozambique during Q4 2024, along with a significant decrease in new job registration, indicates a pressing labor market challenge. The regional disparities in unemployment rates highlight the need for targeted interventions. The rise in foreign labor hiring suggests ongoing economic activities but raises concerns regarding illegal employment practices. Effective strategies must be implemented to address these labor issues moving forward.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
