Mozambique Sovereign Wealth Fund offers opportunity to invest in children and future generations

Maputo, Mozambique - On 18 February 2026, Government representatives, parliamentarians, civil society organizations, development partners and young people gathered in Maputo for a high-level roundtable to discuss how Mozambique’s Sovereign Wealth Fund can contribute to national development and the wellbeing of future generations.

Organized by the Fórum da Sociedade Civil para os Direitos da Criança (ROSC), the event focused on the strategic allocation of revenues from the Sovereign Wealth Fund and their alignment with national development priorities, particularly investments in human capital.

Mesa Redonda UNICEF

UNICEF Mozambique participated in the dialogue alongside representatives from the Parliamentary Youth Office, the Sovereign Fund Supervisory Committee, ministries, civil society organizations and children’s representatives, highlighting the importance of placing children and young people at the centre of long-term investment decisions.

A generational opportunity for Mozambique

Mozambique stands at a pivotal moment. The establishment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund represents a rare opportunity to transform natural resource wealth into human development gains, ensuring that today’s revenues translate into better outcomes for children and future generations.

The management of natural resource revenues — including both the share allocated to the national budget and the savings accumulated in the Sovereign Wealth Fund — creates an opportunity to strengthen fiscal space for investments in children and future generations over the long term.

Global evidence shows that countries that invest consistently in children, especially in early childhood, build more productive, resilient and equitable societies. Investments in nutrition, health, early learning, social protection and climate-resilient services generate some of the highest social and economic returns of any public policy.

Participants reflected on how the Fund could play a catalytic role in accelerating progress in key areas such as early childhood development, education, climate resilience and shock-responsive social protection, particularly important in Mozambique, where children face overlapping challenges including poverty, inequality and increasing climate risks.

Ensuring that resource revenues translate into tangible results for children will require not only adequate allocations, but also efficient, equitable and accountable public spending across sectors.

Youth voices at the centre of the discussion

A defining feature of the roundtable was the active participation of young people, including representatives from the Children’s Parliament. Their presence reinforced a powerful message. Decisions about national resources today will shape the lives of future generations, and those generations deserve a voice in the conversation.

Youth participants emphasized their aspirations for quality education, employment opportunities and a more resilient future, underscoring the importance of transparency, accountability and long-term vision in the management of the Fund.

Key reflections from the dialogue

Several key themes emerged from the discussions:

• Investing in people is the foundation of sustainable growth. The true success of the Sovereign Wealth Fund will ultimately be measured not only by financial returns, but by improvements in children’s wellbeing and opportunities.
• Early childhood development is a high-impact priority. Evidence demonstrates that investments in the early years deliver lifelong benefits for individuals and societies.
• Transparent and accountable governance is essential. Public trust will be critical for the long-term success and stability of the Fund. Strong governance frameworks and clear allocation rules will be essential to ensure that investments contribute to long-term human capital development and remain protected from economic volatility.
• Intergenerational impact should guide investment decisions. Priorities such as education, health, nutrition, social protection and climate resilience offer proven long-term returns.
• Participation matters. Engaging youth and civil society strengthens legitimacy and ensures investments reflect national priorities.

Turning resource wealth into human wealth

Mozambique faces increasing climate shocks, including floods, cyclones and droughts, which disproportionately affect children and vulnerable families. Participants noted that revenues from fossil fuel resources can and should help finance a more resilient and sustainable future, including disaster-resilient schools, adaptive social protection systems, and stronger health and water services.

“The true wealth of a nation lies in the potential of its children,” said Guy Taylor, Chief of Advocacy, Partnerships and Communication, who represented UNICEF at the event. “If the Sovereign Wealth Fund helps ensure that every child can grow healthy, learn, and develop their potential, it will achieve its most meaningful purpose.”

UNICEF commitment

UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with the Government of Mozambique, Parliament, ROSC and partners to support policies and investments that place children at the centre of national development.

Investing in children is not only a moral imperative. It is one of the smartest economic strategies a country can pursue.