The European Union is funding the creation of 12 business incubators in the northern region of Mozambique, in an initiative that aims to train and support 1080 young entrepreneurs, 40 per cent of whom are women. The project, called INCUBOX II, is coordinated by Gapi – Sociedade de Investimentos (Gapi-SI) and has the support of the Aga Khan Foundation. According to a press release from Gapi, this initiative aims to ‘empower young entrepreneurs and stimulate the development of sustainable businesses, promoting the creation of 3,250 new jobs.’
According to a statement from Gapi, INCUBOX II expands a model that was tested in a pilot phase, which ran for 18 months in three districts of Niassa province, covering 120 young entrepreneurs.
‘On the basis of the good results obtained, the project will now be implemented in 12 districts, namely Mandimba, Mecanhelas, Cuamba and Marrupa, in Niassa; Balama, Palma, Chiúre and Montepuez, in Cabo Delgado; and Ribáuè, Mossuril, Lumbo and Ilha de Moçambique, in Nampula,’ says the document.
The young people selected for the programme will have access to training and mentoring, as well as a start-up fund to boost their businesses. In addition, the project will offer assistance in legalising companies, free internet access, participation in networking events and logistical support.
The project’s director, Rui Amaral, explained that the initiative has two main components: entrepreneurship and professional internships. ‘Candidates for the entrepreneurship component must be between 18 and 35 years old, be finalists or recent high school, technical or university graduates and live in the implementing districts. They must also have a business idea in the sectors defined by the initiative and be willing to attend the incubation programme for three months,’ said Amaral.
As for the internship component, this is aimed at young people between the ages of 18 and 30 and is intended for those who have already completed secondary, technical or university education. ‘No professional experience is necessary, but those selected must be available to take part in a two-month internship,’ he added.
‘The young people selected for the programme will have access to training and mentoring, as well as a start-up fund to boost their businesses’.
The INCUBOX II project also has strategic partnerships to strengthen the capacity of the beneficiaries. ‘We believe in pooling synergies, which is why we have signed some partnerships, such as the one we have with AIESEC, which will allow us to promote international internships in more than 120 countries,’ said Edwina Ferro, one of the project managers.
In addition, the programme will benefit from the knowledge and experience of educational institutions such as the Balama Agricultural Institute, the Bilibiza Agricultural Institute, the Mártir Cipriano Polytechnic Institute and the Mozambique Island Medium Polytechnic Institute.
Digitalisation will be one of the fundamental pillars of INCUBOX II, integrating innovative technologies to facilitate business development. ‘Beneficiaries will have access to smartphones, training on online security, free Internet in the incubators and training content through virtual reality,’ said the press release.
The incubators have been designed with a sustainable model, using prefabricated modules that are easy to install and equipped with autonomous solar energy, as well as free Wi-Fi, toilets and storage space for equipment and means of transport.
Gapi recognises that young entrepreneurs will need additional funding to consolidate their businesses after incubation. ‘We are working with other institutions to create an accessible credit line for the projects that demonstrate the best performance,’ revealed Edwina Ferro. However, the resources for this line of credit have yet to be mobilised.
For the time being, Gapi’s teams of 36 technicians are on the ground carrying out a basic study of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, involving government institutions, educational organisations, telecoms operators and potential beneficiaries. This survey will be essential for adjusting the implementation of the incubators to the real needs of local entrepreneurs.
