Belca's solar breakthrough

Belca Manuel Ahemelano, a 25-year-old entrepreneur, emerged as the overall winner of the Pitch Day Competition, held on 15 July in Cuamba, Niassa Province. She earned the distinction with her business idea, “Commercialization and Installation of Solar Panels – Okweya Homwalela”, an initiative aimed at expanding access to clean, affordable, and accessible energy.

The winning proposal focuses on the marketing, distribution, and installation of solar energy systems, addressing challenges faced by communities due to the limited expansion of the conventional electricity grid. The solution has the potential to reduce dependence on fuel-powered generators and inadequate lighting sources, while providing a more affordable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative.

Belca expressed optimism about serving communities through sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions: “I am very happy to be one of the winners of the Pitch Day competition. This achievement reinforces my commitment to supporting communities with limited access to electricity.”

As part of the award, the entrepreneur will receive MZN 25,000 in funding from the RENOVA Fund to support the implementation of her business. In addition to the financial support, Belca will continue to benefit from technical assistance and post-financing follow-up to ensure the sustainable growth of the enterprise.

Belca’s success was also made possible through the technical support provided by SOCINNE, the organization responsible for implementing the Green Acceleration Fund and a partner in the implementation of the HOJE project, promoted by Helvetas Mozambique.