Training young entrepreneurs to become businessman

Lucas Luís and Benilde de Sousa, aged 27 and 28 respectively, are two young householders geographically separated by nearly 240 kilometers, but who share similar life stories. Both became business mentors for other young entrepreneurs after participating in the short-term vocational trainings promoted by the HOJE project (Skills plus Opportunity equals Youth Employment) implemented by Helvetas Mozambique. Lucas, who lives in the district of Malema, Nampula province, used to survive on small informal businesses, such as selling food products, including onions and tomatoes, for example.

The lack of knowledge, coupled with the difficulties in managing minimal earnings, increased the risk of bankruptcy and hindered the growth potential of his business. In 2024, Lucas benefited from mentoring in entrepreneurship, financial education, marketing, and business management, which led to an increase of his income from 9.000 to 15.000 meticais (about twice the minimum wage for civil servants in Mozambique). Then, he started mentoring other young entrepreneurs in his community and became a promoter of banking services in Malema.

At the same time, in the district of Mandimba, Niassa province, Benilde started a bakery business (selling meals and snacks) after completing a six-month training in this area, also promoted by Helvetas. From the 2.500 meticais she earned as a literacy teacher before starting her business, Benilde managed to increase her monthly income to 10.000 meticais (just over the government minimum wage in Mozambique).