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Téofilo's path to becoming a successful entrepreneur

Mozambique
Upskilling and Reskilling, Labour market insertion
26.04.2023
Teófilo Vilanculos is a successful entrepreneur because he provides quality services, has technical expertise and access to financial services. He received training in electrical installation and entrepreneurship thanks to the support from Swisscontact under the Skills to Build project.

Teófilo is 28 years old and lives in Maputo. Born in Inhambane province – in the southern part of Mozambique, he came to live with his aunt in Maputo in 2013 in search of better living conditions and job opportunities. Over time, he started to do some work as an electricity helper for a neighbouring technician Mr Mazive.

Seven years later, I learned of the opportunity to access technical and professional training, offered by Swisscontact in partnership with the Alberto Cassimo Institute for Professional Training and Labour Studies.

"As a young dreamer and with the experience I have in the area of electricity, I was happy and interested, as the training would be a good opportunity to learn and develop skills in this area, in addition to being a path to a promising future, which I have been seeking since I arrived here."
Teófilo Vilanculos

After the training, Teófilo continued to work with Mr Mazive. Three months later, he decided to take out a bank loan to buy the necessary working tools, with the aim of developing professionally Swisscontact provided him with business structuring support and follow-ups.

"After training, I continued to work with Master Mazive. I was no longer a simple replaceable assistant, but a master. I was already doing quality work without needing his help, he entrusted me with tasks without having to supervise me all the time. This made me confident. However, my income remained the same. Dissatisfied with the situation, I decided become self-employed. Swisscontact supported me in drafting a business plan, as well as in obtaining financing from the bank in order to buy the necessary tools to start my business.”

Teófilo is now a successful entrepreneur, not only has he created employment for himself, but he has also created a job for another young man from his neighbourhood.

 

This project is financed by the Medicor Foundation, Happel Foundation, and U.W. Linsi-Stiftung, among other donors. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.

2018 - 2028
Mozambique
Upskilling and Reskilling, Labour market insertion
Skills to Build
In close collaboration with the private sector, the project aims to improve the quality of life of vulnerable young people through professional training in the construction and other sectors. By implementing competence-based skills training and certification in public and private training centres, it will increase incomes and employment opportunities for 3 000 vulnerable young people and 50 already employed, low-skilled workers and workshop owners.
Learn more