Nampula – A group of 20 young entrepreneurs in Nampula have been given an opportunity to develop their business skills and set up their enterprises for growth with the support of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Mozambique.

The young traders were each given an ice box, umbrella and supplies of soft drinks and Bonaqua water today after graduating from a training programme provided by Aiesec, an international youth-run and led, not-for-profit organisation. The two full days of training, supported by CCBA, covered sales, planning and budgeting, and business modelling.

They were the first group out of a total of 65 youth to participate in the programme, with further graduation events taking place in Chimoio and Matola-Gare in the coming weeks.

“Our aim is to create greater shared opportunity for the business and the communities we serve across the value-chain. Opportunity is more than just money, it’s about a better future for people and their communities everywhere on the African continent,” said general manager of CCBA in Mozambique, Duncan Wyness.

“When we grow our business the right way, not just the easy way, we help create inclusive growth opportunities for our communities, women and youth, our customers, our employees and our shareholders, for a better shared future. 

“We understand that our business can only thrive when the communities we serve thrive too. Investing in communities ensures our business sustainability. Most of all, we are all Africans and are part of our communities,” said Wyness.

“Our entrepreneurship programmes focus on initiatives that provide the opportunity to take an existing business to a higher level of operation. Our employability programmes focus on programmes that up-skill, re-skill or provide other opportunities that enhance our target group’s prospects of finding sustainable employment.

“The success of these programmes will be defined by the extent to which we boost income, unlock sustainable earning potential, improve skills, and business knowledge for our target groups, resulting in access to economic opportunities,” said Wyness.

“Whether donating money, our time or our expertise, we take our responsibility to the communities we call home seriously.”