Area 4 and Government of Cabo Delgado Inaugurate the MozUp Enterprise Development Center in Pemba

• MozUp Enterprise Development Center opened for business in Pemba on May 2
• Center will provide training to Mozambican SMEs in Cabo Delgado and neighbouring provinces

First launched in Maputo in 2020, the MozUp EDC will extend training, advisory and mentorship opportunities to businesses in Cabo Delgado and neighbouring provinces, to qualify and compete in key economic growth opportunities across the various sectors of the Mozambican economy.

In Maputo and through virtual participation across the country, 955 companies and 2,151 persons have participated in the 149 trainings delivered across key areas identified as challenges to Mozambican firms, and 6 companies have been mentored for compliance and certification in ISO standards.  Additional services provided include implementation of business assessments and business strengthening plans, advisory on accessing capital and financial services, and activities to foster business-to-business partnerships for growth.

To date, 55% (or 1,404) of the 2,559 suppliers registered in Area 4’s and Rovuma LNG supplier registration portal, are majority Mozambican-owned entities

“As an Area 4 partnership, we are excited to launch MozUp’s second branch in Pemba and look forward to witnessing the continued growth of Mozambican SMEs.” said Arne Gibbs, General Manager for ExxonMobil Moçambique, Limitada. He added that, “MozUp has served as a vehicle to provide training to improve the competitiveness of Mozambican companies across multiple sectors.”

Valige Tauabo, Governor of Cabo Delgado affirmed that, “The enterprise development center will play an important role in strengthening the capacity of Mozambican companies in Cabo Delgado.” He furthered “Through training that they’ll receive, they will become more competitive at a national level and potentially beyond our borders.”

MozUP EDC is operated by Mozambique Enterprise for Sustainability, Limitada (MES), a joint venture between DAI – a global social and economic development firm – and Mozambican implementing partner, TPLA Consulting, Limitada.

“This initiative is only possible due to the ongoing commitment of the Area 4 partners, other local enterprises and the support of the Government of Mozambique,” said Taciana Peão Lopes, Chair of the Board of MES. “We look forward to continuing to support the development of SMEs and partnering with other stakeholders to maximize potential and the impact of our activities.”

Additional local and international cross-sector institutions and operators are encouraged to subscribe to the MozUp EDC to create a sustainable, multi-stakeholder platform that can support business projects across all industries.

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About Area 4

Area 4 is operated by Mozambique Rovuma Venture S.p.A. (MRV), an incorporated joint venture owned by ExxonMobil, Eni and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), which holds a 70 percent interest in the Area 4 Exploration and Production Concession Contract. In addition to MRV, Galp, KOGAS and Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos E.P. each hold a 10 percent interest in Area 4. ExxonMobil is leading the construction and operation of the natural gas liquefaction and related facilities on behalf of MRV, and Eni is leading the construction and operation of upstream facilities.

About MozUP

Funded by Area 4 partners and implemented by Mozambique Enterprise for Sustainability (MES, a Mozambican company), MozUp is an Enterprise Development Center that serves as a platform to support the growth and development of Mozambican enterprises in all sectors, including the energy sector.  The objective of MozUp is to develop the capacity of local SMEs to become competitive and able to provide services in the LNG industry and other growing sectors in the country. MozUp offers various services to SMEs, including business assessments, training, coaching, mentoring in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety requirements, certification, creating opportunities for business linkages, and providing information on accessing finance. To learn more about MozUp, please visit www.mozup.org, and to participate in activities, please register on the Rovuma LNG Supplier Registration Portal (https://mz.rovumalngsrp.com/).