In a vibrant atmosphere of innovation and social impact, the CFAO Entrepreneurship Challenge, in partnership with Xonguila magazine, revealed its grand winner: Chapateca. This initiative, which combines education and road safety, won the preference of the jury and the public, securing not only recognition of merit but also a prize of 60,000 meticais and the opportunity to present its project to the CFAO Group's programme for future partnerships. Given the scale and potential of the Tablet Comunitário (Community Tablet) project, the CFAO Group decided to make an exception and also invite those responsible to pitch at CFAO Mobility 24, recognising the initiative's transformative impact and its alignment with the vision of innovation and sustainable development promoted by the event.
The challenge, which focused on initiatives geared towards mobility and road safety, involved a rigorous selection process. The participating projects were featured throughout the issues of Xonguila magazine in 2024, culminating in a vote held during January and the first week of February. The final decision was determined by a jury made up of the CFAO Group (40% weighting in the decision), Xonguila magazine (40%) and the public, who could vote through Xonguila's digital channels (20% weighting in the decision).
“More than a competition, this challenge represents a commitment by the CFAO group to the economic and social growth of Mozambique. We want to support entrepreneurs who have viable, scalable ideas that can generate real impact. May all entrepreneurs, regardless of today's result, know that the path of entrepreneurship is made of challenges, but also of great achievements.”. — Henrique Bettencourt, General Manager of CFAO Group Mozambique
“This challenge represents a commitment by the CFAO group to the economic and social growth of Mozambique. We want to support entrepreneurs who have viable, scalable ideas that can generate real impact.” — Henrique Bettencourt, General Manager of CFAO Group Mozambique
A mobile library with a dual mission
Chapateca is a true force for transformation. Created with the purpose of promoting access to education among communities in vulnerable socioeconomic circumstances, this initiative stands out for its creative approach: turning chapas (minibus shared taxis) into mobile libraries. Thus, besides fostering reading and knowledge, Chapateca plays a crucial role in spreading social awareness messages, especially regarding road safety.
The project's mentors, Shádia Gafur and Constance Fleury, firmly believe that education is a fundamental right and an essential pillar of human and social development. Chapateca's work is based on a comprehensive pedagogical methodology, which aims not only at literacy but also at developing critical thinking, building autonomy and self-confidence, promoting gender equality and stimulating creativity.
In a country where the illiteracy rate is still significant (18.8%) and access to books and information is limited in both rural (49.4%) and urban (50.7%) areas, Chapateca emerges as an innovative and necessary solution. Beyond access to reading, the project has a direct impact on road safety, teaching children, young people and adults good practice in traffic, the importance of signage and the risks of drink-driving.
Expansion and Needs
With its victory in the CFAO Entrepreneurship Challenge, Chapateca gains new momentum to expand its activities. In addition to the mobile libraries, the association intends to establish a network of community libraries in the peri-urban neighbourhoods of the main cities, working in partnership with local associations and public authorities. These fixed libraries will function as learning and reading-promotion centres, providing a safe and conducive environment for the intellectual development of communities.
However, to realise this vision, Chapateca needs continued support. The project's main needs include human resources (a driver and two dedicated staff), fuel costs, essential materials such as books, tents and cushions, as well as operating expenses, including communication credit and office supplies.
The recognition granted by the CFAO Entrepreneurship Challenge not only validates the project's relevance but also reinforces its potential for long-term impact. This distinction represents a vote of confidence in Chapateca's mission and an incentive for more partners and sponsors to join this cause. After all, investing in education and road safety is investing in a more conscious, safe and inclusive future for Mozambique.
It is also important to highlight and congratulate the other participating projects, which presented innovative and impactful ideas. The high standard of the proposals demonstrates the entrepreneurial potential that exists in the country and reinforces the importance of initiatives like Chapateca in driving transformative solutions for society.
