Mozambique: 25 technicians trained in digital tools and rural business planning to improve access to finance

The Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), through the National Directorate of Extension (DINAE), has trained 25 technicians in digitalisation and rural business planning, with the aim of improving small entrepreneurs’ access to financing.

The training took place from 19 to 29 October at the Macaneta Administrative Post, Marracuene district, and involved central-level technicians, Producer Organisation, Markets and Agribusiness Officers from the 11 Provincial Directorates of Agriculture and Fisheries (DPAP), as well as representatives of GAPI and Zambeze University (UniZambeze).

The initiative aimed to strengthen participants’ capacities in using the RuralInvest (RIV20) platform, a digital tool designed for the preparation and analysis of business plans for investment in rural areas.

The training forms part of the partnership between MAAP and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), through its Investment Centre, under the PROMOVE Agribiz Project, funded by the European Union. The partnership seeks to strengthen and professionalise technical assistance services for small rural entrepreneurs in Mozambique through the adoption of digital solutions.

The use of RuralInvest is intended to facilitate the preparation of bankable business plans, improve investment feasibility assessments and support more informed decision-making.

The training was led by FAO facilitators from Brazil, Uruguay and Mozambique and adopted a theoretical and practical approach. The programme included interactive sessions, debates, plenary discussions and group work, enabling participants to consolidate their knowledge and develop skills for applying the tool.

Developed by FAO, RuralInvest is a tool designed to support technicians and rural entrepreneurs in identifying, formulating, evaluating and financing sustainable investment projects.

During the training, topics included the RuralInvest concept and methodology, data collection and classification, the development and validation of business concepts, and the use of the RIV20 software. The programme also covered multi-year modelling, profitability analysis, the preparation and assessment of business plans, as well as detailed practical exercises on using the platform.

The training is aligned with the Government’s strategy to promote inclusive rural transformation, increase the financial viability of small producers’ investments and strengthen links between rural entrepreneurs and financial institutions, helping to expand opportunities for access to financing.

The trained technicians are expected to share the knowledge they have acquired, extending the reach of the tool and improving the quality of technical assistance provided to rural producers and entrepreneurs.

Through this initiative, MAAP, via DINAE, reaffirms its commitment to modernising extension services, digitalising technical assistance and promoting sustainable investment and development opportunities in rural areas.