Chapo promises to reintroduce district funding and promote local development
Frelimo's presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo, announced his intention to work towards creating conditions for districts to have funds available for lending to young entrepreneurs.
"We will work so that our districts have money again to lend to those who are starting businesses," Chapo said during one of his popular rallies as part of his pre-campaign activities leading up to the October 9 elections.
This initiative aims to revive the “Seven Million” policy implemented during Armando Guebuza’s presidency, which aimed to galvanize districts by creating more jobs in various areas.
The policy was intended as a source of financing for family income-generating projects, allowing young people with small businesses to thrive, grow their ventures, and employ other youths.
Despite its noble goals, the project faced several issues from the outset. Many administrators did not clearly understand the applicability of the funds, leading to misunderstandings about their use. Instead of financing business projects, some administrators used the funds for personal purposes, such as renovating their homes, buying furniture, and traveling.
During the project's implementation, Armando Guebuza emphasized that Mozambique adopted the “Seven Million” policy because the government wanted people to define and act locally based on state decisions.
The policy aimed to empower local communities by giving them the financial capacity to make decisions that would directly benefit their areas.
Daniel Chapo is committed to rescuing and strengthening this policy, ensuring that the funds are used appropriately to promote economic and social development in the districts.
He believes that with effective and transparent management, young entrepreneurs can receive the support needed to turn their ideas into thriving businesses, thereby contributing to Mozambique's economic growth.
Chapo concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of investing in young people and local communities, stating that this is a crucial strategy for the country's sustainable development.
With his commitment, he hopes to bring new hope and opportunities to young Mozambicans, reinforcing the importance of entrepreneurship and local development.
