[Mozambique] Young Creative Award distinguishes technological innovators

The latest edition of the Young Creative Award, promoted by the Secretary of State for Youth and Employment (SEJE), distinguished three young Mozambicans for having developed innovative initiatives in the areas of entrepreneurship, innovation and technology.

The winners were Neil Sengulane, Alice Pelembe and Valdo Samuel, in the Entrepreneurship, Artistic Creation and Technological Innovation categories, in the VIII edition of one of the most prestigious competitions for the youth sector.

Joaquim Vicente, Secretary of State for the city of Maputo, said he hoped the competition would consolidate, promote and encourage the harmonious development of young people's personalities, promoting a taste for freely creating conditions for their integration into active life.

The event allowed for the dissemination of the works of young artists from the Mozambican capital and the creation of a space where they could debate issues inherent to their innovative area, aiming to create opportunities for creative interaction between competitors from the seven municipal districts, he underlined.

"The Young Creative Award is a commendable program, as it allows participants to demonstrate the qualities, potential and skills needed to galvanize entrepreneurship, technological innovation and artistic creation”, He stressed.

BUT: [Mozambique] “Girl Move Academy” launches second edition to stimulate the talent of young women

Vicente Joaquim assured that the Government will continue to work on promoting and valuing professional training, employment, social protection and a work culture that promotes self-esteem, aiming at the rational capitalization of the creative potential of young people.

In turn, Valdo Samuel, winner in the Technological Innovation category, was satisfied with the distinction, especially as it was his second time participating in the contest.

"Being one of the winners is an honor. I once ran for office and couldn't even pass the district stage. If I didn't win today next year I would try again", said.

Every year, SEJE launches a contest in which young innovators from all over Mozambique compete, who, after a previous selection, advance from the district, provincial, national stages and the winners go to the national gala of the Young Creative Award.

The program is implemented by the National Youth Institute (INJ). In all, 330 young people compete, of which 112 are entrepreneurs, 99 are innovators in technology and 119 in artistic creation.