Vodacom Mozambique has begun a new chapter in its corporate social investment (CSI) journey with the launch of its Foundation, which aims to address numerous societal challenges, including education, health and economic opportunities.

Organisations don’t exist in isolation, and the more they are part of the fabric of society, the better. For two decades, Vodacom Mozambique has embodied this philosophy, serving not only as a provider of connectivity but also as a beacon of progress and innovation, driving the advancement of Mozambican communities. 

Now, through the newly launched Vodacom Mozambique Foundation, the company has pledged to allocate 1% of its annual revenue to the Foundation’s programmes, showing its commitment to CSI. 

Leading the charge

At the helm of this transformative initiative is Lucas Chachine, the CEO of Vodacom Mozambique. Lucas, alongside notable figures such as Dr Hermenegildo Gamito, CEO of the Vodacom Foundation, and Ambrósio Sitoe, Permanent Secretary of the Mozambican Ministry of Transport and Communications, inaugurated the Foundation in a ceremony that marked a commitment, a vision and a promise to the future of Mozambique. 

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“The creation of this Foundation is an unequivocal response to the challenge of positively transforming people’s lives through our connectivity, technology and innovation,” Lucas said, reflecting the essence of Vodacom’s mission. 

Education, a cornerstone of the Foundation’s focus, was highlighted by Dr Gamito, who emphasised its power to transform lives. 

A systemic approach

Lucas underscored the Foundation’s mission to be a catalyst for change, focusing on pivotal areas such as education, health, economic empowerment, the environment and humanitarian aid.

Dr Gamito is passionate about creating high-quality opportunities for everyone. “Today, through the Growing Programme, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education, more than 745 000 students and teachers from secondary schools benefit from free connectivity, access to computer labs and digital classrooms,” he said.

“We train teachers and mentors, coach young girls in programming, and offer 60 scholarships for training young women in digital fields.” 

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The Foundation’s commitment extends beyond education to health, Dr Gamito added. Through the Goodbye Malaria programme, Vodacom has helped to protect about two million people annually from malaria through indoor residual spraying campaigns. 

The Foundation will continue Vodacom’s commitment to Mozambican society in other ways as well, such as when the company stepped up during humanitarian crises caused by violence in Cabo Delgado and destructive cyclones. 

Vodacom has donated more than 100 tonnes of various products in humanitarian aid and took part in the restoration of educational institutions like the Guara Guara Secondary School in Sofala, which was devastated by Cyclone Idai. This work will continue through the Foundation. 

Support from all structures

The government of Mozambique, represented by Permanent Secretary Sitoe, acknowledged Vodacom’s pivotal role in expanding the national mobile phone network. This expansion has included innovative services that have transformed how business is conducted and relationships are built among Mozambicans. 

Vodacom’s leadership in voice communications, data and mobile wallets demonstrates the company’s influence and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers beyond the technology space, he said. 

Through its focus on education, health, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability, the Foundation is poised to make a significant impact, helping to build a better future for Mozambicans.