In December 2018, Agostinho Vuma, Chairman of CTA (Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique), was appointed SBNMOZ Championand Chairman of its Advisory Committee, a body that will provide strategic guidance to the Network in the country, helping SBNMOZ achieve its goal of aligning business with national strategies and policies for food and nutrition.
SBNMOZ: How did you respond to the invitation to be the Network Champion and be one of the leading advocates for nutrition in and for the private sector?
Agostinho Vuma (AV): At first my reaction was of scepticism. I had difficulty understanding how we, entrepreneurs, can play a role in promoting better nutrition for Mozambicans. But after analysing the vast information on the subject, I decided to embrace this challenge and, why not, a cause that all national entrepreneurs should have on their daily agenda, because nutrition affects us all, as fathers, mothers, workers, students, adults and young people.
SBNMZ: What interventions do you intend to embrace as a priority as the sector Champion?
AV: The private sector plays a relevant role in the development and growth of the country. In the area of nutrition, we have several fronts to bet on. Hence, as the Network Champion, I decided to look at an issue: nutrition in the workplace, an important component, as it can help workers and, by extension, their families, improve their eating habits and have a better diet. Companies can implement a variety of workplace nutrition programs, from nutrition in the workplace to promoting nutrition education, and so on. But there are other initiatives that I regard as priorities, such as greater and better access to finance for companies within the food systems. If these companies access financing and investment, they can increase production, improve their conservation and processing capacity, as well as deliver more nutritious and safe food at affordable prices for all of us.
SBNMOZ: As the private sector Representative and the Network Champion, what are the Red's priority areas to encourage the involvement of more companies in improving nutrition?
AV: Looking at my understanding of the private sector challenges, I would say that should also look at the issue of direct business support, regarding technical assistance and training in business management, certification, quality, among other key aspects for the strengthening of national companies, especially for SMEs, which have the largest share of the workforce in the country.
SBNMOZ: In the first half of 2019, the country was shaken by cyclones IDAI and Kenneth. How have these events affected the private sector in promoting nutrition and food in the country?
AV: Indeed, the beginning of the year raised profound constraints for the business community. I have visited many companies affected by cyclones IDAI and Kenneth. I have witnessed the sadness and momentary dismay of many entrepreneurs. Many have lost everything. Companies had to start from scratch. And these problems have affected businesses, workers and their families. CTA was one of those who joined the collective effort to rebuild the affected provinces. We have contributed to the International Donors' Conference and from that moment on we are working with different entities, including banks, investment agencies and many more, identifying and assessing companies’ needs, identifying support services from technical assistance to access to finance. All this aiming at recovering the affected business stratum. Many companies that have been receiving support are strongly linked to food systems. We believe that the sooner they rise, the populations will have access to nutritious and quality food in the country.
SBNMOZ: What is CTA's involvement in strengthening food systems in the country?
AV: In the last years, we have increased our contribution, it is because we have a better perception of what is expected of us as sectorial representatives. CTA has contributed to the creation and establishment of two salters associations, one representing the salt producers in the north of the country and another comprising salt producers in the centre and south of the country. We have been supporting the training of these entrepreneurs and the identification and development of business models for the sector. CTA has participated in roundtable sessions promoted by SBNMOZ at central and provincial level, where topics relating to nutrition and business development promotion by the private sector are discussed.
SBNMOZ: To tackle the issue of nutrition requires the involvement of all actors, from the private sector, development sector, civil society, academia and the Government. What are the expectations of the private sector regarding the role of each of the other sectors in improving nutrition?
AV: I believe that each of these sectors has its role to play in this process. Only with everyone's contribution will we overcome malnutrition in Mozambique. Three aspects are crucial. Improving the business environment, which is actually part of our focus. There must be laws and regulations that encourage the production and supply of nutritious foods. Entrepreneurs have to be motivated to invest more to offer quality food. But to invest, they need to import technology. Incentives should be created for this technology import. Here the Government has a relevant role in facilitating the importation of technology. On the other hand, campaigns must be created to create and generate demand for nutritious and safe food. Only then will the consumer demand these foods in the market, which will contribute to the increase in demand and, consequently, a larger and better supply of food by the private sector. These demand generation initiatives could be implemented jointly by the private sector and the development sector as there are initial investments incurring. The academy can play a significant role if it allies itself with companies that produce food. Research can contribute to the emergence of processed foods on the market, which will also result in adding value to locally produced foods.
SBNMOZ: At the beginning of this conversation, you mentioned that workplace nutrition is one of your priorities. As one of the Network’s approaches, especially for large enterprises, regardless of the sector to which they are linked, how can The Network achieve and promote nutrition within these companies?
AV: First of all, we must emphasize that this is a new theme in the country. For these companies to respond to this new challenge, they need information on what interventions and what benefits they can derive therefrom. It has to be shown to the business community that investing in workplace nutrition does not only mean giving food to the workers. Educating the worker and, by extension, their family can be another way to improve nutrition. It must be shown that these interventions have a cost, but the benefits may be greater compared to investments. The development sector can initially contribute to the implementation of pilot programs for testing workplace nutrition approaches. I believe that companies will join the cause if they benefit from it.
SBNMOZ: What would you like to say to entrepreneurs as a way of encouraging them to join the challenge of contributing to improved nutrition in the country?
AV: To national entrepreneurs, I would like to say that, as with any investment, the results of investing in nutrition can make their time to be felt. However, the returns on investment are much higher. Today Mozambique loses about 10% of its gross domestic product due to hunger and malnutrition. These are values that could serve to invest in our country. If we focus on promoting nutrition, I believe we will soon have a stronger business environment, a cohesive business community and more motivated workers.
