Mozambique

Euclinton Foliche is a development practitioner striving to foster access to education for children through the promotion of school meals in Northern Mozambique, leveraging the skills gained through his master’s degree in sustainable agriculture and rural development attained at University College Dublin. He is originally from Maputo and has gained extensive experience in multicultural engagements, having travelled, studied and worked abroad in Eswatini, South Africa, the United States, Ghana, Ethiopia, Egypt, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. Outside of his professional pursuits, he takes delight in capturing photographs of scenic landscapes as an avid traveler, finding inspiration in natural environments to enjoy the beauty of places and cultures.

Fernando Banze is a procurement professional with solid experience in industrial purchasing processes and warehouse management. He is the founder of the Moz Procurement Support App, an innovative platform that connects micro and small suppliers with institutional buyers and procurement professionals to expand and broaden economic growth.

He holds a degree in philosophy from Universidade Pedagógica and a degree in marketing and public relations from Universidade Eduardo Mondlane. He also completed an academic exchange program in the United States, which strengthened his global perspective and intercultural competencies.

Currently, the Moz Procurement Support App has successfully facilitated over 50 transactions — including the buying and selling of products and services — contributing to the integration of new suppliers into supply chains and enhancing the competitiveness of purchasing organization. 

Hortência Franco is a Partnerships and Projects Manager working at the intersection of women’s public health and civic engagement across Africa. Through her work with Be Girl Inc., she supports the design and implementation of menstrual health initiatives in countries including Mozambique, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Zimbabwe, collaborating with governments, multilateral partners, and local organizations to expand access to education and sustainable product solutions.

Her work focuses on community-driven innovation, youth engagement, and cross-sector partnerships, with experience ranging from developing national menstrual health curricula to leading large-scale training programs for facilitators and young peer educators.

Beyond her professional role, Hortência is actively engaged in socio-political activism and youth leadership. She contributes to regional and national networks that promote democratic participation, human rights, and the including women and young people in civic life.

She holds a degree in political science, with research focused on women’s political participation in Mozambique, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree.

Pedro Cumbana is a Mozambican legal professional, political analyst, and social activist committed to advancing human rights and expanding access to justice for vulnerable communities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in law and currently works as a legal consultant, providing advisory services in litigation, compliance, and legal risk management.

Pedro strengthened his leadership, research, and civic engagement skills in the United States during his Global UGRAD semester. His academic work has been nationally recognized, with award-winning research focused on access to justice and the impact of conflict on children’s rights in Mozambique.

Beyond his professional work, Pedro is actively engaged in youth empowerment and public service initiatives. He has contributed to programs that promote civic participation, social impact, and entrepreneurship, and continues to use his voice and expertise to drive meaningful change in his community.

Shilzia is a multidisciplinary professional working at the intersection of technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, marketing, and research. Currently, she serves as an Innovation Officer at Vodacom Mozambique, where she leads initiatives that improve customer experience and manage digital systems used by over 700 call center agents. She is also the Co-founder and Brand & Marketing Manager of NS Assistance, a social enterprise focused on improving youth employability through practical, market-driven solutions.

Through her work, Shilzia has supported and impacted 300+ young people in strengthening their employability and accessing opportunities. She is particularly driven by leveraging innovation within the digital environment to design scalable solutions that expand access to decent work and economic growth. She approaches every challenge with a balance of strategy and execution, building initiatives that are not only innovative, but structured, scalable, and capable of creating real impact across communities.

Valquíria Percila Ferreira is an English teacher, community educator, and social activist from Mozambique. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Language Teaching. Her journey has been shaped by a deep passion for education, youth empowerment, and creating opportunities for others to grow.

Valquíria has volunteered as an English club facilitator, where she created engaging spaces for learners to practice their language skills and build confidence. In addition, she runs a small reading club project in her community, where she helps children develop a love for reading through interactive activities that support their literacy and creativity.

Professionally, she works as an English teacher, a role she is truly passionate about. She strives to make her classroom a supportive and inspiring environment where students feel motivated to learn and express themselves. Beyond education, she is also a committed human rights advocate. She uses her voice and actions to promote equality, raise awareness, and contribute to positive social change in her community.