Kick-off meeting of the Bendi Max Program under the Morabeza Innovation Project
UGPE and the Government launched the Bendi Max Program to upskill, support economic formalization, and promote digital payments for 250 female informal merchants in Santiago, São Vicente, Fogo, and Maio.
On Friday, August 7, the kick-off meeting for the Bendi Max Program took place. The initiative is part of the Morabeza Innovation Project (MiP), financed by the African Development Bank, aiming to enhance digital competencies and promote the economic empowerment of female informal merchants across Cabo Verde.
The program is projected to reach 250 female merchants across the islands of Santiago, São Vicente, Fogo, and Maio, through capacity-building actions in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, inclusion in digital payment networks, and support in formalizing their economic activities. Spanning an estimated duration of five months, the initiative seeks to improve beneficiaries' economic opportunities and foster greater integration into the formal and digital economy.
Program execution is led by the Joint Venture SoulCode Academy & Soul AI, in partnership with SheTech, responsible for methodology implementation, team mobilization, and execution of work plan activities.
An Initial Phase Aligned Across Institutions
The kick-off session allowed stakeholders to present the project framework, intervention methodology, mobilized team, and first-phase implementation timeline, while providing a collaborative dialogue space among all participating institutions.
Representatives from UGPE, SISP, IGQPI, TechPark, Pró-Empresa, and DGE attended the meeting, contributing to discussions and operational exchange.
UGPE was represented by its Coordinator, Nuno Gomes, and Procurement Officer, Edna Fernandes. As the entity responsible for the fiduciary management of the Morabeza Innovation Project, UGPE ensures fiduciary compliance and proper execution of project resources.
During the session, the importance of joint coordination among partner entities was highlighted to ensure scheduled actions address real beneficiary needs and deliver sustainable impact.
The meeting concluded with remarks from the Minister of Economy, Trade, Industry and Digital Transition, António Baptista, who reinforced the strategic relevance of digital transformation in expanding economic opportunities for female merchants.
With the launch of the Bendi Max Program, the Morabeza Innovation Project marks another key milestone in driving digital inclusion and entrepreneurship, leveraging skills development to strengthen women's participation in Cabo Verde's digital economy.
Official Source: Special Projects Management Unit (UGPE).