The Business Council (CEP) of Cabo Delgado defended, this week, the need for the Office of Post-Cyclone Reconstruction (GREPOC), to simplify the access to the 15 million US dollars allocated by the Government, as a co-financed donation to the private sector affected by cyclones Idai and Kenneth, in seven provinces in the north, center and south of the country, for the recovery of economic activities.

The desire was expressed in Pemba, by the President of the CEP, Mamudo Iraje, during the launching ceremony of the matching grants program for the private sector, carried out by the Government, with funds mobilized from the World Bank.

In fact, the Director of GREPOC, Luís Mandlate, announced during the ceremony that the Government has 15 million US dollars available to support 600 micro, small and medium enterprises affected by cyclones Idai and Kenneth, in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Tete, Zambézia, Manica, Sofala and Inhambane.

As explained by the consortium of companies hired by GREPOC to assist entrepreneurs in preparing business plans to access the funds, micro and small enterprises will benefit from grants of up to one million meticais, by contributing with 15% on the donated amount. For medium-sized companies, they can receive amounts up to three million meticais, but will have to share 30% over the value.

The ceremony was led by the Secretary of State (SE) in the province, António Supeia, and witnessed by the local governor, Valige Tauabo, and some businessmen. On the occasion, Supeia said that the line of matching grants will address the concerns that the province faces, with a view to mitigating extreme events of nature.

"We recommend the private sector to welcome, take ownership and access this unique opportunity," Supeia appealed.

The grant program lasts for 36 months, starting in December 2021.