Profile Mozambique: To begin, could you tell us a bit about your professional journey and your trajectory in the business world?
Kelver Inácio: My name is Kelver Inácio Maxim, and I have been an entrepreneur for 25 years. I started my entrepreneurial journey with my father at the age of 12, helping in his company that supplied tarpaulins and tents. Over time, we expanded into hospitality, agriculture, livestock, and more recently, into the recycling industry.
At 25, I decided to found my first company, DK Eventos. The motivation came from the fact that my father’s company rented tents and bathrooms for events but did not offer a complete management service. I saw this gap and started coordinating events informally. With the growing demand, I formalized the company and expanded the services to full event management, furniture supply, and consultancy.
The success of DK Eventos led me to enter the catering sector, meeting the needs of clients who complained about the quality of services provided by third parties. Thus, I identified needs and created business solutions. Today, I manage about 15 companies in different sectors, always focused on problem-solving and providing structured services.
PM: What motivated the creation of the International Industry and Commerce Fair (Finduco)?
KI: Finduco was born within PAEMO with the aim of promoting interaction between companies and fostering the growth of the industry and commerce sectors, which are major drivers of the Mozambican economy. The fair seeks to connect entrepreneurs, promote networking, and boost the B2B and B2C sectors.
PM: When and where will Finduco be held?
KI: The event will take place from August 7 to 9, at the Maputo City Council. We have the support of various institutions, including the CTA and international organizations. We expect to receive representatives from across the SADC region and other countries.
PM: What is the structure of the fair, and which sectors are covered?
KI: The fair will feature exhibitions from companies in industry, commerce, and services, including catering, entertainment, and networking. We will have conferences, debates, and workshops, providing a rich space for learning and exchange of experiences. We expect to attract about 20,000 visitors per day.
PM: How can interested companies participate in Finduco?
KI: Participation is simple. Just contact PAEMO through our social media and online portal. We have a registration form where interested parties choose the size of the stand according to their financial conditions. We also facilitate the hiring of third-party services, especially in the graphic area, for the construction and decoration of the stands.
PM: What differentiates Finduco from other fairs in Mozambique?
KI: Finduco is the first fair organized by a private entity in the heart of Maputo city, providing greater mobility for exhibitors and visitors. Moreover, our prices are affordable, allowing greater inclusion of small and medium-sized enterprises. We have the capacity to host up to 5,000 exhibiting companies, and we want to ensure an inclusive fair accessible to all.
PM: Will Finduco be an annual event? Are there other workshops planned?
KI: Yes, Finduco is an annual event and is part of a larger portfolio of segmented fairs that we organize. We have Translog (International Transport and Logistics Fair), Telecom (Telecommunications and Technology Fair), and the Banking Fair (financial and insurance sector), among others. Some of them will take place later this year, while others are scheduled for 2026.
PM: How does PAEMO contribute to the growth of Mozambican entrepreneurs?
KI: PAEMO is a platform that supports micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, helping them to formalize and grow sustainably. We believe that the lack of organization is one of the main barriers to business growth. Therefore, we offer training, legal support, and networking to help entrepreneurs professionalize their businesses.
KI: What advice or books would you recommend to entrepreneurs who wish to develop their skills?
KI: The main advice is that there is no growth without organization. It is essential to have a long-term plan, structure the business professionally, and comply with legislation. Well-organized companies have greater growth potential and can, in the future, even be listed on the stock exchange.
I recommend some essential books for entrepreneurs:
- “The Power of Habit” – Charles Duhigg
- “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” – Robert Kiyosaki
- “The Lean Startup” – Eric Ries
- “Zero to One” – Peter Thiel
- “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” – T. Harv Eker
