In Mozambique, where the major themes of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) responsibility are often associated with multinational companies and large corporations, a Small and Medium Enterprise is breaking the silence and challenging the status quo.
Ubuntu Academy, a brand of Ubuntu Holdings, positions itself as a pioneer by mobilising the Mozambican business ecosystem around the concept of Sustainability, a domain thus far largely unexplored by SMEs.
With only a year and a half of existence, Ubuntu Academy is raising the flag of change, not just in its own name, but on behalf of all Small and Medium Enterprises in the country. Rather than waiting for action from large institutions, this SME has chosen to lead. And it does so with strategy, consistency, and without resorting to excuses.
In partnership with entities such as AMEEA, MozParks, and the Mozambican Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (APME), Ubuntu Academy will host the Introductory Executive Course on ESG, led by Dr. Gustavo Cruz, an international expert with over 28 years of experience in ethical leadership and sustainable development. The training will take place from 2 to 26 June 2025, in person, in the city of Maputo.
More than just a training activity, this initiative constitutes a strategic movement aimed at equipping SMEs with practical tools to implement ESG policies in a contextualised and effective manner. The course’s pedagogical approach is rooted in the Mozambican reality, with a strong focus on practical solutions adapted to the scale of small businesses, so often left out of global discussions.
In contrast to many companies that adopt the language of Sustainability only at a discursive level, Ubuntu Holdings leads by example. The company has already implemented life and health insurance for its employees, and promotes a corporate governance culture grounded in transparency, ethics, and accountability.
This positioning, still rare among companies in its segment, challenges the notion that social and environmental responsibility is a luxury exclusive to large corporations. On the contrary, Ubuntu Academy is demonstrating that it is both possible and necessary to build a business model committed to social, environmental, and economic impact.
“We want to reverse the logic. SMEs do not need to follow, they can lead. With courage, with vision, and with a real commitment to Mozambique’s future,” states the management of Ubuntu Academy.
The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening the national business ecosystem, promoting a new generation of conscious leaders, equipped to act responsibly and to position their organisations as active agents of transformation.
