Picture this: You’re a Mozambique local trying to get around the city. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as it looks. Like you, many others are waiting for a transport service to get where they need to be, but getting there is a struggle because the supply doesn’t meet the public’s demand. And so you wait, thinking, what good can come from this situation?
The answer lies with Manisha Pratapsinh, a Mozambican woman with an innate talent for recognizing her community’s needs and wants to improve their lives. Working as a civil construction machinery specialist, she knew how difficult it was to transport equipment from one site to the next.
After a passionate discussion with her partners, she decided to start her own bus company in Mozambique. You could say that the idea was born out of her frustration with a lack of transport services in her country, but it’s actually her deep empathy for her community and a goal to see them live their lives comfortably.
“The idea originated through a phone call between my partners and me (stemming from the lack of provision of these services),” she said. “It was a way to meet the needs of people in rural areas regarding their jobs.”
Her next steps were careful and calculated. Sure, she had a breakthrough idea of starting her own bus company to address the transport industry’s supply and demand woes, but Manisha needed to ensure her company’s long-term survivability and success.
One of her most effective strategies in solving logistical aspects, regulations, and personnel management is studying the market and identifying areas with a higher demand for this type of service.
She started her bus company to help her fellow Mozambicans after experiencing the struggles of commuting. Hence, Manisha needed to maintain this grassroots connection even as she managed her business. And what better way to stay connected than to employ locals?
“All my employees are from my country, as the unemployment rate in Mozambique is 25 percent, and my goal is to help the community,” the entrepreneur said, also adding that she discusses business concerns with people from other countries so she can get a different perspective and apply it to her bus company.
It’s not every day people come across a person like Manisha. Aside from her empathy and business-mindedness, she also advocates diversity and inclusivity, which he practices within her business.
Manisha aspires to spread the message that one’s origin, ethnicity, or physical appearance should never be a barrier to achieving one’s goals. She believes that individuals can triumph regardless of their background, and her example sends a powerful message of empowerment and equality.
So if you’re a local from Mozambique or just a tourist happening to explore the country’s beauty and you happen to see a bus from Manisha’s company, learn from her example about how people, regardless of their backgrounds, can make a difference in society by solving everyday problems like providing transportation to get people to where they need to be.
In a world where challenges often seem insurmountable, Manisha Pratapsinh’s story stands as a sign of hope and inspiration. Her journey from recognizing a need in her community to founding a successful bus company showcases the power of determination and empathy. As her buses traverse the streets of Mozambique, they not only bridge the gap in transportation but also serve as symbols of progress and possibility.
As Manisha’s company continues to grow and flourish, her impact on Mozambique reverberates far beyond the realm of transportation. She is a testament to the transformative power of individuals who are driven by a desire to improve the lives of those around them. Through her unwavering commitment to her community and her dedication to breaking down barriers, Manisha Pratapsinh has cemented her legacy as a true champion of change in Mozambique and beyond.
Published by: Martin De Juan
