Creating value in Guinea-Bissau

On the occasion of Africa Day, May 25th, I had the honor of participating in the Sustainable Value Creation Summit hosted by Nova School of Business and Economics. As part of a vibrant panel discussion on value creation in Guinea-Bissau, I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Prof Pedro Vicente, NOVAFRICA Scientific Director, and Patrícia Maridalho, ONGD VIDA Director.

The Sustainable Value Creation Summit is a pivotal meeting point between academia and industry, where innovators, leaders, and society converge to create value and address pressing challenges. Guided by a sustainable mindset aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the Triple Bottom Line (society, planet, and financial concerns), this summit brings together researchers and practitioners to explore innovative approaches toward sustainable development.

During our engaging discussion, the profound commitment of NOVAFRICA to creating value in Guinea-Bissau through policy-relevant research projects came to the forefront. Over the course of a decade, NOVAFRICA has invested significant efforts in forging robust partnerships with both the government and non-governmental organizations in Guinea-Bissau. These collaborative relationships have facilitated continuous engagement with policymakers, allowing NOVAFRICA to develop and implement research initiatives with direct applicability to policy and decision-making processes.

NOVAFRICA’s research endeavors have been dedicated to addressing critical challenges in Guinea-Bissau. Through evidence-based studies, the organization has sought to enhance agricultural technology adoption, combat maternal and infant mortality, and improve health service delivery by promoting evidence-sharing and the introduction of non-monetary incentives. I am proud to contribute to NOVAFRICA’s research agenda, specifically focusing on strengthening health service delivery in the country. Each project undertaken by NOVAFRICA has yielded tangible impact on the ground, benefiting local communities and fostering sustainable development.

As time has passed, NOVAFRICA’s local field team has expanded, now comprising a group of talented young professionals eager to advance their careers by enrolling in Master’s programs at Nova School of Business and Economics. This investment in human capital strengthens the local research and development capacity, ensuring the continuity of NOVAFRICA’s invaluable work in Guinea-Bissau.

NOVAFRICA actively fosters an ecosystem that promotes value creation in Guinea-Bissau through evidence-based knowledge and capacity building. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to contribute to the country’s sustainable development by engaging in impactful research and collaboration with key stakeholders.

Written by Mattia Fracchia, PhD candidate at Nova SBE and NOVAFRICA.