In episode twenty of the videocast Negócios com Impacto, a partnership between CATÓLICA-LISBON and Rádio Renascença, we welcomed Mariana Morais Sarmento and Pedro Cortez, two of the founders of Multiplica, an NGO that supports micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in São Tomé e Príncipe.
Founded in 2024, Multiplica emerged following a trip made by Pedro Cortez in 2022 to São Tomé e Príncipe, with the aim of producing a documentary that challenged the stereotypes often associated with the Portuguese-speaking African countries (commonly referred to as PALOP). Focused on innovative entrepreneurship and the wealth that exists in the country, the documentary was screened in three venues in Portugal and enabled the raising of approximately €15,000 through crowdfunding campaigns. These funds were used to support the businesses portrayed in the documentary, which, like many others in São Tomé e Príncipe, faced significant growth constraints due to limited access to financing.
It was within this context that Multiplica was created, stemming from the recognition of the transformative role that financial tools can play on Santomean entrepreneurs. The NGO’s mission is to strengthen local economies, promote job creation, and contribute to inclusive and sustainable development, acting as a bridge between financiers and entrepreneurs.
Multiplica’s methodology is based on three core pillars: capacity-building in financial literacy; intermediation between financiers and entrepreneurs with a view to creating stable financing lines; and continuous monitoring of both the implementation of the financing and the impact generated by the supported companies.
The results of Multiplica’s work are already becoming visible. In some cases, increased productive capacity has led to the expansion of sales outlets and the signing of new contracts; in others, there has been a strengthening of social impact through the involvement of local communities and the promotion of inclusion via job creation.
For now, São Tomé e Príncipe serves as the pilot country for a methodology that Multiplica aims to replicate in other Portuguese-speaking countries. Benefiting from a relatively small geographical context, the organisation has been able to establish direct dialogue with banks, business incubators and political decision-makers, testing financial solutions tailored to realities that are often excluded from traditional credit circuits.
Despite the challenges faced, ranging from energy limitations to the remote management of a predominantly volunteer-based structure, Multiplica’s vision remains clear. As Pedro Cortez emphasises, “we are a facilitator for impact-driven businesses; we are the ones who connect capital with social impact for a better world and planet, starting with São Tomé e Príncipe and extending to other Portuguese-speaking countries.”
The founders’ academic journey at CATÓLICA-LISBON proved to be instrumental in consolidating the project. For Pedro Cortez, the fundamental concepts of management and financial literacy acquired during his undergraduate studies became key tools for applying private-sector approaches to addressing social challenges, both in his professional career in Portugal and in the work developed by Multiplica in São Tomé e Príncipe.
Mariana Morais Sarmento also highlights the structuring role of her education at CATÓLICA-LISBON, underlining the practical relevance of knowledge in accounting, business model innovation and impact assessment, skills that are essential in supporting the companies assisted by the NGO. This academic foundation is now applied both within Multiplica and in her work in the banking sector. An episode to listen to and watch on CATÓLICA-LISBON’s Spotify and YouTube channels.
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