LINO BENEDITO CRISTOVAO

Lino is a visionary and dedicated young man from rural Lichinga, who has built his academic and professional career in search of a positive impact on Mozambique and the world. After moving to Maputo to continue his studies, Lino specialised in the areas of international development, international relations and diplomacy. In the academic sphere, he stood out for his research on relevant topics such as the impact of IMF policies on Mozambique's economic development as well the relationship between fight against terrorism and human rights violations in the country. In the professional field, Lino held leadership and executive positions.

“Fxxxxxxx”

Q: Tell us a few things about you! Your background, your childhood and early beginnings! 

I was born and raised in the rural town of Lichinga, Mozambique. Growing up in a household shaped by two distinct cultural backgrounds, I learned early on the complexities of diversity and the importance of understanding and respecting different perspectives. This upbringing instilled in me a deep appreciation for inclusion and equality, values that have guided me throughout my life. Living in Lichinga wasn’t without its challenges. Access to education and opportunities was limited, and I witnessed first hand the barriers faced by many young people in my community. Despite these obstacles, I was determined to carve out a better future for myself. Recognising the transformative power of education, I made the difficult decision to leave my hometown and move to Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique. This decision marked a pivotal moment in my life, exposing me to new environments, ideas and possibilities. In Maputo, I pursued higher education, focusing on international relations and diplomacy—fields that resonated deeply with my desire to address the challenges I had witnessed growing up. The city’s dynamic and diverse atmosphere broadened my horizons and shaped my understanding of global issues, particularly those affecting young people in developing countries. I became actively involved in youth engagement initiatives, as well as programmes focused on health and development. These experiences not only deepened my passion for advocacy but also provided me with the skills and networks needed to contribute meaningfully to these efforts.

My journey from Lichinga to Maputo is a reflection of the struggles many young Mozambicans face, but it also underscores the resilience and determination required to overcome them. These early experiences continue to drive my commitment to addressing social and economic inequalities and to creating opportunities for young people to thrive, both locally and globally.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently?

The biggest current challenges facing Mozambique are unemployment, climate change and poverty. Unemployment, especially among young people, is a growing concern, as many are unable to find suitable jobs, while the informal economy offers few secure and well-paid opportunities. Climate change has a significant impact, especially on agriculture, which is the main source of livelihood for many families. Extreme weather events such as droughts and cyclones have affected food security and caused the destruction of infrastructure, while the lack of resources makes adaptation difficult. Poverty, meanwhile, is exacerbated by inequalities between urban and rural areas, with many communities facing difficulties in accessing basic services such as education, health and drinking water.

Q: Share with us some of the hurdles that you had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them? 

Growing up in the rural area of Lichinga and later moving to the bustling city of Maputo was a transformative journey that shaped much of who I am today. The transition was not just geographical but also cultural and social, requiring me to adapt to a completely different environment while overcoming homesickness and the pressures of a new urban reality. Despite the challenges, I embraced the experience with resilience and determination, viewing it as an opportunity to grow and pursue my academic and professional dreams.

Another defining aspect of my upbringing was growing up in a family with parents from different cultural backgrounds. This diversity, rather than being a challenge, became a valuable advantage in my life. It taught me to respect differences, appreciate diversity, and engage constructively with varying perspectives. These lessons were closely tied to a principle my parents always instilled in me: the transformative power of education. From an early age, they emphasised that education was the most powerful tool I had to overcome challenges and create opportunities for myself and my community. This belief has been a guiding force, opening doors and enabling me to address challenges with confidence and purpose.

Inspired by these foundations, I sought ways to contribute to the resolution of pressing issues in my community. Through initiatives such as the Youth Power Hub, ICPD Commitments for Africa, and my role as a climate ambassador for the African Climate Ambassadors programme, I have been able to transform obstacles into opportunities for meaningful action. These platforms have allowed me to not only advocate for solutions to unemployment and inequality but also to empower others through education and collective action.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you? 

For me, the figure of a mentor is extremely important, as I believe they have the ability to guide, share valuable experiences and help overcome challenges on the way to achieving goals. I see a mentor as someone who offers not only advice, but also new perspectives that broaden my vision, strengthen my confidence and inspire me to grow. For me, a mentor is more than a guide; they are an example of resilience, adaptability and integrity. The way they share their experiences and values helps me make more informed decisions and develop skills that make me a better person and professional. I understand that a mentor is a source of encouragement and accountability, helping me to stay focused on my goals while offering constructive criticism and support in difficult times.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share? 

One of the most valuable lessons life has taught me is the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. I've learned that obstacles are not the end but opportunities to grow, rethink strategies, and discover inner strengths I didn’t know I had.

Life does not always go according to plan, and setbacks are inevitable. However, I believe that how we respond to these moments defines our path. Staying focused on my goals, learning from failures and seeking solutions instead of dwelling on problems, have proven to be powerful tools for personal and professional growth.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives! 

One initiative in Mozambique that I deeply admire is AFRIYAN Mozambique's involvement in the "My Choice" programme. This initiative focuses on empowering adolescents and young people by enhancing their access to sexual and reproductive health services and information. Through community dialogues, mentorship, and educational sessions, the programme addresses critical issues such as early pregnancies, child marriages, and gender-based violence. By fostering informed decision-making and promoting gender equality, AFRIYAN Mozambique is making significant strides in improving the lives of young individuals across the country.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are being made towards gender equality?

Women in Mozambique face numerous challenges that hinder their full participation in society and limit opportunities for growth. Key issues include limited access to education and economic opportunities, with many women confined to the informal sector, particularly in agriculture, where they lack access to resources such as land, credit, and climate-smart technologies. Gender-based violence and early marriage are also widespread problems, with Mozambique having one of the highest rates of child marriage globally, as nearly half of the girls marry before the age of 18. Additionally, women face political and social inequality, being underrepresented in leadership and decision-making roles due to societal norms and gender stereotypes.

Efforts to address these challenges are underway. Legal reforms, such as the 2019 law criminalizing child marriage, represent significant progress in protecting young girls' rights. International initiatives like the Spotlight Initiative aim to eliminate violence against women and girls while promoting their rights and opportunities. Furthermore, empowerment projects led by organisations such as AFRIYAN Mozambique focus on providing young people with access to sexual and reproductive health services and fostering gender equality through education and advocacy.

Q: Share with us a motto you live by. 

Easy is not the beginning, easy is the result.

Q: If you had all the money needed to launch the project of your dreams, can you describe what you would do? 

If I had all the resources needed to launch the project of my dreams, I would focus on addressing climate change and promoting climate resilience in agriculture. This project would aim to empower communities, especially those in rural areas, by introducing sustainable agricultural practices that mitigate the effects of climate change while ensuring food security.

The initiative would focus on training farmers in climate-smart techniques, such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and water management systems, to improve productivity and reduce environmental impact. It would also prioritise access to renewable energy solutions, innovative technologies, and drought- resistant seeds to help farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions.

In addition, the project would include educational campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and the role of agriculture in combating climate change. Collaborations with local and international partners would be essential to scale the initiative and ensure its long-term success. Ultimately, this project would aim not only to protect livelihoods but also to create a model for sustainable development that can be replicated in other regions facing similar challenges.

Q: How is technology utilised for social impact in your country? For example are there mobile apps that support gender equality, inclusion, understanding of cultures?

In Mozambique, technology is utilised to create social impact, but not to its full potential. While there are promising examples of how digital tools are making a difference, the adoption and integration of technology into everyday life and critical social initiatives still face significant challenges.

One notable example is the SMS Bizz service, a free platform that allows young people, especially women and adolescents, to ask questions anonymously about topics like family planning and sexual health. This service provides vital information while protecting users' privacy, addressing sensitive issues in a culturally appropriate manner.

Another impactful initiative is the availability of digital services for paying water bills in local languages. This approach ensures that digital platforms are inclusive and accessible to everyone, breaking down linguistic barriers and enabling more equitable access to essential services.

Despite these advancements, there is still much work to be done to maximise the social impact of technology. Challenges such as limited internet access, digital literacy gaps, and infrastructure constraints hinder broader adoption. There is immense potential to expand these efforts by integrating more innovative solutions, particularly in areas like education, healthcare, and gender equality, to ensure that technology benefits all segments of society.