By: Silvia Garcia
Meet Manisha Pratapsinh, an entrepreneur and influencer who has been talked about thanks to the improvements she is making in her home country, Mozambique, with her businesses in civil construction and transportation. In our conversation, we get real about how she kicked off her ventures in Mozambique and entered the bus business. A candid conversation that delves into her journey, challenges, and the values driving her success.
There are no grand narratives, just a down-to-earth discussion of the difficulties she faced and how she tackled them.
How did the idea of establishing a civil construction machinery company in Mozambique come about, and what challenges did you face when starting your own business in that sector?
The idea of establishing a civil construction machinery company in Mozambique originated from a phone call between my partners and me. It was sparked by a recognition of the significant gap in the provision of such services within the region. Mozambique, like many developing countries, was experiencing urbanization and infrastructural development, yet there was a notable scarcity of reliable and modern construction machinery available to support these projects. This realization led us to envision an opportunity to fill this void and contribute to the country’s burgeoning construction sector.
However, embarking on this entrepreneurial journey was not without its challenges. Establishing a company in a foreign country requires a thorough understanding of local laws, regulations, and business practices, which can be complex and time-consuming to navigate.
What motivated you to start a new bus company? How was the transition between such different industries?
The decision to embark on the journey of starting a new bus company was primarily driven by a deep-seated motivation to address the transportation challenges faced by individuals in rural areas. Recognizing that not everyone has access to transportation, I saw an opportunity to bridge this gap and contribute to the enhancement of mobility for those residing in remote areas.
The transition between the construction industry, where I initially faced challenges transporting materials to various locations, and the business of bus services was indeed a unique experience. While the industries may seem vastly different on the surface, there were valuable lessons learned and skills acquired during my time in construction that proved to be transferable to the transportation sector. The logistical intricacies involved in coordinating the movement of construction materials provided me with a solid foundation in planning and organizing, skills that are equally crucial in the efficient operation of a bus company.
Moreover, my personal encounters with transportation difficulties in the construction field allowed me to empathize with the struggles faced by individuals in rural areas who lacked reliable means of commuting to work. This empathy motivated me to create a solution that not only addressed the practical transportation needs of the community but also contributed to the economic well-being of those dependent on reliable transportation for their livelihoods.
In sectors predominantly dominated by men, such as civil construction and transportation, what have been the biggest obstacles you’ve faced as a female entrepreneur? How have you overcome these barriers?
The biggest difficulty I had and still face is always having to prove that we are capable of making significant decisions, considering that women are considered the weaker sex.
I overcame it by demonstrating in practice that, regardless of gender, age, and social status, everything is possible with focus and determination.
Your message that a person can go far regardless of country of origin, color, or physical appearance is inspiring. How has this mindset helped you achieve your goals and overcome adversities?
This is my life philosophy; I carry this principle into my daily life, and it helps me overcome adversity.
What are the principles and values that guide your business approach? How do you incorporate these values into the day-to-day operations of your companies?
Humility, commitment, honesty, and leadership. I do my best to be a role model.
Manisha Pratapsinh now lives in Madrid but is still running her business in Mozambique. She has lived in different countries in Europe, but that did not stop her from growing, creating, and inspiring.
Published by: Martin De Juan
