In August 2023, together with a group of 216 families from the Gaza Province in Mozambique, we began an unprecedented process: the first RISE Service Demonstration Community, to show that with a comprehensive service priced at the international poverty line, we can eradicate rural poverty without leaving no one behind.

This real-world implementation allows us to test, optimize, and validate every aspect of our methodology, providing solid evidence that our model works not just in theory, but in practice.

With nearly one thousand inhabitants in the Samo and Binguananhe communities—where 90% face multidimensional poverty—we worked collaboratively to understand their challenges, explore their culture, and assess their needs.

In this first stage, we co-created a customized Master Implementation Plan capable of maximizing the RISE service adoption process. For this, we conducted initial data collection, a population census and an indicator baseline, allowing us to finalize the design and secure community and government agreements, including all necessary legal and administrative procedures such as construction permits, land tenure arrangements, and environmental licenses.

Over the next six months, we focused on constructing Essential Infrastructure Services in a decentralized manner, incorporating appropriate technology for each specific need, designed as standalone, off-grid systems.

We integrated products and services from local and international partners, ensuring optimal cost efficiency, minimal implementation time, and seamless orchestration so everything works cohesively. The main infrastructure project was the creation of the Civic Center, right at the heart of the communities, which the community named “Wumunzuku Waina” (Our Future).

Simultaneously, we began Stage 3 with the execution of Essential Social Services, developing the resources and programs needed to promote human development, social inclusion, equal opportunities, and overall well-being. This ongoing phase, which continues throughout the service period, focuses on education, health, food security, nutrition, housing improvements, sports, cultural activities, and identity.

Through the RISE service, we turn public-private collaboration into reality, working alongside other organizations and local governments at all levels. This collaboration, for example, enabled 60% of residents to obtain birth certificates and 70% to acquire national identification for the first time.

We then move into Stages 4 and 5, aimed at fostering a Sustainable Community through economic development—creating meaningful jobs in both traditional and digital sectors, and ensuring the inclusion and integration of local residents, who are trained and certified. Our team of 21 people, 80% of whom are from the community and live and work there full-time, stands as living proof of this.

We aim to develop new Business Endeavors, unlock entrepreneurship and attract new investments by supporting the establishment of small businesses—from grocery stores to construction—meeting the evolving demands of this empowered community. We also offer training in crafts, food processing, and basic digital services, empowering individuals to sell their offerings globally with our support.

This unique process is being monitored and recorded through our Governance Software Platform, which allows both third parties and us to certify RISE deliverables, use information to improve outcomes, make data-driven decisions, ensure transparent impact, and receive qualitative feedback directly from beneficiaries using the mobile app on the smartphones we provide.

There is still a long way to go to achieve full community self-sustainability. However, the improvements already seen demonstrate that it is possible.

We are actively measuring progress using internationally recognized Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators and the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). And we are on the path to reduce multidimensional poverty from 90% to 0%, a milestone unmatched by any existing model.

For the first time, we can make a real and sustainable change.

Today, ending rural poverty is possible.

And at The Future Co., we are already working on it.