Startup Story
Many companies are now actively thinking about sustainability in their businesses and in Mozambique, impact driven entrepreneur Mayra Pereira, founder of Gaia EES Consulting, is helping them to make the move towards more sustainable action.
LoA was fascinated to learn more about this passionate woman change-agent working towards a more sustainable future for everyone.
“Gaia aims to recognize and advance the concept of women as agents of change and drive transformation towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.”
“Our vision is to be a reference consulting firm in Sub-Saharan Africa involved with reshaping organizations, societies, markets and business investment decisions to look beyond environmental, social and governance factors on their advancement towards sustainability.”
Tell us about yourself
My name is Mayra Pereira and I am the founder of Gaia EES Consulting in Mozambique. I have specialized over the years in renewable energy, environment and sustainability fields. I am an integrated professional with an MSc in Environmental and Geographical Sciences and BSc (Hons) in Environmental Management from the University of Cape Town. I have over 10 years of work experience in the energy and environment sectors, particularly in the fields of research and design (policy, feasibility studies), management of large-scale projects and business development services. I have been involved in actively bringing together the research and the policy worlds together. At the same time, I also operate at the intersection of business and sustainability, helping companies find value and develop integrated strategies to implement projects to meet business needs and enhance their sustainable footprint.
What does your company do?
Gaia is a boutique consulting firm with a focus on the fields of energy, environment and sustainability. We are dedicated to helping businesses, cooperation partners, governments and civil society in Mozambique and Sub-Saharan countries in the development and implementation of sustainable solutions as well as in the transition to a sustainable low-carbon future. Gaia aims to recognize and advance the concept of women as agents of change and drive transformation towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
What inspired you to start your company?
There is a growing need for a systemic change to our societies, and changes across a number of sectors are needed for greater inclusion and equality. I have worked in consultancy since the beginning of my career and every day I feel that I need to be involved with projects, programmes, businesses that can bring about profound changes. Gaia aims to support organizations in the building of effective strategies for the creation of a sustainable future, through the development and management of integrated and systems-based approaches to poverty alleviation, environmental and social preservation, gender equality and energy access.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
We have an understanding of complex environmental, social and economic systems that are needed to promote change, build innovative solutions and, develop instruments and vehicles to successfully operate and invest in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“I operate at the intersection of business and sustainability, helping companies find value and develop integrated strategies to implement projects to meet business needs and enhance their sustainable footprint.”
Tell us a little about your team
My team is comprised of 3 fantastic professionals, working on data analysis and management. We have worked together on assignments before and we have the same vision of what and where we want to go. Additionally, we have a network of associate consultants based in Southern Africa and Europe for the development of studies across a number of different disciplines.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My entrepreneurial journey started with another lioness Erika Rodrigues, when we set up our first translation business during our university years in South Africa. We gathered friends and family and for years, we managed to do translations to a number of individuals and companies. After university, I have worked for an NGO and a consulting firm, where I have gathered the technical skills that then led me to the development of my first consulting firm in Mozambique. Gaia, my second consulting firm, is now a product of the knowledge I have acquired over this journey.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Our vision is to be a reference consulting firm in Sub-Saharan Africa involved with reshaping organizations, societies, markets and business investment decisions to look beyond environmental, social and governance factors on their advancement towards sustainability.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Be the change that you wish to see in the world - Mahatma Gandhi.
This is definitely my drive for being an entrepreneur.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
The first step is definitely to start! I do not believe in failure, I believe in the power of starting again until we reach where we want to be. Let’s grow, evolve and progress!
Find out more
WEBSITE | EMAIL mayra@gaia-ees.com
Why LoA loves it….
At Lionesses of Africa, we believe in the power of passion-driven, women entrepreneurs to drive real and positive change on tBhe African continent, and Mayra Pereira is doing just that. As more and more businesses realize that they need to improve their sustainable footprints, they also need the right kind of specialist consulting advice to help them navigate the process. Mayra and her team are there to provide the guidance and specialist expertise needed if real transformation is to be achieved in big companies and organisations. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa