What’s the real challenge for Angola’s youth: unemployment or undermployment?
Social entrepreneur Carmen Mateia shares her incredible journey from starting a simple WhatsApp group to building an ecosystem that’s connecting thousands of Angolans to real opportunities.
Carmen is a dynamic social activist, community leader, and founder of “Na Fila do Pão” (At the bread’s queue). Her work in tackling youth challenges has led to a historic nomination as the first Angolan and first Portuguese-speaking representative for the EMY Africa Awards 2025 in the “Youth Change Maker” category.
In this episode, we discuss:
* The “Na Fila do Pão” Story: How a low-tech WhatsApp group grew into a powerful company for social change.
* The Real Problem: Why “undermployment” is a more critical crisis than unemployment in Angola.
* Building the Ecosystem: Carmen’s work with “Fábrica de Sabão” (Soap Factory) to create the physical infrastructure and hubs needed for startups to grow.
* Art as Activism: Using cultural projects like the Mau Mau Movement to agitate for social and political change.
SUPPORT CARMEN & CONNECT
* VOTE for Carmen: Support her for the EMY Africa Award (Youth Change Maker of the Year)
* Website: emyafrica.com/emy25-youth-change-maker
* Instagram: [Instagram link]
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmenmateia/en
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bycarmenmateia/
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