Recently, an intensive Excel training was conducted for employees of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) as part of the institutional strengthening plan of the Promove Comércio Program. This initiative aims to equip staff with advanced skills in data analysis and management, essential for preparing reports and balances in the context of external trade.
The training was led by the PROMOVE Comércio project, in partnership with the National Directorate of External Trade (DNCE), the Directorate of Administration and Finance (DAF), and the Executive Procurement Management Unit (UGEA). The training covered a series of modules, from basic concepts to advanced Excel functions, with the goal of empowering participants to effectively create and manipulate databases, visualize data, and make informed decisions.
On the first day, participants were introduced to the basic concepts of Excel, including navigation through the menu, data entry and saving, and importing data from various sources. The second day focused on using advanced functions such as SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN, COUNTIF, and SUMIF, as well as logical functions like IF and nested IF statements. These skills were reinforced through practical exercises.
In the following days, participants learned to create charts and pivot tables, essential for analyzing external trade data. The last day of training was dedicated to developing an interactive dashboard for analyzing exports, using data provided by the DNCE. This dashboard allows for a clear and detailed visualization of key performance indicators, facilitating strategic decision-making.
The course evaluation revealed a high level of satisfaction among participants. According to the evaluation report, 84% of participants were satisfied with the course content, and 89% expressed satisfaction with the trainer’s performance. “The training was extremely useful for our daily work, especially in analyzing external trade data,” commented one participant.
This training is part of a broader effort by the Promove Comércio Program to strengthen the institutional capabilities of the MIC, promoting the development of skills that are crucial for the effective implementation of external trade policies. Advanced use of Excel allows for more efficient data management, which is crucial for preparing detailed and accurate reports that support informed decision-making in the context of external trade.
The consultant responsible for the training emphasized the importance of continuous professional development and recommended regular training sessions. “Continuous training is vital to ensure that employees maintain and enhance their skills, fully utilizing Excel’s capabilities,” he stated.
The Excel training provided a significant advancement in the skills of MIC employees, resulting in a substantial improvement in the quality of daily work. The consultant’s recommendations and the identified next steps will ensure the continuity of this progress, promoting a more efficient and informed working environment.
This initiative of the Promove Comércio Program reinforces the technical skills of employees and contributes to the successful implementation of trade policies, aligning with the strategic objectives for trade development in Mozambique.