Rofino Licuco is an accomplished entrepreneur who maintains business interests in real estate development and renewable energy through his company, VBC Corporation. Based in Mozambique, he attributes his success to his firm belief that, to do a job right, it needs to be carried out correctly every step of the way. While he considers himself demanding in his business dealings, Rofino Licuco strives to surround himself with people who share his work ethic and for whom he needs to provide only minimal oversight.
Mr. Licuco began cultivating his own work ethic at a young age. When was only 8, he sold oil on the street, using the money he saved from the job to purchase a fleet of bicycles that he rented out at local schools. Later, as a teenager, he bought and sold computers and computer equipment in South Africa and Hong Kong. He advises aspiring Mozambican entrepreneurs to follow his path of giving everything you have to grow your business, whatever that business may be.
Rofino Licuco found his way into real estate development while building his personal home. He subsequently acquired a neighboring plot of land on which he built a home he intended to sell. He succeeded in selling the house and over the last two decades has continued to develop residential properties. Mr. Licuco has also branched out into commercial development, an area in which his projects include the high-rise VBC Energy Towers in Maputo, the construction of which he considers a career highlight.
In the renewable energy industry, Rofino Licuco has similarly looked to develop wind and solar farms. Through VBC Corporation, he has carried out feasibility studies for projects that he hopes will benefit both his community and the world at large. Charitably active outside of his company, he gives back by supporting organizations in Mozambique that provide meals to people experiencing homelessness and assistance to children with special needs.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I plan my days in advance to set myself up for success. I always wake up at the same time, exercise, go to the office, and spend time with family. In the evening, I make time to reflect on the day before I go to sleep.
How do you bring ideas to life?
It’s important to set up the right base, like hiring a project manager at the initial stage. This sets you up for success.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Artificial intelligence—we’re living in an exciting time right now. AI will revolutionize every industry.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Exercise helps me stay healthy, energized, and refreshed, so I can perform at my best.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Learn more about the world and finance.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that green hydrogen is the future of energy. It’s a clean energy source that does not emit greenhouse gases, so it can help decarbonize the global economy and combat climate change.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Exercise and read from trustworthy sources. The more informed you are, the more power you have.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take deep breaths to pause, let go of stress, and re-center myself.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Hiring a project manager straight from the beginning positions any project to succeed. Creating the right base for a project is essential for efficiency and cost-effectiveness; without a strong foundation, the project will fail. A good base allows you to anticipate costly mistakes and avoid them.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
When my father got sick, I stopped travelling for about 3-4 months, so I had expenses and no income, then he passed away. Afterwards, as I had customer contacts, but didn’t have stock, I started reselling from buying materials from my friends, and made some money to start travelling again.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
My advice is to begin somewhere, even if small, such as the purchase and sale of products. Have a vision of growth and continuous improvement. Try to be the best in what you do, whether you’re selling, transporting, or distributing products.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
A Bloomberg Terminal is a powerful tool for information and data analysis, learning, and researching.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Intelligent Investor, by Benjamin Graham. It’s a classic text for a reason. Graham’s philosophy of value investing and emphasis on a disciplined approach has inspired my own investment strategies.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I like the TV show Billions, because I enjoy watching the dramatized life of a hedge fund manager.
Key learnings
- It’s important to be well informed and prepared.
- Always set up a good foundation for your projects.
- Learn how to ask the right questions.