Driving Local Economic Diversification

As part of Prodeco’s commitment to economic diversification, through the CEMPRENDE program, the Company continues to strengthen small local businesses in La Jagua de Ibirico and Calenturitas. This initiative supports the consolidation of local businesses through technical, administrative, and commercial support, generating new economic opportunities aligned with local capacities and talents.

In 2025 alone, the program supported 19 business plans across the agro-industrial, services, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors, directly assisting 29 families and impacting 83 individuals, while generating 45 jobs and producing more than 24,000 units of goods and services. In addition, 12 technical training sessions were conducted aimed at strengthening participants’ skills in accounting, regulatory compliance, and commercial management, leading to 8 enterprises being formalized, while another 24 advanced under the self-employment model.

These results are underpinned by CEMPRENDE’s tailored socio-business support model, specifically designed for high-impact productive projects. Through strategic alliances, most notably with SENA (National Learning Service), the program strengthens technical, administrative, and operational capacities, enabling entrepreneurs to manage their businesses autonomously and sustainably. As a result, 162 participants obtained sector-specific certifications, 73% advanced in technical qualification processes, and 100% completed socio-business training modules, laying a solid foundation for long-term business viability.

“CEMPRENDE gave me the tools to get organized, believe in my business, and turn my idea into a real source of income for my family. Today I don’t just sell — I dream bigger and feel more empowered than ever to keep growing.” Marticela Salaz, entrepreneur from Boquerón, La Jagua de Ibirico, Cesar.

Since its creation, the CEMPRENDE program has benefited 422 entrepreneurs from Cesar, of whom 70% remain active, generating more than 600 local jobs and consolidating itself as a true driver of local economic development.

With every strengthened productive project, Prodeco reaffirms its commitment to building resilient communities, capable of moving toward a sustainable future where the economy no longer depends solely on mining.