Banco Comercial e de Investimentos (BCI) on Wednesday called for greater financing and capacity-building for women entrepreneurs, describing female entrepreneurship as “a driving force for job creation, wealth generation and sustainable development in Mozambique”.
According to a statement issued to Diário Económico, the position was presented by BCI board member Farhana Razak at the II Women’s Economic Forum (FEMOZ 2026), during a panel on “Financing, Investment and Financial Inclusion”. At the session, BCI shared its experience in promoting credit solutions, risk-sharing mechanisms and business capacity-building initiatives, stressing that “business growth requires an approach that goes beyond the provision of financial resources”.
In her address, Razak emphasised that business growth demands more than access to financial resources, arguing for the central role of financial literacy in efficient business management. She noted that thousands of women had benefited in 2026 from financial capacity-building initiatives promoted by the institution.
Razak also drew attention to the challenges faced by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in accessing credit, particularly regarding collateral requirements, capitalisation and business planning. In that context, she advocated for stronger partnerships between financial institutions, the state and investors capable of enabling sustainable business projects, and highlighted the main credit facilities currently available at the bank.
She further underscored the importance of proximity to clients, ensured through a network of more than 200 branches across the country, complemented by digital channels and partnerships oriented towards financial inclusion and the development of business skills. “When we invest in women, we are not just financing businesses. We are strengthening families, creating jobs, empowering communities and building a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable economy,” she said.
Held under the theme “More Investment in Women, More Growth for Mozambique”, FEMOZ 2026 brought together representatives from government, the private sector, financial institutions, academia and development partners to debate the role of investment in women in national economic development.
In the year it marks 30 years of operations in the Mozambican market, BCI reaffirmed its commitment to creating opportunities and strengthening female entrepreneurship, with the aim of contributing to a more inclusive, competitive and sustainable economy.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=554901
