Moza Banco has called for sustained, close support of women-led businesses across all stages of their development — from formalisation through to expansion and access to financing — at the second Women’s Economic Forum (FEMOZ 2026), held on Thursday, 22 October, at the Joaquim Chissano International Conference Centre in Maputo.

The position was put forward by Moza Banco Chief Executive Manuel Soares during a panel discussion titled ‘Women in Markets and Investment: How to Turn Businesses into Companies Ready to Grow?’, which examined mechanisms to strengthen the capacity of women-led enterprises and improve their access to credit.

According to a statement from the bank, Manuel Soares highlighted the financing needs that companies face at different stages of their growth, including equipment acquisition, treasury management, and business expansion. Among the solutions presented, he pointed to a European Investment Bank (EIB) credit line worth €10 million, operationalised through Moza Banco, of which 40% is earmarked for companies meeting the eligibility criteria on female participation and empowerment defined for the facility.

The credit line is supported by a technical assistance programme implemented by GOPA AFC, with funding from the European Union and the European Investment Bank.

On the obstacles facing women entrepreneurs in accessing credit, Manuel Soares stressed that ‘the ability to obtain financing also depends on how well-prepared businesses are — specifically their formalisation, the organisation of their accounts, and the movement of revenues through the banking system.’

Manuel Soares also pointed to additional financing instruments, including leasing — under which a bank or specialised company purchases an asset and rents it to the client for a defined period — and promissory note discounting, both subject to credit analysis and the conditions applicable to each transaction. He further referenced the training programmes the bank makes available, including free courses on the PraFrente digital platform.

The chief executive also highlighted Moza Banco’s Women Champion role, established under Bank of Mozambique Notice No. 07/GBM/2025, which carries responsibility for driving and monitoring the application of the bank’s policy on equitable access to and use of financial products and services across its entire branch network. ‘Our commitment is not simply to extend credit — it is to accompany businesswomen so that their enterprises grow sustainably, and to report, every year, on the results we achieve,’ Manuel Soares said.

At the close of the panel, Moza Banco expressed willingness to collaborate with the Mozambique Stock Exchange (BVM) and business associations to prepare women-led companies for access to capital markets.

Through its participation, the institution reaffirmed, according to the statement, its commitment to financial inclusion and female entrepreneurship, through financing solutions and business support tailored to the different stages of company development.

Held under the theme ‘More Investment in Women, More Growth for Mozambique’, the forum brought together public decision-makers, financial institutions, private sector representatives, and international partners. The panel was moderated by Hersínia Manjate and also featured participation from BIG, the Mozambique Stock Exchange (BVM), and AMBA.

Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=554971