The auditorium of BCI (Banco Comercial e de Investimentos) in Maputo hosted the second edition of the Women Investment Forum, an initiative by Global Business Network Africa (GBNA) that brought together businesswomen, entrepreneurs, leaders, professionals, investors and institutional representatives under the theme "Let's Talk About Business".

At the event, BCI's executive board chairman José Furtado, quoted in a statement from the institution, underscored the importance of the forum and reaffirmed the bank's commitment to female entrepreneurship: "Investing in women means believing in their capacity to turn an idea into a business, a business into a source of employment, and an opportunity into a better future for many families. At BCI, we want to continue contributing so that more women have access to the resources, knowledge and opportunities they need to grow. Because the future of Mozambique is built on the talent, determination and confidence of its women."

BCI's commercial director Tânia Sitoe Zandamela stressed that hosting the forum reflects a conviction that has accompanied the bank throughout its history: "When you invest in women, you also invest in the development of families, communities and the country," she said.

Zandamela presented the solutions the bank has developed to support small businesses and enterprises, as well as financing instruments for investment and treasury management. She also referenced partnerships with public and private entities for the creation of credit lines and guarantee funds.

For Zandamela, supporting women entrepreneurs also requires knowledge-building and capacity development. "It is equally important to promote financial literacy, management training, access to information, and connections to markets and business networks," she emphasised, adding that this combination helps transform good ideas into stronger businesses.

Throughout the forum, participants addressed topics including leadership, finance, innovation and business growth, in a programme oriented towards the exchange of experience and the creation of business opportunities.

In his assessment of the event, GBNA president and founder Jorge Duarte Bruno highlighted the conviction shared by all participants: "investing in women is transforming Africa." He added that the knowledge gained and relationships forged at the forum could translate into new decisions and opportunities.

Bruno extended recognition to speakers, moderators, exhibitors, participants, the organising team and partners, with particular acknowledgement of BCI, as institutional partner, for its contribution to making the forum possible.

The holding of the Women Investment Forum at BCI's auditorium forms part of the bank's commitment to initiatives that promote financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and women's participation in economic development — a commitment that carries particular significance in the year BCI marks its 30th anniversary in Mozambique.