The Foundation for Community Development (FDC) held on Thursday, August 28, in Maputo, the 3rd “Women in the Economy” Conference, under the theme “Women’s Networks as Platforms for Economic Inclusion and Social Transformation.”
The initiative serves as a platform bringing together businesswomen, entrepreneurs, community leaders, academics, institutional partners, and change agents for a high-level debate on pathways for women’s economic inclusion in the country.
The second panel of the conference, titled “Connected to Grow – Networks and Finance for the Local Reality,” highlighted that strengthening cooperation networks and creating inclusive financial mechanisms are key factors for accelerating women’s participation in Mozambique’s economic development.
Agricultural economist and entrepreneur Tatiana Mata emphasized the importance of networks as engines of mutual support. “Networks are not just about making money. They also serve to build trust, share inspiration, and provide mentorship among women who often face the same obstacles.” According to Mata, the success of women’s entrepreneurship depends on building strong bonds among women, which help reduce costs and open doors to new markets.
Entrepreneur and fashion designer Paula Cuna used the metaphor of a fishing net to illustrate the power of cooperation: “When each thread comes together, the net becomes stronger. That’s how we should view our connections: the more united we are, the easier it is to reach new markets and withstand challenges.” Cuna also stressed that inclusion must be a priority, emphasizing that information “cannot remain only in cities or restricted circles; it must reach communities and women who are still excluded from these spaces of debate and decision-making.”
Access to financing was another central theme of the debate. Ancha Omar, Commercial Director of the National Investment Bank (BNI), noted that difficulties in accessing credit continue to hinder the growth of women-led businesses. “Many women have viable businesses, but they cannot meet the requirements that banks demand. This is where specific funds and tailored credit lines make a difference,” she said.
Cuna advocated for integrating women into existing value chains as a way to amplify the impact of financing. “If we support large companies that buy from small producers, we are automatically providing sustainability to thousands of women working at the base. It’s a multiplier effect.”
Deyzes Pereira from TechnoServe, who moderated the debate, reinforced that coordination among government, financial institutions, business associations, civil society, and community networks is essential. “The success of women’s entrepreneurship depends on the combined effort of all actors. It is time for Mozambique to stop seeing women merely as beneficiaries and start seeing them as active partners in economic growth.”
Throughout the panel, it became clear that strengthening cooperation networks and creating more inclusive financial mechanisms is not only a matter of social justice but also a national development strategy. “When we invest in women, we invest in entire communities. This is what will allow potential to be transformed into tangible results for the country,” concluded Tatiana Mata.
Text: Nário Sixpene
