The Municipal Council of Matola on Thursday launched the first edition of the Xitique da Mulher Matolense, a financing mechanism with an annual allocation of approximately $117,300 designed to support women-led projects in the city.
According to the Mozambique News Agency (AIM), the fund was established to finance income-generating activities, promote female entrepreneurship, and support employment and self-employment creation among women residing in the municipality.
The launch was presided over by Matola Municipal Council President Júlio Parruque, who identified limited access to financing, employment, and economic activity as among the principal challenges faced by women in the city.
'Today we launch the Xitique da Mulher Matolense, a municipal fund for financing women's projects,' the mayor said.
According to Parruque, the initiative will enable beneficiaries to establish or expand their businesses while simultaneously encouraging sound financial management, savings, and greater participation in poverty-reduction programmes.
The fund forms part of the municipality's broader strategy to advance gender equality, financial inclusion, and local economic development. The mayor noted that the city council already operates the Avante Jovem programme, which similarly allocates approximately $117,300 per year to finance youth projects and held its third edition in 2026.
Municipal councillor Lizete Mabjaia explained that the Xitique da Mulher Matolense targets Mozambican women residing in Matola between the ages of 25 and 75. Applicants are required to submit economically viable project proposals and commit to repaying the amounts disbursed.
Individual projects may receive between approximately $156 and $3,100. Priority will be given to applications developed through partnerships among multiple women, with the aim of encouraging cooperation and strengthening female entrepreneurship.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/07/31/economia/financas/municipio-da-matola-lanca-fundo-para-financiar-mulheres/
