Mozambique: EIB Global and Moza Banco provide 20 million euros to boost the growth of women-led businesses

This Thursday 20^th June, and for the second year running, Moza hosted a debate on the challenges of the global economy and their impact on Mozambique, at a meeting attended by international experts from the world's fifth largest business school, the Dom Cabral Foundation.

The approaches proposed in the discussions touched on biodiversity, a topic that has become increasingly in vogue on the world agenda, brought to the meeting by the environmentalist Carlos Serra, who came to present the topic of "Environmental Sustainability as a Pillar of Economic Resilience: Challenges and Opportunities for Mozambique". 

Among the keynote speakers was Marcos Troyjo, an Oxford University academic with leadership experience at the head of renowned Brazilian and international institutions, most notably the fact that he was the first Westerner to head an international organisation based in Asia, and also the first Brazilian to chair a multilateral development bank.

Troyjo, who discussed the challenges facing the world economy in 2024, new opportunities for emerging economies, emphasised, among other things, the growth of the world’s population and Africa's role in the new world dynamics.

According to Marcos Troyjo, the African continent, particularly Mozambique and sub-Saharan African countries, must be ready to respond to the world’s needs, "exploiting their vast potential for the benefit of their own economy, generating more and more wealth for the country and its people".   

Carlos Serra, meanwhile, believes that there can be no development without observing the basic precepts of sustainability.

According to Serra, only with human beings increasingly aware of the ecosystem can environmentally friendly policies be developed and implemented, "capable of reconciling economic growth and the protection of biodiversity".

Likewise, on the occasion, the Chairperson of Moza's Board of Directors, João Figueiredo, made it clear to those in attendance that the Bank is also committed in the long run to protecting the environment, implementing concrete actions to minimise the impact of climate change. 

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Moza's Executive Committee, Manuel Soares, turned the moment into an opportunity to celebrate the Bank's 16^th anniversary, valuing the commitment from employees to Moza's success.

The conference on the Challenges of the Global Economy in 2024 and their Impact on Mozambique was also attended by the Ambassador of Brazil, Ademar Seabra Júnior and the representative of the Dom Cabral Foundation (FDC), Viviane Barreto.

The meeting also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Moza and FDC for the implementation of an educational programme called "Pra Frente" (Going forward), through which small and medium-sized national companies working with Moza will benefit from training in entrepreneurship and management.

Yesterday, Thursday, in Maputo, a press conference was held to launch Moza Banco's institutional campaign, through which Moza has reaffirmed its position as a bank that believes in and invests in Mozambique and Mozambicans.

On this occasion, the Bank established a partnership with the Clarisse Machanguana Foundation (FCM), an organisation that actively works to empower women and girls, especially those in vulnerable situations.

The meeting with journalists and project partners also served as a platform for public recognition of Clarisse Machanguana's career, particularly her international career, having been the first Mozambican to play in the biggest basketball league in the world: the WNBA.

The agreement between Moza and FCM will lead to a fundraising campaign that should benefit the Foundation, boosting opportunities in sport and education for underprivileged girls and young women across the country.

During her speech, Clarisse Machanguana emphasised the fact that the Foundation's project includes teenagers and young dreamers who face challenges that she herself once faced.

"I was young once too and I've faced different barriers along the way, so the journey of the girls the foundation supports is very similar to mine. It's extremely satisfying for me to see the results of what we're doing. That's why I want to reiterate once again that help from everyone is key to the success of this project," Clarisse Machanguana said.

For Moza's Executive Committee Chairperson (CEO), Manuel Soares, the successes that have been achieved through Clarisse's project point to the transformative power of sport and education in the process of building a more equitable society, in which women dream and Make It Happen.

"For us it is a duty and at the same time a privilege to support causes that drive the progress and sustainable development of our nation, particularly that of women. I salute everyone who believes in the power of social transformation, particularly the institutions that have identified with this project and joined us on this journey to Make the Dream of Young Mozambican Women Happen," said Manuel Soares, who proceeded to thank the campaign's current partners, namely Rádio Moçambique, Televisão de Moçambique, Sociedade de Notícias and Hotel Meliã.

With the aim of praising women, helping them to believe in their potential and fulfil their dreams, Moza defined 2024 as the year of the Mozambican woman, and since its inception the bank has been materialising various initiatives in favour of women, most notably the Moza Women project. 

Dozens of children admitted to Inhambane Provincial Hospital (HPI) celebrated Children's Day on 1^st June with employees from Moza Banco, who came to the health centre with various food items, clothes and toys for the little ones.

These are children suffering from various illnesses, including malaria, diarrhoea, diabetes and malnutrition, who are currently dependent on 24-hour care from their mothers and the health professionals at the largest hospital in Inhambane province.

On the occasion, Moza employees interacted with the mothers and the children themselves, with the aim of conveying comfort and the atmosphere of joy that characterises the 1^st of June all over the world.  

According to the General Practitioner, Belinha Manhice, the support provided by Moza minimises the hospital's needs, especially when it comes to guaranteeing decent food for the children in the paediatric ward. "We have received food products with good nutritional value that will help us minimise our needs. The hospital always needs this kind of support, especially here in the paediatrics department, where we have children admitted," she underlined.

According to Abdul Alegy, Moza's manager for Inhambane province, this is not the first time that the bank has been involved in social responsibility activities in the region.

"We work closely with communities. We know the issues that concern people and we always make an effort to help in any way we can. We've done this in the past and will continue to do so. As part of the Children's Fortnight celebrations, we will be making another donation to mark Moza's 16th anniversary on 16^th June," Abdul Alegy said.

Fully aware that children represent the country's future, Moza is showing its concern for this social stratum who, according to the late President Samora Machel, are "flowers that never wither". Through this action, it is hoped not only to alleviate the immediate needs of the hospital and the children admitted, but also to convey a message of hope, affection and responsibility, reinforcing the Bank's key role in building a fairer and more equal society for all Mozambicans.   

In a clear sign of permanent growth, Moza Banco has recorded positive results for the second year running. The economic and financial performance was assessed during the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders, held last Tuesday (16^th April 2024), at which the Management Report and Financial Statements for the 2023 financial year were approved.

Despite the challenging scenario, fuelled by the international economic climate and the economic slowdown due to restrictive monetary policies adopted by the main Central Banks to combat inflation, the 2023 Financial Statements have reinforced the market's confidence in Moza, thus reaffirming its position among the main players in the market.

Without dispensing with the required caution and rigour in its activities, in a year in which Moza celebrated its fifteenth anniversary, the Bank maintained its commitment to supporting families and companies, granting various loans totalling around 5.2 billion meticais.

At the same time, the Bank stood out for its capacity for resilience and adaptation, reinforced by the growing confidence of its customers, who increased their deposits by 22.5 per cent, reflecting an increase in the deposit portfolio of 7.8 billion meticais. 

According to the Chairman of the Board of Directors (PCA) of Moza Banco, João Figueiredo, the bank recorded a significant 24 per cent growth in its assets "standing at 11.3 billion meticais, with a considerable growth in its operating profits, of around 39 per cent, representing an increase of 634 million meticais compared to last year".

To optimise its operational efficiency, Moza implemented strategies to boost its operating and investment costs, as well as those to increase revenue, resulting in more assertive control of the cost-to-income ratio, which fell to 66.8%, compared to 74.3% in 2022.  

The list of measures implemented over the past year contributed to a net profit of 102 million meticais, an increase of 13 per cent compared to the same period in 2022.

Moza also maintained solid and robust prudential ratios, with a Solvency Ratio of 19.92% and a Liquidity Ratio of 38.86%, both above those set by the Regulator, reflecting its financial solidity and ability to adapt to market dynamics. In addition, there was a reduction in the non-performing loans ratio to 11.2 per cent, compared to 15.6 per cent in 2022, thanks to the strengthening of the Bank's risk management and loan recovery policies.

Also in line with the 2022 - 2026 Strategic Plan, a capital increase of 1.2 billion meticais was carried out, which strategically consolidated and strengthened Moza's balance sheet.

"The shareholders' decision to increase the Bank's capital has demonstrated their confidence in our management and in our potential for growth on a stable, gradually rising basis," the Board Chairman underlined.

Over the past year, Moza has also launched digital transformation initiatives, reinforcing its position as an innovative and future-orientated financial institution. Highlights include the implementation of Moza Connect and the 3D Secure security system, setting new standards of interconnectivity and security for customers and reinforcing its commitment to offering secure and convenient banking solutions.

As a result of its strategy to increase the value of its labour force, in 2023 the Bank was distinguished as one of the best institutions to work for in Mozambique for the second year running. Likewise, Moza received the Local Content Bank Award by the Enermina Awards.

As a Bank that Makes It Happen, Moza believes that the public recognition it receives are in fact a reflection of its internal cohesion and desire to contribute to the country's sustainable development, anchored in its commitment to not only meeting financial needs, but also actively promoting social well-being.

This is the second time that Moza has reaffirmed its position in the Top 10 best companies to work for in Mozambique.

Over the last three years, regular studies carried out by Tempus Global Group, with the aim of identifying and recognising organisations that offer a great working environment for their employees, have praised the Bank among over 100 companies listed in the surveys.

In this way, Moza is among the organisations with the greatest capacity to retain and attract the best professionals in the sector in which it operates.

Based on the results obtained, Tempus Global awards the "Elite Employer" certification to organisations having evaluated four basic aspects of the survey, namely: Compensation and Benefits; Work Environment; Career and Culture.

For Moza Banco's Human Resources Director, Márcia Silva, this recognition is the result of a collective commitment involving all employees, thus creating a familiar and welcoming working environment.

"It's really gratifying for us when internationally recognised institutions rate us positively for our efforts to offer good working conditions and a welcoming and friendly environment for our employees. After all, at Moza Banco we are one big family," Márcia Silva said.

Winning the Elite Employer award once again has highlighted the assertiveness of policies for involving employees in Moza's internal strategies for growth, stimulus, innovation and transformation.

As part of Mozambican Women's Day celebrations, Moza launched the Moza Women project in Maputo on Friday (12^th April), through which the bank intends to publicly convey its recognition of the importance of women in all social and development spheres in the country.

This is a project based on the Mozambican social panorama, characterised by an environment in which, despite representing the majority of the population, women continue to face difficulties in establishing themselves for a variety of reasons, including socio-cultural issues.

Through this project, Moza intends to bring together all the banking solutions aimed at women, including subsidised financing lines created specifically to boost empowerment, in a joint package that will be called Moza Women.

While the promotion of the initiatives linked to Moza Women will take place throughout this year on an ongoing basis, the project includes a social and reputational component, serving as a "public shout-out" from the Bank so that every woman knows she can count on Moza, regardless of her position, category or social status.

During the ceremony to launch the project, the Chairperson of Moza's Executive Committee, Manuel Soares, expressed his admiration for the resilience of women, particularly praising their ability to overcome obstacles.

"On a daily basis, we see Mozambican women getting up and following their dreams, undeterred by the obstacles that come their way. We see the manifestation of resilience and desire in a social group that drives the economy at various levels. And precisely because we admire and value the struggle of women, we always try to be among them," the CEO said emphasising that "at Moza, women are in every position. They lead, they make decisions, they guide and are also guided, in a clear demonstration of versatility and talent, thus contributing to placing our brand in increasingly top positions in the national financial panorama."

Through the Moza Women project, the Bank also aims to empower vulnerable women and girls, ensuring that they can dream and achieve, with Moza as one of the main foundations for realising their life goals and objectives.

For Moza, the greatest gratification that will come from this project will be the significant increase in the number of women contributing more and more to achieving the country's global and structural goals, within the framework of the struggle for economic and social development.

Today is World Down Syndrome day.

Generally speaking, people with this condition are very loving and sympathetic. They are sensitive, easily pleased and always willing to convey happiness. Kisses and intimate hugs characterise their particularly kind way of showing their affection. But does society return the affection with the same intensity?

It was with the response to this question in mind that Moza has decided to join forces with the Mozambican Association for the Support of People with Down Syndrome (APSDM), which has been developing various projects for the social and professional integration of people with this condition for over six years. This is a non-profit organisation that supports the psycho-motor development of these citizens, ensuring that they have the practical skills to take up the job opportunities that emerge on the market.

According to the President of APSDM, Ermelinda Nhantave, with the support of Moza and other partners, the association will this year implement the second phase of a training project, with certification, which will enable beneficiaries to have the aptitude to work in a variety of areas including: Human Resources, Cutting and Sewing, Hospitality, Cookery and Handicrafts.

Some of the beneficiaries of the first phase of this project are now employed in public and private institutions that have a partnership with APSDM and which, like Moza, believe in the potential of people with Down Syndrome.

"APSDM's work also involves a lot of social education to raise public awareness of the need to see people with Down syndrome as people capable of learning, knowing and doing, just like anyone else whose physical and mental condition is considered 'normal'. Seeing these people employed, with families, married and happy is, in fact, our great purpose," Ermelinda Nhantave highlighted.

In fact, as well as supporting adults of working age, the association also helps families who have children with this condition.

"Assistance, especially in the embryonic phase of growth, is extremely important for people with Down syndrome, because, just to give an example, a child with Down syndrome can already walk when properly assisted by the age of four, but when this assistance is not given, the child doesn't start walking until the age of nine or ten. As an association, we want to avoid such a delay," explained the President of APSDM, an organisation that brings together around 300 people with this condition and more than 100 with various disabilities.

In fact, 21^st March was conceived internationally to invite humanity in general to reflect on the issues surrounding people with Down syndrome.

According to the CEO of Moza Banco, Manuel Soares, Moza is marking this anniversary by once again demonstrating that it is in favour of the inclusion of all Mozambicans.

"As a Bank, we will always support causes that have noble and unifying objectives. We are a family that stands for inclusion and that's why we believe that supporting the training and professional integration of people with Down syndrome contributes to the country having even more professionals available to carry out the various professions that contribute to national development. We are all equal and that's why we should have equal opportunities," Manuel Soares said.

As a bank for Mozambicans, Moza promotes inclusion and equal opportunities for all, thus helping to build a more empathetic, resilient society that respects diversity.

About APSDM:

The Mozambican Association for the Support of People with Down Syndrome (APSDM) was created in 2018 by Mozambican journalist Ermelinda Nhantave following a particular episode that significantly marked her life. When she gave birth to her daughter seven years ago, the doctor in charge informed her that the child had been born with Down syndrome. Impacted by the news, Ermelinda carrried out exhaustive research and learnt more about the condition, its signs and its occurrence in Mozambique. However, as her daughter grew up, Nhantave realised that, in the end, the child didn't have the typical characteristics of the syndrome. Following a new medical assessment, it was discovered that, in fact, her daughter did not have Down syndrome. Even so, Ermelinda decided to make an effort to identify and support people with the condition. This gave birth to APSDM, which today brings together around 300 people with Down syndrome in Mozambique. The association works to offer support and improve the quality of life for these individuals and their families. 

The Mozambican academic Severino Ngoenha wants Mozambicans to converge in a collective purpose, as a nation, so that they can face the country's new cultural, ideological and development challenges.

Ngoenha's wish was expressed last Thursday, in the town of Maxixe, in Inhambane, as part of the implementation of the II Southern session of Moza Banco's Thinking Mozambique (“Pensar Moçambique”) project, at which he was a speaker, alongside the professor and academic Frei Amaral.  

For Severino Ngoenha, who spoke on the subject of "Identity: an existential dimension that is always to be invented", it is only as long as we are united that we can meet the needs of those who need it most, making for less and less social imbalance.

"It's only as long as we have a collective direction that we can make sure that those less fortunate, instead of one aspirin, have two. Those who walk ten kilometres should walk five and those who only have one meal should have more than one..." Severino Ngoenha said.

Frei Amaral, on the other hand, in light of the topic "Historical-anthropological re-reading of Man from the idea of home as shared interiority" underlined the need to look at Mozambicanness as a continuous process of affirmation and reaffirmation, first individually and then collectively.

"We need to realise that the whole is made up of parts. Only from there will we be able to have a more empathetic and supportive society, ensuring that the idea of a united Mozambique is present in all of us."

Jaime Joaquim, a member of Moza's Executive Committee and the person overseeing the opening of the event, referred to the occasion as a time to "look back on the past and retrieve deep and valuable lessons that can illuminate the path that we currently want to take in the search for Mozambican values".

"We carry on our shoulders the noble mission of forging a future that matches the glorious achievements of our ancestors. A future in which Mozambican identity not only survives, but also flourishes and shines as a beacon of inspiration for other African and world nations. We want us to be able to look back in a few years' time and say with pride that, with the help of all Mozambicans, the "Thinking Mozambique" Project made it happen and became a great success," Jaime Joaquim said.

Through the "Thinking Mozambique" Project, Moza is organising conversation and debate sessions, in which the Bank invites ideologues and thinkers from various fields of knowledge to make their contribution to the process of valuing, rebuilding and appropriating the nation's individual and collective identity as Mozambicans.

This is a project that will be implemented in the three regions of the country, allowing different thinkers and ideologues to contribute their ideas to strengthening culture, patriotism and the sense of nationhood that is already becoming jeopardised by global dynamics, notably hyper-exposure to social networks and different virtual realities.

All the ideas shared in each of the discussion sessions will later be compiled into a book that will be made available for consultation in various Mozambican institutions, particularly national academia. 

In this way, Moza is positioning itself as a bank that acts as a catalyst for a cultural renaissance which inspires Mozambicans to proudly embrace their values and pass them on to new generations.