Mozambique launches fund to empower women entrepreneurs
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Mozambique’s Council of Ministers created the PRO-MULHER Fund to economically empower women by providing financial support to small businesses they lead.
The fund will offer loans with reduced interest rates to women across the country’s districts and municipalities. PRO-MULHER aims to reduce poverty and promote inclusive economic development through projects that generate income, production, and employment.
Women can apply for funding individually or as part of groups of three to seven people who share geographic proximity, economic interests, or an association. The fund will distribute resources based on the female population, territorial size, poverty levels, and the ability of applicants to repay loans, though repayment will not be assessed until the fund’s second year. The fund will prioritize local women entrepreneurs interested in developing income-generating economic activities.
Eligible applicants include women with existing businesses, those involved in microenterprises, women’s cooperatives, informal sector entrepreneurs seeking to formalize their activities, and women starting new businesses. PRO-MULHER will support a wide range of sectors, from agriculture and food processing to textiles, beauty services, and creative industries. Applicants will receive free technical support to develop their project proposals, and disbursements and repayments will be handled through mobile wallets and other digital financial tools.
The fund will be financed through the state budget, public entities, loan repayments, and contributions from partners and the private sector.
