Mozambique launches fund to empower women entrepreneurs
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The Council of Ministers in Mozambique created PRO-MULHER, a fund designed to support the economic empowerment of women through financing for small businesses.
The resolution establishing PRO-MULHER seeks to promote inclusive economic growth by providing financial resources to women at the district and municipal levels. The fund will offer repayable loans with reduced interest rates to individual entrepreneurs and groups of women, including cooperatives and associations.
PRO-MULHER will distribute resources based on the female population, territorial size, poverty levels, and the ability of applicants to repay loans. While the initial funding amount remains unspecified, the program encourages the formation of solidarity groups, clusters of three to seven women with shared connections, to facilitate access to financing. Local women entrepreneurs engaged in activities that generate income and employment will be prioritized.
The fund will support a wide range of business ventures, from agriculture and food production to crafts, textiles, beauty services, and cultural activities. Applicants can receive free technical assistance to develop their project proposals. Disbursements and repayments will utilize digital financial tools like mobile wallets and bank transfers. PRO-MULHER will draw funding from the national budget, public entities, loan repayments, international cooperation, philanthropic organizations, and private sector contributions.
This multifaceted approach aims to ensure the fund's sustainability and long-term impact on women's economic inclusion in Mozambique, a country in southeastern Africa.
