Unlocking Women’s Entrepreneurial Potential in Mozambique

In Mozambique, young women and mothers are forging new paths as entrepreneurs, often while balancing the demands of childcare, household responsibilities, and business ambitions. The Conecta Negocios training equips participants with practical skills such as accounting, market analysis, and financial planning. To allow women to participate fully and succeed both during and after the training, the programme offers a support network that includes babysitting services and transport subsidies. For many mothers, attending business training would be impossible without such targeted assistance. As one participant shared: “Without the babysitter, I could not have attended even one session”.

Many young women and mothers reported that before the training, saving money was not part of their routine. Now, they understand how to balance income and expenditure, budget for savings, and plan for reinvestment. This spirit of innovation, grounded in market research and practical accounting, is helping these women grow their businesses despite significant challenges.

Numerous women shared that they were left by their husbands after having children, receiving minimal financial support. Lack of resources can quickly end a business—a gelinho (flavored ice) seller’s enterprise ended when her refrigerator broke, and she could not afford a replacement. Competition is fierce, with neighbors copying successful ideas. Most women prefer to run businesses independently, citing trust issues from past negative experiences with business partners.

Despite these obstacles, their motivation remains strong. They expressed a keen interest in ongoing support, mentoring, workshops, and more opportunities to share and learn from each other. According to one woman entrepreneur:

“What I learned from Conecta, about entrepreneurship, helped a lot. I didn't know that when the business failed or when someone else started the same business, you had to suggest plan B. You have to look for other opportunities. […] I can expand my business through WhatsApp, I can post about my business, I can advertise on the radio to expand my business. And that has often helped me to do my business, to want to get up”.

The impact of the training extends beyond business knowledge. By coming together, young women and mothers are building networks of support and sharing experiences. Their success demonstrates the power of combining practical business education with supportive services. By addressing the real-life needs of women entrepreneurs through childcare, transport subsidies, and relevant skill-building, the programme is not only fostering business growth but also empowering women to shape their own economic futures. The determination and resilience of these women are already inspiring positive change within their families, their businesses, and their communities. According to a participant:

“The training changed how I see my business and myself. Now, I know I can do more—not just for my family, but for my community”.

As part of the “Economic Links for Diversification Project (EL4D/PLED)”, the component “Developing Economic Linkages through Skills, Finance, and Quality Upgrading” is being implemented by GOPA AFC, with funding from the World Bank and in partnership with the National Institute for Small and Medium Enterprises (IPEME) and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF).

For more information, please contact oliver.schmidt [at] gopa.eu (oliver[dot]schmidt[at]gopa[dot]eu).