Prime Highlights
- Standard Bank and Lionesses of Africa organised an event to encourage women-led green businesses in Mozambique.
- The programme promoted sustainable entrepreneurship, networking and business growth through knowledge sharing.
Key Facts
- The initiative is funded by the European Union and the German Government.
- Lioness Lean In Mozambique supports women entrepreneurs through skills development and business networking.
Background
Lioness Lean In Mozambique was held as part of the second edition of 2026 in the Standard Bank Business Incubator in order to develop sustainable businesses through women’s entrepreneurship. This time, the program concentrated its attention on the topic “Building with Impact – Successful Green Businesses!” which showed how environmentally friendly businesses could foster economic development and contribute to the community.
Lionesses of Africa and Standard Bank organized the program, which aimed at exchanging experiences, discussing different opportunities and ideas related to the green economy that would foster employment and increase profits while solving environmental problems.
According to Erica Noormahomed, the Head of the Standard Bank Business Incubator, sustainability has to be considered as a joint challenge and opportunity. She noted that green businesses can combine economic growth with environmental protection while improving community well-being.
Lionesses of Africa Executive Director Melanie Hawken said women entrepreneurs benefit from learning through the experiences of other successful businesswomen, helping them overcome common business challenges and improve access to finance.
Also noted were the benefits of sustainable business models in cost reduction, market creation, and employment generation, according to representatives from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
Businesspeople from diverse sectors gave an account of their experiences during the meeting. Founder of Chonguile Naturals, Jéssica Chongo, made note of the abundance of natural resources in Mozambique and the possibilities for value addition in cosmetic products.
