Women entrepreneurs are playing an increasingly important role in driving sustainable economic growth, innovation and job creation across Africa. Building on the success of its first phase, the Green Lionesses of Africa programme has entered a new chapter through the renewal of the partnership between Standard Bank Mozambique and GIZ WE4D, reaffirming a shared commitment to strengthening women-led businesses in Mozambique.
The renewed partnership reflects both the strong demand for the programme and the positive impact it has already generated in previous collaboration (2021-2024). This alliance will continue to provide women entrepreneurs with access to business incubation and acceleration programmes, financial literacy training, management masterclasses and digital learning opportunities. By equipping women with practical business skills, stronger financial capabilities and access to networks, the programme aims to help women-led enterprises grow, become more competitive and contribute to a more sustainable economy.
The partnership renewal was officially launched during the Green Lionesses of Africa Lean In event, which brought together women entrepreneurs, business leaders and ecosystem partners to exchange experiences and inspire the next generation of women business owners. Throughout the event, participants shared their entrepreneurial journeys, discussed lessons learned and showcased successful business stories that demonstrated resilience, innovation and leadership.
Beyond inspiring conversations, the event offered practical value. Participants strengthened their professional networks, enhanced their financial management knowledge and refined their business pitching skills, positioning their enterprises to access new markets and investment opportunities.
Building on a Successful First Phase
The decision to renew the partnership is grounded in the significant achievements of the programme's first phase, which demonstrated the value of creating dedicated platforms and support mechanisms for women entrepreneurs.
Over six months, the programme successfully reached hundreds of women entrepreneurs and created multiple opportunities for learning, networking and market visibility.
Key achievements included:
• Twenty-three new green businesses, products and services launched through the Green Lioness Lean In events and the Lioness Launch online platform, demonstrating the programme’s contribution to innovation and business growth.
• Thirty-one women-led green businesses showcased through the Green Lioness Exhibitors platform, increasing their visibility among stakeholders, partners and potential customers.
• Twenty-eight women-led green businesses featured on the Lionesses of Africa website and Portuguese-language portal, strengthening their digital presence and access to market opportunities.
•The launch of the Green Business Hack of the Day, published daily in English and Portuguese through the Lionesses of Africa newsletters, reaching subscribers through 3.5 million newsletter deliveries over the six-month period.
• Two research surveys conducted to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing women entrepreneurs, contributing to the publication of the programme report and the Mozambique Women Entrepreneurs Going Green Report.
• Three Green Lioness Lean In events held in Maputo, attracting 605 registered participants and creating opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange and peer learning
• Mozambican women entrepreneurs actively contributed articles and insights to the Lionesses of Africa guest blog, amplifying local voices and sharing practical knowledge with a wider entrepreneurial community.
These results illustrate how targeted support can strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems by combining business development, visibility, peer learning and access to strategic networks.
Looking Ahead
As the programme enters its next phase, the renewed partnership between Standard Bank Mozambique and GIZ WE4D/IYBA WE4A aims to empower women entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge and connections needed to build resilient and sustainable businesses.
By investing in women-led enterprises, the initiative contributes not only to individual business success but also to broader economic development, green innovation and inclusive growth in Mozambique.
The continued collaboration demonstrates the importance of long-term partnerships in creating lasting opportunities for women entrepreneurs and strengthening the country's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
