In the Spotlight: Some inspiring women entrepreneurs from Mozambique
#WomenInBusiness #MozambiqueEmpowers #SheLeadsAfrica #InclusiveGrowth
In Mozambique, like much of sub-Saharan Africa, women are not just contributors to the economy, they are the backbone of it. With one in four women starting or managing a business, the country mirrors the continent’s leading position in global female entrepreneurship, as highlighted by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2016/17 Women’s Report. Yet behind this impressive statistic lies a powerful story of resilience, determination & transformation.
Women in Mozambique, also known as “The Mambas” – are not only creating businesses, but are building communities too. Studies show that women reinvest up to 90% of their income back into their families and communities – nurturing the next generation through better access to education, healthcare & nutrition. Their impact extends far beyond profit margins, influencing the very fabric of society.
Against all odds: Celebrating Mozambique’s trailblazing women entrepreneurs
However, the path to entrepreneurship for Mozambican women is often riddled with systemic barriers. A staggering $42 billion financing gap persists for African women entrepreneurs, with $15.6 billion in agriculture alone. Limited access to affordable credit, lack of collateral, and a business environment that often overlooks women are just some of the hurdles they face.
Yet, despite the odds, many women in Mozambique are breaking through these barriers – launching innovative ventures, creating jobs & also inspiring others.
Now, let us celebrate some of these remarkable, inspiring women, who are reshaping Mozambique’s entrepreneurial landscape & proving that when women rise, entire nations prosper!
- Adelia Nicole Tique Massangaie, Founder of Indico Fish Farm.El
Adelia Nicole Tique Massangaie is the Founder of Indico Fish Farm.EI in Mozambique, where she is also currently setting up her Nile Tilapia Production and Processing Unit. She is a Mozambican agribusiness entrepreneur, focused on sustainable fish farming to create jobs
Prior to starting her business, she worked as a Research Assistant at the Natural History Museum in the area of marine and aquatic animal collections and also as a Zootechnician at Machado Knowhow in the area of animal production.
It is quite significant, that her business plan, which focused on Nile Tilapia Production and Processing, was the winner of the Agora Emprega 2023 Program at the national level in Maputo Province.
https://www.lionessesofafrica.com/blog/2025/3/23/startup-story-of-adelia-nicole-tique-massangaie
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ad%C3%A9lia-tique-massangaie-a31514219/?originalSubdomain=mz
- Fátima Armando Ernesto, Founder of Faes
Fátima Armando Ernesto is the Founder of Faes in Mozambique, a digital graphics and t-shirt sales business that specialises in creating t-shirts to each customer’s taste.
Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, she had a vast work experience. She was a Road and Bridge Construction Technician at IIM, Public Relations and Leadership Technician at Wake Up, Aspirant at Rotaract Clube de Maputo, and also worked as a Site Clerk at SS Construção where she provided services in the following roles: Archivist (Management and control of files), Assistant to the Warehouse Manager of the main Shipyard, Responsible for diesel control (purchase and sale), Formwork Clerk (Rent, purchase and sale of material).
https://www.lionessesofafrica.com/blog/2025/1/9/startup-story-of-fatima-ernesto
- Celestina Langa Founder & CEO of Nutrekaya CL, Su, Ltd
Celestina Langa is the Founder and CEO of Nutrekaya CL, Su, Ltd in Mozambique – a company dedicated to agro-processing and the valorization of local food products, with a focus on dietary health and nutritional well-being. She is a Mozambican entrepreneur passionate about transforming society’s diet and nutritional habits
Her entrepreneurial trajectory is marked by a strong dedication to the development of innovative and sustainable solutions in the food sector. Backed by a degree in Food Sciences from the Pedagogical University of Mozambique, she is currently completing her Master of Business in the Street (MBS) at Interweave Solutions Academy, which has provided her with strategic vision and improved skills in business management, further strengthening her profile as an entrepreneur and leader. Throughout her career, has continually dedicated herself to expanding her knowledge and skills.
https://www.lionessesofafrica.com/blog/2024/12/29/startup-story-of-celestina-langa
- Mercia Bie, Founder of Sabor Caseiro 2A
Mercia Bie, Founder of Sabor Caseiro 2A in Mozambique is building an agri-processing business where each seasoning tells a story and each dish is an experience.
She is an inspiring Mozambican entrepreneur on a mission to bring natural flavours and authenticity to her customers’ tables.
Her vision is – to create a line of seasonings that not only enhance the flavour of dishes, but also make a nutritional contribution to our lives. The company’s brand values focus on ethics and transparency, appreciation and involvement in human capital, respect and trust in customers.
https://www.lionessesofafrica.com/blog/2024/12/14/startup-story-of-mercia-bie
- Irina Samade Founder & Floral Designer at Frangipani Flores
Irina Samade is the Founder and Floral Designer at Frangipani Flores in Mozambique. She has been working with Floral Art for 15 years having taken a number of specialist floral arrangement courses in Portugal, Brazil, USA and Mozambique.
Her passion for flowers started very early in life, with her mother growing violets in their garden. Then, unconsciously, she started toying with making floral arrangements for family and friends’ birthdays, but at that time was very far from thinking about being a florist or opening a floristry business!!
However, a big change came about with the launch of her floral design business – Frangipani Flores in 2014. Today, she remains curious in this specialist area of floral design and is constantly inspired by the work of renowned florists around the world.
https://www.lionessesofafrica.com/blog/2024/11/24/startup-story-of-irina-samade
- Messias Tonela – Founder of SBEL & Farinhas, SU, LDA
Isabel Messias Tonela is a young Mozambican entrepreneur and the Founder of SBEL & Farinhas, SU, LDA, which is a company focused on processing tubers for the production of flour and Chips.
The company was founded in 2024 and is in its embryonic phase after she won the Business Plan Competition implemented by (SEJE), through INJ and with the support of the World Bank. She is also a final year student on the Aquatic and Coastal Marine Biology course at Eduardo Mondlane University.
https://www.lionessesofafrica.com/blog/2024/11/17/startup-story-of-isabel-messias-tonela
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
