Prime Highlights :
- Lioness Lean In Mozambique brings together women entrepreneurs to discuss green business growth and sustainability.
- The initiative is funded by the European Union and the German Government to support women-led enterprises.
Key Facts :
- The event featured entrepreneurs including Jéssica Chongo of Chonguile Naturals and agribusiness founders Célia Uamusse and Zélia Mapanga.
- The programme is organised by Lionesses of Africa in partnership with Standard Bank’s Business Incubator.
Background :
The Standard Bank Business Incubator hosted the second 2026 edition of Lioness Lean In Mozambique under the theme Building with Impact, Successful Green Businesses.
Organised by Lionesses of Africa in partnership with the bank, the event brought together women entrepreneurs, experts and development partners to discuss the role of female entrepreneurship in driving environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth.
The gathering offered a space for learning and exchange of experiences, pointing to green businesses as a response to environmental challenges and a way to create jobs, generate income and support sustainable community development.
Erica Noormahomed, head of the Standard Bank Business Incubator, said the theme carried particular weight at a time when sustainability needs to be treated as a shared responsibility.
Lionesses of Africa Executive Director Melanie Hawken spoke about the value of women entrepreneurs sharing experiences to speed up business growth and overcome barriers to accessing finance.
Kirsten Focken, Resident Director of the German Agency for International Cooperation in Mozambique, praised the role women play in the shift toward a greener economy and called for wider adoption of sustainable business models to boost competitiveness and development.
Entrepreneurs from various sectors shared their experiences at the event, among them Jéssica Chongo, founder of Chonguile Naturals, who spoke about the potential of Mozambique’s natural resources in building the cosmetics industry.
A panel on agribusiness featured Célia Uamusse of Golden Avícola and Zélia Mapanga of AGRO Bioz Su.
The initiative, funded by the European Union and the German Government, forms part of Standard Bank’s wider efforts to strengthen women’s entrepreneurship and support the growth of women-led businesses.
