ExxonMobil celebrates the graduation of 1,000 women in the Business Women Connect initiative

• Program has trained 1,000 women in business literacy in Mozambique

In 2021, the BWC initiative has already invested over US $300,000 towards four months of business literacy classes for the business owners, followed by bi-monthly coaching sessions designed to propel the graduates to become market leaders in their sectors.

The program has been implemented in Maputo, Gaza and Inhambane provinces. The training curriculum include modules on financial management, inventory management, marketing, customer service and capital reinvestment. The program has supported micro businesses such as restaurants and takeaways, tailors and beauty salons. 

“ExxonMobil is committed to empowering women globally. This program not only offers training, but it also supports the business owners in creating links to formal financial services, empowering themselves and providing opportunities in their respective communities. Said Jos Evens, General Manager for ExxonMobil Moçambique, Limitada “The partnership with TechnoServe builds on our shared vision on supporting businesses owned by women in Mozambique and strengthening communities.”

The program has worked with Mpesa, Letshego Bank as well as other operators to identify, recruit and train the women with potential to become mobile bank agents. 

“We are proud of the growth we have seen in our beneficiaries.” Said Jane Grob, Country Director for TechnoServe Moçambique. “Covid-19 forced many of the beneficiaries to innovate and adapt in order to respect the measures in place. “We hope to continue to support the development of more female owned businesses in Mozambique”.

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About ExxonMobil 
ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international oil and gas companies, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world’s growing energy needs. In Mozambique, ExxonMobil holds a 25 percent indirect interest in Area 4 and will lead the construction and operation of future natural gas liquefaction facilities. In addition, ExxonMobil was awarded the joint rights to negotiate the Angoche basin (A5-B) and the Zambezi Delta (Z5-C and Z5-D) concessions, as part of Mozambique’s fifth licensing round. Please visit: www.exxonmobil.co.mz  or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ExxonMobilMocambique

About the ExxonMobil Foundation 
The ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States. The foundation and the corporation engage in a range of philanthropic activities that include advancing education, promoting women as catalysts for economic development and combating malaria. 

About TechnoServe Mozambique 
TechnoServe has been providing technical assistance to Mozambique’s industries, agribusinesses, and entrepreneurs with high-growth potential for over 20 years, since our office first opened in 1998. We have helped create a competitive and sustainable commercial agricultural sector, which has generated opportunities for small-scale rural producers and suppliers, in addition to new employment opportunities for the rural poor. TechnoServe also supports the microentrepeurship entrepreneurship sector whose businesses have the potential to transform communities but often lack business skills such as financial management.