DILI, 15 November 2025 (TATOLI) – Nearly 100 women from municipalities across Timor-Leste competed in the 2025 Women in Business Awards, with the winners officially announced during a ceremony held in Dili on Friday night (November 14).
From this large pool of candidates, nine women were selected as winners in recognition of their vital contributions to job creation and national economic development through entrepreneurship and business leadership.
The awards were organized through a collaboration between the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group supporting private sector development, and the Associação Empresarial das Mulheres de Timor-Leste (AEMTL).
The event is part of the Financial Sector Skills Development Program, a joint initiative of IFC and the Banco Central de Timor-Leste (BCTL), supported by the governments of Australia and New Zealand. The program aims to expand financial inclusion and strengthen the financial sector in Timor-Leste.
Women-led businesses are considered a key pillar in the country’s economic development, particularly through job creation and support for local economic activity.
Secretary of State for Equality (SEI), Elvina Sousa Carvalho, expressed hope that the awards would help strengthen visibility, business networks, and access to resources for women entrepreneurs.
“Tonight, we celebrate the efforts of women who are actively contributing to national development. We hope this awards platform will inspire women to motivate and support one another,” she said during her remarks at the GMN Convention Hall.
AEMTL President, Hergui Luina Fernandes Alves, praised the high level of participation, noting that nearly 100 nominations were received from across the country, reflecting strong enthusiasm and engagement.
“This ceremony honors nine winners across multiple categories, representing sectors ranging from retail and agriculture to hospitality and finance. What we witnessed tonight is the power that emerges when women support one another. Every woman present, winner or not, is helping build stronger businesses and inspiring the next generation of leaders in Timor-Leste,” she said.
IFC Representative, Amina Coulibaly, emphasized that the Women in Business Awards are designed to highlight the contributions of women entrepreneurs while strengthening their influence and connecting them with opportunities that can support further business growth.
“Investing in women is the smartest investment any country can make,” she stated.
This year’s winners represent a diverse set of categories –women’s economic empowerment initiatives, established businesses, start-ups, corporate leadership, and the financial sector-and come from various regions including Dili, Suai, Baucau, and Ainaro.
Konnekto Employment Agency from Dili received the award for Best Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative, recognized for providing stable employment, professional training, and career development opportunities, including in male-dominated sectors.
The Heineken Women Economic Empowerment Program was recognized for Best Initiative Supporting Women-Led Business Growth, offering financial literacy training, mentorship, creative marketing, and expanded market access.
In the Established Business category for Dili, Zeferina Marta Alves, founder of Single Origin Coffee, was honored for expanding her business, driving workplace innovation, and empowering staff and local farmers through training and mentorship.
In the Start-Up category for Dili, Flora Fidencia Brytes Ximenes, founder of TimorGetaway, received recognition for her digital tourism innovation connecting travelers with women-led businesses and rural communities.
At the municipal level, Junita De Araujo from Suai was named Best Established Business Owner for her success in developing Pedrojunidar Unipessoal, Lda., through product diversification and strategic use of social media.
For the municipal Start-Up category, Natália de Almeida da Silva from Ainaro earned recognition for growing Quin Café n’ Resto into a successful culinary and catering business employing local youth and supporting economic diversification.
The award for Best Corporate Female Leader went to Ana Paula da Costa Xavier, CEO of Similie, for her leadership in advancing innovation in the male-dominated technology sector.
As a Career Role Model, Leopoldina Joana Guterres from Baucau was recognized for more than three decades of service in education, women’s leadership, and climate resilience through her work with Rai Matak and WithOneSeed.
Finally, the award for Top Female Leader in the Financial Services Sector was presented to Gracia Albino of Kaebauk Investimentu no Finansas, recognized for driving major reforms in compliance and governance while expanding access to financial services nationwide.
Journalist: Cidalia Fátima
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
