Prime Minister highlights women entrepreneurs’ contribution to Timor-Leste’s economic development
DÍLI, 18 September 2026 (TATOLI) – The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, attended the ceremony for the third edition of the Timor-Leste Women in Business Awards 2026, in Dili, on September 17th, 2026, where he congratulated the winners and finalists and highlighted the contribution of women entrepreneurs to the development of the private sector and the national economy.
The ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta; members of the Government and the National Parliament; and representatives of the diplomatic corps, the private sector, and other entities.
In his address, the Prime Minister recalled the role of Timorese women throughout the nation’s history and highlighted their participation in the current economic development process. “Our history shows us that the strength of Timorese women has always been part of the strength of Timor-Leste,” he stated.
The Head of Government advocated strengthening the private sector and national productive capacity to generate employment and reduce external dependence. “We need a stronger private sector. And we need Timorese companies that produce goods and services, create jobs, and reduce our dependence on imports,” he declared.
In this context, he noted that the Government has a responsibility to create conditions for business development, highlighting economic stability, investment in infrastructure, and Timor-Leste’s international economic integration. The Prime Minister recalled accession to the World Trade Organisation in 2024 and to ASEAN last year as instruments for expanding opportunities for trade, investment, and private-sector growth.
The Prime Minister also addressed the difficulties small businesses, particularly women-owned enterprises, face in accessing finance, framing the creation of the National Development Bank within this context.
“Access to finance is one of the main obstacles faced by small businesses in developing countries, with women-owned businesses often particularly affected,” he stated. He added that “the Bank will facilitate access to capital for Timorese entrepreneurs and small businesses, enabling them to invest, expand their activities, and employ more people.”
The Timor-Leste Women in Business Awards are organised by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group dedicated to the private sector, in partnership with the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Timor-Leste (AEMTL). The initiative forms part of the Timor-Leste Financial Sector Capacity Building Programme, developed by the IFC and the Central Bank of Timor-Leste with support from the Governments of Australia and New Zealand.
In this third edition, the programme honoured ten individual and institutional winners across nine categories. Among the awarded entities were Timor Port, SA, and Moris Rasik Financial Service, SA. Also honoured were Carlota da Conceição Freitas, Angelica de Fatima dos Reis, Emerenciana Nipu, Augusta de Jesus Pereira Ximenes, Ilda da Cruz, Maria Agnes Bere, Bárbara Nazareth de Oliveira, and Constantina da Conceição Amaral.
The awards covered areas including corporate leadership, growth of women-led businesses, emerging entrepreneurship, cooperative leadership, career development, financial services, and initiatives promoting women’s economic empowerment.
Addressing the finalists, the Prime Minister said they “demonstrate the potential that already exists in Timor-Leste” and that their companies “reveal creativity, determination, and confidence in our country’s future.”
Concluding his address, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão addressed the women entrepreneurs: “I congratulate all of tonight’s finalists and encourage you to continue developing your businesses, bringing your ideas to fruition, and believing in what you are capable of achieving. Timor-Leste needs your creativity, your passion, and your vision for the future of our country. Strong women, strong nation.”
TATOLI
