Dili, Timor-Leste, Thursday September 17th, 2026 (Iklik.info)- Women entrepreneurs and business leaders were celebrated tonight as the winners of the 2026 Women in Business Awards were announced.
Now in its third year, the Awards honor women whose businesses and leadership generate economic and social value across the country’s growth.
The Awards are hosted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group focusing on the private sector, and the Associação Empresarial das Mulheres de Timor-Leste (Timor-Leste Business Women Association (AEMTL).
They are part of the Timor-Leste Financial Sector Skills Program, a joint initiative of IFC and Banco Central de Timor-Leste (BCTL), which aims to promote financial inclusion through targeted skills initiatives. Both these initiatives are supported by the governments of Australia and New Zealand.
Held under the patronage of His Excellency President José Ramos-Horta, President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, the ceremony honored ten winners from sectors including retail, agriculture, hospitality and finance.
“The strength and resilience of Timorese women have been central to our nation’s journey, from the struggle for independence to the ongoing work of building a stronger future. This year’s theme, ‘Women Can Lead in All Areas,’ is a reminder that empowering women to participate and lead across every sector is essential to our nation’s progress. When women are given equal opportunities to lead, they bring innovation, determination, and perspectives that strengthen our communities and institutions. I call on all of us to continue supporting women’s leadership and participation so that together we can build a more inclusive, dignified, safe, and prosperous Timor- Leste for all,” said J. Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste & Nobel Peace Laureate
“Women’s involvement in key sectors promotes a dignified, safe and prosperous Timorese society,” said Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste.
“We need to strengthen our collective efforts to improve social service delivery and enhance participation, accessibility, and women’s involvement in key sectors. These efforts will contribute to building adignified, safe, and prosperous Timorese society, particularly for women.”
Women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises are an important source of employment and community livelihoods in Timor-Leste. Official Use Only“Women are the invisible economic force that sustains and strengthens a nation”, said Hergui Luina Fernandes Alves, President of AEMTL.
“Empowering, recognizing, and investing in women is not simply an option – it is an essential action for building a stronger and more prosperous economy.”
The 2026 Awards feature ten winners across nine awards. Assessment was based on demonstrated leadership, innovation, measurable impact, business growth, financial inclusion, mentorship, sustainability, and contributions to Timor-Leste women’s economic empowerment.
“This year’s awards showcased the talent and entrepreneurial spirit of women in Timor-Leste,” said David Freedman, World Bank Group Resident Representative for Timor-Leste.
“We congratulate the participants for their inspiring achievements and their contribution to Timor-Leste’s development. Their resilience, innovation, and leadership are helping to create jobs, strengthen communities, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
