Third Women in Business Awards Open for Nominations to Honor Trailblazing Women-Led Businesses in Timor-Leste

Dili, Timor-Leste, May 4^th, 2026 — Women entrepreneurs who are creating jobs, transforming industries, and inspiring the next generation of business leaders across Timor-Leste will once again take the spotlight, as nominations open today for the Third Timor-Leste Women in Business Awards, held under the patronage of J. Ramos-Horta, President of the Republic of Timor-Leste.

Hosted by the World Bank Group’s private sector arm  ̶  the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Associação Empresarial das Mulheres de Timor-Leste (Timor-Leste Business Women Association — AEMTL), the Awards were launched as part of IFC’s Timor-Leste Financial Sector Skills Program. Delivered in partnership with Banco Central de Timor-Leste and supported by the governments of Australia and New Zealand, the program aims to foster broader financial inclusion by developing the financial sector through targeted skills initiatives.

"Timor-Leste's progress depends on the full and equal participation of all its people — and our women are at the heart of that journey,” said President of Timor-Leste J. Ramos-Horta, also a Nobel Peace Laureate. “From the markets of Dili to the municipalities across our nation, Timorese women are building businesses, creating jobs, and driving innovation that strengthens our economy and uplifts our communities. The Timor-Leste Women in Business Awards is a celebration of that spirit — a recognition that our women entrepreneurs and professional leaders deserve to be seen, honored, and inspired to reach even greater heights. I warmly encourage every woman who has dared to lead, innovate, and contribute to this nation's future to step forward and apply for the Timor-Leste Women in Business Awards. Your story deserves to be told, and Timor-Leste is proud of you."

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event — which received up to 100 nominations — this year’s Awards continue to celebrate the achievements of women and organizations driving progress in sectors ranging from retail and agriculture to hospitality and finance in one of Southeast Asia’s youngest economies. Many of last year’s winners reported increased visibility, confidence, and business growth — leading to new clients, partnerships, and stronger networks that have enhanced women’s leadership and contribution to job creation and economic development in Timor-Leste.

“As Timorese women build their business, they shape the future of our nation — guided by courage, vision, and unwavering resilience,” said Hergui Luina Fernandes Alves, President of AEMTL. “The Timor-Leste Business-women Awards stands as a meaningful platform to honour excellence, inspire change, and celebrate the outstanding achievements of women in business — while fostering unity, strengthening value chains, and driving job creation nationwide.”

Women entrepreneurs are playing an increasingly important role in Timor‑Leste’s economic development, particularly through the growth of micro, small, and medium‑sized enterprises that create jobs and support communities. The Women in Business Awards highlight these contributions while promoting greater visibility and opportunity for women‑led enterprises.

“Women entrepreneurs in Timor‑Leste are building businesses with remarkable determination, yet many still face barriers to finance, often compounded by limited access to limited business and financial information and connections to financial institutions,” said Christina Ongoma, IFC Regional Manager for FIG Advisory/Upstream, East Asia and the Pacific. “By celebrating their success and strengthening access to knowledge and networks, the Women in Business Awards can help women‑owned enterprises grow, create jobs, and contribute to a more inclusive economy.”

Celebrating the growing impact of women entrepreneurs on Timor‑Leste’s economy, the Women in Business Awards highlight how women‑led enterprises are shaping inclusive growth and national development.

“Since 2024 the Women in Business Awards have recognized the talent and achievements of female entrepreneurs in Timor-Leste,” said David Freedman, World Bank Group Resident Representative for Timor‑Leste. “The World Bank Group is proud to support this program. According to the most recent national MSME survey, women lead approximately half of all micros, small, and medium‑sized enterprises in Timor-Leste, making women‑led businesses a vital and growing force in the country’s development.”

This 2026 Timor-Leste Women in Business Awards feature ten awards across five categories, celebrating excellence in women-led entrepreneurship and leadership. The awards will recognize outstanding women-led start-ups, established businesses, corporate leaders, and initiatives that are advancing women’s financial inclusion and supporting the growth of women-led enterprises. With entries open to all municipal areas, the program encourages a range of nominations.

Nominations are open until July 8, 2026. Individuals, institutions, NGOs, and businesses based in Timor-Leste are eligible to apply. Submissions must include a clear explanation of the nominee’s achievements and impact. To learn more or submit a nomination, visit: https://aemtl.org/women-in-business-awards/