Mozambique capital market democratization efforts

President Daniel Chapo has initiated efforts to democratize Mozambique’s capital markets by increasing local ownership and improving digital access. To reduce barriers for small investors, Chapo proposed ‘Bolsa no Bolso’ (Stock Exchange in your Pocket), a mobile-based initiative intended to allow citizens to purchase shares via mobile phones. This program involves coordination between the Mozambique Stock Exchange (BVM), the Bank of Mozambique, and telecommunications operators to develop a secure technological modernization program alongside financial education.

In a related move to expand national participation in the financial sector, the President expressed interest in facilitating the acquisition of BPI’s 36% stake in Banco Comercial e de Investimentos (BCI) by Mozambican citizens, companies, and institutional investors. This follows a strategic shift by the Portuguese bank BPI, which has seen its contribution to its results impacted by Mozambique’s sovereign rating and debt restructuring pressures. Chapo has encouraged commercial banks, insurance companies, and pension funds to mobilize national savings to support these productive investments.