Dili, Timor-Leste, May 4th, 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/
About IFC
IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
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About AEMTL, AEMTL was started by 43 female entrepreneurs on April 26, 2008, with the aim of providing opportunities and encouraging Timorese entrepreneurs to gain confidence and motivation to contribute to the nation’s development.
Serving as an umbrella for other businesses in various sectors like Tourism, Commerce, Importation, Civil Construction, and more, AEMTL aims to support Timorese entrepreneurs in facing challenges and competing in Timor-Leste’s business landscape, with the aspiration to contribute to the economic development of the country.
The spirit of the 43 Timorese entrepreneurs believes in finding ways to help women who struggle and wish to become strong partners for their families and the government of Timor-Leste. AEMTL’s main objective is to promote and encourage Timorese women to be brave and confident in their endeavors. Through training programs and collaborations with international institutions and the government, AEMTL enhances entrepreneurial capacities by sharing information and knowledge on business systems and mechanisms.
For more information, visit https://aemtl.tl/.

Annex 1. Award Categories, Timor-Leste Women in Business Awards will have ten awards across five separate categories:
Economic Empowerment Initiatives
· Best Initiative Promoting Financial Inclusion for Women (Organization/Company): This category recognizes an initiative that promotes women’s economic and financial empowerment by supporting employability, skills development, mentoring, and financial independence.
· Best Initiative Promoting Growth of Women-Led Businesses, (Organization/Company): This category recognizes an initiative or program that has effectively supported the growth and success of women-led businesses, particularly in the MSME sector. This may include efforts in capacity building, market and business linkages, mentoring, financial assistance, or other forms of strategic support that contribute to the sustainability and expansion of women-owned enterprises.

Women-Led Businesses (Dili)
· Top Women-led Business Owner of the Year – Established Business (>3 years):
This category recognizes a female business owner who has successfully led her business for more than three years, demonstrating excellence and leadership.
· Top Women-led Start-Up of the Year (>3 years): This category recognizes a female business owner who has successfully led a start-up that has shown remarkable innovation and growth within its first 3 years of operation.

Women-Led Businesses (Municipalities)
· Top Women-led Business Owner of the Year – Established Business (>3 years): This category recognizes a female business owner who has successfully led her business for more than three years, demonstrating excellence and leadership.
· Top Women-led Start-up of the Year (<3 years): This category recognizes a female business owner who has successfully led a start-up that has shown remarkable innovation and growth within its first three years of operation.

Women Leaders  Women Corporate Leader of the Year (Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer/ Chairman/ President of Council of Administration): This category honors a top female executive who has shown exceptional leadership and management skills in her role.
· Role Model of the Year: This category celebrates a woman who has served as an inspiring corporate leader and career role model to women through her mentorship, achievements, and contributions to the community.

Women in Financial Services
· Outstanding Woman Leader in the Financial Services Sector: This category honors a woman who has demonstrated outstanding leadership within the financial services sector, driving significant impact and change.
· Best Gender-Focused Financial Innovation (Organization/Company): This category recognizes innovative solutions or products in the financial services sector that specifically focus on gender inclusivity.