Assunção Abdula Poised to Become First Female President of Mozambique’s CTA
Businesswoman Assunção Abdula could make history as the first woman to lead Mozambique’s Confederation of Economic Associations (CTA), the country’s premier employers’ association that has been exclusively male-led since its inception.
A Vision for Economic Transformation
Abdula emphasizes the CTA’s significant contributions to Mozambique’s economic and social development while acknowledging the challenges ahead. Her campaign focuses on creating a favorable environment for “local content” – a strategy she believes is crucial for strengthening the national economy and increasing Mozambican companies’ participation in value chains.
Key Priorities for Economic Recovery
When asked about Mozambique’s economic challenges, Abdula identified several critical areas:
- Global economic uncertainty and inflation
- Commodity price volatility
- High unemployment rates
- Access to credit for SMEs
- Implementation of structural reforms
- Addressing social inequalities and public health priorities
- Integration of Artificial Intelligence
Local Content Development Strategy
Abdula strongly advocates for local content policies, stating: “Local companies can prosper by investing in training, technology, strategic partnerships, and good governance. We need government policies that encourage local hiring and support emerging businesses.”
Institutional Reforms and Transparency
Combating Tender Manipulation
The business leader proposed concrete measures to address corruption in public tenders:
- Implementation of independent audits
- Clear publication of selection criteria
- Establishment of supervisory committees including civil society
- Protection for whistleblowers
Restoring CTA’s Credibility
Addressing concerns about the CTA’s reputation, Abdula outlined her approach:
- Enhanced transparency and accountability
- Clear communication initiatives
- Engagement with civil society
- Demonstration of tangible results
Financial Recovery Plan
Responding to questions about CTA’s financial challenges, Abdula proposed a comprehensive debt management strategy:
- Financial Restructuring: Assessment and renegotiation of payment terms
- Cost Reduction: Cutting non-essential expenditures
- Resource Optimization: Exploring financing options
- Transparency: Engaging members in the recovery process
Call for National Unity
Abdula concluded with a powerful message: “We must think about our country first – setting aside egos and divisionism to work collectively for Mozambique’s development.”
This article summarizes an original report from Carta de Moçambique. For the complete interview and additional insights, visit the original source.