Nadia Lima: Pioneering Market-Led Entrepreneurship In Mozambique

A successful career in finance goes beyond crunching numbers, it’s about understanding markets, solving complex challenges, and launching innovative business models. In Mozambique, where the economy fluctuates due to political decisions, financial leaders must be agile and resilient, driving sustainable business models and navigating uncertainty with expertise, adaptability, and a results-driven approach.

With over 14 years of experience in operational leasing, auditing, and financial consulting, Nadia Lima has built a remarkable career by taking advantage of every opportunity. Starting as an external auditor at KPMG, she audited major industry players, including banks and companies like Cervejas de Moçambique (CDM), part of Anheuser-Busch InBev. Beyond corporate finance, she has shaped economic policies as Vice President for Labor and Employment Policy and Social Action at the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA). Previously, she served as Vice President for Financial Policy and represented Mozambique’s private sector in global business forums.

As Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Mozo Global, Nadia leads strategic business development, operations, and relationship management for a business and lifestyle company. She has also partnered with Pluribus Mozambique, part of the international Pluribus Group, to provide low-cost hemodialysis treatments. Through this initiative, she co-founded the Kidney Health Institute, providing technical support to local healthcare technicians.

Take us through your academic and professional journey in finance.

I was born and raised in Mozambique, where I completed my primary and secondary education. With Mozambique’s proximity to South Africa, opportunities for further education abroad were abundant. I was fortunate to secure a scholarship to study in Johannesburg in 1999 at Jordan College, my first experience studying in English. After completing my studies there, I moved to Cape Town to pursue higher education.

I began my career at KPMG as an internal auditor before transitioning to external auditing. Being fluent in English was a rare skill among Mozambicans then, so I specialized in auditing NGOs and gained extensive experience with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). During this time, I completed my Bachelor of Business Commerce in Finance Management at UNISA (University of South Africa). Later, I decided to pursue my Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Success isn’t just about talent or opportunities, it’s about consistency, discipline and commitment to the process

What are your key areas of expertise as a finance leader?

My expertise lies in operational leasing. Unlike traditional financial leasing offered by banks, operational leasing provides businesses with a flexible and accessible way to acquire essential equipment without the financial burden of ownership. This model has been highly effective in Mozambique, especially for startups facing cash flow challenges.

Additionally, I specialize in entrepreneurial finance in Mozambique’s developing economy. Business development requires innovative financial solutions, and technology has been instrumental in my approach. The rapid adoption of digital tools has transformed how businesses access financing, and I focus on integrating technology-driven strategies to help entrepreneurs turn visions into reality.

What are the primary roles and responsibilities you shoulder in your role as a Managing Director at Pluribus Mozambique?

At Mozo Global, we operate several businesses, including Mozo Office, a business center, Mozo Rent, which specializes in operational leasing, and Mozo Car, a vehicle leasing service. Through the contacts and influences, I connected with Pluribus, an international group and the main representative of Baxter, a U.S.-based manufacturer of hemodialysis machines and related solutions.

Pluribus operates in Mozambique, Angola, Guinea- Bissau, and plans to expand to São Tomé and Príncipe. We aim to provide cost-effective hemodialysis treatments, which is one of the most expensive treatments in Mozambique.

By partnering with the Ministry of Health, we supply public hospitals, including military hospitals. We started operations in Maputo and are now expanding to Beira. Our mission is to bridge the gap in access to affordable dialysis treatments while maintaining high-quality standards.

What are some pressing business challenges you encounter in your current role? How do you counter the roadblocks?

 Mozambique’s healthcare services are limited, requiring significant efforts to improve accessibility and quality. Government partnerships are essential but come with challenges like bureaucracy, which remains a hurdle for entrepreneurs.

Another challenge is the high cost of capital. Mozambique has high interest rates, making banking solutions less viable for new and established businesses. Despite these challenges, Mozambique has a young, adaptable workforce to help businesses thrive. Successfully navigating Mozambique’s business environment requires a combination of experience and adaptability.

What are the some key milestones you have achieved in your professional journey? What is your ‘Success Mantra’ as a business leader?

One of my proudest achievements has been creating opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women. Starting a business in Mozambique is challenging, and I launched a project nearly a decade ago to help women-led startups with company registration, securing paperwork, and accessing prime office locations in Maputo.

Additionally, I am a proud member of Women in Africa (WIA) and have been featured in interviews promoting women’s leadership.

My success mantra is simple, which is 'discipline'. It’s the foundation of everything I do. A disciplined routine gives me the stamina to show up every day, push forward, and keep hustling.

Nadia Lima, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Mozo Global Limitada & Pluribus Mozambique

Nadia Lima is a seasoned finance professional specializing in operational leasing and entrepreneurial finance, bridging financial gaps for businesses in Mozambique. She has 14 years of experience in operational leasing, auditing, and financial consulting. She also specialzies in entrepreneurial finance in Mozambique’s developing economy.