Mozambique: Central bank holds 6th Annual Meeting of Branch Directors in Quelimane

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Mozambique: Central bank holds 6th Annual Meeting of Branch Directors in Quelimane

9:55 CAT | 11 Aug 2025

Photo: Banco de Moçambique

On Saturday, 9 August, the Governor of the Banco de Moçambique delivered the opening address at the Sixth Annual Meeting of Branch Directors in Quelimane City. The meeting’s central theme is the management of branch vaults, with a particular focus on establishing criteria for transferring unfit coins to the headquarters and on the management of human resources, the institution’s most important asset.

Prior to the Governor’s remarks, the Board Member for Banking Operations, Issuance, and Payment Systems Oversight, Gertrudes Tovela, highlighted the meeting as an essential platform for strengthening strategic communication within the institution. “This meeting takes place in a year in which we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Banco de Moçambique, the 45th anniversary of the Metical, and, more recently, the inauguration of the Metical Square in the Municipality of Quelimane. These are significant milestones in the history of our institution. Allow me to commend the dedicated efforts of all branch directors who, across all provinces, ensure the fulfilment of our mission with responsibility and commitment,” said Gertrudes Tovela. The Director of the Quelimane Branch, Jorge Namurás, also took the opportunity to welcome and thank the Governor for selecting this branch to host the meeting.

In his address, Rogério Zandamela underscored the importance of these meetings, launched in 2018 and held annually on a rotating basis between the north, centre, and south of the country. He described them as a high-level forum for consultation, coordination, and direct interaction between the Governor and the Branch Directors, allowing the collection of operational and strategic inputs that can be translated into concrete improvements to enhance the institution’s performance.

Zandamela reflected on previous editions, recalling, among other achievements, the revision of the staffing framework and the job description manual, the improvement of the human resources recruitment model, the outsourcing of certain functions, the reintegration of retired employees, the automation of cheque truncation and intraday credit, the creation of conditions for branches to access data from the Central Register of Dishonoured Cheques and the Credit Registry, and the direct involvement of these units in disseminating the National Financial Inclusion Strategy.

Other recommendations mentioned by the Governor included the revision of branch management functions, capacity building in cash handling and modernisation, delegation of authority for procuring non-standard goods and services, and management of maintenance contracts for assets and services.

He also addressed the need to identify suitable solutions for vault monitoring, including the use of artificial intelligence, and the implementation of vetting procedures in the recruitment and selection process for staff members as well as for companies providing services to the issuing bank.

Zandamela further noted the implementation of the real-time gross settlement system and the electronic clearing system, as part of efforts to modernise the National Payments System, as well as the introduction of a unique bank identification number for clients of commercial banks, mobile money institutions, and fintechs, as part of measures to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The Governor wrapped up by urging the branches to remain focused on ongoing improvement, the spirit of public service, and the promotion of integrity across all areas of operation. “I wish you a productive meeting whose recommendations will make a significant contribution to strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of our institution,” he said.

In attendance at the event were Board Member Gertrudes Tovela, Adviser and Director of the Governor’s Office Luísa Navele, and the central bank’s directors.