As part of the celebrations of its 30 years of activity, Banco Comercial e de Investimentos (BCI) is implementing a broad social responsibility programme that includes giving away 30,000 balls across the country.
The initiative, structured in four distinct phases, has already reached schools, prisons, barracks and orphanages throughout the country, and the next stage is expected to extend it to police schools. With this progressive approach, the Bank reinforces its commitment to social inclusion, well-being and the strengthening of institutions that play a structural role in Mozambican society. More than a symbolic gesture, the action aims to encourage sport as a means of promoting health, harmonious coexistence and team spirit, values that are fundamental to building more cohesive, supportive and resilient communities.
In this context, on 13 February, the General Staff of the Mozambique Defence Armed Forces received 1,570 balls and 3,140 skipping ropes, which will be distributed to barracks from north to south of the country. On the occasion, BCI's Chairman of the Executive Committee, Francisco Costa, highlighted the symbolism of the initiative, stressing that “a ball always brings joy, good humour, companionship and team spirit”. He also praised the important role played by the Armed Forces in defending sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as in maintaining peace and national stability.
On the 20th, it was the turn of the Esperança Orphanage in Katembe, in the municipality of Maputo, to receive balls and skipping ropes, in a stage that will cover more orphanages nationwide, with the distribution of 2,660 balls and skipping ropes. During the ceremony, Francisco Costa shared the origin of the initiative, recalling a trip around the country in which he saw children playing, often without a ball. “It was from that scene that the purpose was born of taking BCI's orange ball to communities, as a symbol of joy, inclusion and opportunity”, he explained, adding that “the ball is an object that takes us back to the past, that evokes sport, health, organisation, healthy competition and setting goals”.
The National Ball Giving Programme was officially launched in December 2025, at the Maputo City Pre-Trial Prison, marking the start of a broad set of actions forming part of the celebrations of the Bank's 30 years. On that occasion, the distribution of 2,500 balls and skipping ropes to prisons began, with the aim of promoting inclusion, health and well-being through sport, encouraging physical activity and personal development in a prison setting.
With this initiative, BCI reaffirms its commitment to Mozambique's sustainable development, investing in projects that promote social inclusion, sport and the strengthening of national institutions. Celebrating 30 years means acknowledging the path travelled but, above all, renewing the commitment to a healthier, more supportive and more inclusive future.
