In an alliance that has lasted almost a decade, Millennium bim and Gorongosa National Park (PNG) strengthened their strategic partnership this week, with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding in Maputo. The objective remains clear: to preserve biodiversity and promote the development of the communities surrounding the emblematic Mozambican park.
The official ceremony was attended by Moisés Jorge, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Millennium bim, and Aurora Malene Psico, President of Gorongosa National Park. The ceremony symbolised not only the continuity of an environmental and social commitment, but also the consolidation of a collaboration that has turned challenges into sustainable solutions.
Under the Gorongosa Business Club — created in 2014 to unite the private sector around conservation — Millennium bim has played an active role in mobilising resources and promoting environmental citizenship. The renewal of this partnership includes, among other actions, stepping up enforcement in the Park and encouraging environmental clubs, initiatives that combine education, sustainability and community involvement.
“The signing of this Memorandum reflects our Corporate Social Responsibility strategy. Protecting biodiversity and supporting communities is investing in the future”, said Moisés Jorge, stressing the importance of solid partnerships in achieving real impact and contributing to the major national objectives.
Aurora Malene Psico, for her part, highlighted the transformative nature of this collaboration.
“This partnership with Millennium bim shows how the union between the financial sector and conservation can be truly transformative. Conserving nature and promoting human development are inseparable objectives”, she said, thanking the bank for its continued support.
This strengthened commitment forms part of the social responsibility programme “Mais Moçambique pra Mim”, which since 2006 has supported initiatives in the areas of education, health, culture, sport and the environment.
Currently present in 63 localities, including rural areas, Millennium bim combines a strong physical presence with innovative digital services — with more than 70% of customers using Mobile and Internet Banking. The bank has also introduced a new generation of branches equipped with cutting-edge technology, offering complete autonomy and access 24 hours a day. These innovations position Millennium bim as the most awarded bank in the country and among the 100 largest in Africa.
Mozambique’s natural jewel
Gorongosa National Park is widely considered one of the most successful ecological restoration projects on the African continent. Covering about 400,000 hectares, it is one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth.
Since 2008, a Public-Private Partnership between the Government of Mozambique and the Carr Foundation (of the USA) has managed the park, with a 21st-century conservation model that seeks to balance the needs of wildlife with those of human populations. The renewal of the agreement in 2018 extended this collaboration for a further 25 years.
The Park has been internationally recognised, being classified as one of the “Last Wild Places” by National Geographic and one of the “World’s Greatest Places” by TIME Magazine. It works with multiple universities and scientific bodies, including Mozambican institutions such as Eduardo Mondlane University, and international ones such as Oxford and Princeton.
The Gorongosa Business Club, the main link between conservation and the Mozambican private sector, has been fundamental in fundraising and in business awareness-raising. For its mentors, investing in conservation is investing in national competitiveness and social cohesion.
