Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste
MDF’s work in Timor-Leste has contributed to a transformative impact on the country’s poorest.
MDF drives sustainable economic development and higher incomes for women and men in Timor-Leste. By partnering with businesses and governments, MDF identifies and nurtures commercial opportunities that are profitable, scalable, and deliver social and environmental benefits. Since 2013, MDF has been working in Timor-Leste, focusing on the agriculture and tourism sectors.
The Government of Timor-Leste prioritises investment in agriculture, tourism and manufacturing. A more diverse economy requires a larger, more vibrant private sector. MDF’s overarching approach in Timor-Leste, therefore, relies on: a) working across a variety of agricultural and tourism markets; b) collaborating with the private sector and seeking opportunities to improve business and human capacity within firms; and c) supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation.
In agriculture, MDF works in scalable export markets, such as coffee, and looks for opportunities in early-stage export commodities. In markets with strong domestic demand, such as pigs and chicken, MDF supports firms to substitute imports by commercialising production and processing. MDF promotes productivity-improving inputs and technologies that improve smallholder farmers’ resilience, including coffee farm rehabilitation and climate-resilient inputs. MDF also works in international tourism, focusing on destination marketing and marine tourism.
MDF’s agriculture work targets female smallholders to reduce labour, increase agency and deliver economic benefits. Further, tourism is an important sector for women’s economic empowerment. MDF also seeks to partner with firms led by women and people with disabilities to create positive examples that counter social norms.
88,200+
People benefitted
USD 11.9 m
in additional income generated
USD 11.3 m
in additional revenue generated for businesses
88,200+
People benefitted
USD 11.9 m
additional income generated for beneficiaries
USD 11.3 m
generated in private sector revenue
MDF’s two priority sectors in Timor-Leste are agriculture and tourism
Agriculture accounts for about 85% of Timor-Leste’s non-oil exports and has the potential to boost incomes and food security.
Tourism contributes nearly AUD123 million per year to GDP and has been identified as a key sector with potential for economic diversification and employment.
Lisa Malnar, Independent Travel Agent, Travel Managers Australia
Lisa Malnar, Independent Travel Agent, , Travel Managers Australia
MDF has a very big role in what happens in [tourism in] Timor-Leste. We want to provide insights about Timor-Leste to our Australian partners and MDF can support that connection in the market through regular conversations and sharing of ideas. We use MDF… to get information about Timor-Leste and [develop] relationships with local travel agents. Working with MDF has provided us with financial reward from additional bookings. But beyond that, due to MDF, we can share information about Timor-Leste beyond Darwin, to a wider Australian market. MDF’s support in inviting travel agents from different parts of Australia to Timor-Leste helped increase awareness among Australian travel agents. I would like to continue working with MDF on new initiatives.
Our Activities in Timor-Leste
Our Activities
Climate Change
Inclusive Growth
