BNI sues former minister over business debt
Banco Nacional de Investimento seeks to recover funds lent to Topa Internacional, Lda., owned by ex-minister Ragendra Berta de Sousa.
The Banco Nacional de Investimento (BNI) is pursuing legal action against former Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ragendra Berta de Sousa, for an unpaid business loan. The debt was incurred by his company, Topa Internacional, Lda., based in Machava, Maputo province. A court notice from the Commercial Section of the Maputo City Judicial Court has been published, initiating a 20-day public announcement period for unknown creditors.
The court is calling on creditors of Topa Internacional, Lda., Ragendra Berta de Sousa, and Seouk-Kyu Chun to come forward within 10 days to claim the executive action case files. The BNI is the plaintiff in this case, seeking payment of a certain amount. The loan was specifically for financing the acquisition of movable goods, described as flexible packaging industry equipment.
Ragendra de Sousa led the sector between 2017 and 2020. During his tenure, he famously promised to resign if the Companhia de Búzi, located in Sofala province, was not rehabilitated, a commitment made in April 2018. The factory remains abandoned to date. The exact debt amount and the year of the loan are not disclosed in the public announcement.
Why it mattersFormer minister Ragendra Berta de Sousa faces legal action from BNI over a business debt owed by his company, Topa Internacional, Lda.