Barclays Africa Group Limited (JSE:BGA) is reportedly the lead bidder for Moza Banco SA, according to people familiar with the matter. The central bank has received three proposals, which will be reviewed by an independent panel before the winner is announced in July, one of the people said, asking not to be named because the process is private. Atlas Mara Limited (LSE:ATMA) considered buying Moza Banco and then stepped away, Ashish Thakkar, of Atlas Mara, said in an interview in Durban, South Africa last week, without giving more details.

Novo Banco, S.A., which owns the remaining 49% of the bank, wasn't immediately able to comment. Prakash Ratilal, Chairman of Mocambique Capitais didn't immediately respond to messages left at his Maputo office seeking comment. Barclays Africa declined to comment.