The Comesa Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB)’s Post

Research from #Kenya shows how COVID-19 adversely impacted young women entrepreneurs. However, a government #entrepreneurship support program providing grants & training during the pandemic lent crucial support in building women’s resilience just as much as it did for men, boosting business ownership, sales, and well-being. Read more about the study conducted by IPA Kenya in collaboration with the Government of Kenya & researchers Julian Jamison, Francisco Campos Campos, Maria Hernandez de Benito, Abla Safir & Bilal Zia: bit.ly/kyeop20095

The European Union and Germany have launched the Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (WE4A) project to support female entrepreneurship, operating within the framework of green transformation in Senegal. Read more ⤵️ https://hubs.la/Q02vTKWt0 #ECPNews #Germany #Senegal #entrepreneurship

26% of women across Africa are pursuing entrepreneurship. Despite incentives to invest in women entrepreneurs, systematic barriers continue to block women’s access to markets, networks, and capital, resulting in a gender financing gap of US$42 billion across Africa. Accion partnered with HerVest and New Faces New Voices in Nigeria to expand growth opportunities for women entrepreneurs and ensure they can receive the support they need to succeed. With input financing, Mrs. Iyabo Baba Raji improved her maize farm in Nigeria and connected with better markets. These efforts have not only boosted her income but have also enabled her to create a more stable livelihood for her family. “Now, I can track my expenses and plan for the next planting season, using the Accion budget and savings tools,” she said. Learn more about how Accion’s pilot program supports women-led small and medium enterprises in Nigeria from our Niranthi Nanayakkara and Varun Chitale:

{WATCH} Financing 101 | Entrepreneurship is a vital part of South Africa’s business world, with small businesses providing essential employment opportunities and providing millions of people with viable livelihoods. For a number of reasons, including the fact that women have been found to reinvest more of their income into the health and education of their children and the community, women entrepreneurs need to be supported in achieving their goals. The latest Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Women’s Entrepreneurship Report also found that women in countries like South Africa are among the most innovative and high growth entrepreneurs in the world. Despite the immense value that women entrepreneurs offer South African society at large, there is a US$42 billion gender funding gap that exists in sub-Saharan Africa, according to The Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs. For this status quo to change, women need to be more resolute in their efforts to access funding, and to explore funding avenues that can meet their unique needs and are aligned to their businesses. At the back of International Women’s Day celebrated recently, these are 4 sources of financing for women entrepreneurs to consider: #BusinessFunding #Financing #WomenEntrepreneurs #WeAreBusinessPartners 🔶

Challenges Ghanaian Female Entrepreneurs Face in Doing Business in Ghana

🌟 Empowering Female Entrepreneurs in South Africa 🌟   South Africa faces a significant youth unemployment challenge, with a 45.5% rate among those aged 15-34. Despite this, female entrepreneurship remains underrepresented. Here are the key highlights:   🔹 Africa has the highest growth rate of female-run businesses globally, yet only 38% of SMEs in South Africa are women-owned. 🔹 Female entrepreneurs often lack assets, capital, business networks, and face societal expectations of managing households. 🔹 Encouraging women to start businesses can transform South Africa’s economy and address unemployment.   Linda McClure, COO of Raizcorp, emphasizes the need to provide entrepreneurial skills to women, enabling them to create sustainable, profitable businesses that benefit their communities. Read the full article from Zawya here: https://lnkd.in/dA3VVWan #FemaleEntrepreneurs #YouthUnemployment #EmpowerWomen #SmallBusiness #SouthAfrica #EconomicGrowth #Entrepreneurship #DiversityInBusiness

AWIEF Announces 2024 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Southern Africa Regional Alumnae Summit The U.S. Mission to South Africa, in partnership with the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF), has announced the 2024 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Southern Africa Regional Alumnae Summit. The event will unite women entrepreneurs from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) nations: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa, who have been part of the AWE program between 2019 and 2023. The Summit aims to promote collaboration and open new doors for business growth and trade within the region. Its key goals include fostering stronger networks, exploring regional market expansion, and embracing digital innovation to fuel entrepreneurship. AWIEF, a non-profit organization aims to empower women entrepreneurs across Africa, advancing economic rights through business development. The Summit will emphasize the critical role of women-led businesses in boosting economic development and gender equity across Southern Africa. In addition to networking, participants will engage with government officials, civil society groups, and investors who share a commitment to women’s economic empowerment. Travel and accommodation expenses for selected participants will be covered, ensuring accessibility for all. #AWIEF #WomenEntrepreneurs #AWE #EconomicEmpowerment #Innovation #SACU #BusinessGrowth #Africa

This Global Entrepreneurship Week, Zimba Women is proud to champion the spirit of innovation, resilience, and growth among women entrepreneurs across Uganda and East Africa. At Zimba Women, we believe that entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business—it’s about creating opportunities, driving change, and building communities. Whether you’re growing a side hustle, running a thriving enterprise, or dreaming of your next big idea, you are the heartbeat of economic transformation. This week, we celebrate YOU: 🔹 The entrepreneurs breaking barriers 🔹 The innovators transforming industries 🔹 The leaders inspiring the next generation Here’s how Zimba Women is empowering women entrepreneurs to thrive: 🌟 Skills for the Future: From our Digital Literacy Program skilling over 1,200 women in 7 districts in Uganda to our ongoing partnerships with UCC, NSSF/Outbox, NEMANI Microcredit, and Finance Trust Bank, we are equipping women with tools to excel in the digital economy. 🌟 Funding Opportunities: Through initiatives like the Hi-Innovator Program, we’ve connected entrepreneurs to grants, mentorship, and growth resources. 🌟 Regional Collaboration: With the extension of our programs to Kenya, we’re building a community of women leaders across borders. 🌟 Support Networks: Our mentorship and peer-learning platforms ensure every entrepreneur has the guidance and support they need to succeed. This Global Entrepreneurship Week, we invite you to join us in celebrating women entrepreneurs who are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future. 💡 Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Connect with Zimba Women today and let’s grow together! #GlobalEntrepreneurshipWeek #WomenInBusiness #ZimbaWomen #EmpoweringEntrepreneurs #Innovation #EconomicGrowth #GEW2024

Entrepreneurship is a key driver of Kenya’s economy, and through #AbsaKenyaFoundation, we’re accelerating access to knowledge and markets for SMEs -especially women and youth-owned businesses. By empowering these entrepreneurs, we’re improving livelihoods and contributing to Kenya’s growth story. #EmpoweringYourStory #YourStoryMatters

How Women Entrepreneurs Are Transforming Nigerian Communities Women entrepreneurs in Nigeria are not just running businesses; they are transforming communities and driving social change. These women are proving that with determination, creativity, and resilience, they can make a significant impact, improving lives and creating opportunities for others. One way women entrepreneurs are making a difference is through job creation. By starting businesses, they provide employment opportunities in their communities, particularly for other women and young people. This not only boosts the local economy but also empowers individuals by giving them the skills and experience they need to thrive. In addition to creating jobs, many women entrepreneurs focus on addressing social issues. For example, some are involved in producing affordable healthcare products or services, making essential health items more accessible to those in need. Others tackle environmental challenges by developing sustainable products or practices that reduce waste and promote a cleaner environment. Education is another area where women entrepreneurs have a profound impact. Many have launched initiatives that provide training and mentorship to young women, helping them develop the skills they need to succeed in business and beyond. By sharing their knowledge and experience, these entrepreneurs are building the next generation of female leaders. Furthermore, women entrepreneurs often reinvest their profits back into their communities, funding local projects or supporting causes that matter to them. This reinvestment creates a cycle of positive change, where the benefits of their success extend far beyond their businesses. The contributions of women entrepreneurs are vital to the growth and development of Nigerian communities. Through their efforts, they are not only building successful businesses but also fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all. #WomenEntrepreneurs #SocialChange #JobCreation #Empowerment #SustainableDevelopment #HealthCareAccess #Education