Habari Network’s Post

When women win, Africa wins! - https://lnkd.in/g3AaKVey - By Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade Africa's women entrepreneurs face a significant challenge: a staggering US$42 billion financing gap, despite their substantial contributions to our economies. In Nigeria, about 41 percent of businesses are led by women, and nearly 23 million women run micro-businesses. However, they receive only 10 percent of commercial loans, a

Investing in women entrepreneurs in Africa is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing. Here’s why ⬇️ Despite their pivotal role in economic development, women entrepreneurs face a $1.7 trillion financing gap globally, with $42 billion of this in Africa 🌍. In addition to equity, studies show that investing in women ♀️ creates substantial economic returns 📈💰. In a recent article for Project Syndicate, Dolika Banda, our Ambassador for Women, highlighted the untapped potential of women in driving economic growth and social benefits in Africa: 🔺Women typically reinvest up to 90% of their income back into their families and communities, compared to 40% for men, amplifying the impact of every dollar invested. 🔺In Africa, 89% of women are key decision-makers in household purchasing, yet their economic influence is underutilised. 🔺In regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, women’s entrepreneurship rates soar to 26%, demonstrating their importance in the local and global markets. Read more from Dolika about the steps needed to close the gender gap in funding 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dniBAD97 #WomenInBusiness #ImpactInvesting #EconomicGrowth #GenderEquality

Today, on International Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day, we celebrate an initiative that uplifts women small and medium entrepreneurs in the agri-sector. Meet Aceli Africa, a program in East Africa that supports financial institutions in financing agri-SMEs. 🌾   Aceli works on increasing funding opportunities for these agri-SMEs and assists banks in creating gender-inclusive practices and strategies (in partnership with Value For Women Ltd.). 💼   The impact? Over half of the loans supported by Aceli meet the 2X Criteria for gender inclusion. Moreover, they have assisted 37 financial institutions, leading to expanded market access and employment for over 900,000 farmers and workers, 40% of whom are women!   Investing locally in women entrepreneurs is not just the right thing to do - it’s a strategic move towards sustainable development and economic empowerment. Aceli is driving positive change in East African communities. 🌍   #GenderEquality #LocalInvestment #EmpowerWomen #Entrepreneurship #ImpactInvesting

Women are the backbone of Africa’s economy most especially in the mining sector. Their resilience, innovation, and hard work drive growth and development across the continent. From leading mining businesses to sustaining households and communities, women play an indispensable role in shaping Africa's future. Empowering and investing in women in mining is not just an ethical imperative but a catalyst for sustainable economic progress. Let's continue to support and amplify the contributions of women in the mining sector to build a stronger, more inclusive Africa. #genderequality #voicesofchildrenfromthepits #responsiblemineralsourcing #idwim #wimafrica #inclusion #inclusionmatters #womenminers #ngos #ngoafrica #responsiblemining #womeninminingafrica #womeninmining #womeninengineering #women #wim #womeninminingafrica #WomenEmpowerment #AfricaRising #EconomicDevelopment Ndilisa Didiza Fatoumata DIARRA Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji (Ph.D) Stacy Hope, Ph.D Eng.Lightness Ladislaus Salema

Empowering women entrepreneurs in Nigeria! SWEEP, an initiative of the World Bank and YPP, offers training, mentorship, and procurement skills for women-owned businesses, starting January 2025. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d29U5j9J #SWEPInitiative #WomenEconomicEmpowerment #AffirmativeProcurementReforms #NigeriaBusiness #WomenEntrepreneurs #ProcurementSkills #WorldBank #YoungProfessionalsProgramme #InclusiveBusinessEnvironment #PovertyReduction #JobCreation #SustainableGrowth #SWEPInitiative #WomenEconomicEmpowerment #AffirmativeProcurementReforms #NigeriaBusiness #WomenEntrepreneurs #ProcurementSkills #WorldBank #YoungProfessionalsProgramme #InclusiveBusinessEnvironment #PovertyReduction #JobCreation #SustainableGrowth

Women reinvest up 90% of what they make in business in to the health, education and lives in their communities! Now that we know that empowering a woman means empowering a whole community, why are women still considered risky to lend to? Why is there still a huge gap in financing for women? PS: Women default less than men! My people in finance, it’s time to bridge the gap! #BridgingTheGap #Fintech

Did you know that in sub-Saharan Africa, 1 in 4 women starts or manages a business? With a female entrepreneurship rate of 25.9%, the region boasts the highest rate worldwide! Where do women invest the money they earn? Up to 90% is reinvested into the education, health, and nutrition of their families and communities. It’s evident  that investing in women-owned businesses doesn’t just grow the economy, it transforms societies. So why is there still a $42 billion financing gap for African women across business value chains, including $15.6 billion in agriculture alone? One reason is that women are seen as riskier borrowers, facing prohibitive interest rates. Additionally, financial institutions often lack the capacity to properly understand and support women entrepreneurs. At Identify Africa, we’re committed to changing this. By removing barriers to verification, we help women gain access to the financial services they need to scale and thrive. Empowering women isn’t just good for business—it transforms communities! #WomenInBusiness #FintechForGood #KYC #WomenEntrepreneurs #IdentifyAfrica

The challenges facing women entrepreneurs in South Africa underscore the urgency of gender-sensitive financial solutions. From the persistent digital financial inclusion gap to the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women-owned SMEs, it’s clear that more tailored support is needed. AFAWA addresses challenges like these by collaborating with financial institutions to create gender-smart investing strategies and building the capacity of women entrepreneurs. AFAWA’s Guarantee for Growth program also helps de-risk lending for financial institutions, making it easier for women-led businesses to access the capital they need. This isn’t just about closing gaps; it’s about empowering women to drive sustainable economic growth across the continent. African Development Bank Group The Banking Association South Africa #AFAWAFinanceSeries #AFAWA #WomenEntrepreneurs #GenderFinance #Access2Finance #GenderLensInvesting #SouthAfrica

💡 Strengthening women's financial inclusion in Nigeria is essential for inclusive economic growth 🌟💰 The CBN is implementing initiatives to provide more opportunities for women entrepreneurs. #FinancialInclusion #WomenEntrepreneurs #EconomicDevelopment 💪🇳🇬