Africa: Graça Machel Trust Networks News

14 August 2024
Graça Machel Trust (Johannesburg)
press release By Graca-Machel-Trust

Key appointment strengthens women's leadership and financial inclusion in Kano State

On July 26, 2024, Aisha Debola Aminu, Country Director of New Faces New Voices Nigeria, received her committee appointment letter from the Kano State Commissioner of Women Affairs. This marks a key step in advancing women's leadership and financial inclusion in Nigeria. Mrs. Aminu is among 30 committee members chosen by the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children, and the Disabled to support the domestication of the National Policy on Women Economic Empowerment.

Women's Leadership in Financial project inclusion highlights progress

The Women's Leadership in Financial Inclusion (WLFI) project highlighted progress over the past two years at the WLFI Summit, held in Kano in May 2024. Organised by New Faces New Voices Nigeria network, the summit marked another significant step in advancing women's roles in the Digital Financial revolution. Catch up on the highlights here.

NFNV-Nigeria Launches on Kasuwa24.com

Just one month after the Women Leadership and Financial Inclusion Summit in Kano, the first group of 39 women entrepreneurs from New Faces New Voices (NFNV) Nigeria has successfully launched their businesses on Kasuwa24.com. This marks a significant step forward in empowering women in business through digital platforms. More NFNV-Nigeria entrepreneurs are scheduled to join the e-business platform next week. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to support and elevate women entrepreneurs!

Driving economic growth: women's leadership in cross-border trade and digital finance

NFNV-Nigeria hosted the Digital Financial Inclusion and Women in Cross-Border Trade Conference in Lagos, highlighting both the challenges women face in cross-border trade and the progress, collaboration, and transformative impact of technology. Aishatu Debola Aminu, NFNV-Nigeria's Country Director, highlighted the crucial role women entrepreneurs play in West Africa's economic growth. She noted, "Cross-border trade is a cornerstone of our region's economy. Women's resilience, creativity, and determination not only drive this activity but also strengthen our communities."

How Our New Faces New Voices Mentorship Programme Contributes to Financial Inclusion for African Women

NFNV Zimbabwe has continuously sought impactful ways to address these challenges. The recent Lead Circle NFNV Mentorship Programme event held in Harare was not just a response but a strategic move to develop effective strategies that enhanced the visibility and influence of African women in the financial sector's leadership and decision-making roles. Dr. Lucia Mandengenda, Chairperson of NFNV Zimbabwe, set the tone for the event and gave opening remarks. She urged attendees to "enhance your visibility and exert your influence," while celebrating the remarkable achievements of women as leaders, role models, and pioneers within the finance sector. Find out more: https://bit.ly/3WT53X3

Women entrepreneurs with essential sales and marketing strategies for business growth in Uganda

In June 2024, the Trusts' NFNV Uganda network held its Africa Firestarters workshop themed 'Actioning Sales and Marketing Strategies to Achieve Business Growth for SMEs,' to equip women entrepreneurs with essential skills for business growth. Dr. Theopista Sekitto, NFNV Country Director, stressed on the need for creativity in product development and urged women to innovate and differentiate their offerings to remain competitive. The workshop brought together women entrepreneurs from various sectors, providing them with practical training and insights into effective sales and marketing strategies. Ms. Warda Katende, Coordinator for Afrishela and Women Creating Wealth (WCW), underscored the critical role of marketing in business growth. She said: "Effective marketing is the lifeline of any business. It drives sales, builds brand loyalty, and opens new market opportunities".

The workshop provided practical training and insights, reinforcing the Trust's commitment to helping women entrepreneurs enhance their business operations and achieve sustainable growth. Read more here.

Highlights from New Faces New Voice Rwanda

During the 5th COMESA Federation of Women in Business Conference, Ms Joy Rwamwenge, the New Faces New Voices Rwanda Lead, highlighted the significant opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. She emphasised that AfCFTA can strengthen regional value chains by boosting intra-African trade, lowering investment barriers, and increasing competitiveness. Rwamwenge urged women entrepreneurs across Africa to capitalise on these opportunities by specialising in specific segments of the production process where they have a comparative advantage.

Supporting women on the ground in Rwanda - catching up on recent activities

Over 300 women and participants in the NFNV Rwanda project, funded by the Mastercard Foundation, showcased their products ranging from agriculture to garments and basket weaving. Reeta Roy, President of Mastercard Foundation, praised NFNV-Rwanda for their outstanding work and expressed optimism for the future. She announced that the impact of the project would be expanded significantly, with plans to multiply the grant tenfold.

The NFNV-Rwanda team remains active on the ground, recently visiting project participants to learn more about their inspiring hard work.

After receiving funding, project participants benefited from intensive coaching on maintaining various business records.

NFNV Rwanda recently hosted women living with disabilities who own MSMEs. The women were eager to learn best practices for their businesses as part of our initiative to transition women-led and owned MSMEs into investment readiness.

Spotlight on women leading change: Inspiring stories from some of our networks

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