The recently concluded Absa InspireMe Conference 2024, the continent’s largest gathering of women entrepreneurs, saw the participation of 10,000 women from various Absa participating countries, including Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, Mauritius, and Uganda, as well as countries under SheTrades Hubs in Africa, such as Rwanda, South Africa, The Gambia, and Nigeria. The two-day hybrid conference provided a platform for women entrepreneurs to connect, share experiences, and develop the tools and knowledge needed to elevate their businesses.
During the conference, select women-led businesses from the agrifood, textiles and apparel, handicrafts, and accessories sectors engaged in one-to-one business meetings with 11 UK buyers and representatives from 20 large African corporations. These interactions aimed to explore investment opportunities and enhance market access for SME entrepreneurs. Representatives from International Trade Centre SheTrades Hubs also discussed potential collaborations with delegates from the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber International, and West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as export opportunities through the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme.
Absa Bank CEO & MD Abdi Mohamed underscored the significance of the forum in facilitating stakeholder engagement to address business challenges faced by women-owned businesses and identify opportunities for growth. He cited a McKinsey Report, noting that full economic participation by women could add USD 12 trillion to global GDP by 2025.
The conference, in its fourth year, has successfully united over 8,000 women across Africa, offering them the chance to learn from mission-driven women business leaders in Ghana, Zambia, Uganda, and Kenya. Official partners for the conference included Finance in Motion, Africa Guarantee Fund, and APA Insurance.
Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade & Industry H.E. Rebecca Miano congratulated Absa Kenya for giving women-led businesses from the agrifood, textiles and apparel sectors a forum to participate in one-to-one business informative discussions with existing and potential investors and global businessmen from the UK and African corporations.
Under the theme “Empowering Your Story for Growth,” the 2024 Absa InspireMe Conference aligned with Absa’s new brand promise, “Your Story Matters,” which focuses on a more deliberately customer-centric approach. The conference continues to be a pivotal initiative under Absa Bank’s women in business proposition, launched in 2021, aimed at facilitating market linkages, B2B networking, and business mentorship for women entrepreneurs.
