{"id":7068,"date":"2024-08-15T06:46:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-15T06:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gracamacheltrust.org\/?p=7068"},"modified":"2026-01-23T02:42:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T00:42:25","slug":"women-creating-wealth-programme-updates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.gbstudio.co.za\/gmt\/uncategorized\/women-creating-wealth-programme-updates\/","title":{"rendered":"Women Creating Wealth"},"content":{"rendered":"

200+ women entrepreneurs graduate from the Women Creating Wealth programme in 5 African countries\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n
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From March to May 2024, we proudly celebrated the graduation of more than 200 women entrepreneurs from the Women Creating Wealth (WCW) programme, adding to the existing 500 graduates. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the host partners in the countries \u2014 New Faces New Voices in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, as well as the Federation of Associations of Women in Business in Zambia and COMESA Confederation of Women in Business (COMFWB) in Malawi \u2014 for their invaluable contributions to these successes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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We are excited to welcome more women and young entrepreneurs to the Women Creating Wealth Intergenerational (WCW-I) Edition. This 10-month programme \u00a0provides comprehensive training in growth mindset, leadership, and personal mastery and offers coaching, mentorship, and access to markets and finance. With women entrepreneurs participating in South Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania Uganda, Senegal and Zambia WCW is on a mission to \u00a0support 10,000 women entrepreneurs to generate jobs for young people and a billion dollars (USD) in revenue over the next five years. Learn more about how to apply here \u00a0here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Launch of the Women Creating Wealth Agricultural Value Chains programme<\/strong><\/h4>\n

In April 2024, The Trust’s Women Creating Wealth programme introduced the Agricultural Value Chains initiative in partnership with the University of Johannesburg’s Centre for Competition, Regulation, and Economic Development (CCRED)<\/em>. This initiative is designed to accelerate the growth of women-owned businesses in the citrus, poultry, and winery agricultural sectors. Read more about the programme launch here: Programme Launch Article<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For application details, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Photo: From left to right – Caroline Komey, Senior Programme Officer, Women’s Creating Wealth – GMT; Dikonelo Motseki, Founder of Sidern Trading and WCW programme participant; Musa Gwebani, Programme Officer – European Union South Africa; Shiphra Chisha, Director of Programmes – GMT; Thelma Bamhare, WCW Project Lead – GMT.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Partnerships drive growth for women entrepreneurs in Uganda and Tanzania<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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On 30 May 2024, the Trust’s WCW programme, in collaboration with the Stanbic Bank Biashara Incubator,<\/em> hosted a Women, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship Masterclass in Tanzania. This event is part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to partnering with organisations like Stanbic Bank to drive real change, supporting women leaders and entrepreneurs across Africa and building a continent where equity and prosperity are within everyone’s reach. Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

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In May Stanbic Bank Uganda<\/em> and Old Mutual Uganda<\/em> participated in the WCW graduation ceremony, re-emphasising \u00a0their dedication to support entrepreneurs to grow \u00a0in the country. Dr Hillary Musoke, the Private Secretary to the President of Uganda (Pictured with the Trust’s team), also attended the event, underscoring the government’s strong support for women entrepreneurs and their crucial role in national development.<\/p>\n

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The Trust’s Uganda WCW Country Lead, Warda Katange, and the Trut\u2019s Senior Entrepreneurship Manager, Korkor Cudjoe, met with key partners dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs in Uganda. They explored partnerships and collaborative opportunities that will leverage the expertise and influence of Makerere University Business School (MUBS)<\/em> to drive meaningful outcomes for women-led businesses. Discussions with the MUBS leadership team, Dr Diana Ntamu and Prof. Moses Muhwezi focused on enhancing the WCW entrepreneurship programme to provide women with essential resources, mentorship, and networks for business growth.<\/p>\n

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WCW and Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce collaborate to support entrepreneurs<\/b><\/em><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The Women Creating Wealth programme in Tanzania launched its first roadshow in Zanzibar, hosted by the Tanzania Women’s Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) Zanzibar Chapter. These are a series of meetings held across various regions of Tanzania to promote the WCW programme and engage with local communities, especially women entrepreneurs. The Zanzibar event introduced the programme to local women entrepreneurs and TWCC members, featuring an information session led by Ms. Tatu Suleiman, chairperson of TWCC Zanzibar. She highlighted the significance of initiatives that enhance women’s entrepreneurial skills. Ms. Anabahati Mlay, WCW Country Manager for Tanzania, underscored the importance of partnering with organisations like TWCC, which have already laid strong foundations. She affirmed that these collaborations are crucial in supporting women’s economic growth and building a thriving ecosystem for African women entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Stories of growth<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Supporting women winemakers<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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Photo: GMT team offered support to the entrepreneurs during the Wine Expo<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

To overcome market entry barriers and enhance women entrepreneurs’ access to local markets, the Trust has strategically developed partnerships, organised impactful convenings, and connected women to key exhibitions and forums, advancing their roles in the agricultural value chains. This year, we supported three women entrepreneurs from our Women Creating Wealth’s Agricultural Value Chains and Fair for All projects to participate in the Proudly South African Annual Wine Expo<\/em>, held in Johannesburg in July 2024. This event has historically provided significant market access opportunities, offering a crucial networking platform for South African winemakers to connect with potential buyers, distributors, and consumers. <\/span>Read more. <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Seed multiplication in Zambia sparks growth and job creation for women entrepreneurs<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2018, the Trust funded a seed multiplication programme, Africa Food Basket<\/a>, which is now visibly transforming the lives of the women involved. The Trust’s Director of Programmes, Shiphra Chisha, and WCW Senior Entrepreneurship Manager, Korkor Cudjoe, recently visited some of the projects in Zambia to witness the progress made. Kalomo Grain is one of the businesses \u00a0visited, and it exemplifies an inclusive business model, showing significant growth and impact. Ms Cudjoe said: “Through the Africa Food Basket initiative, we could create 1,000 more jobs, a significant boost for the WCW-Intergenerational project in Zambia.”<\/p>\n

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Photo: Kalomo Grain demonstrate the Trusts\u2019 Women creating Wealth programme\u2019s<\/em> far-reaching impact<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

How WCW’s support fuels success for Malawian entrepreneurs<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n

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In Malawi, Evelyn Kamanga, the Trust’s WCW’s Country Lead, and her team visited entrepreneurs nationwide. Their first stop was Annie Chifulemba Msika, owner of Joan Footwear and a participant in the WCW Intergenerational programme. Through the programme’s Personal Mastery module, Annie has gained confidence and is now a sought-after speaker at various events. She also learned the importance of implementing effective business systems and building a solid team, allowing her business to operate smoothly, even when absent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Photo: Evelyn Kamanga, WCW Country Lead for Malawi, with Annie Chifulemba Msika, owner of Joan Footwear.<\/i><\/p><\/div>\n

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Offering ongoing support to \u00a0entrepreneurs<\/b><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n

Paving the way for gender-inclusive wealth creation<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Photo: Shiphra Chisha, GMT Director of Programmes speaking to participants<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Globally, women are 20% less likely to start businesses than men. South Africa faces <\/span>additional<\/span> challenges like limited access to funding, mentorship, and networks, compounded by societal expectations and gender biases. To address these issues, the Trust not only raise awareness of the<\/span> challenges<\/span>,<\/span> but also share stories of success and impact that elevate the work and journeys of the women we work with to the continental agenda. This year, our Director of <\/span>Programmes<\/span>, <\/span>Shiphra<\/span> Chisha joined the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation’s New Frontiers to celebrate Women’s Month in South Africa, focusing on supporting young women entrepreneurs. She highlighted the importance of gender lens investing, and <\/span>emphasised<\/span> the need for solid investment cases that offer long-term value, scalability, and sustainability, all while delivering a gendered impact. <\/span><\/span>Read more<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Financial Readiness roundtable<\/i><\/strong><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The Financial Readiness roundtable, held virtually on July 10July 10 2024, highlighted the necessity of our WCW programme. Hosted in partnership with the Afrishela Fund and supported by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the event brought together women entrepreneurs eager to secure funding and expand their businesses. It provided an overview of various financial products and funding options, offering crucial insights into what investors seek. Participants learned how to align funding opportunities with their business goals and meet funders’ requirements, supporting them in accessing the capital needed for sustainable growth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Photo: Part of the participants during the virtual meeting<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) training<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The AfCFTA is a pivotal initiative to boost intra-African trade and economic integration. Recognising its potential, the Trust, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the Trade Law Centre NPC (TRALAC) hosted a two-day workshop in Johannesburg on 18 and 19 July 2024. The workshop aimed to prepare South African women entrepreneurs for the opportunities and challenges of AfCFTA. WCW participants gained crucial insights into the agreement, better access to trade resources, and a deeper understanding of expanding their businesses through intra-regional trade. This training was a significant step toward equipping women entrepreneurs with tools to maximise the benefits of AfCFTA.<\/p>\n

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Photo: Participants of the AfCFTA training expressed optimism about applying the key learnings to enhance their businesses<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

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Digital Literacy and Public Sector Procurement training<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Digital literacy and access to public sector procurement are vital for the success of women-owned small and medium enterprises. However, many face challenges in these areas. To address this, \u00a0the WCW programme hosted a training session focused on enhancing digital skills and navigating public procurement processes earlier in August. Participants learned to leverage digital tools for business growth, expand their market reach through e-commerce, and effectively engage in public sector procurement. The session also provided extensive networking opportunities and fostered a sense of community and support. Read more.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Photo: Entrepreneurs built connections and were looking forward to strengthening their potential for economic impact.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

A Glimpse into South Africa’s entrepreneurs\u2019 day<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Photo: Women entrepreneurs and various stakeholders present during Global Entrepreneur Week 2023 during the South Africa celebrations<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

November is regarded as entrepreneurship month as entrepreneurship day falls within it. Several of our WCW countries hosted entrepreneurship days to create a space for entrepreneurs to learn from each other and share experiences and insights with potential investors and allies. \u00a0Check out what the different countries did to celebrate this day.<\/a><\/p>\n

Also, catch up on a thought leadership piece by Korkor Cudjoe, the Trust’s Senior Entrepreneurship Manager: Unleashing the power of female entrepreneurs to tap into Africa’s lucrative business opportunities here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

200+ women entrepreneurs graduate from the Women Creating Wealth programme […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6290,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_rtcl_gb_attr":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[742,81,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7068","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blogs","category-highlight","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.gbstudio.co.za\/gmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7068","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.gbstudio.co.za\/gmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.gbstudio.co.za\/gmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.gbstudio.co.za\/gmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.gbstudio.co.za\/gmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7068"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/test.gbstudio.co.za\/gmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7068\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.gbstudio.co.za\/gmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6290"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.gbstudio.co.za\/gmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7068"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.gbstudio.co.za\/gmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7068"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.gbstudio.co.za\/gmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7068"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}