{"id":7587,"date":"2024-12-20T05:14:39","date_gmt":"2024-12-20T05:14:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gracamacheltrust.org\/?p=7587"},"modified":"2026-01-23T02:10:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T00:10:39","slug":"women-creating-wealth-catalytic-impact-driving-meaningful-change-across-the-continent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.gbstudio.co.za\/gmt\/featured\/women-creating-wealth-catalytic-impact-driving-meaningful-change-across-the-continent\/","title":{"rendered":"Women Creating Wealth catalytic impact: Driving meaningful change across the continent"},"content":{"rendered":"
Recognising entrepreneurs at the WCW Annual Summit<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

In November 2024, more than 200 women from nine African countries gathered in Johannesburg for the Trust\u2019s three-day <\/span>Women Creating Wealth Summit.<\/span> T The event, themed \u201cBreaking Barriers, Building Wealth,\u201d brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, and leaders to share ideas and shape Africa\u2019s future prosperity. During a gala dinner, several entrepreneurs were honored for their sustainable business models. Among them were Victoria Msowoya, founder <\/span>of <\/span>Homes Industries Ltd<\/span><\/a> in<\/span> Malawi, and Sarah Ngwenya, founder of Kalomo Grains in Zambia.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Victoria collaborates with over 8,000 smallholder farmers to grow sunflowers, rice, and ground nuts.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo: Theo Sowa, Interim CEO of GMT (left); Victoria Msowoya, Founder of Homes Industries Ltd in Malawi (centre); and Caroline Komey, Senior Programme Officer of GMT during the WCW 2024 Summit.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

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Photo: Victoria works with farmers in Karonga, in the northern part of Malawi, to cultivate and process sunflower, rice, and groundnuts\u2014creating sustainable livelihoods for over 8,000 smallholder growers and providing job opportunities for local youth.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Sarah <\/span>advances food sovereignty through legume seed production, engaging over 3,000 rural women and youth<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo: Photo: Theo Sowa, Interim CEO of GMT (left) and Sarah Ngwenya during the WCW 2024 Summit. Sarah works with young farmers to grow and process legume seeds\u2014supporting over 3,000 rural women and youth to build a sustainable food supply.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

These awardees highlight the far-reaching social and economic impact of women-led enterprises.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Connecting entrepreneurs with funding opportunities\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

Accessing funding can be a significant hurdle for entrepreneurs, but WCW’s customised technical assistance program simplifies this journey. The WCW programme has helped women gain skills to navigate the funding landscape, understand various financing options, and craft compelling business pitches. In 2024, WCW supported women entrepreneurs across Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia to secure $1.73 million in funding\u2014a 15% increase from 2023’s $1.5 million. Highlighted success stories include <\/span>Dipuo Phakathi<\/span><\/b>, founder of Denic Cabinet, and <\/span>Vutlhari Chauke<\/span><\/b>, founder of VT Harvest.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo: Shiphra Chisha, Director of Programme at GMT (left); Dipuo Phakathi, founder of Denic Cabinet (centre); and Thelma Bambhare, GMT WCW Project Lead (right) during the WCW 2024 Summit award giving ceremony. Dipuo raised $170,000 through the National Endowment Fund to expand her business.\u00a0<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

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Photo: Denic Cabinet workshop, where Dipuo is creating new job opportunities for women and youth.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

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Photo: Shiphra Chisha, Director of Programme at GMT (left), Vutlhari Chauke, founder of VT Harvest (centre), and Thelma Bambhare, GMT WCW Project Lead (right), at the WCW 2024 Summit award ceremony. Vutlhari secured $220,000 to grow her hydroponic vegetable farming business, which also employs local youth (pictured on the right side of the image).<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

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An inspiring celebration: WCW November graduation 2024<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/h5>\n

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WCW<\/span> celebrated the achievements of over 110 <\/span>programme<\/span> participants who completed the Ignite Training <\/span>Programme<\/span>. This milestone reflects their personal growth, skill development, and business success journey. The ceremony provided a platform for graduates to network, exchange ideas, and inspire others with their stories of resilience. <\/span><\/span>Read more.<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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From Startup to Market Leader: Impact on a Senegalese Entrepreneur<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n
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Photo: Aissatou, a WCW-I project participant in Senegal, has gained the skills needed to expand her business. She now produces a variety of plastic solutions\u2014such as crates and pallets\u2014ensuring safer and more practical support for local industries. <\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

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Bridging the Finance Gap for Women in Tanzania<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

Many women in Tanzania struggle to secure loans from traditional banks. The WCW programme helps women access funding by providing alternative financing options and essential business skills to women-led businesses. Through the Trusts’ Afrishela Investment Fund, women are learning how to obtain flexible capital tailored to their needs. Success stories like <\/span>Maida Waziri <\/span>and <\/span>Patricia Kakorozya <\/span>highlight the positive impact of these efforts. WCW and Afrishela drive growth and create jobs in Tanzania by supporting women entrepreneurs. <\/span>Read more<\/span>.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Catalysing entrepreneurial growth and job creation across Africa<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
Tackling youth employment through entrepreneurial support<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

\"\" Recognising<\/span> the continent’s youth unemployment crisis, WCW <\/span>prioritises<\/span> young entrepreneurs<\/span>\u00a0aged 18\u201335. By delivering tailored business training, the <\/span>programme<\/span> enables participants to transform ideas into <\/span>viable<\/span> ventures. In the second half of 2024 alone, WCW entrepreneurs generated over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs across Africa\u2014double the job creation recorded in the year’s first half. These efforts underline WCW’s role in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous economic landscape.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ignite Training: Equipping entrepreneurs for success<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

Our capacity-building programmes provide women entrepreneurs with essential business knowledge and personal skills. Participants gain clarity on their strengths, values, and goals, helping them build strong business identities. We understand the importance of financial literacy, digital skills, and market strategies training for sustainable business growth. The Ignite Training Programme has achieved impressive results, with 92.5% of women-led small and medium businesses reporting significant improvements in skills, confidence, and leadership. This training enhances individual companies and contributes to community growth and economic development.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Participant stories:<\/p>\n

“After learning about relationship management, I realised my communication skills needed improvement. I use effective listening techniques and maintain eye contact, which has enhanced my interactions at work and home. I feel more confident and motivated.” <\/span><\/i>\u2014 Participant from Uganda.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“WCW gave me a voice and showed me that my passion for clothing manufacturing and training can create jobs and inspire future entrepreneurs. I now train unskilled individuals in my community to become employable.” <\/span><\/i>\u2014 Participant from South Africa.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Why does breaking market barriers for women entrepreneurs\u2019 matter?<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

Women in agribusiness and agro-processing often face challenges accessing markets. The Trust’s Women Creating Wealth (WCW) programme equips them with the tools and skills to make their brands competitive and secure essential offtake agreements. The programme has helped women-led businesses build strong market connections and addressed some of their key challenges. Our research provides insights that drive our efforts to create more inclusive and accessible markets. As a result, women-led businesses are achieving sustainable growth across Africa. <\/span>Look out for our report in the next issue of The Catalysts!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Driving job creation across Africa<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

As part of WCW’s mission to support 10,000 women entrepreneurs and generate $1 billion in revenue, the programme is committed to creating 200,000 youth employment opportunities across the continent. To achieve this, WCW has introduced innovative initiatives like the <\/span>Job Creators Challenge<\/span><\/i> and the <\/span>Youth Jumpstarters Challenge<\/span><\/i>. These initiatives will provide catalytic grants and technical assistance to entrepreneurs with high potential for job creation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In November 2024, WCW honoured <\/span>Anaty Kokushubira Kombeson, <\/span>founder of <\/span>Sebadom Enterprise<\/span><\/i> in Mbeya, Tanzania, as the top job creator of the year. Sebadom Enterprise specialises in producing fresh milk, probiotic yoghurt, and cultured sour milk (Mtindi).\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo: Shiphra Chisha, Director of Programme at GMT (left); Anaty Kokushubira Kombeson, founder of Sebadom Enterprise (centre); and Thelma Bambhare, GMT WCW Project Lead (right) during the WCW 2024 Summit award giving ceremony. Through her efforts, Anaty has successfully created 165 direct and indirect jobs, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of women-led businesses in transforming local economies.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

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Youth Jump Starters Challenge: Sparking innovation<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

The <\/span>Youth Jump Starters Challenge,<\/span><\/i> introduced under the Women Creating Wealth pilot programme inspired young entrepreneurs to spot pressing problems in their communities and quickly create practical solutions. Within a single week, these participants not only developed their ideas but also generated early revenue, showing how innovation can meet urgent needs. After careful evaluation by technical coaches and our Afrishela Investment Fund, three winners emerged, each receiving funding to grow their businesses. They now have the support to strengthen local economies, help others overcome obstacles, and spark greater opportunity for everyone in their communities.\u00a0 Meet the winners who were announced during the recent WCW 2024 Summit is South Africa!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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1st Place (R50,000):<\/span><\/b> Zakithi Ethel Dladla, (left) Founder of Royal Grand Camagu Farmers\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2nd Place (R30,000):<\/span><\/b> Gugu Masondo, (centre) Founder, of The Blend Wellness\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3rd Place (R20,000):<\/span><\/b> Patience Edward, (right) Founder of Uncle Wiz Fresh Produce\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This initiative highlights WCW’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of changemakers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Training gender champions for inclusive entrepreneurship<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

Promoting gender and social inclusion is at the heart of our Women Creating Wealth Programme. Supporting women entrepreneurs drives economic growth and transforms communities. Our programme has trained gender champions to advocate for equity, mentor others, and create lasting change. Research in six African countries revealed key challenges, including socio-economic barriers, cultural norms, restrictive policies, and limited support. Through targeted training, the gender champions will continue to work to overcome these challenges, strengthen entrepreneurial networks, and promote inclusive business practices across Africa.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Join our next cohort and become a gender champion. Look for upcoming opportunities in our next issue!<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Providing opportunities for women in agribusiness<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

WCW’s agribusiness initiative creates exciting pathways for women entrepreneurs to succeed and thrive. The programme helps participants overcome challenges like limited market access and underrepresentation of women-led brands by providing export readiness training, data-sharing platforms, and capacity-building. Chama Bwalya, a Zambian entrepreneur, exemplifies this progress by expanding her product range and market reach with WCW’s guidance.\u00a0<\/span>Read more about how WCW is inspiring success in agribusiness.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Why the ‘Connect and Inspire’ series matter<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

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The Connect and Inspire series by WCW creates a supportive community for women entrepreneurs by addressing challenges like cultural barriers and work-life balance. Through sessions featuring expert speakers and shared experiences, participants gain practical strategies, build confidence, and foster resilience. Recent sessions on leadership and managing stereotypes equipped over 250 attendees with tools to drive positive change in their businesses and communities. This initiative highlights WCW’s dedication to personal growth and economic advancement for women across Africa. Read more<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Transforming connections through WCW’s Business Community closed Facebook group<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

Launched in 2024, the <\/span>WCW Business Community Facebook<\/span><\/i> group has become a key platform for African women entrepreneurs. By providing a space for networking, sharing resources, and accessing motivational content, the group helps members overcome common challenges. During the recent WCW’s Breaking Barriers, Building Wealth Summit, over 680 entrepreneurs joined virtual sessions and secured valuable supplier opportunities. This community boosts brand visibility and revenue and encourages meaningful partnerships. Platforms like these are critical to the Trusts’ mission, enabling women to connect, grow, and succeed together!<\/span> Read more.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Meet <\/span>Aissatou Fall,<\/span> AF Goods and Services<\/i><\/strong> director in Senegal’s agri-food sector. Starting without specific entrepreneurial skills, she transformed her business through the <\/span>Women Creating Wealth Intergenerational programme.<\/span> “This programme exceeded my expectations,”<\/span><\/i> says Aissatou. <\/span>“It provided all the necessary skills\u2014from finance to marketing and leadership. It was exceptional.” <\/span><\/i>With newfound confidence, she expanded her market, designed new products, and grew her team from two employees in 2017 to <\/span>ten by the end of 2024.<\/span> Read more.<\/a><\/p>\n