Summit pushes free trade to boost African women entrepreneurs
The summit highlighted the potential of inclusive economic policies in driving gender equality, fostering entrepreneurship, and spurring economic development across the continent.
JOHANNESBURG — Calls for promoting free trade within Africa to empower women entrepreneurs echoed at the Global Women's Trade Summit last week in Rosebank, Johannesburg, writes Winston Mwale.
The two-day conference, supported by the South African chapter of the International Women's Federation of Commerce and Industry (IWFCI), aimed to create a more inclusive economic environment for women in business.
Export Promotion Regional Manager Nthatisi Marologe argued that eliminating trade restrictions could open opportunities for women-owned businesses to expand across borders.
"With reduced tariffs and simplified trade procedures, women entrepreneurs can boost their competitiveness on a global scale and capitalize on international trade agreements to diversify their product offerings," Marologe said.
She added that increased market access could empower women to explore new business ventures and partnerships, leading to long-term sustainability and economic independence.
Vino Pillay, President of IWFCI SA, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between governments, businesses, and organizations to advocate for policies promoting free trade among women entrepreneurs.
"As an organization, we support initiatives like this that emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts between governments, businesses, and organizations to advocate for policies that promote free trade among women entrepreneurs," Pillay said.
Advocates believe that by breaking down trade barriers and fostering economic cooperation, women entrepreneurs could gain greater access to markets and resources, driving growth and innovation in their industries.
The summit highlighted the potential of inclusive economic policies in driving gender equality, fostering entrepreneurship, and spurring economic development across the continent.