Absa Bank Kenya, in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) SheTrades Kenya Hub, is gearing up to host one of the largest gatherings of women entrepreneurs on the continent with the Absa InspireMe Conference. Scheduled to take place in Nairobi, this event aims to connect over 10,000 women entrepreneurs from across Africa.
Launched under Absa Bank’s women in business initiative, the InspireMe Conference has become an annual cornerstone for facilitating crucial market linkages, fostering business-to-business networking, and providing essential mentorship to women entrepreneurs. This year’s theme, “Empowering Your Story for Growth,” resonates deeply with Absa’s recent rebranding, emphasizing a customer-centric approach encapsulated by the mantra “Your Story Matters.”
Elizabeth Wasunna, Director of Business Banking at Absa Bank, expressed excitement about the upcoming conference, highlighting its role in bringing together prominent African women in business to share insights, empower each other, and delve into emerging trends pivotal for business transformation and growth.
In addition to insightful sessions and knowledge-sharing opportunities, the conference will feature exhibitions showcasing diverse products and services, alongside targeted industry-specific trade visits. Notably, the event will host a delegation from the United Kingdom, aiming to forge new business connections and expand economic opportunities for women-led businesses across Africa.
Participating countries include Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, Mauritius, Uganda, and other nations aligned with SheTrades Hubs in Africa, such as Rwanda, South Africa, The Gambia, and Nigeria. The conference will run concurrently with the Kenya—UK Trade Mission, where women-led businesses in sectors like agrifood, textiles, handicrafts, and accessories will engage in business meetings with UK buyers and African corporations.
Phyllis Mwangi, Regional Coordinator for East and South at the ITC SheTrades Hub, underscored the significance of the African market as a substantial opportunity for Kenyan SMEs, projecting fruitful engagements during the conference. The event will also host a distinguished lineup of successful entrepreneurs, government representatives, industry regulators, and senior executives from Absa, contributing to robust panel discussions focusing on empowering women entrepreneurs for sustainable growth.
Among the esteemed personalities set to participate are Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry; Hon. Harriette Chiggai, President’s Advisor on Women’s Rights; Anthony Mwangi, CEO of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers; Eva Ngigi, Visa Country Lead; Catherine Muraga, Managing Director of Microsoft Africa Development; and Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, CEO of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority.
The Absa InspireMe Conference 2024 promises to be a pivotal event in empowering women entrepreneurs across Africa, supported by official partners including Finance in Motion, Africa Guarantee Fund, and APA Insurance. Over the past three years, the conference has united thousands of women, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at driving impactful change and growth in businesses across the continent.
For those interested in attending virtually, registration is open via this link: https://bit.ly/4emy8QV