Unleashing Women's Entrepreneurial Potential: COMFWB Launches BIAWE Phase 2 with €20 Million Funding
COMESA, COMFWB,AUDA-NEPAD, Spanish Government and the Government of Kenya, have launched the implementation of second phase of the Business Incubators for African Women Entrepreneurs project (BIAWE) which is financed by the Spanish Government. The Spanish Government will commit €20 million towards the implementation of this project which aims to empower women entrepreneurs and recognize their valuable contributions to society.
Speaking during the Launch at the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI),Ms. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, Secretary General, highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges women entrepreneurs encounter.” women entrepreneurs still face significant challenges due to a lack of business planning, marketing, and management skills, compounded by limited access to financial services”
The Secretary General noted that the BIAWE project has supported the women entrepreneurs in producing high value products which are certified by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
The BIAWE 2project is designed to provide comprehensive support to women entrepreneurs, including business incubation services, mentorship, training, access to markets, and financial assistance.
Speaking on the same, Symerre Gray-Johnson, the director of Technical Cooperation and Programme Funding at AUDA-NEPAD, emphasized that investing in women entrepreneurs can have a profound impact on local communities. AUDA-NEPAD is dedicated to equipping women with resources, tools, and opportunities that will enable them to unleash their entrepreneurial potential and achieve success. The agency collaborates with international financial institutions, UN agencies, and Africa's development partners to support the continent's development efforts.
Gray-Johnson reiterated AUDA-NEPAD's strong commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs, recognizing that sustainable development can only be achieved when women actively participate in economic activities and decision-making processes.
Mrs. Sumbwe, COMFWB Board Chairperson called on the funding partners to work with COMFWB in scaling up the implementation of the business incubation model in the region.
The introduction of BIAWE 2 represents a notable advancement in empowering African women entrepreneurs and promoting inclusive economic development. Through collaboration with partners, COMFWB is resolute in its dedication to supporting women-owned businesses, advancing gender equality, and fostering lasting positive transformations throughout the African continent. Building upon the achievements of its precursor, BIAWE 1, the BIAWE 2 project seeks to empower women entrepreneurs in Africa by equipping them with essential assistance and resources for business incubation.
The auspicious event saw the Launch of the sanitary pad making machine which was procured by the project for KIRDI.
Alba Espino Gomez, head of Mission and Deputy representative, Embassy of Spain to Kenya said that her government is committed in supporting the BIAWE project and will disburse €5 million in 2023 for project implementation.
Speaking at the Same event, Mr. Chikakula Miti, Acting Executive Director of COMFWB, noted that women play a significant role in regional trade and should be supported. He further noted that the BIAWE project is now being replicated in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda.
COMESA, COMFWB,AUDA-NEPAD, Spanish Government and the Government of Kenya, have launched the implementation of second phase of the Business Incubators for African Women Entrepreneurs project (BIAWE) which is financed by the Spanish Government. The Spanish Government will commit €20 million towards the implementation of this project which aims to empower women entrepreneurs and recognize their valuable contributions to society.
Speaking during the Launch at the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI),Ms. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, Secretary General, highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges women entrepreneurs encounter.” women entrepreneurs still face significant challenges due to a lack of business planning, marketing, and management skills, compounded by limited access to financial services”
The Secretary General noted that the BIAWE project has supported the women entrepreneurs in producing high value products which are certified by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
The BIAWE 2project is designed to provide comprehensive support to women entrepreneurs, including business incubation services, mentorship, training, access to markets, and financial assistance.
Speaking on the same, Symerre Gray-Johnson, the director of Technical Cooperation and Programme Funding at AUDA-NEPAD, emphasized that investing in women entrepreneurs can have a profound impact on local communities. AUDA-NEPAD is dedicated to equipping women with resources, tools, and opportunities that will enable them to unleash their entrepreneurial potential and achieve success. The agency collaborates with international financial institutions, UN agencies, and Africa's development partners to support the continent's development efforts.
Gray-Johnson reiterated AUDA-NEPAD's strong commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs, recognizing that sustainable development can only be achieved when women actively participate in economic activities and decision-making processes.
Mrs. Sumbwe, COMFWB Board Chairperson called on the funding partners to work with COMFWB in scaling up the implementation of the business incubation model in the region.
The introduction of BIAWE 2 represents a notable advancement in empowering African women entrepreneurs and promoting inclusive economic development. Through collaboration with partners, COMFWB is resolute in its dedication to supporting women-owned businesses, advancing gender equality, and fostering lasting positive transformations throughout the African continent. Building upon the achievements of its precursor, BIAWE 1, the BIAWE 2 project seeks to empower women entrepreneurs in Africa by equipping them with essential assistance and resources for business incubation.
The auspicious event saw the Launch of the sanitary pad making machine which was procured by the project for KIRDI.
Alba Espino Gomez, head of Mission and Deputy representative, Embassy of Spain to Kenya said that her government is committed in supporting the BIAWE project and will disburse €5 million in 2023 for project implementation.
Speaking at the Same event, Mr. Chikakula Miti, Acting Executive Director of COMFWB, noted that women play a significant role in regional trade and should be supported. He further noted that the BIAWE project is now being replicated in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda.
