Nairobi, Kenya – AGRA is set to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day by launching the 2023 Women Agripreneur of the Year Awards. The virtual event, themed ‘Harnessing the power of digital technology to power gender inclusive agri-food sector transformation,’ will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, from 15:00 – 17:00 hrs (East African Time).
The Women Agripreneur of the Year Awards recognizes African women agripreneurs who have demonstrated remarkable innovation and impact in food security, climate resilience, and youth empowerment. The awards are designed to celebrate and encourage the efforts of these women who are transforming Africa’s agri-food sector.
The event will be virtually streamed at [https://agra-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_v0PU1q8jRYy7h1U1Ulh9Ow], and attendees will have the opportunity to hear from prominent speakers in the agriculture and gender sectors. H.E. Ambassador Josefa Sacko, the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, will be among the speakers. Dr. Agnes Kalibata, the President of AGRA, and Dr. Jemimah Njuki, Chief of the Economic Empowerment Section at UN Women, will also speak.
The event promises to be an engaging and informative celebration of International Women’s Day and a recognition of the crucial role that women agripreneurs play in Africa’s food systems. AGRA invites everyone to register for the virtual event and join in celebrating women agripreneurs in Africa.
The 2023 Women Agripreneur of the Year Awards initiative is just one of AGRA’s continental initiatives, s to strengthen women’s agribusiness enterprises and enhance their voice and advocacy across Africa. One of the key initiative to empower woman is VALUE4HER, which aims at addressing some of the key barriers for women’s business growth and market participation in agriculture. Through access to markets and trade, access to finance and investments, and tailored online and offline matchmaking activities, learning, networking, and global advocacy, VALUE4HER is designed to increase the performance of women entrepreneurs.
At the heart of the initiative is VALUE4HERConnect, Africa’s first digital marketplace for women in agribusiness, offering integrated business solutions to women agri-enterprises. By facilitating collective action and advocacy, VALUE4HER aims to level the playing field for women’s entrepreneurship while strengthening women business leaders’ knowledge, skills, and capabilities toward improving their agribusinesses for growth and higher returns.
AGRA’s commitment to empowering women agripreneurs through initiatives like VALUE4HER and the Women Agripreneur of the Year Awards is a testament to the organization’s dedication to transforming Africa’s agri-food sector and achieving sustainable development.
*Edited by Anthony Muchoki