Absa Bank Kenya and the International Trade Centre (ITC) SheTrades Kenya Hub are collaborating to host the continent’s largest gathering of women entrepreneurs, aiming to reach over 10,000 women entrepreneurs across Africa.
The Absa InspireMe Conference is part of Absa Bank’s women in business initiative, established in 2021. The conference, held annually, serves as a platform for facilitating market connections, business networking, and mentorship opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
This year’s theme, “Empowering Your Story for Growth,” aligns with Absa’s new brand promise, “Your Story Matters,” launched earlier in the year, which emphasizes a customer-centric approach. Elizabeth Wasunna, Absa Bank’s Business Banking Director, expressed excitement during the launch event at Absa Headquarters, highlighting Nairobi as the conference’s host city.
“Our mission is to create a platform that brings together prominent African women in business and entrepreneurs to share ideas, empower one another, and discuss emerging trends and skills necessary to transform their institutions and propel them to various levels of growth,” stated Wasunna.
Alongside sessions featuring insights from global and local business leaders, product and service exhibitions, and industry-specific trade visits, the conference will host a delegation from the United Kingdom to connect women entrepreneurs with UK buyers, fostering new business linkages and expanding economic opportunities for women-led businesses across the continent.
This year’s conference will gather women entrepreneurs from Absa-participating countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, Mauritius, and Uganda, as well as countries participating under SheTrades Hubs in Africa, including Mauritius, Rwanda, South Africa, Ghana, The Gambia, and Nigeria.
Concurrently with the Absa InspireMe Conference and the Kenya—UK Trade Mission, select women-led businesses from various sectors will engage in one-to-one business meetings with potential buyers from the UK delegation and African corporations.
Representatives from participating SheTrades Hubs will explore potential collaboration with the three participating UK delegates from the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber International, and West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as export opportunities available through the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme.
Phyllis Mwangi, speaking on behalf of the International Trade Centre (ITC), emphasized the significant market opportunity presented by the African market, estimated at 1.4 billion, for Kenyan SMEs to conduct business with the continent. The conference will also bring together 11 UK buyers and 20 large corporations from SheTrades Hubs countries to explore new opportunities with women entrepreneurs.
The Inspire Me Conference will feature a distinguished lineup of successful entrepreneurs, government representatives, regulators, Absa senior executives, managing directors from key African countries, and stakeholders like the Kenya Association of Manufacturers. Panel discussions covering various topics aligned with the main theme of ‘Empowering Your Story for Growth’ will be held.
Notable personalities participating in the conference include Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry Rebecca Miano, President’s Advisor on Women Rights Hon Harriette Chiggai, KAM CEO Anthony Mwangi, Visa Country Lead Eva Ngigi, Catherine Muraga – MD Microsoft Africa Development, and Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, CEO-Ghana Export Promotion Authority.
Official partners for the conference include Finance in Motion, Africa Guarantee Fund, and APA Insurance.
Over the past three years, the conference has brought together over 8,000 women across Africa, offering them the opportunity to learn from mission-driven women business leaders in Ghana, Zambia, Uganda, and Kenya.
