Inclusive finance and women’s leadership – making gender a driver of growth
May 11, 2026 | 10:15 AM EAT - 10:45 AM EAT
Agora Trust
Description
This panel explores how gender-sensitive financing approaches can act as a catalyst for growth. It will address both the barriers faced by women entrepreneurs and the economic opportunities created by greater financial inclusion. The discussion will start with real-world examples and move on to systemic priorities.
Summary :
This panel discussion highlights that the $42 billion financing gap for women entrepreneurs in Africa is not a pipeline issue, but a systemic one rooted in bias and outdated lending criteria. Experts from the banking, venture capital, and corporate sectors argue that investing in women is a proven business opportunity that requires intentional strategies, such as gender-disaggregated data, performance-based KPIs, and a shift from mere mentorship to active sponsorship. Ultimately, the panelists emphasize that unlocking the full potential of African women is essential to the continent's long-term economic growth and development.
This summary was generated by AI.
