Africa: RevUp Women Initiative Awards $100k to 10 African Women Entrepreneurs

The RevUp Women Initiative recently hosted its highly anticipated Business Showcase under the theme “Investing in Women, Inspiring Futures.” Organized by AfriLabs and the Visa Foundation, the event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders dedicated to promoting inclusive economic growth through the empowerment of women entrepreneurs.

The event, guided by Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs, commenced with an uplifting Opening Ceremony featuring a warm welcome address that set the stage for the day’s proceedings. Attendees were treated to a visual journey showcasing the accomplishments of RevUp Women’s First Cohort, highlighting their remarkable achievements.

A notable moment of the event was the Keynote Address delivered by Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, Co-founder of WIMBIZ, who passionately emphasized the significance of investing in women and the transformative impact it can have on communities and economies.

“It is an honor to stand before you today as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs and rally behind the RevUp Women Initiative. This initiative not only celebrates the resilience, determination, and spirit of women but also underscores the importance of investing in women-owned businesses to build an inclusive, diverse, and prosperous future for all,” stated Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo.

Following the keynote, a thought-provoking Panel Discussion moderated by Nanko Madu delved into the topic “Fostering Inclusive Growth Through Women’s Economic Participation.” Esteemed panelists, including Ms. Lilian Olubi, Ms. Hajara Pitan, Sherifah Balogun, and Annabel Angwenyi, shared insights on enhancing women’s economic empowerment across the continent.

The event continued with an engaging Question & Answer session, allowing attendees to interact directly with the panelists and explore key issues surrounding women’s economic participation. The highlight of the showcase was the Award Ceremony, where the top ten finalists were announced as winners, each receiving a grant of $10,000.

The awarded entrepreneurs are:

1. Baby Grubz (Lagos, Nigeria)
2. Queen Amina Medical Integration (Abuja, Nigeria)
3. Ecokud Limited (Kisumu, Kenya)
4. Ziada, Kele Makgale (Pty) Ltd (Nairobi, Kenya)
5. Ndiqala (PTY) Ltd (Johannesburg, South Africa)
6. WaziEats (Douala, Cameroon)
7. V’s VitaLife (Yaounde, Cameroon)
8. Mali Food (Lubumbashi, DRC)
9. P.aktion (Kinshasa, DRC)

The awards celebrated the resilience, innovation, and dedication of these trailblazing entrepreneurs.

“Investing in women isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic decision with far-reaching economic benefits. As we strive for inclusive growth, it’s crucial to recognize and harness the potential of women as drivers of economic development,” emphasized Nanko Madu.

“Despite the challenges women entrepreneurs face, they demonstrate unparalleled tenacity and determination to succeed,” said Najada Kumbuli, Head of Investments at the Visa Foundation. “Supporting the growth of women-owned businesses is crucial for fostering an economy that works for everyone, everywhere.”

The RevUp Women Initiative Business Showcase not only celebrated the achievements of women entrepreneurs but also served as a catalyst for driving meaningful change and fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.