First East African Women's Business & Investment Conference Promotes Women Empowerment & Economic Growth

The inaugural East African Women's Business and Investment Conference, organized in London with the support of Diaspora Insurance, has successfully concluded. The conference, jointly organized by the High Commissioners of Kenya and Uganda to London, aimed to foster connections and facilitate knowledge sharing between investors and businesswomen from the UK and the East African Community (EAC).

Diaspora Insurance, a renowned provider of insurance and risk management services with operations spanning 13 African nations, Europe, and the Americas, proudly sponsored the summit. Dr. Sybert Mandega, Executive Director of Diaspora Insurance, reiterated the organization's commitment to promoting women in business and expressed excitement about collaborating with the governments of Kenya and Uganda.

The conference addressed several key topics, including strategies for building sustainable and resilient businesses while maximizing shareholder value in the EAC region. Prominent attendees included the High Commissioners of Kenya and Uganda to the UK, Commonwealth delegates, and senior British government officials.

Highlighting the importance of empowering women in business, Paulo Kautoke, Senior Trade Director of the Commonwealth, emphasized that despite constituting nearly half of the world's population, women contribute less than 37% of the world's GDP. Women entrepreneurs, particularly those in developing nations, face numerous challenges hindering their participation in regional and global value chains, as well as starting their own ventures.

Theo Clarke, Conservative lawmaker and UK Prime Minister's Trade Representative in Kenya, shared insights into the British government's initiatives supporting women's entrepreneurship and education in East Africa. She highlighted the "SheTrades" scheme of the Commonwealth, which facilitates women-owned businesses in leveraging online trade opportunities through digital platforms. Clarke expressed hope that this program, along with the UK's digital access initiative, would enhance digital skills among various sectors.

Nimisha Jayant Madhvani, Uganda's High Commissioner to the UK, emphasized that the EAC region provides access to over 1.3 billion consumers across all 55 African countries and abundant natural resources, ranging from agriculture to minerals. Madhvani highlighted the potential for women entrepreneurs to leverage these resources and generate significant profits, unlike in the UK, where returns on investments are limited.

Rebecca Miano, the Kenyan government's Cabinet Secretary for the EAC region, praised the conference's focus on women's empowerment. She noted that gender complementarity has transcended traditional barriers, allowing both genders to excel in various domains.

The first East African Women's Business and Investment Conference marks a significant milestone in promoting women's economic empowerment and fostering stronger ties between the UK and the EAC. With an emphasis on sustainable business practices and inclusive growth, the conference sets the stage for greater collaboration and opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the region.