The Absa InspireMe Conference, hosted in Nairobi by Absa Bank Kenya and the International Trade Centre (ITC), concluded yesterday, marking a significant milestone in promoting economic opportunities for women-led businesses from across Africa and the United Kingdom. The event, part of the ITC SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme funded by UK International Development, featured a series of activities aimed at fostering business linkages and expanding markets for women entrepreneurs.
The trade mission, organised on the sidelines of the conference, brought together an impressive delegation: 10 UK-based buyers, three chamber of commerce representatives, 17 representatives from large African corporations, and 65 women entrepreneurs from SheTrades Hubs in Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, the Gambia, and South Africa.
Keynote Address by Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano
The event was headlined by Hon. Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade & Industry. In her keynote address, she highlighted the Kenyan government’s ambition to scale investments in the manufacturing sector, with a particular focus on the pivotal role of women. Hon. Miano commended Absa Bank Kenya for its commitment to empowering women-led enterprises, facilitating access to mentorship, networking opportunities, markets, and sustainable finance. She announced that Absa would provide credit worth Kes. 100 billion across various value chains over the next three years.
Conference Highlights and Panel Discussions
The hybrid conference kicked off on Tuesday with a welcome message from Harriet Chiggai, the President’s Adviser on Human Rights, and Mr. Abdi Mohamed, Managing Director and CEO of Absa Bank Kenya. The event featured numerous panel sessions addressing crucial topics such as accessing finance, navigating the digital marketplace, and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area. Mr. Jamal Hussain, UK Regional Trade Advisor for East Africa, presented on export opportunities through the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme and Economic Partnership Agreements.
The second day of the event saw women-led businesses from sectors such as agrifood, textiles and apparel, handicrafts, and accessories engage in one-to-one meetings with potential buyers from the UK and African corporations. This provided a platform for direct business discussions and potential partnerships. Representatives from SheTrades Hubs also explored collaboration opportunities with delegates from the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber International, and West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
On the final day, participants visited sector-specific companies in Kenya, offering an on-the-ground perspective of potential business opportunities. These field visits were designed to facilitate deeper engagement between African and UK businesses, paving the way for long-term partnerships.
Abdi Mohamed, Managing Director of Absa Bank Kenya, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to host the Absa InspireMe Conference 2024. This trade mission presents a unique opportunity to build strong relationships within this exciting market, the region, and the UK. I am excited to witness the connections and collaborations that will emerge over the coming days.”
Dr. Nasir Awan, President of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, remarked, “I am grateful for ITC; in bringing together businesses from seven different countries in Africa, this trade mission is a great opportunity for UK and African companies to expand their business horizons together. This is a rare opportunity to have seven countries in one location, I am sure this will be the start of strengthening relations between the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the participating SheTrades Hubs host institutions.”
Concluding the event, Hon. Rebecca Miano offered inspirational words to the women entrepreneurs: “Be great at what you do, be a beacon in your field, be so good that people around you cannot do without your participation. Be so good that people want to be better around you. In business, these principles know no gender.”
The Absa InspireMe Conference has set a robust foundation for future collaborations and growth, underscoring the importance of empowering women in business and fostering international trade relations.
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