$100,000 awarded in grants to 10 women entrepreneurs as part of RevUp Women Initiative

The RevUp Women Initiative hosted its highly anticipated Business Showcase, themed “Investing in Women, Inspiring Futures.” The event, organized by AfriLabs and Visa Foundation, brought together a diverse array of stakeholders committed to fostering inclusive economic growth through the empowerment of women entrepreneurs.

The Opening Ceremony, guided by Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs, commenced with a warm welcome address, setting the tone for the day’s proceedings. Attendees were treated to a visual journey through the accomplishments of RevUp Women’s First Cohort, showcased in captivating highlights.

A highlight of the event was the Keynote Address delivered by Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, Co-founder at WIMBIZ, who passionately spoke about the importance of investing in women and the transformative impact it can have on communities and economies.

‘It is my distinct honour and privilege to stand before you today as we gather to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs and to rally behind the RevUp Women Initiative. This initiative not only celebrates the indomitable spirit, resilience, and determination of women in general but also highlights the importance of investing in women and women-owned businesses as a means of building and inspiring a future that is inclusive, diverse, and prosperous for all,’ stated Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, Co-founder at WIMBIZ.

Following the keynote, a thought-provoking Panel Discussion ensued, moderated by Nanko Madu, focusing on “Fostering Inclusive Growth Through Women’s Economic Participation.” The panel featured esteemed personalities including Ms. Lilian Olubi, Judge at The Next Titan Nigeria; Ms. Hajara Pitan, Wealth Coach & Business Strategist at Audacity to Soar; Sherifah Balogun, Director of Strategy, Funding, and Stakeholder Management at LSETF; and Annabel Angwenyi, Founder at Ziada. Their insights illuminated pathways for enhancing women’s economic empowerment across the continent.

Engagement continued with a lively Question-and-answer session, allowing attendees to interact directly with the panelists and delve deeper into key issues surrounding women’s economic participation. The pinnacle of the event was the much-anticipated Award Ceremony, where the top ten finalists of a comprehensive selection process were announced as winners each receiving a grant of $10,000:

• Baby Grubz (Lagos, Nigeria
• Queen Amina Medical Integration (Abuja, Nigeria)
• Ecokud Limited (Kisumu, Kenya)
• Ziada, Kele Makgale (Pty) Ltd (Nairobi Kenya)
• Ndiqala (PTY) Ltd (Johannesburg, South Africa)
• WaziEats (Douala, Cameroon)
• V’s VitaLife (Yaounde, Cameroon)
• Mali Food (Lubumbashi, DRC)
• and 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 imperative that we recognize and harness the potential of women as drivers of economic development,” emphasized Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs.

“Despite the challenges women entrepreneurs face, they demonstrate an unparalleled tenacity and determination to succeed,” said Najada Kumbuli, Head of Investments, 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.

About RevUp Women

RevUp Women is an initiative dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs across Africa. Through mentorship, training, and access to resources, RevUp Women provides women with the support they need to start and grow successful businesses, driving economic growth and fostering gender equality. Learn more at RevUp Women 

About Visa Foundation

Visa Foundation works to support inclusive economic growth, particularly among women-owned small and micro enterprises worldwide. Through grants and partnerships, Visa Foundation aims to empower women entrepreneurs, enhance financial literacy, and promote entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic empowerment. Learn more at Visa Foundation.

For more information about AfriLabs and the Rev Up Women initiative, visit www.afrilabs.com & RevUp Women 

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