Report by Sally Namuye
A project that seeks to provide women entrepreneurs with business incubation services, mentorship, training, access to markets and financial support has been launched in the country.
The Business Incubators for African Women Entrepreneurs (BIAWE 2pilot) is a project by the COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) secretariat with the financial support of AUDA-NEPAD/Spanish Fund.
According to Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, Moses Kuria, the project is part of ongoing efforts to empower women entrepreneurs and their contribution to the society.
“The forty women enterprises that benefitted from BIAWE Project will continue to thrive and mature into sustainable and large enterprises. They will in turn contribute to creating jobs and wealth, as well as contribute to local, regional, and global development agendas.” He observed.
According to State Department for Industrialization- Ministry of Trade and Industry principal secretary Dr Juma Mukhwana, the project aims to unlock the potential of women-owned enterprises and contribute to economic growth, job creation and the achievement of national and regional development goals.
“It gives me great pleasure to address this gathering, as we come together to celebrate a great milestone, the Business Incubator for African Women Entrepreneurs (BIAWE) project, which was successfully implemented by KIRDI, and also launch the second phase of the project. “He said.
Speaking during the launch, COMESA’s Secretary General Chilese Mpundu Kapwepwe addressed the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs including lack of business planning, marketing and management skills as well as limited access to development and financial services due to cultural biases.
She stressed the need to bridge the gaps and create an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs to thrive.
