ECDPM in cooperation with the European Policy Centre (EPC) and the King Baudouin Foundation (KBF), is organising an interactive panel discussion 'Unlocking potential: Promoting female entrepreneurship in Africa'. The discussion will explore initiatives to enhance entrepreneurship, self-employment opportunities, and gender inclusiveness for young women in Africa. The panel will share innovative approaches and models, and discuss ways to scale up efforts with international and European support.
With Africa needing 15 million new jobs annually until 2050 due to rapid demographic growth, the economic empowerment of women is crucial to address this challenge and accelerate economic and social development.
The King Baudouin Foundation’s 2023-2024 KBF Africa Prize winner, the Tanzanian organisation Her Initiative, tackles two urgent, interconnected issues: women's entrepreneurship and financial resilience, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including the fight against gender-based violence. By addressing these, Her Initiative advances gender equality, financial independence, and inclusive economic development for young women.