The 2024 Ghana Women Entrepreneurship Summit (GWES), held at the Accra Digital Centre, proved to be a resounding success, empowering women entrepreneurs with the knowledge and connections needed to thrive in the dynamic business landscape. Under the theme “Redefining Prosperity to Enhance Productivity,” the summit provided a vibrant platform for women business owners to network, learn from industry experts, and gain practical strategies for scaling their ventures. This year’s event, the third since its inception in 2022, underscored the growing momentum of the WeRise Network, a dedicated platform committed to bolstering women’s entrepreneurship in Ghana. The summit’s impact was palpable, leaving participants inspired and optimistic about the future of women-led businesses in the country.
A central focus of the GWES was the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing among women entrepreneurs. Eunice Adjei, National Project Coordinator of the WeRise Network and a key speaker at the summit, emphasized the value of learning from seasoned professionals and building strong networks to drive business growth. The summit provided ample opportunities for such interactions, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among the participants. Ms. Adjei highlighted the event’s success in bringing together women entrepreneurs to forge meaningful connections and acquire valuable insights to improve their operations and scale their businesses.
The 2024 GWES offered a diverse range of sessions tailored to the needs of women entrepreneurs. Masterclasses and panel discussions delved into critical topics such as financing and business sustainability, providing practical guidance on navigating the challenges and opportunities of the business world. Representatives from leading financial institutions, including Hollard Insurance, GCB Bank, and Absa Bank, shared their expertise on effectively managing finances to fuel business expansion. These sessions equipped participants with the financial acumen necessary to make informed decisions and secure their long-term success.
One of the summit’s most impactful sessions was a panel discussion titled “She Stories: Our Youth, Our Success.” Moderated by Yvonne Jacy Akoma Boaten, CEO of The Optimist Club, the panel showcased the inspiring journeys of successful women entrepreneurs. The discussion highlighted the crucial role of mentorship and strategic partnerships in nurturing the next generation of female business leaders. By sharing their experiences and insights, these successful women provided invaluable guidance and encouragement to aspiring entrepreneurs, inspiring them to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams.
The 2024 GWES underscored the WeRise Network’s growing influence in promoting women’s entrepreneurship in Ghana. Ms. Adjei noted that the recent Market Queens Summit Edition, held last month, further solidified the network’s commitment to empowering women across diverse sectors. The GWES builds upon this momentum, providing a targeted platform for women entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow. The network’s continued efforts are contributing significantly to the advancement of women-led businesses in Ghana, creating a more inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As the summit concluded, participants expressed a renewed sense of optimism about the future of women-led businesses in Ghana. The 2024 GWES not only celebrated the achievements of women entrepreneurs but also equipped them with the tools and knowledge to redefine prosperity and enhance productivity in their respective fields. The summit’s emphasis on collaboration, financial literacy, and mentorship has laid a strong foundation for the continued growth and success of women-led businesses, contributing to the overall economic development of Ghana. The next edition of the GWES, scheduled for two years from now, is highly anticipated and expected to further amplify the impact of this vital initiative.
