The 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo in Ghana marked a crucial step towards empowering women in agribusiness with the launch of its inaugural Industry Spotlight Series. Focusing on the pivotal role women play in this sector, the event underscored the critical link between women’s empowerment and tackling global challenges like food security, economic growth, and sustainable development. Held at the Kosmos Innovation Center, a hub for agribusiness innovation, the summit convened a diverse group of women agripreneurs, investors, and industry stakeholders, united by their commitment to transforming the agricultural landscape in Ghana and beyond. The event served as a powerful platform for dialogue, networking, and strategic planning, laying the foundation for collaborative efforts to elevate women’s contributions to agribusiness.
The summit’s opening remarks, delivered by Mrs. Theresa Ayoade, CEO of Charterhouse and convener of the event, set the tone for a day of focused action. Mrs. Ayoade emphasized the importance of moving beyond mere networking and embracing the summit as a catalyst for meaningful change. She highlighted the immense potential of women-led agribusiness ventures and urged participants to forge strategic partnerships that could propel their businesses to new heights. Recognizing the interconnectedness of individual growth, industry prosperity, and overall economic development, Mrs. Ayoade’s message resonated strongly: empowering women in agribusiness is not just a social imperative; it is an economic necessity. She called on attendees to approach the summit with purpose and determination, seizing the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and chart a course for transformative growth.
A central component of the summit was a fireside panel discussion, skillfully moderated by Joyce Sackitey-Ahiadorme. Featuring Esther Kyerewaa Twumasi, CEO of the Chamber of Women in Agribusiness (CHAWA), and Hannah Appiah, Founder and CEO of McHan Cosmetics Ltd., the discussion delved into the complex realities of the agribusiness sector from a female perspective. The panelists candidly addressed the challenges faced by women agripreneurs, including limited access to funding and the persistent hurdles of operating in a male-dominated industry. However, they balanced this acknowledgment of obstacles with an inspiring focus on the numerous opportunities available through innovation, strategic collaboration, and unwavering resilience. The discussion provided a valuable forum for sharing experiences, insights, and best practices, fostering a sense of collective empowerment among attendees.
Reinforcing the message of innovation and empowerment, Sandra Asantewaa Boafo Agyiri, CEO of Nana Papa Company and a member of the Chamber of Agribusiness, delivered a compelling keynote address. Ms. Agyiri focused her remarks on the transformative potential of technology in agribusiness, emphasizing its central role in shaping the sector’s future. She urged women to embrace cutting-edge technologies like smart farming and automated agro-processing, emphasizing the importance of meeting international standards for locally produced goods. Ms. Agyiri’s call to action encouraged women to take the lead in precision agriculture and automation, thereby enhancing efficiency, increasing productivity, and boosting global competitiveness. Her vision of a technologically advanced agribusiness sector, driven by empowered women, resonated deeply with the audience.
The summit also featured a powerful call to action from Terance Tienaah, Programs Manager at Kosmos Innovation Center, one of the event’s sponsors. Mr. Tienaah emphasized the shared responsibility of individuals, organizations, and policymakers in creating an enabling environment for women in agribusiness to flourish. He stressed the critical need for increased investment in women-led enterprises, the removal of systemic barriers hindering access to resources and markets, and the broader recognition of women’s indispensable contributions to the sector. Highlighting the transformative power of collective action, Mr. Tienaah urged participants to leverage the summit as a springboard for change, a dynamic space for exchanging ideas, forging connections, and inspiring concrete action. His closing message underscored the significant impact of women in agribusiness: their contributions matter, their resilience is inspiring, and their success will shape the future of the sector.
The 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo garnered significant support from key stakeholders in the agribusiness industry, including Kosmos Innovation Center, GhanaThink Foundation, Ehllali Foods, Tillys Farms, and the Chamber of Women in Agribusiness Ghana (CAG), among others. This broad participation reflects the growing recognition of the importance of women’s empowerment in agribusiness and the commitment of various organizations to fostering a more inclusive and equitable sector. The inaugural Industry Spotlight Series successfully initiated a crucial conversation and laid the groundwork for concrete steps to amplify women’s voices and leadership within agribusiness. The summit concluded with a powerful affirmation: women are not merely participants in the agribusiness sector; they are its future leaders.
Extending beyond a single event, the 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo represents a broader movement towards gender equality and women’s empowerment. It serves as a rallying call for women, girls, and their allies to unite and advocate for lasting change. Their voices, visions, and active participation are essential to driving progress towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all. The summit’s continuation on March 7th, in conjunction with International Women’s Day, further amplifies its message of empowerment and underscores its commitment to fostering meaningful change. The Industry Spotlight Series, a collaborative effort by Charterhouse, Geisha, and Kosmos Innovation Center, marks the beginning of a transformative journey for women in agribusiness, one that promises continued growth, innovation, and empowerment in the years to come.
