WIMAFRICA seeks greater economic power for African women

Women leaders, entrepreneurs and executives are gathering in Lagos for the inaugural African edition of the Women in Management global economic forum. The two-day event, organized by Women in Management Africa, is set to take place on November 10-11, 2026, at the Federal Palace Hotel, under the theme 'The Power Shift: Women Driving Africa’s Global Economic Influence.'

Dr Ngozi Oyewole, the chairperson of WIMAFRICA and vice chairman of the Industrial Training Fund, emphasized the need for African women to move beyond participation in economic activities to positions where they can influence business decisions, trade, and resource allocation. African women already make significant contributions to manufacturing, agriculture, trade, and entrepreneurship, but they face challenges in accessing finance, markets, and decision-making platforms.

The conference will explore opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area, focusing on local manufacturing, backward integration, and the development of African supply chains. Key obstacles to women's economic advancement across Africa include limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, poor understanding of AfCFTA procedures, cultural restrictions, and land ownership challenges.

Oyewole urged financial institutions to develop financing products tailored to women-owned enterprises and government agencies to improve access to procurement opportunities for qualified women-owned businesses. She called for strong policies on women's economic inclusion, measured by the number of women-owned businesses securing contracts and receiving timely payments.

Moreover, WIMAFRICA highlighted the importance of improving rural infrastructure to reduce production and distribution costs, increase profitability for women-led businesses, and make locally produced food more affordable. The organization also advocated for better protection of women's property rights due to cultural practices that often restrict women's access to land and other productive assets.