Graça Machel Trust

Over 200 women leaders from across Africa gathered in Johannesburg for the Graça Machel Trust’s Women Creating Wealth Summit last week under the theme Breaking Barriers, Building Wealth. The three-day event was a transformative experience, filled with inspiring keynote addresses, dynamic panel discussions, and innovative solutions to advance women’s economic inclusion. From celebrating outstanding entrepreneurs to tackling systemic challenges, the summit was a bold step forward in reshaping Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. Read our blog for a full recap of the event’s highlights, powerful speeches, and actionable takeaways: https://bit.ly/3CMBGhl Shiphra Chisha(M.Inst.D),MBA Korkor Cudjoe Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa Tukiya Kankasa-Mabula New Faces New Voices New Faces New Voices Kenya New Faces New Voices (NFNV) Uganda NEW FACES NEW VOICES RWANDA #WomenCreatingWealth #GraçaMachelTrust #GMTWCWSummit

Our founder, Mrs Graça Machel, delivered a keynote address highlighting the critical need to support women in Africa, particularly by integrating them into the digital economy. She emphasised that advancing opportunities for women entrepreneurs requires bold and deliberate action from all of us. She issued a compelling call to action to the distinguished guests at the ECOWAS Convening on Digital Transformation and Cross Border Trade: "In your respective capacities, will you join us in actively advocating for and influencing gender-sensitive technology policies, developing essential financial inclusion laws, and leading the charge by educating your peers on the crucial importance of digital technology adoption?". NETRIGHT GHANA ComDev Africa Leila Akahloun Wokedje Homawoo New Faces New Voices NEW FACES NEW VOICES RWANDA New Faces New Voices (NFNV) Uganda New Faces New Voices Kenya New Faces New Voices #WomenCreatingWealth #GraçaMachelTrust #ECOWASConvening

The Director of Programmes at the Graça Machel Trust, Shiphra Chisha(M.Inst.D),MBA, presented the Trust’s statement, highlighting the critical work being done to address the persistent exclusion of women as key players in the economy. She outlined initiatives such as the Women Creating Wealth programme, which provides crucial support for women on their entrepreneurial journeys, and Afrishela, our gender-lens investment fund that connects women with the right potential investors to scale their businesses. While these are just a few examples of the Trust’s efforts, much more remains to be done to achieve full inclusion for every woman entrepreneur in Africa. Policy reforms are urgently needed to create supportive frameworks for women, and systemic barriers must be dismantled through collective action. It is only by working together that we can build an equitable economic future for women across the continent. NETRIGHT GHANA ComDev Africa New Faces New Voices New Faces New Voices (NFNV) Uganda NEW FACES NEW VOICES RWANDA #WomenCreatingWealth #GraçaMachelTrust

The ECOWAS Convening is officially underway. Mrs Patricia Blankson Akakpo, Executive Director of the Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana NETRIGHT GHANA, opened the event with a compelling convenor address and welcome remarks. She shared critical statistics and insights into the systemic challenges faced by women entrepreneurs across Africa, highlighting the urgent need for action. Her address set the tone for the day, focusing on the objectives of this convening: identifying practical, actionable solutions to overcome these barriers and fostering meaningful change. Together, we are working to create an inclusive, thriving digital economy where women entrepreneurs can fully participate and succeed. New Faces New Voices NEW FACES NEW VOICES RWANDA New Faces New Voices New Faces New Voices Kenya ComDev Africa #GraçaMachelTrust #WomenCreatingWealth

The WCW Financial Services Graduation took place this week, and we’re incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication our participants and entrepreneurs have shown. This moment reminds us that the journey doesn’t end here—it’s just the beginning. With the knowledge and wisdom gained from this programme, even greater achievements lie ahead for them. Our interim CEO, Theo Sowa, emphasised this in her message: "As graduates of this program, you carry with you not just skills and knowledge, but the responsibility to reshape narratives. Remember the African tradition of collective giving and action. As you grow your wealth, think about the impact you can create for others. You have the ability to redefine how women entrepreneurs are perceived, not just in Africa but globally. I urge you to believe in your vision, collaborate with others, and use your platforms to create lasting change." Read more: https://bit.ly/411NE0z Ayanda Mafuleka Fasset (Finance and Accounting Services Seta) Shiphra Chisha(M.Inst.D),MBA Korkor Cudjoe #WomenCreatingWealth #GraçaMachelTrust

🚨 We’re Hiring! 🚨 The Graça Machel Trust is seeking a skilled Finance Manager to lead our accounting operations. This role involves overseeing accounting, accounts payable, and reporting functions while providing day-to-day leadership. Interested in joining the GMT team? Learn more and apply today! 👉 https://bit.ly/4i54CBf #GraçaMachelTrust

📣 Invitation Reminder! Be part of the ECOWAS Convening on Women’s Financial Inclusion in the Digital Economy and help shape the future for women entrepreneurs in West Africa! Here's what you can expect from this convening: - Insights on overcoming barriers to women’s digital financial access - Strategies to boost participation in cross-border trade - Networking to build impactful partnerships Be sure to not miss out on this transformative dialogue, RSVP now: https://bit.ly/3CF5Cf2 New Faces New Voices Nigeria ComDev Africa NETRIGHT GHANA #GraçaMachelTrust

Today, we celebrate these extraordinary women! 🎉🎓✨ The names on this list represent more than graduates—they are pioneers, job creators, and catalysts for change in their communities. Completing the Women Creating Wealth programme is a significant achievement, and we are immensely proud of all they have accomplished. 💪👏 Let’s honour their commitment to breaking barriers and shaping a brighter future for Africa. #GraçaMachelTrust #WomenCreatingWealth

Join us today as we celebrate the incredible South African participants graduating from the Women Creating Wealth Financial Services Programme. The atmosphere is electric as these remarkable women prepare to take the stage, a testament to their dedication and resilience in balancing their professional and personal lives. Fasset (Finance and Accounting Services Seta) Korkor Cudjoe Shiphra Chisha(M.Inst.D),MBA Ayanda Mafuleka Thelma Bamhare Caroline Komey Tamara Ncala Nurain Ahmed Tanya Ninganga-Kaponda Rosa-Lena Mabunda Mondlane Larissa Morar Stay connected for more updates!🙌🙌 #GraçaMachelTrust #WomenCreatingWealth

To everyone who joined us for the Women Creating Wealth: Breaking Barriers, Building Wealth Summit, we are deeply grateful. 💐 For three incredible days, we came together with passionate women from across Africa, united by a vision to redefine wealth and break barriers. Your energy, engagement, and commitment made this summit unforgettable. This event wouldn’t have been possible without YOU – the phenomenal women, dedicated allies, and generous donor partners from nine African countries. Together, we are creating a ripple effect of advancement, opportunity, and growth for women entrepreneurs across the continent. 💼✨ New Faces New Voices New Faces New Voices Kenya NEW FACES NEW VOICES RWANDA New Faces New Voices (NFNV) Uganda #WomenCreatingWealth #GMTWCWSummit #GraçaMachelTrust