JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Over 200 women-owned businesses from across Africa gathered in Johannesburg from October 8 to 10, 2024, for the WEConnect International Africa Regional Conference.
This landmark event provided direct access to global buyers and pivotal insights into competing in today’s complex supply chains, underscoring the transformative role women-led enterprises play in the global economy.
Themed “Empowering Growth and Sustainability,” the conference addressed pressing barriers that women entrepreneurs face while spotlighting new pathways for growth in international markets.
Elizabeth Vazquez, CEO and Co-Founder of WEConnect International, opened the event by recognizing the impact women-owned businesses have in tackling global challenges.
“Women are driving innovation and creating sustainable solutions that benefit their businesses, communities, and the planet,” Vazquez stated, underscoring the importance of inclusive strategies that enable women to scale their influence.
A key point of concern raised at the conference is the striking fact that less than 1% of global corporate and public spending currently goes to women-owned businesses.
WEConnect International’s initiatives work to change this through inclusive procurement strategies that unlock access to a $4 trillion purchasing power for women-led enterprises globally.
Highlighting the importance of supplier diversity, WEConnect International’s Regional Director for Africa, Frida Owinga, noted, “Supplier diversity fosters competitiveness and resilience. Women business owners bring unique perspectives that strengthen industries and create adaptive solutions.”
The conference also underscored the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a game-changer for women entrepreneurs seeking to expand beyond local markets.
With the AfCFTA opening up intra-African trade routes, women-owned businesses stand to build resilience, scale operations, and enhance revenues in the face of challenging economic conditions.
In a robust display of commitment to diversity, global corporations like ExxonMobil, IBM, Sanofi, Corteva, and Ericsson met directly with African women business owners.
These engagements offered practical insights into procurement standards and collaboration possibilities.
By connecting with major global players, women entrepreneurs gained valuable knowledge on aligning their products and services with international market demands — a critical step for those seeking to enter global supply chains.
WEConnect International continues to empower women entrepreneurs through initiatives that foster networking, growth, and market competitiveness.
With the AfCFTA enabling greater regional trade and corporations increasingly prioritizing supplier diversity, African women-led businesses are primed for success in a globalized economy.
As Owinga encouraged, “Women-owned businesses are essential to the future of global trade, and with continued support, they are better positioned than ever to succeed on an international scale.”
Looking ahead, WEConnect International has announced plans for the 2025 Africa Regional Summit, set for April 29-30 in Johannesburg.
After the insights and connections gained at this year’s conference, the 2025 Summit promises to be a pivotal platform for advancing the vision of a dynamic, inclusive African economy.
This landmark event provided direct access to global buyers and pivotal insights into competing in today’s complex supply chains, underscoring the transformative role women-led enterprises play in the global economy.
Themed “Empowering Growth and Sustainability,” the conference addressed pressing barriers that women entrepreneurs face while spotlighting new pathways for growth in international markets.
Elizabeth Vazquez, CEO and Co-Founder of WEConnect International, opened the event by recognizing the impact women-owned businesses have in tackling global challenges.
“Women are driving innovation and creating sustainable solutions that benefit their businesses, communities, and the planet,” Vazquez stated, underscoring the importance of inclusive strategies that enable women to scale their influence.
A key point of concern raised at the conference is the striking fact that less than 1% of global corporate and public spending currently goes to women-owned businesses.
WEConnect International’s initiatives work to change this through inclusive procurement strategies that unlock access to a $4 trillion purchasing power for women-led enterprises globally.
Highlighting the importance of supplier diversity, WEConnect International’s Regional Director for Africa, Frida Owinga, noted, “Supplier diversity fosters competitiveness and resilience. Women business owners bring unique perspectives that strengthen industries and create adaptive solutions.”
The conference also underscored the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a game-changer for women entrepreneurs seeking to expand beyond local markets.
With the AfCFTA opening up intra-African trade routes, women-owned businesses stand to build resilience, scale operations, and enhance revenues in the face of challenging economic conditions.
In a robust display of commitment to diversity, global corporations like ExxonMobil, IBM, Sanofi, Corteva, and Ericsson met directly with African women business owners.
These engagements offered practical insights into procurement standards and collaboration possibilities.
By connecting with major global players, women entrepreneurs gained valuable knowledge on aligning their products and services with international market demands — a critical step for those seeking to enter global supply chains.
WEConnect International continues to empower women entrepreneurs through initiatives that foster networking, growth, and market competitiveness.
With the AfCFTA enabling greater regional trade and corporations increasingly prioritizing supplier diversity, African women-led businesses are primed for success in a globalized economy.
As Owinga encouraged, “Women-owned businesses are essential to the future of global trade, and with continued support, they are better positioned than ever to succeed on an international scale.”
Looking ahead, WEConnect International has announced plans for the 2025 Africa Regional Summit, set for April 29-30 in Johannesburg.
After the insights and connections gained at this year’s conference, the 2025 Summit promises to be a pivotal platform for advancing the vision of a dynamic, inclusive African economy.
