Zambia: Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Elias Mubanga highlighted the significance of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in the upliftment of women. Many women in the community have benefitted from the initiative and launched their businesses.
He made the remarks in a speech read by Development Director Nicholas Chikwenya on his behalf. He was representing the Minister at the 5th Academy for Women Entrepreneurs and Mentorprenuer Zambia combined graduation
The graduation ceremony was hosted in Lusaka on Tuesday with several notable members of the government in attendance.
According to Minister, Elias Mubanga 870 enterprising women have gained access to knowledge, tools and networks through the programme. The initiative was launched for the first time in 2020.
The Minister also asserted that the AWE programme highlights the vision of the government to promote gender equality. Further, the programme also falls in line with the United States national strategy on gender equity and equality.
In his speech, Minister Elias Mubanga said, “Today’s graduation underscores our commitment to expanding entrepreneurship resources including critical ones such as linkages to finance and markets, being essential components for the success of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs),”
The Minister promised the attendants of the graduation ceremony that his ministry will remain committed to wor the findings of the MSME finance survey to inform its policies and initiatives moving forward.
Meanwhile, German Ambassador to Zambia Anne Mitchell disclosed that her country through the Sparkasseniftung programme (DSIK) has over 12 years trained over 20,000 SMEs including farmers through its partnership with the Bank of Zambia under the National Strategy for Financial Education.
Ambassador Mitchell encouraged all the mentors and mentees to take forward the skills acquired from the program. She further urged them to reflect on the ethical framework that is needed for long-run success of their own businesses.
The learnings will help them in promoting a good business environment in Zambia. Meanwhile, US Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires Linnisa Wahid announced during the graduation ceremony that the US government is committed to advancing Zambia’s inclusive economic transformation where women play a vital and growing role.
Wahid assured of the US Embassy’s continued support to the Zambian entrepreneurs through initiatives like AWE and other programs.
Women’s Entrepreneurship Access Centre (WEAC) Executive Director Nambula Kachumi thanked the government for its support and commitment to fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment.
117 women entrepreneurs from Lusaka, Southern Province and Copperbelt Provinces graduated from the Women’s Entrepreneurship Access Center (WEAC).