DistantNews
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Good News

AWBFA to Host First Pan-African Women in Finance Summit in Lagos

From ThisDay · (2d ago) English Positive tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The African Women in Business & Finance Awards (AWBFA) will host its first pan-African summit in Lagos to address gaps in recognition and collaboration for women in Africa's financial sector.
  • The event aims to create a continental platform, moving beyond national-level initiatives that have historically fragmented efforts to celebrate women in finance.
  • Organizers emphasize the summit's role in amplifying visibility, inspiring future generations, and fostering opportunities for women across industries through networking and mentorship.

The African Women in Business & Finance Awards (AWBFA) is set to make a significant impact by hosting its inaugural pan-African summit in Lagos. This landmark event directly confronts the persistent challenges of inadequate recognition, inclusion, and continental collaboration that have long hindered women in Africa's financial sector. As highlighted by Schola Andem, CEO of The Chlo Haven Group and local strategic partner, past initiatives have been too localized, failing to unite women across the continent.

I have seen all the events organising in the African continents on women banking and finance, and I found that these events were organised each time on the local side – in Nigeria only or in Kenya. But we don’t have an event that brings all women of the continent together. So now, we have to think about organising something on a macro level.

— Schola AndemExplaining the rationale behind organizing a pan-African summit rather than continuing with national-level events.

AWBFA's approach is deliberately continental, aiming to build a macro-level platform that transcends national borders. The inclusion of international judges underscores a commitment to impartiality and lends substantial weight to the awards, ensuring they resonate beyond any single market. This initiative recognizes that excellence in finance is not confined to CEOs; women in various roles deserve acknowledgment and a platform.

Most of the awards that are delivered are delivered only to women CEOs. This is to imply that women in various sectors also should be awarded.

— Schola AndemAddressing the need to recognize women beyond top executive positions.

This summit is more than just an awards ceremony; it's a crucial step towards structural change. By providing a continental stage, AWBFA addresses the critical issue of visibility for accomplished women who often operate in silos. The event promises to amplify their achievements, inspire emerging talent, and cultivate a more robust ecosystem for women's professional growth. It's about building infrastructure for networking, mentorship, and vital cross-border collaboration, fostering an environment where women in finance can truly thrive across Africa.

It brings excellence but also amplifies visibility, inspires the next generation, and fosters jobs for women to thrive across industries.

— Schola AndemDescribing the broader impact and goals of the summit.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog