African governments must move beyond merely enacting gender-friendly policies to adequately funding their implementation. This critical step is essential for unlocking the economic potential of women entrepreneurs and driving inclusive growth across the continent. The call came from Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe-Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) in the Office of the President of Ghana. She delivered her keynote address at the Women’s Impact Day and closing ceremony of the Abuja Business and Investment Expo (ABIE) 2026 in Abuja.
Bampoe-Addo emphasized that while many African countries have progressive laws on land rights, maternal health, childcare, and women’s economic inclusion, inadequate implementation and funding continue to limit their impact. She directly urged governments to “fund the laws that you sign.” This includes provisions for land titling, maternal health, and childcare, ensuring women do not have to choose between their wages and their children.
Funding Policies to Boost Women’s Enterprise
The appeal for increased funding extends to bridging the divide between women operating in the informal economy and formal financial institutions. Bampoe-Addo called on civil society organizations to connect market women and small-scale entrepreneurs to banks, government agencies, and business support programs. This connection is vital for accessing necessary capital and resources.
She also urged journalists to tell more balanced stories about African women, moving beyond portrayals solely as survivors. Bampoe-Addo highlighted women’s roles as builders of markets, scientists, engineers, hairdressers, and seamstresses. This broader narrative can help shift perceptions and recognize diverse contributions.
Removing Barriers to Trade and Participation
Continental institutions, including the African Union, also face a challenge to fully implement commitments under the Maputo Protocol and Agenda 2063. Bampoe-Addo advocated for removing barriers that limit women’s participation in regional trade, arguing that women should enjoy the same ease of movement as goods transported across the continent. “Let the African woman trade. Let her move effortlessly across borders, from Nigeria to Benin, Togo, Ghana and beyond,” she stated, underscoring the potential for economic expansion.
Drawing on Ghana’s Sankofa philosophy, which encourages reclaiming valuable lessons from the past, Bampoe-Addo paid tribute to iconic African women leaders. These included Queen Amina, Madam Tinubu, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, urging participants to carry forward their legacy of leadership and courage.
Empowering Women for Broader Economic Benefit
Bampoe-Addo challenged governments, businesses, and development partners to stop debating women’s leadership capabilities. Instead, she urged them to focus on creating an environment where women can thrive. This shift in focus is critical for tangible progress.
Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), also spoke at the event, supporting the call for women’s empowerment. She noted that empowering women entrepreneurs would generate wider economic benefits for families, communities, and the nation. The collective message underscores the significant, untapped potential that funding and implementing gender-friendly policies can unleash for women across Africa.
Frequently asked questions
What was the main call to action at ABIE 2026?
The main call to action was for African governments to move beyond merely enacting gender-friendly policies and to adequately fund their implementation to unlock the economic potential of women entrepreneurs.
Who made the keynote address at the event?
Nana Oye Bampoe-Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) in the Office of the President of Ghana, delivered the keynote address at the Abuja Business and Investment Expo (ABIE) 2026.
What specific policy areas were highlighted as needing more funding?
Specific policy areas highlighted as needing more funding include land rights, maternal health, childcare, and broader women’s economic inclusion initiatives.
What role did civil society organizations and journalists play in the discussion?
Civil society organizations were urged to connect informal women entrepreneurs to formal financial institutions. Journalists were asked to tell more balanced stories about African women, recognizing their diverse contributions.
What was the message regarding continental institutions and trade?
Continental institutions like the African Union were challenged to remove barriers limiting women’s participation in regional trade, advocating for easier movement of women traders across African borders.
