……….A Bold Step Toward Empowering Female Entrepreneurs Across Africa and Beyond.
In an era where women’s contributions to the global economy are becoming increasingly recognized, the Africa International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AICCI) has taken a significant step forward by launching the Women in Business Committee (WBC). This groundbreaking initiative is not just a milestone for the AICCI, but a transformative movement that promises to reshape the landscape of female entrepreneurship across Africa and beyond.
A Visionary Initiative for Women Empowerment
The launch of the WBC is a testament to AICCI’s unwavering commitment to the empowerment of women in business. It reflects a broader understanding that women are not just participants in the economy—they are key drivers of innovation, growth, and community development. By establishing the WBC, AICCI aims to create a dedicated platform where women entrepreneurs and professionals can find the resources, support, and networks they need to overcome challenges and thrive in their respective fields.
The WBC is more than just a committee; it is a beacon of hope for countless women who have long faced systemic barriers in their entrepreneurial journeys. Whether it’s limited access to funding, lack of mentorship, or insufficient opportunities for networking, the challenges are numerous and often compounded by societal norms that still undervalue women’s contributions in many parts of the world. The WBC seeks to address these issues head-on, offering a comprehensive support system that empowers women to break through these barriers and succeed on their own terms.
Dynamic Leadership at the Helm
Leading the WBC is Ms. Stacey Menga Onyango, a formidable leader with a proven track record in business and entrepreneurship. As the CEO of the AICCI Kenya Chapter, Ms. Onyango has already made significant strides in promoting economic growth and empowering entrepreneurs in her region. Her appointment as the Global Chairwoman of the WBC is a reflection of her dedication, vision, and capability to drive meaningful change on a global scale.
Working alongside her is Ms. Susanna Uusmaa, an Estonian citizen and the CEO of the AICCI Estonia Chapter. As the Global Vice Chairwoman of the WBC, Ms. Uusmaa brings a wealth of experience in international business and a deep commitment to the principles of inclusivity and diversity. Together, these two leaders form a dynamic duo whose combined expertise and passion will undoubtedly propel the WBC to great heights.
Empowerment Through Targeted Objectives
At the core of the WBC’s mission are five key objectives that are designed to address the most pressing needs of women in business:
1. Empowerment through Resources, Mentorship, and Training: The WBC recognizes that access to resources and knowledge is critical for the success of any entrepreneur. To this end, the committee will provide women with the tools, mentorship, and training they need to excel in their ventures. This includes everything from financial literacy programs to leadership development workshops, all tailored to meet the unique needs of women entrepreneurs.
2. Networking Opportunities: In the business world, connections are everything. The WBC will create opportunities for women to network with other professionals, potential partners, and investors. These networking events will not only facilitate business growth but also foster a sense of community and mutual support among women entrepreneurs.
3. Advocacy for Supportive Policies: The WBC will actively advocate for policies that support women in business at both the national and international levels. By working with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders, the WBC will strive to create an environment where women entrepreneurs can flourish without facing unnecessary obstacles.
4. Investment for Women-Led Businesses: Securing funding is often one of the most significant challenges for women entrepreneurs. The WBC aims to bridge this gap by facilitating access to investment opportunities specifically for women-led businesses. This could include connecting entrepreneurs with venture capitalists, providing grants, or offering microfinance options tailored to women’s needs.
5. Promotion of Pan-Africanism: The WBC is committed to promoting Pan-Africanism by fostering cross-continental collaborations and global advocacy. By building partnerships across Africa and beyond, the WBC will help to create a united front for women in business, amplifying their voices and increasing their impact on the global stage.
A Special Offer to Celebrate the Launch
To mark the launch of this groundbreaking initiative, the AICCI is offering a 30% discount on membership fees for women applying as new members of the chamber. This special offer is more than just a promotional tactic; it is an invitation to women across Africa and the world to join a community that is dedicated to their success. By becoming members of the AICCI, women will gain access to a wealth of resources, opportunities, and support systems that will help them take their businesses to the next level.
Real Stories, Real Impact: The Power of the WBC
While the objectives of the WBC are ambitious, they are also grounded in the real-life experiences of women who have faced—and overcome—significant challenges in their entrepreneurial journeys. Take, for example, the story of Fatima, a small business owner from Kenya who struggled for years to secure funding for her sustainable agriculture venture. Despite her innovative ideas and hard work, Fatima found herself repeatedly turned down by banks and investors who were skeptical of her abilities as a female entrepreneur.
Through the WBC, Fatima was able to connect with mentors who helped her refine her business plan and present a stronger case to investors. She also attended networking events where she met like-minded women who shared their own experiences and offered valuable advice. Today, Fatima’s business is thriving, and she is even mentoring other women entrepreneurs in her community. Her success story is just one example of the transformative power of the WBC.
The Road Ahead: A Call to Action
The launch of the Women in Business Committee is just the beginning of a larger movement to empower women entrepreneurs and professionals around the world. But for this movement to succeed, it requires the active participation of women—and men—who believe in the power of entrepreneurship to drive positive change.
As we look to the future, the AICCI invites all women in business to join the WBC and become part of this exciting journey. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a professional looking to make your mark in the business world, the WBC offers a wealth of opportunities and resources to help you achieve your goals.
By coming together, we can create a world where women in business are not only supported but celebrated for their contributions. A world where gender is no longer a barrier to success, and where women have the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Market Highlights
INTERBANK FOREX RATES 💴💰
US$GH¢ Buy 15.1080 Sell 15.1232
GB£GH¢ Buy 19.2899 Sell 19.3108
CHFGH¢ Buy 17.4349 Sell 17.4505
AUD$GH¢ Buy 9.9517 Sell 9.9644
CAD$GH¢ Buy 10.9933 Sell 11.0039
JP¥GH¢ Buy 0.1025 Sell 0.1026
NZDGH¢ Buy 9.0894 Sell 9.1012
ZARGH¢ Buy 0.8283 Sell 0.8287
EU€GH¢ Buy 16.5083 Sell 16.5233
CHN¥GH¢ Buy 2.1065 Sell 2.1068
GH¢CFA Buy 39.6989 Sell 39.7350
GH¢NG₦ Buy 103.3826 Sell 106.0375
CRYPTOCURRENCY MARKET
Bitcoin $59,319.08 🔼1.32%
Ethereum $2,656.60 🔼4.30%
Binance Coin $519.72 🔼2.22%
Ripple $0.5662 🔼0.54%
Solana $145.82 🔼2.75%
Cardano $0.3379 🔼1.85%
Dogecoin $0.1052 🔼3.43%
💵Bloomberg USDGHS Cross Rate – *15.6300* (YTD -🔺️-23.54%)
💰STANBIC BANK FOREX RATES💵
US$GH¢ Buy 15.2000 Sell 15.8000
ZARGH¢ Buy 0.8217 Sell 0.8778
GB£GH¢ Buy 19.3526 Sell 20.2193
EU€GH¢ Buy 16.5482 Sell 17.2978
🔼GSE DAILY GAINERS ➖ PRICE ➖ %CHANGE
GGBL ➡️Gh¢5.16 🔼 +9.79%
🔻GSE DAILY LOSERS ➖ PRICE ➖ %CHANGE
No losers
〽Inflation rate in Ghana ➡️ 22.80%
🏦Ghana Reference Rate ➡️ 29.35%
✳Policy Rate in Ghana ➡️ 29.00%
¶ TREASURY RATES💸
91 – Day Discount Rate 23.3744% Interest Rate 24.8251%
182 – Day Discount Rate 23.6053% Interest Rate 26.7642%
364 – Day Discount Rate 21.7879% Interest Rate 27.8575%
🛢Petroleum Products – Average Price
🏗Petrol – Gh¢14.42/ltr (YTD🔺️+16.38%)
🛢Diesel – Gh¢14.99/ltr (YTD🔺️+15.39%)
⛽LPG – Gh¢14.00/kg (YTD🔺️+8.53%)
🏧MARKET INDEXES
*Dow Jones Index🚂⛽ 39,282.02 -215.52 -0.55%
*S&P 500 🏦 5,341.67 -2.49 -0.05%
*Nasdaq Index📲💻 16,756.01 +10.71 +0.06%
* NYSE Composite Index 18,207.37 -59.78 -0.33%
*London FTSE 8,210.25 +42.15 +0.52%
*Germany DAX 17,726.47 +3.59 +0.02%
*Japan NIKKEI 225 35,025.00 +193.85 +0.56%
*Tokyo TOPIX Index2,483.30 +21.60 +0.88%
*Hong Kong HANG SENG 17,111.65 +21.42 +0.13%
*Shanghai Shenzhen 300 3,325.86 -5.77 -0.17%
*S&P/ASX 200 Index 7,813.67 +35.97 +0.46%
*S&P Europe 350 Index 2,028.13 +10.92 +0.54%
*France CAC All-Tradable 5,392.29 +19.26 +0.36%
*Dubai DFM General Index 4,195.15 -0.79 -0.02%
*FTSE/JSE South Africa 73,728.30 +371.00 +0.51%
*Nairobi SE 20 Share 1,633.69 +8.70 +0.54%
*Nigeria SE Main 98,605.79 +487.49 +0.50%
*GSE Composite Index 4,453.74 +12.96 +0.29%
*GSE Financial Index 2,115.52 0.00 0.00%
GSE INDEXES ⏸ 2024 YTD RETURNS%
*GSE Composite Index 4,453.74 🔼+42.28%
*GSE Financial Index 2,115.52 🔼+11.25%
🔼GSE 2024 GAINERS ➖ PRICE ➖ YTD%
UNIL ➡️Gh¢14.77 🔼 +82.12%
GCB ➡️Gh¢5.90 🔼+73.53%
MTNGH ➡️Gh¢2.29 🔼+63.57%
GGBL ➡️Gh¢5.16🔼+51.76%
ACCESS ➡️Gh¢4.80 🔼+41.18%
TOTAL ➡️Gh¢12.33 🔼+37.00%
SCB ➡️Gh¢20.10 🔼+14.53%
🔻GSE 2024 LOSERS ➖ PRICE ➖ YTD%
EGL ➡️Gh¢1.55 🔻-35.15%
CAL ➡️Gh¢0.34 🔻-29.17%
MMH ➡️Gh¢0.10 🔻-9.09%
DASPHARMA ➡️Gh¢0.38 🔻-5.00%
SOGEGH ➡️Gh¢1.55 🔻-1.27%
COMMODITIES MARKET
*Brent Crude USD/barrel⛽ 81.35 +1.69 +2.12%
*Natural Gas 🏭 USD/millon BTUS 2.19 +0.05 +2.19%
*Gold 👑 USD/troy ounce 2,503.50 +30.10 +1.22%
*Silver 💍 USD/troy ounce 27.98 +0.39 +1.42%
*Corn 🌽 USd/bushel 401.25 +6.25 +1.58%
*Cocoa 🍫 USD/metric ton 6,956.00 -434.00 -5.87%
*Coffee ☕ USd/pound 230.25 -9.10 -3.80%
*Sugar🎂 USd/pound 18.48 -0.09 -0.48%
*Rubber USd/100kg 173.20 +1.20 +0.70%
Sources: Bank of Ghana, Bloomberg, GSE, Reuters, Doobia, BBC, Ghana News Agency, Norvan Reports.
Mark G. Darko-Accra
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
