Graca Machel on empowering African women-led businesses

Graca Machel, a prominent advocate for women's rights, recently sat down with CNBC Africa's Terryanne Chebet to discuss the challenges faced by African women entrepreneurs and the need for targeted support programs to help them scale their businesses. Machel highlighted the fact that many women entrepreneurs are stuck in small businesses that struggle to grow because existing support programs are designed for larger enterprises. She emphasized the importance of rethinking strategies to create lasting solutions for African women-led businesses. During the interview, Machel shared insights on the initiatives she is involved in, including the Graca Machel Trust networks and the Afri-Shellor gender-lens initiative aimed at providing capital for women. She underscored the importance of equipping women with the necessary skills and resources to help them succeed in the business world. Machel emphasized the need for better management skills, access to markets, product marketing strategies, and financial resources to support business growth. She highlighted the potential for significant growth in small and medium-sized businesses led by women, stressing the importance of investment in these enterprises. Machel explained that the trust is working to train women, provide funding through an investment fund established by women for women, and empower women to take their businesses to the next level. She emphasized the transformative impact that women-led businesses can have on economies and societies, highlighting the need to address gender disparities and empower women to achieve their full potential. Machel also addressed the role of women in conflict situations, calling for greater representation of women in peace negotiations and efforts to bring women to the center of peacebuilding initiatives. She stressed the importance of including women and young people in peace processes to ensure sustainable and inclusive outcomes. Machel's advocacy for empowering African women-led businesses reflects her long-standing commitment to advancing gender equality and creating opportunities for women to thrive in the business world. Her insights and initiatives are poised to make a meaningful impact on the empowerment of women entrepreneurs across the continent.