10 female entrepreneurs get RevUp Women Initiative grants

Poised to empower women-led enterprises to scale up, The RevUp Women Initiative recently hosted its Business Showcase, themed, “Investing in Women, Inspiring Futures.”

The event, organised by AfriLabs and Visa Foundation, brought together a diverse array of stakeholders committed to fostering inclusive economic growth through the empowerment of women entrepreneurs.

It also witnessed the announcement and awards of top ten finalists each receiving a grant of 10,000 USD, celebrating the resilience, innovation, and dedication of these trailblazing entrepreneurs.

They are – Baby Grubz (Lagos, Nigeria); Queen Amina Medical Integration (Abuja, Nigeria); Ecokud Limited (Kisumu, Kenya); Ziada, Kele Makgale (Pty) Ltd (Nairobi Kenya); Ndiqala (PTY) Ltd (Johannesburg, South Africa); WaziEats (Douala, Cameroon); V’s VitaLife (Yaounde, Cameroon); Mali Food (Lubumbashi, DRC) and P.aktion (Kinshasa, DRC).

In a keynote address delivered by co-founder, Women In Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, she passionately spoke about the importance of investing in women and the transformative impact it can have on communities and economies.

“This initiative not only celebrates the indomitable spirit, resilience, and determination of women in general but also highlights the importance of investing in women and women-owned businesses as a means of building and inspiring a future that is inclusive, diverse, and prosperous for all.”

A panel discussion moderated by Director of Programmes at AfriLabs, Nanko Madu, on “Fostering Inclusive Growth Through Women’s Economic Participation’, featured Judge at The Next Titan Nigeria, Lilian Olubi; Wealth Coach & Business Strategist at Audacity to Soar, Hajara Pitan; Director of Strategy, Funding, and Stakeholder Management at Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Sherifah Balogun and Founder at Ziada, Annabel Angwenyi.

They shared insights illuminating pathways for enhancing women’s economic empowerment across the continent.

Head of Investments, Visa Foundation, Najada Kumbuli noted that despite the challenges women entrepreneurs face, they demonstrate an unparalleled tenacity and determination to succeed.

The RevUp Women Initiative Business Showcase not only celebrated the achievements of women entrepreneurs but also catalysed driving meaningful change and fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.