The lead person for Guzakuza, Nana Adjoa Sifa, has reinforced the need for reform in Africa’s agribusiness landscape, specifically to dismantle entrenched barriers that hinder women’s progress, in a call for change.
Speaking during the Women in Agribusiness Week, Sifa emphasized Guzakuza’s commitment to rethinking Africa’s food systems through women-led initiatives focused on resilience and equity. With Africa’s agricultural potential poised as a cornerstone of economic growth, she argued that the inclusion and empowerment of women are essential for realizing sustainable food security and economic transformation across the continent.
At the event, leaders and stakeholders voiced strong support for policies that will empower women entrepreneurs, particularly in accessing essential resources like financing, education, and digital tools.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, the challenges women face in agribusiness mirror those across many sectors chiefly, limited access to resources that men more readily secure.
Mrs. Yankey-Ayeh stressed that empowering these women through Guzakuza’s initiatives not only benefits them but also strengthens Africa’s food production and contributes to rural development, bringing both economic and social benefits.
The week-long Women in Agribusiness event highlighted digital innovation, climate resilience, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) as key to transforming the sector.
Prince Edward Walugembe of Buganda urged governments to support women-led agribusinesses, noting that agriculture remains Africa’s backbone and that initiatives like Guzakuza’s are integral to harnessing the continent’s potential.
Mr. Walugembe highlighted the importance of fostering partnerships and self-reliance in Africa’s agriculture to meet local and global demands.
For years, Guzakuza has been at the forefront of inspiring and equipping women to take on leadership roles in agribusiness. The organization’s initiatives focus not only on business growth but on building personal resilience in women, especially in rural areas where their contributions to agriculture are vital yet often overlooked.
This year’s event celebrated their achievements and aimed to drive further investment and policy change, cementing the role of women in shaping Africa’s agricultural future.
