The RevUp Women Initiative recently recognized and rewarded ten women entrepreneurs with a total of $100,000 during its highly anticipated Business Showcase event themed ‘Investing in Women, Inspiring Futures.’
Organized by AfriLabs and Visa Foundation, the event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders dedicated to promoting inclusive economic growth through empowering women entrepreneurs.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome address from Nanko Madu, AfriLabs’ Director of Programmes, setting the stage for the day’s activities. Attendees were treated to a visual presentation highlighting the achievements of RevUp Women’s First Cohort.
In her keynote speech, Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, co-founder of WIMBIZ, passionately emphasized the significance of investing in women and its transformative impact on communities and economies.
The event also featured a stimulating Panel Discussion moderated by Nanko Madu, focusing on ‘Fostering Inclusive Growth Through Women’s Economic Participation.’ Esteemed panelists including Lilian Olubi, Judge at The Next Titan Nigeria; Hajara Pitan, Wealth Coach & Business Strategist at Audacity to Soar; Sherifah Balogun, Director of Strategy, Funding, and Stakeholder Management at LSETF; and Annabel Angwenyi, Founder at Ziada, shared insights on enhancing women’s economic empowerment across the continent.
After the discussion, a lively Question-and-answer session allowed attendees to engage directly with the panelists and delve deeper into key issues surrounding women’s economic participation.
The highlight of the event was the Award Ceremony, where the top ten finalists from a rigorous selection process were announced as winners, each receiving a grant of $10,000. The awardees included businesses from various African countries, showcasing resilience, innovation, and dedication.
“Investing in women isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic decision with far-reaching economic benefits,” emphasized Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs.
“Supporting the growth of women-owned businesses is crucial for fostering an economy that works for everyone, everywhere,” added Najada Kumbuli, Head of Investments, Visa Foundation.
The RevUp Women Initiative Business Showcase not only celebrated the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs but also acted as a catalyst for driving meaningful change and fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future.