Africa CEO Club Hosts “Africa: Her Voice, Her Power” to Champion Women’s Leadership and Innovation

The Africa CEO Club, in collaboration with key private-sector leaders, hosted Africa: Her Voice, Her Power — a high-level dialogue held on October 30, 2025, at the Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) in Abuja. The event brought together influential women leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to discuss strategies for accelerating women’s participation in Africa’s economic transformation.

Stakeholders emphasized that empowering women is not just a social inclusion agenda but an economic necessity and a continental strategy for sustainable growth. The convener, Dr. Fatoumata Gaye, in her keynote remarks, underscored the power of women’s leadership, stating, “When women rise, economies rise; and when women lead, nations prosper.”

Dr. Gaye also highlighted the importance of consistency, collaboration, and courage as key ingredients for success, while calling on women to take ownership of their voices and potential. Reaffirming this message, Dr. Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi, FCT Mandate Secretary, noted that women’s economic empowerment is “a cornerstone of Africa’s sustainable development, not an isolated cause.”

In her address, Tenola Igueddo, Executive Director, Strategy and Operations, reiterated her company’s commitment to guaranteeing women’s growth and promoting inclusive economic development. She noted, “When women thrive in business, families are uplifted, communities are strengthened, and economies become more resilient and diversified.”

Panelists and speakers collectively called for greater access to finance, technology, and mentorship for women-led enterprises, stressing that these factors are essential to achieving poverty reduction and shared prosperity. The discussions also touched on the importance of innovation, funding for women entrepreneurs, and the need for collaboration between government and the private sector to foster a supportive business environment.

The Africa: Her Voice, Her Power initiative continues Africa CEO Club’s mission to spotlight female leadership, drive sustainable growth, and create a platform where women’s voices are amplified and celebrated across all sectors.