"Excellence rewarded Profitably"
on the challenges and achievements of African Women in Business
and financially inclusive systems. Africa has many under- explored opportunities
between African diaspora women and indigenous African women entrepreneurs
African women in diaspora appear to possess somewhat negative ‘perceptions’ of the realities of productive economic activity in Africa and are rather oblivious to the vast economic opportunities that abound in Africa- unexplored.
They, as a result lose out on business development and economic progression on the continent. There seems to exist a disconnect between African diasporean women engaging in productive enterprise, taking advantage of the business networks and opportunities that exist in their respective African nations.
Their indigenous compatriots seem to be well advanced and aware of the vast potential in business on the continent. There is an urgent desire to bridge this gap and explore possibilities for effective solutions to the apparent “apathy” of African diasporean entrepreneurs. These women possess latent talents that can be mobilised into solid commercial advantage in an environment which nurtures their skills and harness their values into economic prowess.
There arises the critical need to shift paradigms of African diaspora women to engage competitively with their indigenous counterparts. The challenge is to explore opportunities that contribute to African enterprise, promote intra-African business, using London as the gateway.
We are an organisation that creates a platform that enables existing and potential businesswomen inside and outside Africa to engage in productive economic activities to “experience something innovative that always comes out of Africa.” The intention is to create an enabling environment where African diaspora entrepreneurs engage positively and productively with their indigenous counterparts in effective dialogue and economic prosperity. It is a forum where business ideas thrive and excellence is rewarded – profitably. It is the opportunity to showcase the finest of Africa – with her pride intact.
In implementing these activities, AWIB will collaborate in partnerships with existing networks and programs to identify opportunities for positive engagements with national and regional business associations in the UK and Africa, to leverage and build on their achievements. The desire is to encourage African diaspora women engage in pro-active business endeavours and connect them to appropriate business-matching systems.