International Business Leaders to Train and Empower 1Million Women in the Trade Industry

The National Black Business Conference (NBBC) has been scheduled to take place on Saturday, 24th August 2024 at the Hilton Hotel, Downtown, Atlanta, Georgia, USA by the National Alliance for Black Business (NABB), the National Business League (NBL), and the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) in partnership with the World Conference of Mayors (WCM) and the Historic Black Towns and Settlements Alliance (HBTSA), collectively representing 250,000 Black-owned businesses.

The conference theme “We are Together,” is aimed at training and empowering 1 million women worldwide in the trade industry.

This is a private sector initiative connecting 1 million Women Who Trade (CWT) and also capitalizing on organizations and individuals who invest in women involved in trade starting in Africa, the America and the Caribbean.

The international business leaders seek to engage with a minimum of 5,000 business associations and cooperatives that are connected to a minimum of 200 women each to reach 1 million.

In April 2024, CWT presented its first series, “The Future of Finance & Trade in Africa 1.0,” in partnership with The George Washington University and the World Bank Group in Washington D.C. The event marked a pivotal moment in addressing the continent's financial and trade landscapes.

The conference featured an array of speakers such as Her Excellency, Chief Jewel Taylor, Former Vice President of Liberia, and Secretary-General of the African First Ladies Peace Mission, who delivered a greeting and remarks from former Ghanaian President, H.E. John Mahama. Her Excellency Chief Jewel Taylor further emphasized the priorities of women in trade and the importance of the CWT initiative. 

Similarly, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Hon. P.J. Patterson, Statesman-In-Residence at the P.J. Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Advocacy, noted: “The future of Africa is exciting. It offers tremendous possibilities for intra-Africa trade with our untapped creative potential for African youths who constitute the youngest and fastest-growing population in the world. If nurtured and supported today, they will be unconquerable in the future!” 

As part of the solution and call to action from NBBC, the CWT Initiative is presented by Blueprint, Oakwood Green Africa, and NBCC as the catalyst to increase the number of women- owned businesses that trade from 25% to 40% within a 3–5-year framework.

Additionally, NBCC and CWT will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to concretize their commitment to the success of the Initiative.

“CWT will serve as a clearinghouse ecosystem for grassroots-to-grass tops incorporating all essential networks and resources for women who are (1) ready to trade globally, (2) preparing to trade globally, and (3) institutions that support women in trade” by Dr. Ky Dele, Principal, Blueprint.

These groups and individuals will expand opportunities and enhance the capacity for women who trade by breaking down barriers for all women to connect and collaborate for trade. 

 

Naomi Obenewaah/Peace FM Newsroom