US Gov’t to establish Women Entrepreneurial Centres in Kenya, Zambia and Mali

The US Government is set to launch three women’s entrepreneurial centers in Kenya, Zambia and Mali so as to support women entrepreneurs.

This was announced at the just concluded Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2015 by the President of the United States of America, President Barack Obama, who was the co-host at the summit with Kenya’s President, Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Women are powerhouse entrepreneurs. The research shows that when women entrepreneurs succeed, they drive economic growth and invest more back into their families and communities. We’re launching three women’s entrepreneurial centers, one in Zambia, one opening later this year here in Nairobi and I’m proud to announce that the third center will be located in Mali,” said President Obama.

He also added that US Government had already helped build a network of more than 1,600 women entrepreneurs across Africa and as part of that $1 billion raised in the previous summit for emerging entrepreneurs around the world, half of the money would be going to support women and young people.

“United States Overseas Private Investment Corporation is contributing $100 million to support Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Women initiative, making more capital available to women-owned enterprises around the world. So, congratulations,” he added.

He also applauded the young people in Kenya who are harnessing technology to change the way Africa is doing business since it helps create incredible opportunities for Africans and for the world, driving more growth and trade that creates jobs in all our countries. “This continent needs to be a future hub of global growth, not just African growth,” he added.

He also praised the Kenya’s crowdsourcing platform Ushahidi as well as M-Pesa platform.

“The country that’s hosting us today is setting an important example. Kenya is leading the way. Today, Kenya is the largest economy in East Africa. High-speed broadband and mobile connectivity are on the rise, unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit of even more Kenyans. Every day around the world, millions of people send and save money with M-Pesa — and it’s a great idea that started here in Kenya,” he said.

He also added, “From Zimbabwe to Bangladesh, citizens work to keep elections safe, using the crowdsourcing platform Ushahidi and that’s a great idea that started right here in Kenya. Here in Nairobi, startup incubators are nurturing new businesses every day maybe some of yours each with the potential to be the great next Kenyan innovation.”

Launched by President Obama in 2009, the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) brings together entrepreneurs and investors from across Africa and around the world annually to showcase innovative projects, exchange new ideas, and help spur economic opportunity.

The 2015 GES agenda will focus on generating new investments for entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on women and youth. The selection of Nairobi as host city for the 2015 GES underscores how Africa notably Kenya has become a center for innovation and entrepreneurship. Kenya is a world leader in mobile money systems, like M-pesa, and a driver of innovation through technology research and incubation labs like “iHub.”

Since 2009, GES has emerged as a global platform connecting emerging entrepreneurs with leaders from business, international organizations, and governments looking to support them. This is the first time GES will take place in sub-Saharan Africa.