Connecting African and Japanese Women Entrepreneurs: Webinar Promotes Knowledge-Sharing and Networking

Introduction

The African Development Bank’s Gender, Women and Civil Society Department, in collaboration with the Asia External Representation Office, is set to host an engaging webinar on June 22, 2023. The purpose of this webinar is to establish connections between African and Japanese women entrepreneurs, fostering knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities. The event is supported by the Japan Policy and Human Resources Development Fund, backed by the Japanese government. By bringing together entrepreneurs from both regions, the webinar aims to provide valuable insights, mentorship, and potential market linkages for intercontinental e-commerce between Africa and Japan.

Bringing African and Japanese Women Entrepreneurs Together

The webinar primarily targets Japanese and African women entrepreneurs, as well as users of the “50 Million African Women Speak” digital platform. This platform serves as a comprehensive resource for millions of African women looking to start and expand their businesses. However, the event is also open to investors, civil society organizations, development partners, and regional economic communities interested in supporting women entrepreneurs.

Knowledge-Sharing and Collaborative Opportunities

Participants in the webinar will have the opportunity to learn about strategies for business growth, employment opportunities, and market expansion through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and market linkages. The panel discussion will feature experts from various fields, including food and agriculture, fashion and cosmetics, the green/digital sector, tourism and hospitality. These experts will share insights on leveraging digital tools for online business promotion, accessing finance, and fostering collaboration between African and Japanese women entrepreneurs.

Distinguished Speakers

The webinar will be graced by a panel of distinguished speakers, each renowned in their respective fields. Among the notable speakers are:

1. Chileshe Kapwepwe, General Secretary of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
2. Malado Kaba, Director of the Gender, Women and Civil Society Department, African Development Bank
3. Edward Ssekalo, Content Manager, 50 Million African Women Speak
4. Monica Musonda, CEO and Founder, Java Foods
5. Chiharu Oyama, CEO, VIVIA JAPAN Inc.
6. Namissa Thera Sow, Founder and CEO, Ikalook
7. Yukari Hara, Founder and CEO, SKYAH Co., Ltd. and Co-Director of MY DREAM.org
8. Rekik Bekele, CEO, Green Scene Energy plc.
9. Aya Tsuboi, CEO and Founder, Sunda Technology Global Co., Ltd.
10. Asmaa Khattab, Founder, Walk Like an Egyptian
11. Rie Kawano, Founder and CEO, RAHA KENYA

Business Development Networking Session

Following the knowledge-sharing webinar, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a business development networking session. This session will allow attendees to connect with like-minded individuals, potential collaborators, and mentors, creating a conducive environment for building long-lasting business relationships.

Registration Details

To participate in this informative webinar, interested individuals can register by clicking on the provided link. The registration process is simple and ensures that participants receive access to all the necessary information and resources. HERE

Conclusion

The webinar connecting African and Japanese women entrepreneurs presents an excellent opportunity for knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and networking. By fostering collaboration between these two regions, the event aims to empower women entrepreneurs, promote economic growth, and explore potential avenues for intercontinental e-commerce. This initiative, supported by the African Development Bank and the Japan Policy and Human Resources Development Fund, underscores the importance of gender equality and inclusivity in driving sustainable development and fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems.