The Connecting One Million Women in Trade (CWT) Initiative officially launched on December 12, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria, with the goal of empowering women entrepreneurs across Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean. The event, held at the Banwo and Ighodalo law firm in Ikoyi, brought together leaders, policymakers, and trade experts to address systemic barriers faced by women in trade and explore strategies to close gender gaps in global commerce. Spearheaded by Dr. Ky Dele, President of Blueprint Group, the initiative aims to strengthen women’s entrepreneurial skills by offering access to essential resources, training, and networking opportunities. “Our goal is to bridge gender gaps in trade, enhance women’s entrepreneurial capacities, and foster sustainable economic growth,” Dele said at the event. The program focuses on tackling regulatory challenges, expanding financing options for women-led businesses, and advocating for gender-inclusive trade policies. Strategic partnerships between governments, private organizations, and civil society were highlighted as crucial for achieving these objectives. To ensure sustainability and accountability, CWT plans to implement metrics to measure the initiative’s impact. Ian Campbell, International Strategic Advisor and Commissioner for Africa for Maryland Governor Wes Moore, called the launch a historic moment. “This initiative aligns with the vision of Marcus Garvey, fostering unity and economic empowerment among Africans and the diaspora,” Campbell said. The event featured several prominent participants, including representatives of H.E. Chief Jewel Taylor, former Vice President of Liberia; H.E. Sen. Ireti Kingibe, Chair of the Nigerian Senate Committee on Women Affairs; H.E. Adebayo Adeniyi, former Nigerian Minister of Trade; and H.E. Hon. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment. Ambassador Sidique Wai, Secretary General of the ECOWAS Ambassadors Group, also attended and praised the initiative as “transformative.” CWT aims to empower one million women entrepreneurs by tackling systemic inequalities and unlocking opportunities in global trade. Through policy advocacy, access to resources, and collaboration, the initiative strives to create a sustainable, inclusive environment for women-owned businesses, setting a global standard for economic development.
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