IWD: Women, the heart of Africa’s economic transformation-Dr. Kategekwa

In a world striving for sustainable development and inclusive progress, women remain a crucial yet underutilized force in Africa’s economic future.
Dr. Joy Kategekwa, Director of the Regional Integration Coordination Office at the African Development Bank Group, highlights the indispensable role of women in economic growth and transformation.
“When you look at the numbers, women are not just part of our society; they are the majority, making up over 50% of the population,” Dr. Kategekwa states.
“It is impossible to accelerate progress while leaving half or more than half of the population behind.”
Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize gender equality and inclusivity.
However, deep-rooted challenges continue to hinder women’s ability to thrive in business and trade.
From land ownership restrictions to financial barriers and limited market access, women in Africa encounter systemic obstacles that must be addressed through deliberate policy shifts and innovative solutions.

Women in cross-border trade

Women play a crucial role in Africa’s cross-border trade, yet they face unique challenges that stifle their growth and economic potential.
Many lack access to productive resources such as land, which limits their ability to engage in large-scale enterprises.
Financial barriers, including restrictive loan requirements and cultural biases, also prevent women from scaling their businesses.
“Studies confirm that women repay their loans consistently, yet they struggle to access financing,” Dr. Kategekwa noted.
“We must change the rules and roll back regimes that exclude women from productive resources.”
Furthermore, women traders encounter difficulties at border posts, including unpredictable regulations, high fees, and a lack of market information.
Dr. Kategekwa stresses that addressing these barriers requires tailored interventions, such as specialized financing initiatives, policy reforms, and structured training programs to empower women with knowledge about trade agreements and opportunities.

AfCFTA: A game changer for women in trade
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a transformative initiative poised to reshape intra-African trade and industrialization.
For the first time, Africa has an instrument that facilitates preferential trade within the continent, removing barriers that previously hindered local businesses from scaling across borders.

“The AfCFTA is saying to Africa’s businesses, ‘We will buy your products on preferential terms,’” Dr. Kategekwa explained.
“It creates a market of 1.4 billion people today and 2 billion by 2050, providing a real opportunity for industrialization.”
Women, who form the backbone of Africa’s trade sector, stand to gain significantly from this agreement.
Sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and professional services—where women are highly active—are already seeing the benefits of tariff reductions and market integration.
A groundbreaking protocol on women and youth in trade, developed through extensive grassroots consultations, further cements the commitment to gender inclusivity in the AfCFTA.
This protocol prioritizes resolving key challenges faced by women, including access to financing, trade facilitation, and policy adjustments to ensure seamless cross-border trade.

The key to unlocking women’s potential
Access to finance remains one of the most critical enablers for women in business. Without adequate funding, women entrepreneurs struggle to expand their enterprises and compete in larger markets.
Dr. Kategekwa underscored the responsibility of financial institutions in bridging this gap.
“Financial institutions must embed a gender-conscious approach in their business models to cater to women’s unique needs.
“At the African Development Bank, we have introduced the gender marker to ensure all our investments align with gender inclusion,” she said.
Programmess such as the Affirmative Financing Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) are already making a difference.
This initiative channels funding to commercial banks to provide affordable loans to women entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the financial resources to sustain and scale their businesses.
Similarly, the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks, spearheaded by African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, empower young people to turn their ideas into viable businesses.
These programs create pathways for innovation and sustainable economic growth while ensuring women and youth are not left behind.

Women driving africa’s transformation
Dr. Kategekwa envisions a future where African women are at the forefront of industrialization and wealth creation.
She sees an Africa where raw materials are no longer exported in their crude form but transformed into high-value products, with women leading the agro-processing and manufacturing sectors.
“I imagine an Africa where beautiful textiles and garments made by women fill our markets, where female engineers lead the production of renewable energy-powered vehicles, and where women-owned enterprises thrive across the AfCFTA region,” she stated.

Her message to Africa’s women and young girls is one of empowerment and action.
“Let us accelerate action. This is about you. You have the power to create the transformation you want to see. The time is now—let’s just do it.”

The path forward
To turn this vision into reality, governments, financial institutions, and the private sector must take proactive steps.
Policies that promote women’s land ownership, easier access to finance, and structured training on trade regulations are essential.
The successful implementation of the AfCFTA’s women and youth protocol must also remain a top priority.
By eliminating systemic barriers and fostering a culture of inclusion, Africa can unlock the full potential of its women entrepreneurs, accelerating economic growth and ensuring a prosperous, equitable future for all.