IIA, OWIT Partnership to Champion Women Inclusion in Economic Value Chains

On 10th February 2020, Invest in Africa- Kenya (IIA-Kenya) signed a partnership with the Organization of Women in International Trade- Nairobi Chapter (OWIT-Nairobi) to prompt the inclusion of women in business in Kenya by enhancing their participation in economic value chains. IIA is a not for profit partnership organization aimed at prospering African economies by empowering SMEs to trade with big companies. The organization has identified some core constraints that make it difficult for women entrepreneurs to access opportunities. This partnership is a key driver in linking women in business to market and finance opportunities.

The partnership builds on the synergies between the two organizations in working with women in business to maximize gains across various value chains in key sectors of the economy. Speaking during the signing at IIA-Kenya Bush house offices, Terry Kinyua, The COO IIA-Kenya, said that one of the key thematic areas of focus of the organization is to champion the inclusion of women entrepreneurs in finance and market opportunities. The partnership will Leverage IIA’s flagship online network, Biashara.Now, to develop targeted initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacities of women and improve their competitiveness to access more opportunities both locally and internationally. The women will also benefit from bespoke networking workshops aimed at providing access to market opportunities for businesses within the membership pool of the organizations. The combined network and value that the two organizations bring will open new avenues for growth, co-operation, and collaboration for women in Africa.

Caroline Gathii, the president OWIT, said that, through this partnership with IIA, OWIT hopes to achieve one of its objectives of access to the market for its members and drive balanced and inclusive growth. She also sited that, most women are in the service sector, which is rarely invested in, and they require partners like IIA to channel financing to that sector.

Through the partnership the two organizations are driving the achievement of SDG 5 by removing structural barriers to women's economic empowerment through creating trade opportunities that generates greater growthfor improved social development and for reducing poverty.

“Through this partnership with OWIT, we hope to create an inclusive model for business that prospers for everyone, where we all participate in markets as entrepreneurs, workers, and consumers and drive economic growth through innovation and business creation.” Said Wangechi Muriuki, the Country Director IIA-Kenya, commenting on the partnership.