On July 25, 2024, the Graça Machel Trust, in partnership with New Faces New Voices networks from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, hosted the East African Community Regional Convening on Women’s Financial Inclusion in Kampala, Uganda. The hybrid event, “Digital Finance: Promoting Accountability for Women’s Financial Inclusion,” attracted over 450 participants, including experts, policymakers, and financial leaders worldwide. Founder of the Graça Machel Trust, HE Graça Machel, participated alongside notable figures such as Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Uganda’s Minister for East African Community Affairs, and Soraya M. Hakuziyaremye, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda. Discussions centred on closing the gender gap in digital finance and creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem in East Africa.
Photo: Dr Theopista Ntale Sekisto, and Ms Shiphra Chisha
Dr. Theopista Ntale Sekitto from New Faces New Voices Uganda (left) delivered the opening remarks and highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors to advance women’s roles in the digital economy. The Trusts’ Director of Programmes Ms Shiphra Chisha, said: “Our women are the lifeblood of our communities and key to Africa’s economic rise. We must break down barriers and provide them with the tools to thrive in the digital economy.”
Mama Graça Machel in her keynote address, stressed the need for integrating women into the digital economy. She called on leaders to advocate for policies, including women, and champion digital technology adoption. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga echoed these sentiments, offered to support women entrepreneurs in Uganda.
Joining online, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, Ms Soraya M. Hakuziyaremye (left) shared Expert Leader Group (ELG) statement which focused on how the ELG is navigating complex financial landscapes to advance women in the digital age.
Mr Chad Pollock, Vice President and General Manager of Visa East Africa (right) talked about how Visa’s commitment to advocating for gender-sensitive technology policies and supporting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) through global partnerships.
The event included testimonies from Ms. Maureen Amakabane, a Kenyan entrepreneur, on her experience with digital financial products. Discussions led by Ms. Joy Rwamwenge focused on policies supporting women-owned SMEs, with input from experts like Mr. Kimenyi Valence. A panel, led by Ms. Caroline Armstrong, explored the role of technology in gender inclusion, with insights from industry leaders.
Mrs. Emma Kawawa, Country Director of New Faces New Voices Tanzania closed the event by stressing the importance of ensuring women have access to digital tools and infrastructure. She highlighted the need for affordable mobile phones, reliable internet connectivity, and user-friendly digital financial services. “Bridging the digital divide is essential to prevent women from being left behind in the digital economy in the region. She gave an example of Tanzania: “We have installed towers in rural areas to extend Wi-Fi access to everyone.”
Dr. Tukiya Kankasa-Mabula, Interim Chair of the Expert Leaders Group – Zambia, emphasised the critical need to integrate digital literacy into the business ecosystem to create equal opportunities for women entrepreneurs. She urged more female deputy governors and women in strategic leadership roles within the financial and regulatory sectors to join the Expert Leaders Group. She said: “Your participation is vital as we work towards advancing women’s economic progress and ensuring financial inclusion across our regions.”
Explore some of the media coverage the event;
- Watch the event highlights and interviews for an in-depth understanding of the discussions here.
- Read about the potential of digital services in unlocking women’s potential in East Africa here.
- Learn more about women’s access to digital finance and the innovative solutions presented here.
- Explore how women’s financial advancement is gaining momentum in East Africa as leaders converge on digital finance here.
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