In a world relentlessly pushing the boundaries of innovation and progress, we often overlook the fundamental principles that should underpin our technological advancements. Mrs Graça Machel's illuminating address at the Rio Innovation Week on October 6, 2023, served as a poignant reminder of these essential aspects. Drawing from her remarkable experiences as a human rights
 The Graça Machel Trust (GMT) convened the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Convening to discuss the importance of digital finance in promoting women's financial inclusion.  The event, held virtually on September 14, 2023, under the theme Digital Finance: A Panacea for Women's Financial Inclusion, brought together thought leaders, experts, policymakers, and practitioners
Women's financial inclusion has long been a critical driver of untapped economic growth. Bridging the funding gap for women-owned businesses in Africa and advocating for policy changes in financial inclusion is at the heart of the Graça Machel Trust's mission. Through our New Faces New Voices (NFNV) Network, we empower women in the financial sector,
The Graça Machel Trust is excited to welcome Hon. Soraya M. Hakuziyaremye, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, as the newest member of their esteemed Expert Leaders Group (ELG) in Financial Inclusion. This appointment marks another milestone in her illustrious career, highlighted by significant achievements in the financial sector and a commitment to
Credit: GMT/Domtila Chesang  Education is a fundamental and widely recognised human right, yet UNESCO estimates that over 60 million children are missing out on primary education. Behind these staggering numbers lie the untold stories of children whose potential remains untapped, dreams left unfulfilled, and futures clouded by inequality. It is within this context of
 Nelson Mandela's legacy is one of courage, resilience, and leadership. His vision of a united Africa requires transformational leadership to be achieved. One of his most profound quotes on leadership from his personal notebook (January 16, 2000) was, "A real leader uses every issue, no matter how serious and sensitive, to ensure that at
Photo: Pexel picha stock by Andrea Piacquadio  Achieving gender equality, women's empowerment and youth participation is integral for economic growth on the African continent. Research has shown that money in the hands of women goes a long way to addressing poverty and inequality. According to the World Bank, more women than men are
Africa is believed to have the highest proportion of women entrepreneurs. Despite the challenges women face in many African countries, they make remarkable strides in entrepreneurship. In fact, according to the World Bank, women make up the majority of entrepreneurs in Africa. This is a testament to the resilience and determination of African women, who are defying
Imagine living where over 640 million people, including children, cannot access electricity. Unfortunately, this is a harsh reality for many Africans. Shockingly, the electricity access rate for African countries is just over 40 percent, the lowest in the world. The use of fuel wood for cooking has also had a devastating impact on the health
For many years, the Graça Machel Trust has worked with women-led farmers to propel them beyond subsistence farming into viable businesses that participate equitably in the agricultural value chain. Between 2017 and 2018 our African Women in Agribusiness Network (AWAB) African Food Basket Program achieved impact in Malawi and Zambia through an inclusive business model with
The Trust supports and mobilises civil society networks on issues of ending child marriage, ending violence against children, ending female genital mutilation and promoting childrenâs rights, to carry out advocacy and action across Africa. Special focus is placed on Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia where child marriage continues to be a problem largely driven by poverty, gender inequality, harmful traditional practices, conflict, low levels of literacy, limited opportunities for girls and weak or non-existent protective and preventive legal frameworks.
Education is a fundamental right for all children, which is also a vehicle for social, economic and political transformation in communities, countries and the African continent at large. Recent studies indicate a lack of progress in some of the critical commitments aimed at improving education quality, access, retention and achievement, particularly for girls. In most African countries, girls may face barriers to learning, especially when they reach post-primary levels of education. By implementing multi-dimensional approaches to education which includes core education, personal development, life skills and economic competencies, the Trust partners with funding partners, governments, civil societies and the private sector to improve education access.
The Nutrition and Reproductive, Maternal, New-born, Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition, (RMNCAH+N) of the Childrenâs Rights and Development Programme aims at promoting the Global Strategy for women, children and adolescentsâ health within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda. The strategy emphasises on the importance of effective country leadership as a common factor across countries making progress in improving the health of women, children and adolescents.
Through its Early Childhood Development (ECD) plan, The Trust will seek to put into action the new science and evidence Report that was presented by Lancet Series on Good and early development – the right of every child. This will be achieved by mobilising like-minded partners to contribute in the new science and evidence to reach all young children with ECD. The Trustâs goal is to be a catalyst for doing things differently, in particular, to rid fragmentation and lack of coordination across ECD sectors. In response to evidence showing the importance of political will in turning the tide against the current poor access and quality of ECD. Even before conception, starting with a motherâs health and social economic conditions, the early years of a childâs life form a fundamental foundation that determines whether a child will survive and thrive optimally.