By Chinweokwu Mmaju

As conversations on gender equality and inclusiveness gain momentum in Nigeria and across Africa, the focus has increasingly shifted toward finding sustainable ways to empower women, reduce poverty, and foster economic growth. A significant aspect of these discussions is the undeniable connection between gender inclusion and poverty reduction, particularly the role of women's financial empowerment in driving sustainable development. African Food Changemakers (AFC) has emerged as a leading voice in these discussions, demonstrating its firm commitment to promoting gender equity and creating inclusive pathways in the agribusiness sector. 

At the recently concluded 2024 Gender and Inclusion Summit, organized by the Policy Innovation Center (PIC), African Food Changemakers (AFC) played a critical role in shaping the conversation. Held on the 5th and 6th of September 2024 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, the summit, themed ‘Reimagining Gender-Inclusive Pathways and Partnerships for Poverty Reduction,’ brought together top stakeholders from the private sector, government, civil society, and development organizations. The event was a critical platform for examining how gender inclusion can unlock opportunities across industries, particularly in the agri-food sector. 

The presence of Sahel Consulting at the summit, the parent company of AFC, was marked by influential contributions to key discussions, reinforcing its leadership role in driving gender inclusivity in agribusiness. Anthonia Taiwo-Ajayi, Senior HR Manager at Sahel Consulting and AFC, contributed to the insightful panel discussion on ‘Bridging the Food Security Gap: From the Grassroots to the Boardroom’, exploring strategies for elevating women’s roles in decision-making processes at all levels of the agri-food value chain. Meanwhile, Aisha Hadejia, Partner at Sahel Consulting, also contributed significantly to the session on ‘Unpacking Access to Essential Tools and Services for Women’s Economic Empowerment,’ spotlighting AFC’s commitment to empowering female agripreneurs through access to critical resources and support systems. 

As part of its active engagement, AFC also showcased a wide array of diverse and high-quality products made in Africa by African agribusinesses—all members of the AFC community. By amplifying the success stories of these entrepreneurs, AFC highlighted the vital role agribusinesses play in driving economic growth and creating sustainable livelihoods for women across the continent.

African Food Changemakers (AFC) Hub is driven by a mission to support small and medium-sized agribusinesses across the continent by offering visibility, creating market linkages, and providing training opportunities to help scale their businesses. Membership in the AFC Hub offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, access critical business development tools, and tap into a network that is committed to gender-inclusive economic empowerment. Register here to join the community. 

The Gender and Inclusion Summit offered valuable insights, networking opportunities, and significant exposure for African Food Changemakers (AFC) and our community members. The event underscored the critical importance of maintaining high-quality standards within the agri-food and packaging industries. This reinforced our commitment to upholding these standards as we continue to empower African agripreneurs and drive sustainable growth across the continent.