By: Fatou Krubally
The Confederation of Gambian Industries (CGI) has called for increased financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs, emphasizing their vital role in industrial growth and economic transformation in The Gambia and across Africa.
CGI participated in the Trade Partnerships Without Borders Summit 2025, held from October 15–16 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre. Jointly organized by the WCCI Emerging Market Hub (Nigeria) and the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA), the summit brought together government, finance, business, and trade leaders from ECOWAS and OIC member states to promote inclusive trade and strengthen cross-border economic cooperation.
Representing CGI, CEO Fatou Mbenga served as a panelist in the session on “Access to Finance for Women Entrepreneurs in Intra-African (Borderless) Trade.” She underscored that empowering women entrepreneurs is both a social and economic necessity.
“Women form the backbone of value chains in food processing, textiles, packaging, and light manufacturing,” Mbenga said. “Yet, less than 25% of women-owned enterprises have access to formal credit. When women succeed in business, industries grow, and nations prosper.”
Mbenga called for tailored financial products, gender-responsive credit guarantee schemes, and capacity-building programs to integrate women-led businesses into regional and continental trade frameworks. She also highlighted digital finance and fintech solutions as key tools for bridging the inclusion gap.
To support this agenda, CGI plans to launch workshops on financial literacy, business formalization, and access to finance. The initiative will bring together banks, development partners, and trade associations to guide businesses on financing instruments, credit requirements, and cross-border trade procedures, alongside mentorship opportunities to enhance women’s participation in industrial supply chains.
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By: Fatou Krubally The Confederation of Gambian Industries (CGI) has called for increased financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs, emphasizing their…
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