AECF recognises that in order to achieve the sustainable development goals number 2, 5, 7 and 13 for ending hunger, achieving gender equality and ensuring access to sustainable clean energy; it is essential to urgently address the social norms and cultural practices that hinder women’s meaningful economic participation in the economy.

As Africa looks to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, the full participation of women as producers, consumers, business owners and key decision-makers can be a powerful force for change.
As part of our commitment to addressing gender inequalities through market-based approaches, AECF received funding from the United Kingdom to strengthen capacity across our portfolio towards investing in African businesses that were actively creating opportunities for women at all levels – from board and management right the way through to their supply chains and customers. 

We also designed a specific initiative called Investing in Women which will fund competitions with a special bias towards investments in women-owned/led small- medium enterprises and companies that make significant contributions to reducing the gender gap. Market studies were carried out in Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Cote D’Ivoire and Burkina Faso and women-led businesses identified who could benefit from AECF grants and technical support.  While funding for this initiative was affected by Covid-19 pressures, AECF remains completely committed to mobilising resources for the future of women-led enterprises across Africa. 

If you are interested in partnering us on this initiative, please contact pmawson@aecfafrica.org