The PanHerfrican Initiative has launched the $50 billion Herceller8 Africa Impact Investment Mobilization Program aimed at empowering 10 million female entrepreneurs across the African continent.
Country Program Director* and Gender Equality Mainstreaming expert, Cynthia Ogbiti, in a statement, explained that the initiative was geared towards driving the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) by 2030.
She further stated that the initiative represents a major milestone in accelerating gender equality and economic empowerment across Africa.
Ogbiti explained that the PanHerfrican platform is a dynamic hub for Multi-sector Gender Action Impact Solutions dedicated to fostering regional transformation through women’s active economic participation, enterprise development and real-time empowerment.
She added that with the launch of the HERCELLER8 program, the platform was set to activate a powerful network of women-driven initiatives that will advance the principles of inclusivity and sustainability across the continent.
She stressed that by focusing on empowering female entrepreneurs, the HERCELLER8 program aligns with the broader goals of the AfCFTA, which aims to create a single market for goods and services across 54 African countries.
According to her: “This program will provide the financial resources and strategic support needed to ensure that women are at the forefront of economic activities, thereby accelerating the integration of regional economies and driving the continent towards the entrenchment of sustainable business practices.
“The PanHerfrican Initiative recognizes that gender equality is a critical accelerator for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to leveraging this investment to bridge the gender gap in Africa.
“Through the HERCELLER8 program, the Initiative will empower women leaders from diverse backgrounds, fostering multi-ethnic inclusion and geo-economic integration.
“This inclusive approach is designed to inspire emerging female leaders to forge partnerships that align with the AU’s Agenda 2063, driving people-centric development and sustainable growth.
“In support of these goals, the PanHerfrican Initiative will connect, communicate, and collaborate with impact-driven women leaders across African nations.
“The initiative aims to empower these leaders to rise to the challenge of “Creating the Africa We Want,” by activating intergenerational policy impact programs and establishing grassroots gender-based engagement hubs.
“These hubs will serve as catalysts for community-driven action, enabling women to play a pivotal role in the economic transformation of their communities and the continent at large.
“As Africa moves towards deeper economic integration under the AfCFTA, the PanHerfrican Initiative’s HERCELLER8 program represents a bold step forward in ensuring that women are not only participants but also leaders in this transformative journey.
“By investing in female entrepreneurs, this initiative will help to unlock the full potential of Africa’s women, driving economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development for generations to come.”
