VFD Group has partnered with Arcadia Africa Day, a subsidiary of Utopia Media Group, to support 5,000 women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa. The initiative, set to launch as part of the Africa Day 2025 celebrations, will provide financial backing and strategic business support through the Abada platform. Targeting countries such as South Africa, Namibia, and Ghana, the project aims to foster inclusive economic growth and drive long-term success for female entrepreneurs.
Africa Day, celebrated annually on May 25, marks the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the predecessor of the African Union (AU). It serves as a reminder of Africa’s unity and the need for continuous economic development. In line with this vision, VFD Group’s latest initiative seeks to address the persistent financial barriers faced by women-led businesses, providing them with the necessary tools to scale and compete in the evolving marketplace.
VFD Group has built a reputation for pioneering innovative financial solutions tailored to Africa’s dynamic business environment. This collaboration underscores its commitment to closing the financing gap for women entrepreneurs, a crucial step in accelerating regional economic development. By providing capital, business advisory services, and long-term growth strategies, the initiative will empower thousands of female-owned businesses to expand, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to their respective economies.
Akintunde Marinho, founder of Arcadia Africa Day, emphasized the significance of the partnership. “We are thrilled to partner with VFD Group to provide funding and support to female-owned SMEs. This initiative has the potential to unlock economic opportunities that will create lasting ripple effects across the continent,” he said. Marinho further explained that the initiative will not only offer financial assistance but also equip business owners with resources to ensure sustainability and resilience in a competitive market.
The initiative will leverage the Abada platform, a digital ecosystem designed to support SME growth, providing access to mentorship, training, and financial literacy programs. Female entrepreneurs seeking to benefit from the program can register on the Arcadia Africa Day SME platform, Abada, and meet specific eligibility requirements. By offering a holistic approach to business development, the partnership aims to create a lasting impact beyond initial funding.
Beyond financial aid, the initiative will focus on addressing key challenges that women-led businesses often face, including access to markets, digital transformation, and leadership training. It will also encourage networking and collaboration among female entrepreneurs, creating an ecosystem where business owners can share experiences, exchange ideas, and foster partnerships.
VFD Group and Arcadia Africa Day are reinforcing their commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient African economy. By facilitating access to capital, strategic support, and essential business resources, they aim to create an enabling environment where women-led businesses not only survive but thrive.
As the Africa Day 2025 celebrations approach, this initiative is set to serve as a powerful testament to the role of financial inclusion in transforming lives, strengthening economies, and driving Africa’s development agenda forward.
