The PanHerfrican Initiative has announced the launch of the Hercellers Africa Impact Investment Mobilization Program, a $50 billion initiative aimed at empowering 10 million female entrepreneurs across the African continent. This program is seen as a significant step towards accelerating gender equality and economic empowerment in Africa, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Cynthia Aigbosesi Ogbiti, the Country Director and Gender Equality Mainstreaming expert, emphasized that the Hercellers program is designed to support the successful implementation of AfCFTA by 2030. She highlighted that this initiative marks a crucial milestone in promoting gender equality and fostering economic opportunities for women throughout Africa.
Wilkinson, another spokesperson for the PanHerfrican Initiative, described the platform as a dynamic hub for multi-sector Gender Action Impact Solutions. The initiative focuses on advancing regional transformation through women’s active participation in economic activities, enterprise development, and real-time empowerment. The launch of the HERCELLER8 program is expected to activate a powerful network of women-driven initiatives, promoting inclusivity and sustainability across the continent.
The Hercellers program is strategically aligned with AfCFTA’s broader goals, which aim to create a single market for goods and services across 54 African countries. By empowering female entrepreneurs, the program seeks to place women at the forefront of economic activities, thereby accelerating the integration of regional economies and promoting sustainable business practices.
The PanHerfrican Initiative recognizes the critical role of gender equality in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to using this investment to bridge the gender gap in Africa. The HERCELLER8 program aims to empower women leaders from diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusion and geo-economic integration. This approach aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which seeks to drive people-centric development and sustainable growth.
As part of its efforts, the PanHerfrican Initiative will connect, communicate, and collaborate with impact-driven women leaders across Africa. The initiative aims to inspire these leaders to contribute to “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.
With Africa moving towards deeper economic integration under AfCFTA, the PanHerfrican Initiative’s Hercellers 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, the initiative aims to unlock the full potential of Africa’s women, driving economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development for future generations.
