ImpactHER convenes global leaders for women sustainability conference 2.0 in Abuja
The ImpactHER has successfully hosted the Global Africa Women Sustainability Conference 2.0 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, bringing together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and development partners from over 50 countries.
The high-level gathering drew ministers from across Africa, representatives from the Caribbean, and diplomats from countries including Colombia and Cuba, highlighting the growing global recognition of African women’s role in sustainable development.
In her opening remarks, Efe Ukala, Founder and President of ImpactHER, delivered a powerful and reflective address, linking sustainability to everyday African values. She recounted how her mother reused household items, turning bread bags into storage and repurposing materials long before sustainability became a global concept.
“What we now call circular economy, eco-friendly practices, and sustainability, our mothers simply called common sense,” she said, drawing applause from participants. “Global African women have always been at the forefront of sustainable living.”
Ukala emphasized that the conference is not merely symbolic but rooted in measurable economic opportunities. According to her, the global green economy is currently valued at over $5 trillion annually and is projected to reach $7 trillion by 2030, growing faster than traditional industries.
“This is not sentimental, it is mathematical,” she stated. “African women must not remain on the margins of this market. We must be active players, making deals and shaping the future.”
She further highlighted that while a significant share of informal cross-border trade in Africa is driven by women, many remain excluded from premium global markets due to lack of certification and structural support. Bridging this gap, she noted, is a core objective of the conference.
Held under the theme “Women Entrepreneurs as Architects of a Global Sustainable Future,” the event challenges traditional narratives that portray women as beneficiaries rather than leaders.
“We are not victims. We are not a vulnerable population. We are the architects,” she declared.
Participants were informed that the three-day conference would focus on actionable outcomes, including policy implementation, access to real funding, and facilitating trade opportunities across borders.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the African Union Commission, a representative emphasized that sustainability is central to Africa’s transformation agenda under Agenda 2063. She noted that women-led enterprises are critical to driving a green industrial revolution across the continent.
“The transformation of Africa will not be achieved by policy signatures alone, but through your businesses, innovations, and enterprises,” she said, urging participants to leverage continental initiatives that support women entrepreneurs.
She also stressed the importance of certification, digital transformation, and access to structured markets, describing them as essential tools for enabling women entrepreneurs to compete globally.
The conference featured the presence of several dignitaries, including ministers of gender and development from multiple African countries, ambassadors, and city leaders, underscoring the international significance of the event.
Organisers noted that beyond discussions, the conference aims to foster partnerships, unlock market access, and drive tangible economic outcomes for women entrepreneurs across Africa and the diaspora.
As sessions continue, participants are expected to engage in masterclasses, policy dialogues, and investment-focused discussions designed to position African women at the forefront of the global sustainability movement.
