A panel of prominent business leaders and regulatory figures discussed key initiatives and challenges in unlocking market access for women entrepreneurs at the Women Creating Wealth (WCW) Summit. The dialogue centred on regulatory support, mentorship challenges, and procurement policies aimed at advancing women’s economic participation.

Empowering Women Through Regulatory and Policy Changes

The summit, organised by the Graça Machel Trust (GMT), convened almost 200 women entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders, donors, and thought leaders to assess the current state of African entrepreneurship and chart a path forward.

Betty Mkatshwa, Legal Counsel at the Competition Commission of South Africa, shared insights from a recent study highlighting how women entrepreneurs are largely confined to less profitable segments of the economy, particularly in service industries, rather than high-value chain sectors. The Commission is addressing these disparities through sector-specific investigations and binding recommendations for government and private sector institutions.

“We have provisions in the Act to assess the performance of SMMEs, historically disadvantaged groups, and women in the economy, and whether they are participating meaningfully,” Mkatshwa explained. She also emphasised the Commission’s ability to grant exemptions that allow women entrepreneurs to collaborate and pool resources, particularly in sectors like energy.

Gender-Inclusive Procurement Initiatives

Futhi Mtoba, Co-Convenor of the Women Economic Assembly (WECONA), detailed the organisation’s efforts to implement South Africa’s commitment to allocate 40% of public procurement to women-owned businesses. WECONA collaborates with industries to build women’s productive capacity and integrate them into supply chains.

“You cannot talk about transformation without looking at gender,” Mtoba stated, addressing the silence on gender issues in many industry plans.

The Personal and Practical Challenges of Women Entrepreneurs

Thato Mokhotu, MD of RTT Group, a construction and consulting engineering firm, shared her experience in navigating male-dominated boardrooms and the lack of female mentors. “Where are the mentors? Who is willing to guide me?” Mokhotu asked, underscoring the need for stronger support networks among women in business.

The discussion also included international perspectives, with participants from Zambia and Senegal noting how information gaps and compliance challenges prevent women from accessing procurement opportunities, even when supportive policies exist.

Key Takeaways for Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

Panellists identified the following priorities:

• Industry-Specific Training: Equip women with the skills needed to participate in various sectors.
• Capacity-Building: Strengthen productive capacity for greater supply chain integration.
• Information-Sharing: Ensure women have access to the necessary details to navigate procurement systems.

Moderator Mpumi Maesela, CEO of SE Holdings, concluded the session by highlighting the importance of quality and networking: “People don’t buy products; they buy quality. Focus on delivering your best, and the funding will follow.”

This discussion underscored the complex interplay of regulatory support, industry transformation, and the practical challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in accessing markets across Africa.

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About the Women Creating Wealth Summit

The Women Creating Wealth (WCW) Summit, hosted by the Graça Machel Trust, serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration to advance entrepreneurship, unlock market access, and promote economic empowerment for women across Africa.

Press Release Submitted By

Company Name: Graça Machel Trust

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Unlocking Market Access for Women Entrepreneurs in Africa

WCW Summit highlights mentorship, procurement, and policy initiatives to empower women in business. #WomenEntrepreneurs #GraçaMachelTrust #MarketAccess #EconomicEmpowerment #mypressportal #pressrelease #AfricaNewsroom #bizcommunity #publicrelations #africa #southernafrica #southafrica 

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