Guzakuza's Lead, Nana Adjoa Sifa Amponsah, Receives Prestigious Agribusiness Award from Africa 40 under 40 for Empowering Women in African Agribusiness Sector

Nana Adjoa Sifa Amponsah has been recognized for her exceptional work in the agribusiness sector in Africa by Africa 40 under 40. As the lead at Guzakuza, a social enterprise that empowers women to build resilient agribusinesses in Africa, Amponsah's exemplary leadership has directly impacted over 7000 women in Africa and the diaspora.

Guzakuza has been a driving force in changing the narrative of women's limited participation in agribusiness in Africa. Women make up almost 50% of the agricultural workforce in Sub-Saharan Africa but account for only 15% of landholders, according to a report by the World Bank. Furthermore, women face numerous barriers to their economic inclusion, including limited access to finance, market information, and agribusiness training. Guzakuza has tackled these challenges head-on, providing women with agribusiness training, mentorship, access to finance, and access to markets, enabling them to generate income and make a meaningful impact as agribusiness businesswomen.

Guzakuza's initiatives include the African Women in Agribusiness Fellowship-Ignite, which provides African women with training in agribusiness management and leadership, access to seed capital, and mentorship. The fellowship is open to women aged between 18 and 45 years and aims to nurture a pipeline of women-led agribusinesses in Africa. Since its inception, the fellowship has supported over 500 women-led agribusinesses in various sectors, including food processing, agroforestry, and livestock farming.

Guzakuza also organizes the Women in Agribusiness Week, which aims to bring together women from different parts of Africa to learn from each other, network, and explore potential partnerships. The week-long event features panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions of women-led agribusinesses. The inaugural Women in Agribusiness Week was held in Ghana in 2018 and brought together over 300 women from across Africa.

The African Women in Agribusiness Awards is another initiative by Guzakuza that recognizes women-led agribusinesses that are making a significant impact on Africa's agribusiness sector. The awards aim to promote the visibility and recognition of women in the sector and inspire more women to venture into agribusiness. Guzakuza also offers MentorHer, a mentorship program that matches businesswomen with experienced agribusiness professionals who provide guidance and support.

Amponsah's recognition by Africa 40 under 40 in the Agribusiness category highlights the vital role that young women can play in transforming Africa's agribusiness sector. Her leadership has directly impacted over 7000 women in Africa and the diaspora, and she continues to be a role model and a beacon of hope for aspiring young women business people in the private sector.

As a global advocate for female empowerment, Amponsah has been featured in various publications, including The New York Times, where she shared her vision for Guzakuza. She stated that she aims to "create a world where women are able to have agency over their lives and are able to make meaningful contributions to the growth of the African economy." She highlighted the need for more resources to be invested in women-led agribusinesses, citing their potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve food security in Africa.

The recognition of Amponsah's work comes at a time when Africa is facing unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted food systems, worsened poverty, and aggravated gender inequalities. The pandemic has highlighted the need for innovative solutions that support women's economic empowerment and build resilience in the agribusiness sector. Guzakuza has been at the forefront of responding to these challenges, providing women with the skills and resources they need to weather the storm and emerge stronger. The Agribusiness Award that Amponsah received is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team at Guzakuza. The award recognizes the impactful work that the organization is doing to connect, catalyze, and create opportunities for women in the agribusiness sector.

In conclusion, Nana Adjoa Sifa Amponsah's recognition by Africa 40 under 40 is well-deserved and highlights the vital role that young women can play in transforming Africa's agribusiness sector. As the lead at Guzakuza, Amponsah has been instrumental in changing the narrative of women's limited participation in agribusiness in Africa. Through Guzakuza's initiatives, women have been empowered to build resilient agribusinesses and make a meaningful impact on the African economy. The recognition of Amponsah's work is a significant milestone for her and Guzakuza, and it is hoped that it will inspire more young businesswomen to pursue their dreams and contribute to the growth and development of the African continent.

Guzakuza
Email: akwaaba@guzakuza.org
Website: www.guzakuza.org
Phone: +233 (0) 204999338
Ghana

Nana Adjoa Sifa Amponsah is a social businesswoman and global advocate for women's economic empowerment. She is the lead at Guzakuza, a social enterprise that empowers women to build resilient agribusinesses in Africa. Her work at Guzakuza has directly impacted over 7000 women in Africa and the diaspora. Amponsah is a recognized leader in the African agribusiness sector and was recently honored with the prestigious Agribusiness Award by Africa 40 under 40 for her remarkable contributions to the sector. She continues to inspire and support young women business people in Africa and is passionate about creating a world where women have agency over their lives and can make meaningful contributions to the growth of the African economy.

This release was published on openPR.