Getting critical access to global markets for women entrepreneurs in Africa is often a challenge, so it’s always welcome to get the opportunity to talk about possible solutions with fellow women’s economic empowerment champions visiting the continent. Lionesses of Africa founder and ceo, Melanie Hawken, had the pleasure of meeting with Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Brigitte Zypries on 6 May when the Minister visited Cape Town following her speech at the World Economic Forum in South Africa earlier in the week.
Women’s economic empowerment is a subject close to the heart of Brigitte Zypries, and fits into her Pro! Africa initiative which is a key concept initiated by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy which she leads. Germany currently holds the G20 Presidency and this Africa concept aims to boost the economies and foster sustainable growth in Africa, paving the way for deeper cooperation and more private-sector involvement.
At the meeting between Melanie Hawken and Minister Brigitte Zypries, the discussion centered on introducing the work of Lionesses of Africa to support and promote women’s entrepreneurship on the African continent. Melanie gave an overview of her mission and vision for women’s economic empowerment through entrepreneurship in Africa, taking the Minister through the various initiatives and programmes currently underway to support women entrepreneurs across the continent.
L-R: Melanie Hawken, Brenda Wilkinson, Yolanda Methvin, Brigitte Zypries
Accompanying Melanie at the meeting were two women entrepreneurs from the Lionesses of Africa community in the Cape region, both of whom introduced their businesses and their products to the Minister and her delegation. Firstly, Yolanda Methvin of the health and wellness tea and skincare brand, Litha Flora, gave a truly insightful presentation on her company’s mission to harness the healing and wellness powers of the natural plants and flowers found in the Western Cape. Secondly Brenda Wilkinson, co-founder of Rio Largo olive oil shared her journey to building a multi-award winning brand that is truly going global and winning over legions of fans from China to Europe, from Japan to the US.
The discussion went on to explore the challenges facing Africa’s women entrepreneurs when it comes to breaking into new markets globally, and also the opportunities for collaboration and opening up retail distribution networks with countries such as Germany. A central internet portal offering information and key contacts points for all matters concerning business relations within Africa is being launched and operated under the political leadership of the Africa experts within the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Visit www.portalafrika.de for details.