It’s been another busy month for Lionesses of Africa as we tour the continent and the rest of the world getting the message out about Africa’s talented, game-changing women entrepreneurs and showcasing their businesses, products and services. We know that 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 in key capitals of the world - this month it was Berlin!
Brigitte Zypries, German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy
Lionesses of Africa founder and ceo, Melanie Hawken, had the pleasure of being invited by Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Brigitte Zypries, to give a keynote speech on 19 June to a special gathering of over 350 women entrepreneurs, business decision-makers and influencers in the heart of Berlin. Women’s economic empowerment is a subject close to the heart of this powerhouse Minister 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 focused concept aims to boost the economies and foster sustainable growth in Africa, paving the way for deeper cooperation and more private-sector involvement. Melanie shared her mission and vision for women’s economic empowerment through entrepreneurship in Africa with the audience, sharing her personal inspiration and journey to creating this 360,000 women entrepreneur-strong organization.
Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO of Lionesses of Africa
Melanie commented: “It was such a privilege to have the opportunity to deliver a keynote address to around 350 leading entrepreneurs, businesswomen, government decision makers and global influencers, at this amazing women’s networking event in Berlin. A big thanks must go to the visionary and energetic Minister, Brigitte Zypries, for the invitation and for her interest in supporting women’s entrepreneurship. It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce the women in the audience to our Lionesses of Africa community and to talk to them about the game-changing women entrepreneurs across the African continent. I was overwhelmed by their response and now believe more than ever - if women entrepreneurs collaborate, great things will happen!”
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.
