The Green Belt Movement (GBM), in partnership with the Women for Africa Foundation, hosted the inaugural Launch and Grow meeting, bringing together over 50 women entrepreneurs from the Launch and Grow Program and key business leaders from Kenya’s private sector. Themed “Women Building Entrepreneurship Networks for Economic Transformation and Sustainability.”
The event highlighted the critical role of women in driving economic growth and addressed the barriers they face, such as limited mentorship and networking opportunities.
Since its inception in 2016, the Launch and Grow Program, developed in collaboration with Babson College and supported by Banco Santander, has empowered women entrepreneurs in Kenya by providing them with leadership training and business support. As the program enters a new phase, its focus shifts towards consolidating past achievements and enhancing networks among participants.
The meeting featured keynote speeches from notable figures, including H.E. Cristina Díaz Fernández-Gil, Ambassador of Spain; Ms. Wanjira Mathai, former Board Chairperson of the Green Belt Movement; Dr. Esther Muchemi, Founder and CEO of Samchi Group; and Dr. Teresa Langle de Paz, Director of the Women for Africa Foundation. These leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration and courage in overcoming challenges faced by women in business.
Dr. Muchemi stressed the significance of networking, stating, “Networks are crucial for business success. As women, we must abandon fear and strive for success to compete effectively in the marketplace.” The event also introduced the Business Boost Prize, recognizing innovative ideas from program alumni that contribute to economic growth, gender equality, and community impact.
The Launch and Grow initiative aims to create a robust network of Kenyan women entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices. The meeting, held at Confucius Institute, University of Nairobi provided an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences and forge impactful business relationships.
The Women for Africa Foundation, established in 2012 by former Deputy Prime Minister of Spain Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega, focuses on empowering women to drive Africa’s development across various sectors, including governance, health, and economic transformation.
The Green Belt Movement, founded by Professor Wangari Maathai in 1977, works to empower communities, particularly women, in environmental conservation and livelihood improvement. With the support of Banco Santander, which has invested over €2.2 billion in education and entrepreneurship globally, the movement continues to champion women’s roles in sustainability.
This gathering marks a significant step in advancing women’s entrepreneurship in Kenya, fostering an environment where women can thrive and contribute to sustainable economic growth.