Empowering women, transforming trade: FAO’s commitment to unlocking Africa’s economic potential
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and the Government of Ghana, is leading a transformative dialogue on women's empowerment and trade. This year’s celebration in Ghana, themed Empowering Women, Transforming Trade: Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potential, convened key stakeholders from Ghana to address the barriers hindering women’s full participation in agrifood trade and propose actionable solutions for a more inclusive future.
Held in Accra, the event was co-organized by AGRA, FAO, and the AfCFTA Secretariat, with strong backing from the Government of Ghana, including the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry. Bringing together policymakers, agripreneurs, development partners, and financial institutions, the event explored strategies for fostering an inclusive trade environment through plenary sessions, panel discussions, and masterclasses. It also showcased successful women-led businesses, best practices in market access, and initiatives designed to bridge gender gaps in trade.
Women: the backbone of Africa’s agrifood systems
Women are the backbone of Africa’s agrifood systems, comprising nearly two-thirds of the sector’s workforce. They play critical roles as producers, processors, traders, and distributors, accounting for 70-80 percent of informal traders and contributing 30-40 percent of trade within sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this, structural inequalities and discriminatory practices continue to limit their full participation. Recognizing these challenges, FAO is committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that women benefit from the vast opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“No single actor can drive this change alone. We must work in synergy, align efforts, and set our ambitions higher,” said Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, in his opening address. “Let us empower women and unleash their potential as catalysts for a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system in Africa.”
The event highlighted the vital role of women in shaping Africa’s trade landscape while driving action to integrate women-led agribusinesses into regional and global value chains. “If you educate a man, you educate an individual; but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation,” remarked Dr. Betty Annan, AGRA Country Director.
A key highlight of the event was its focus on concrete action. Several women agripreneurs who have received training and support through FAO's Empowering Women in Agriculture Trade and Access to Finance programme over the past two years showcased their branded agribusiness products at the exhibition. They also presented their business plans and success stories during a ‘deal room’ session with financial institutions and further developed their skills through live masterclasses.
“Thanks to FAO’s support, my business has grown to a stage where we’re now training our staff with the knowledge FAO has provided us as entrepreneurs. We are grateful to be part of this event to explore new opportunities to scale up our business under the AfCFTA agreement,” shared Sylvia Frimpomaa Okoampa Agyemang, founder of MacGreen Farms Ltd and a beneficiary of FAO’s programme.
FAO’s role and impact
FAO has been a long-standing advocate for gender equality in agrifood systems, actively working to bridge the productivity and wage gaps faced by women. As highlighted by Bethel Terefe, FAO Senior Gender Expert, the organization’s mentorship programs for women-led small-to-medium enterprises in Africa, in collaboration with the International Trade Centre, have helped women entrepreneurs improve their business plans and enhance their investment and trade readiness under AfCFTA.
Looking ahead, FAO will lead the implementation of the International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026, an UN-declared initiative aimed at further elevating women’s contributions to agrifood systems. Meanwhile, with FAO’s Commit to Growth Equality (CGE) initiative, the organization will continue its efforts to promote gender equality through strategic financing, partnerships, and targeted investments.
FAO remains committed to ensuring that women are not just participants but leaders in Africa’s trade revolution. By working collaboratively with partners, policymakers, and the private sector, FAO is shaping a future where empowered women drive Africa’s economic transformation.