Absa Bank has once again demonstrated its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs with the successful hosting of the 2025 edition of its flagship Inspire Me Conference in Lusaka, Zambia.

The annual pan-African gathering brought together women entrepreneurs, policymakers, industry leaders, and strategic partners, all united under the theme “Elevating HerStory – United for Purpose.”

Over two days, delegates from Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Mauritius, and Zambia convened to share experiences, exchange ideas, and explore new opportunities for collaboration and growth. The conference provided a critical platform for knowledge-sharing and cross-border networking, reinforcing Absa’s mission of creating an enabling environment for women-led enterprises across Africa.

The Inspire Me Conference featured engaging panel discussions led by accomplished women entrepreneurs and industry experts who shared their journeys, challenges, and strategies for success. Delegates also had the opportunity to participate in targeted business-to-business sessions designed to spark partnerships and unlock new markets.

One of the conference highlights was the marketplace exhibition, which showcased innovative women-owned brands from across the continent. This not only gave entrepreneurs visibility but also connected them with potential investors, customers, and mentors, reinforcing the idea that women-owned businesses are critical drivers of Africa’s economic transformation.

Absa’s Commitment to Women’s Economic Advancement

In a goodwill message, Dr. Edward Nartey Botchway, Managing Director of Absa Bank Ghana LTD, underscored the importance of sustained investment in women’s economic empowerment.

“Women entrepreneurs are reshaping industries, creating jobs and leading positive change. The Inspire Me Conference is a reflection of our belief that their stories matter and that their success is essential to inclusive, long-term economic growth.”
Dr. Edward Nartey Botchway

This message echoed Absa’s dedication to empowering women-led businesses through tailored financial solutions and capacity-building initiatives. In Ghana, the Bank has rolled out the SheBusiness proposition, which provides collateral-free SME loans of up to GH¢2 million at a competitive annual interest rate of 10 percent. This initiative not only reduces barriers to finance but also helps women entrepreneurs expand their operations sustainably.

Absa’s approach to supporting women-led SMEs extends beyond financing. The SheBusiness initiative is designed as a holistic support system, offering access to mentorship, advisory services, and market linkages.

For example, in Kumasi, Absa has launched the SME Banking Suite at its Adum branch. This innovative facility provides women entrepreneurs with a dedicated space for networking, skills development, and business advisory, ensuring they receive tailored support that goes beyond traditional banking services.

By combining financial solutions with platforms such as the Inspire Me Conference, Absa is helping women entrepreneurs build stronger, more resilient businesses capable of competing in regional and international markets.

Elevating HerStory: Stories That Inspire

The 2025 Inspire Me Conference placed a strong emphasis on storytelling as a means of empowerment. By sharing real-life accounts of resilience and success, participants highlighted the transformative impact of women’s leadership in sectors ranging from technology and agriculture to retail and finance.

These stories served not only to inspire but also to normalize women’s leadership in spaces where gender disparities persist. By amplifying these voices, Absa reaffirmed its role as a champion of inclusivity and gender equity within Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Ghanaian delegates played a significant role in shaping discussions at the conference. They actively engaged with their peers from across the continent, bringing perspectives on how innovative financing, digitalization, and supportive policies can accelerate women’s participation in business.

Their participation underscored the importance of regional collaboration in addressing common challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, such as limited access to capital, restricted market entry, and unequal representation in leadership.

The 2025 Inspire Me Conference concluded with a renewed commitment from Absa to continue driving initiatives that foster inclusivity and empower women-led businesses across Africa. By facilitating high-impact partnerships, linking entrepreneurs to supportive platforms, and ensuring access to financial and non-financial resources, Absa is shaping a future where women are central to Africa’s economic growth story.

The event not only celebrated women entrepreneurs but also provided them with the tools, connections, and confidence needed to thrive. In doing so, Absa Bank is helping to create a more inclusive and resilient African enterprise landscape—one where HerStory is fully recognized as part of the continent’s economic success.