African female business leaders meet to discuss their place in Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
The participation of women in the entrepreneurial sector is steadily increasing in Africa. More and more women are taking the reins of small and medium-sized businesses and are showing remarkable dynamism. However, they often find themselves faced with specific challenges and obstacles, particularly with regard to their access to economic opportunities.
It is in this context that the 12th International Forum of Enterprising and Dynamic Women (Fied) was held in Brazzaville. Business leaders from around twenty African countries took part in this event to discuss the issue of their place in special economic zones (SEZs).
SEZs are delimited geographical areas within which the laws are more liberal and advantageous for businesses. They aim to stimulate investment and job creation by providing an environment conducive to economic activity.
Congo, host country of the forum, has expressed its intention to create SEZs on its territory to diversify its economy and get out of its dependence on the oil sector. The participants thus had the opportunity to share their experiences and discuss how to seize the opportunities offered by these areas to develop their activities.
One of the main recommendations that emerged from these discussions was the importance of promoting collective enterprises. Women entrepreneurs pointed out that by coming together in cooperatives, they could have a greater impact and benefit from better growth opportunities.
SEZs would also be an opportunity to integrate women’s know-how, by setting up incubators where women could share their skills and expertise. This would create a true ecosystem of self-help and support, thus promoting the economic empowerment of women.
The Congolese government is committed to facilitating the integration of women’s entrepreneurship in the ZES through concrete measures. He considers that economic diversification cannot be achieved without the inclusion of women, who represent an important entrepreneurial force in Africa.
The project to create SEZs in Congo has been underway since 2009, but the first zone is not expected to be operational until 2027. There is therefore still work to put in place the necessary infrastructure and to promote entrepreneurship. female in these areas.
In conclusion, the International Forum of Enterprising and Dynamic Women helped to highlight the importance of women’s participation in SEZs in Africa. Women entrepreneurs have expressed their desire to seize the opportunities offered by these areas to develop their activities and contribute to the economic diversification of their country. It is up to governments and economic actors to put in place favorable conditions for the economic empowerment of women and to promote the creation of collective enterprises in SEZs