More than just an international gathering, Women In Africa Initiative (WIA) is the first international platform for economic development and support for African women leaders and high-potential women. Created in 2016, WIA Initiative is chaired by Hafsat Abiola, a Nigerian activist for human rights, civil rights, and democracy.
Convinced that women will be catalysts for change on the continent, WIA aims to be the leading digital network connecting women entrepreneurs across the continent to help them develop their businesses and inspire the women of tomorrow to ensure gender has an impact on Africa's development.
WIA is also running the "54 Women" project, an initiative that aims to identify and support 54 women entrepreneurs from the 54 countries on the continent. Together, they form a delegation of entrepreneurs from across Africa.
Once again this year, 54 women across the continent have been recognized. Considered the driving force behind African economies, each of them has created a startup that addresses issues such as the environment, education, and health.
In Central and West Africa, around 20 women entrepreneurs have won the 2020 edition thanks to their actions and commitment.
In Mali, for example, Hawa Traore was named a winner for her TELIMAN project, a service providing passenger transport by motorcycle taxi and goods delivery. Samira Ousmane from Niger was also recognized for her work in education as the founder of Nigerielles, an incubator for exclusively female project leaders and a marketing network. The Republic of Congo is also represented by Elvy Gotiene and her communications and multimedia production agency, Recreation Multimedia Digital.
Read also: Training, supporting, and promoting women entrepreneurs on the continent