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The Trust of Graça Machel

The Graça Machel Trust is pleased to announce the upcoming graduation ceremony to honor the achievements of more than 100 women entrepreneurs who have participated in the Women Creating Wealth program. The ceremony will take place on May 7, 2024, at the Regenesys Business School Campus in Sandton. Korkor Kudjoe, the Trust’s Senior Entrepreneurship Manager, expressed excitement about recognizing and celebrating the remarkable entrepreneurs they have worked with over the past year.

The Women Creating Wealth (WCW) program is a flagship initiative of the Graça Machel Trust (GMT). With over 2,500 women entrepreneurs currently involved in seven countries across the continent, WCW stands out by offering a unique blend of personal development and technical business skills, such as investor readiness and access to markets. The program targets entrepreneurs already operating businesses who aim to enhance their skills and elevate their businesses. Participants benefit from a supportive business community and post-graduation opportunities.

Operational in several African countries, the program aims to empower entrepreneurs with the skills and mindset needed to attract investors, create a compelling business case, and expand their businesses to generate wealth. Korkor Kudjoe emphasized the importance of addressing common challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, such as limited access to finance and market understanding, to help them realize their full potential.

Graduates like Dikonelo Motseki, owner of Sidern Trading, attribute their business growth to the confidence gained through WCW. Motseki secured $58,000 in funding and has seen significant development in her poultry business. Puseletso Modimogale, owner of Mind Retirement Institute, commended the program for providing guidance and coaching, enabling her to refine her business strategy and align with her team effectively.

Through diverse sectors like agribusiness, consulting, and tourism, Women Creating Wealth not only supports women entrepreneurs in growing their businesses but also in personal development. Participants like Leceline Roberts, who runs a tourism business, have expanded their networks, gained confidence, and tapped into new markets through the program.

While the graduation is a milestone, it marks a continuation of the Women Creating Wealth initiative. The ultimate goal is to empower 10,000 women entrepreneurs to collectively generate $1 billion in revenue and create 200,000 jobs within the next five years. Korkor emphasized the program’s focus on committed entrepreneurs willing to scale their businesses and create wealth.

The program has received support from various organizations, including the Industrial Development Corporation, FASSET, Visa Foundation, the African Development Bank, and the Mastercard Foundation. Shiphra Chisha, Director of Programmes, expressed appreciation for these partners’ collaboration with the Trust in advancing entrepreneurship, job creation, and poverty alleviation.

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