Toba Owojaiye reporting
Banjul, The Gambia
Amid a gathering of Africa’s top economic minds, policymakers, and business leaders, Chief Ambassador Zainab Mohammed stood out—not just for the power of her words, but for the significance of her presence. As the only female speaker at the 17th Forum of Operators for the Guarantee of Economic Emergence in Africa (FOGECA), she delivered a resounding message that left an indelible mark on the conference: Africa’s economic resurgence depends on its people, especially its women.
Truth Live News gathered that for nearly two decades, FOGECA has been a premier platform for fostering African integration and sustainable development. This year’s edition, held in Banjul from January 31 to February 1, 2025, focused on reviewing past successes and mapping out new strategies for economic growth. While many speakers addressed critical financial policies and trade frameworks, it was Mohammed’s impassioned call for women’s inclusion that stole the show.
A Call to Action for Women’s Economic Empowerment
Representing the World Council for Corporate Investments (WCCI) as its Global President, Ambassador Mohammed underscored the vast, yet underutilized potential of Africa’s women in driving economic prosperity.
“Africa’s strength lies in its people, and women make up more than half of our population,” she declared. “Yet, their contributions to economic growth remain underleveraged.”
Her speech resonated deeply with attendees, challenging the traditional economic models that have historically sidelined women. She highlighted innovative financial tools, particularly Islamic banking, as a game-changer in empowering women entrepreneurs. Unlike conventional finance structures, Islamic banking provides collateral-free loans and profit-and-risk-sharing models, offering financial independence to women without the constraints of traditional banking barriers.
Beyond finance, Mohammed stressed the urgent need for education and skills development. With Africa projected to have the world’s largest and youngest workforce by 2035, she emphasized that women must be equipped with digital, technical, and entrepreneurial skills to lead in sectors like agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.
“We have seen the impact of women-led cooperatives transforming rural agriculture, fintech innovators reshaping financial systems, and female entrepreneurs entering global markets,” she noted. “These are not isolated cases—they are the blueprint for Africa’s future.”
Breaking Barriers, Shaping Policies
Mohammed’s presence as the only female speaker was not lost on the audience. In a setting where economic dialogues are often dominated by men, she broke barriers, advocating for policies that ensure women are not just participants, but leaders in Africa’s economic transformation.
She called on governments to implement systemic reforms that promote equal pay, legal protections, and workplace policies that support women, including affordable childcare services. Her challenge to policymakers was clear: economic growth must be inclusive, or it will not be sustainable.
“The 21st century belongs to Africa,” she said with conviction. “By 2035, nearly half the world’s youth population will be African, and women will be at the core of that transformation.”
Her speech sparked widespread discussions among policymakers, investors, and business leaders on the sidelines of the conference. Many agreed that Africa’s path to sustainable economic development must include deliberate investments in women’s empowerment.
A Lasting Impression and the Road Ahead
As FOGECA 2025 drew to a close, one message stood out: Africa’s economic future is intrinsically linked to the full participation of its women. Ambassador Zainab Mohammed’s words were not just a call for inclusion—they were a demand for action.
Her presence as the only female voice on a stage of economic heavyweights symbolized the very change she advocated for: a future where women are not just given a seat at the table, but where they help design the table itself.
The challenge now lies in translating these conversations into policies and investments. Will Africa’s leaders rise to the occasion? As history has shown, no economy can reach its full potential while leaving half its population behind.
Chief Ambassador Zainab Mohammed has made her case. The world is watching.