FAO-IAFN Accelerator Mentorship Programme for Women-led SMEs Continues with Insightful Workshops

Women agripreneurs, particularly in developing countries, are fundamental drivers of sustainable development. They play a significant role in job creation, improving household incomes, and in bringing about benefits beyond economic growth. It is, therefore, crucial to contribute towards the empowerment of female agripreneurs to enhance their contribution to development.

It is with this objective that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Agri-Food Network (IAFN) jointly piloted the Women SME Accelerator Mentorship Programme to support women entrepreneurs in addressing key challenges and constraints they face in their businesses. The programme facilitates one-to-one mentorship between a panel of leading women entrepreneurs from around the globe and a selected number of women entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa to provide the latter with access to knowledge and tools necessary to expand their enterprises and adapt to an ever-changing marketplace.

The Business Development & Marketing workshop held on December 2, 2022, was an important starter to the three-part mentorship & workshop series. The success of businesses largely depends on this pillar. Understanding of the owner’s ability to position their company, plan its assets, know its market share, and how to sell their products and services effectively are important tactics every business owner needs to learn. The workshop trained its mentees on the importance of business development and marketing principles which are critical for business growth.

In addition to one on one mentoring, this programme will host further workshops to expand their business skills. The next workshop will take place later this month with a focus on emerging trends, issues, challenges, and opportunities to enhance the mentees’ leadership and human resource management within businesses, including in recruitment, retention, and training.

Learn more about the programme here.

Irina Wandera

At Emerging, Irina is working as Policy Manager. Irina strongly believes multistakeholder policy processes have great promise in delivering win-win policy solutions that work for people and planet. For over ten years, she has worked with different constituents, from grassroot communities to private sector players, to actively participate in policy processes ensuring public policies are shaped by multiple stakeholders. Her experience runs across various sectors including food, agriculture, environment, community conservation and health.

Learn more about Irina