The 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo marked a significant milestone with the launch of its inaugural Industry Spotlight Series on February 21, 2025.
This edition focused on the critical role women play in agribusiness, addressing pressing global challenges related to food security, economic growth, and sustainable development.
Held at the Kosmos Innovation Center, a key player in agribusiness innovation, the event brought together women agripreneurs, investors, and industry stakeholders, all committed to shaping the future of agribusiness in Ghana and beyond.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Theresa Ayoade, CEO of Charterhouse and convener of the event, emphasized the need for platforms that drive meaningful change. She described the event as more than just a networking opportunity, calling it a space for solutions and transformative action. She underscored the importance of women-led agribusiness ventures and urged participants to forge meaningful partnerships that would help scale up their businesses. She stressed that when women grow, industries thrive, and when industries thrive, economies flourish. She encouraged participants to connect with purpose and take bold steps toward growth.
A fireside panel discussion, moderated by Joyce Sackitey-Ahiadorme, provided deeper insights into the realities of the agribusiness sector. The panel featured Esther Kyerewaa Twumasi, CEO of the Chamber of Women in Agribusiness (CHAWA), and Hannah Appiah, Founder and CEO of McHan Cosmetics Ltd. The discussion explored the challenges women face, including access to funding and operating in a male-dominated industry. While acknowledging these obstacles, the panelists also highlighted the opportunities available through innovative business strategies, collaboration, and resilience.
Sandra Asantewaa Boafo Agyiri, CEO of Nana Papa Company and a member of the Chamber of Agribusiness, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the transformative role of technology in agribusiness. She stressed that technology is central to the sector’s future and urged women to embrace smart farming, automate agro-processing plants, and ensure that locally produced goods meet international standards. She encouraged women to take the lead in precision agriculture and automation to enhance efficiency and global competitiveness.
Terance Tienaah, Programs Manager at Kosmos Innovation Center, one of the event’s sponsors, delivered a passionate call to action. He urged individuals, organizations, and policymakers to commit to creating an environment where women in agribusiness can thrive. He emphasized the need for greater investment in women-led enterprises, the removal of barriers to resources and markets, and the recognition of women’s contributions to the sector. He highlighted the power of collective action, stating that by working together, they could unlock the full potential of women in agribusiness and drive sustainable growth and prosperity. He encouraged participants to use the event as a catalyst for change, a space to exchange ideas, build connections, and inspire action. He concluded by reminding the women in attendance that their contributions matter, their resilience is inspiring, and their success will shape the future of agribusiness.
The event attracted key stakeholders from the agribusiness industry, including Kosmos Innovation Center, GhanaThink Foundation, Ehllali Foods, Tillys Farms, and the Chamber of Women in Agribusiness Ghana (CAG), among many others.
The launch of the Industry Spotlight Series has ignited an important conversation and set the stage for actionable steps to elevate women’s roles in agribusiness. As the event came to a close, one message was clear: women are not just participants in the agribusiness sector, but its future leaders.
The 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo 2025 is more than an event; it is a movement. It calls on women, girls, and allies to come together and push for lasting change. Their voices, visions, and participation will play a crucial role in advancing gender equality in Ghana and beyond.
The National Women’s Summit & Expo will continue on March 7 at the Grand Arena at 10 AM in celebration of International Women’s Day. The Industry Spotlight Series on Women in Agribusiness is a Charterhouse production, brought to audiences by Geisha in partnership with Kosmos Innovation Center. This event marks the beginning of an exciting and transformative journey for women in agribusiness, with more to come in the future.
