Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in East Africa: Insights from the Herizon Regional Convening
Women-led businesses in Kenya and Uganda came together for a significant gathering at the Swiss Belinn Hotel in Nairobi on February 24, 2026. The event was orchestrated by the SHONA Group in collaboration with Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and backed by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Building Bridges for Business & Impact
Under the theme “Building Bridges for Business & Impact,” the convening served as a platform for entrepreneurs, gender-focused investors, and leaders in business development. The primary aim was to foster collaboration and explore new avenues for growth across East Africa.
A Milestone for the Herizon Project
This event represents a critical step in the Herizon project, which aims to generate economic opportunities for women and enhance their access to essential products and services that improve their quality of life. The Herizon initiative specifically works to connect founders with investors and various stakeholders in the region, thereby reinforcing value chains and supporting sustainable enterprise growth.
Showcasing Diverse Enterprises
During the gathering, 41 enterprises showcased their innovative operations across sectors such as agriculture, climate-smart food production, nutrition, and digitalization. These businesses exemplify the potential of women-driven initiatives to contribute to economic empowerment and resilience in the community.
Key Growth Strategies
The discussions at the convening centered on three critical levers for fostering growth:
- Driving Sales
- Incorporating Women into Value Chains
- Increasing Access to Investment
This focus sets the stage for a more inclusive business environment in the East African landscape.
Perspectives from Industry Leaders
Gloria Achiro, CEO of Jather Farmers in Uganda, highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration. "Platforms like Herizon shift the conversation from survival to scale. When you step into a room filled with investors and like-minded entrepreneurs, you begin to think beyond local limitations," she noted, emphasizing the power of collaborative learning between countries.
Jovia Nampiina, WHH Sector Advisor for Economic Empowerment and Youth Skills, outlined the significance of supporting women-led businesses in critical sectors. “Through the Herizon Program, we focus on enterprises driving innovation in climate-smart food production, nutrition, and WASH,” she said. The strengthening of these businesses not only generates economic returns but also builds community resilience against the challenges posed by climate change.
Joachim Ewechu, CEO of SHONA Group, stressed the urgent need to bridge gaps between capital, markets, and regional networks. "Connecting women-led enterprises to affordable capital leads to structural transformation rather than just incremental growth," he explained. The Herizon initiative promotes the philosophy that sustainable economic development in East Africa requires intentional ecosystem building and cross-border collaboration.
Conclusion: Building Good Businesses
The Herizon project reflects the commitment of the SHONA Group to building "Good Businesses" that create value for owners, employees, communities, and the environment. This initiative advocates for inclusive, resilient, and scalable economic growth across East Africa, demonstrating that when women entrepreneurs succeed, entire communities benefit.
This gathering not only showcased the remarkable efforts of women entrepreneurs but also set the tone for future collaborations aimed at driving impact and growth in the region. By fostering an environment that values inclusion and resilience, we can create a brighter future for entrepreneurs across Kenya and Uganda.
For more qualifications and opportunities, visit Herizon Program or learn about women entrepreneurship.
