Add Row
Add Element
Add Element
  • Channel
    • VIRTUAL EVENTS BILLBOARD
    • CONFERENCES & CONVENTIONS
  • Featured
    • THE VORTEX VISIONARY VIEW
    • African Changemakers
    • Future of Africa
    • Sustainable Africa
    • Women Vortex
    • Vortex Global Pulse
    • Habitat Trails
    • InterContinental Issues
    • Intracontinental Currents
    • #FUTURE FEATURE INVITATION
October 19.2025
2 Minutes Read

Discover Human-Centered Leadership Insights from #WCW2025 with Theo Sowa and Reeta Roy

Diverse professionals discuss human-centered leadership at a summit.

The Power of Human-Centered Leadership

The recent Women Create Wealth Summit (#WCW2025) in Johannesburg showcased a pivotal conversation between Theo Sowa, CEO of the Graça Machel Trust, and Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation. Their discussion centered on "Value-Based Leadership," underscoring the importance of collaboration and humility in effective leadership, particularly for women navigating Africa's economic landscape.

Lessons from Experienced Leaders

Sowa drew attention to the invaluable role of mentorship, noting how influential leaders like Wangarĩ Maathai and Graça Machel had imparted lessons of value-driven leadership. He emphasized that leadership transcends titles; it is about actions and the principles guiding those actions. This philosophy resonates strongly within a society that often de-emphasizes positional power in favor of collective impact.

Women Leading Economic Change

Roy highlighted that growth is inherently collective, stating, "Growth or undertaking any kind of major goal is not a solo act. It's the work of many people and part of that journey is bringing people with you." This sentiment echoes the findings in recent reports showcasing how women's increased participation in workforce leadership and entrepreneurship aids in bridging the wealth gap in Africa. For instance, women are increasingly taking charge of financial decisions, fostering a new era of economic empowerment.

A Catalyst for Future Generations

The summit's themes of advocacy, action, and celebration forge a blueprint for a resilient future. Sowa and Roy's dialogue inspires a new generation of leaders to adopt a human-centered approach, one focused not merely on profit margins but on fostering inclusive networks and equitable policies that propel women toward leadership roles. This initiative aligns perfectly with emerging trends in global trade and the increasing economic power women wield, particularly in Africa.

The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Implications

As women continue to redefine leadership roles, it’s crucial to address systemic barriers that remain. Initiatives that promote access to resources and mentorship can cement lasting change. The partnership between organizations like GMT and the Mastercard Foundation signifies a strategic approach to supporting women business owners, thereby enhancing Africa’s role in the global economy. The ripple effects of such collaborations can lead to sustainable development and a fortified economic presence in international markets.

In closing, the Women Create Wealth Summit reaffirms that as women leading social and economic change, our responsibilities extend beyond our individual pursuits. Together, we create a path for future leaders, ensuring their journeys are supported by a community grounded in shared values and collaborative efforts.

Frontline Voices (Opinion & Analysis)

0 Views

0 Comments

Write A Comment

*
*
Related Posts All Posts

How Uganda and DRC's Business Forum Paves the Way for Economic Growth

Update Strengthening Economic Ties: Uganda and DRC's Historic Business ForumThe recent Business Connect Forum and Expo held in Butembo, DRC, marks a significant advance in the economic collaboration between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Organized by the Uganda Embassy in Kinshasa along with various public and private sector stakeholders, the forum aimed to enhance trade relations under the theme "Strengthening Business Linkages for Socio-Economic Transformation." This two-day event attracted over 50 Ugandan business enterprises eager to engage with their Congolese counterparts, showcasing a variety of products including agro-products, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials.A Vital Gateway to Eastern DRCButembo, the second-largest city in North Kivu Province, serves as a strategic location for trade between Uganda and the DRC. With recent infrastructure investments, including key roads like Mpondwe/Kasindi-Beni and Beni-Butembo, the cost of doing business is expected to decrease significantly, facilitating smoother trade operations. Ambassador Farid M. Kaliisa emphasized that Uganda's geographical positioning makes it a natural trade gateway into eastern DRC, highlighting the need for increased commercial cooperation.Boosting Trade and Economic GrowthData from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics illustrates a flourishing trade relationship, with Uganda's exports to the DRC nearly doubling from $432.4 million in 2016/17 to an expected $2 billion in the coming years. This growth in trade is partly due to improvements in security, infrastructure, and the DRC’s accession to the East African Community. As both nations continue to address trade barriers and invest in infrastructure, the potential for economic partnership grows stronger.The Role of Peace in Economic DevelopmentLeaders at the forum articulated that sustainable peace and security are imperative for trade to thrive. The emphasis on a predictable and transparent business environment is echoed throughout the proceedings, as officials from both sides discuss the removal of non-tariff barriers that hamper trade. This sentiment is critical given the historical challenges both nations have faced in fostering their relationships.Looking Forward: What Lies Ahead for Uganda and DRC?The successful convening of the Business Connect Forum symbolizes a new era for trade in the region, promising increased cooperation that could lead to enhanced socio-economic transformations. With the ongoing support of international partners such as the European Union and initiatives aimed at peace-building through trade, the future appears promising. Enhanced cross-border trade not only serves as a pathway for economic growth but also acts as a foundation for peace in a historically turbulent region.

Investing in Africa's Future with ADF-17: Key Insights for Global Partners

Update A Catalyst for Investment: ADF-17 PreparationsThe African Development Bank (AfDB) is in the spotlight as it gears up for the seventeenth replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF-17) on December 15-16 in London. With President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah at the helm, the Bank is actively strengthening ties with major shareholders, including France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. This engagement underscores a pivotal shift from viewing aid as mere assistance to framing it as transformative investment capable of generating measurable returns for both Africa and global partners.Strategic Partnerships for Enhanced FinancingDuring recent meetings in Washington, D.C., Dr. Ould Tah emphasized that banding together with significant contributors can unlock greater capital streams. France's commitment of €560 million during the ADF-16 replenishment illustrates the substantial support provided by its government. Such partnerships aim not only to bolster economic growth in Africa but also to mitigate the vulnerabilities faced by its most fragile states. The involvement of Luxembourg, a country dedicated to developmental assistance, signals a broader consensus on the necessity of strategic investment in Africa's future.Turning Challenges into OpportunitiesThe ADF-17 replenishment arrives at a crucial moment as Africa navigates a myriad of challenges, including demographic shifts and climate change. The Bank's strategy is not merely about allocating money—it's an invitation to global partners to shift perceptions of development aid toward leveraging resources that yield fruitful outcomes. As highlighted in earlier discussions in Zambia, Dr. Ould Tah's vision for the Bank aligns with these critical goals, aiming for every donor dollar to open pathways for additional funding.Concrete Impacts on African DevelopmentA success story emerging from previous ADF allocations is the Desert to Power Initiative, which aims to provide electricity to millions across the Sahel region. This kind of initiative symbolizes the tangible benefits of international cooperation, addressing energy access while simultaneously creating investment opportunities in renewable infrastructure. The AfDB's track record of impacting over 560 million lives highlights the importance of sustainable investment as they gear up for ADF-17.Future Outlook: The Role of Global Collaboration in Africa's GrowthThe upcoming replenishment is not just a financial exercise; it’s a strategic rendezvous redefining how global actors perceive investment in Africa. It sets a precedent for how nations collaborate to promote development amidst an array of pressing issues. In essence, ADF-17 is about collective growth—enhancing Africa’s integral role in the global economy while promising returns to investors committed to the continent’s progress.

What the Heads of MDBs Meeting Means for Africa's Development Agenda

Update Understanding the Role of Multilateral Development Banks in Africa's FutureThe recent gathering of the Heads of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) highlighted crucial strides made in advancing Africa's socio-economic landscape. Under the chairmanship of the Council of Europe Development Bank, MDB leaders convened to assess joint actions aimed at fulfilling developmental aspirations across the continent. By consolidating efforts, the MDBs aim to increase their impact and scale representation in the global financial architecture. This meeting emphasized the MDBs' commitment to collaborative frameworks, especially in light of ongoing global uncertainties.Key Developments and InitiativesOne significant outcome from the meeting was the presentation of a joint report to the G20. This report, part of the G20 Roadmap towards Better, Bigger and More Effective MDBs, underscores the banks’ achievements in enhancing lending capacity and facilitating private capital mobilization for development needs. Noteworthy efforts include the publication of the inaugural "MDB Comparison Report," which enhances transparency by providing insights into financial positions across institutions. This comparative measure is crucial for stakeholders who evaluate MDB performances for investment decisions.Mobilizing Private Capital for Sustainable DevelopmentThe dialogue also stressed the continuing challenge of mobilizing private capital for development. This remains a priority, as the MDBs work to optimize lending through enhanced risk-sharing frameworks and foreign exchange solutions. Such measures are vital as African nations strive to attract foreign investments that drive economic growth and foster infrastructural advancements.Looking Ahead at COP30 in BrazilAs MDBs gear up for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the collaboration among these institutions will be pivotal in addressing climate change. Their readiness to support regional clients highlights the governments’ strategic frameworks aimed at integrating climate resilience into national policies. MDBs will not only bolster funding but also support capacity-building initiatives aimed at fulfilling global environmental commitments.Conclusion: The Path ForwardThe MDBs' concerted efforts to streamline operations and enhance financial collaboration represent a significant transformation within the developmental banking landscape. As they move towards a new leadership transitional phase from the Council of Europe Development Bank to the Asian Development Bank, the coming months will be critical for agenda-setting and actionable outcomes on African socio-economic development.For business leaders and policymakers, staying informed about these developments is crucial, as they could reshape the dynamics of investment and infrastructure in Africa. In this context, understanding the MDBs' role and their strategies can guide informed decision-making in a rapidly evolving economic environment.

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title

Sorry, no results found

You Might Find These Articles Interesting

T
Please Check Your Email
We Will Be Following Up Shortly
*
*
*