Empowering Women Entrepreneurs through Digital Trade and Training ( Global Innovation Forum)
6 Dec 2023 16:30h - 18:00h UTC
Table of contents
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Knowledge Graph of Debate
Session report
Full session report
Mercedes Nunez
Mercedes Nunez, an independent consultant, has amassed over 10 years of experience in her field. She has demonstrated her expertise and dedication through her work, making her a trusted professional. Nunez strongly believes in empowering vulnerable communities, with a particular focus on women. This commitment aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 10, which emphasise gender equality and reduced inequalities.
Nunez possesses a wealth of experience in managing programs that aim to empower women and assist vulnerable communities. Her efforts have been felt in various parts of America, where she has implemented initiatives designed to uplift women and provide support to those in need. By leveraging her skills and knowledge, Nunez has worked tirelessly to address the unique challenges faced by vulnerable communities, offering them opportunities for growth and development.
It is evident that Nunez’s work has had a positive impact on the individuals and communities she has served. Her sincere belief in the potential of women and her understanding of the struggles faced by vulnerable groups have driven her to create sustainable change. Through her efforts, Nunez has helped to foster greater gender equality and has taken meaningful steps towards reducing inequalities.
In conclusion, Mercedes Nunez stands out as an exceptional consultant with over a decade of experience. Her dedication to empowering vulnerable communities, especially women, has been demonstrated through her successful implementation of programs in America. Nunez’s work is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, and her commitment to creating positive change is commendable. Through her expertise and passion, she has made remarkable strides in promoting gender equality and reducing inequalities, leaving a lasting impact on the communities she has served.
Hua Wang
Evidence suggests that women founders generate 1.6 times better returns on average than male founders, indicating the profitability of investing in women-led start-ups. Their success can be attributed to their collaborative nature, intelligence, and realistic financial projections. However, male investors often ask more pessimistic questions to women founders, reflecting bias in their perception of female entrepreneurs.
Access to capital presents a significant challenge for women entrepreneurs, especially when their products target women. Female founders struggle to convince male investors to invest in their businesses, highlighting gender bias in funding. Creating awareness about these biases is crucial to address disparities. Female founders face subtle remarks that undermine their self-esteem, hindering their progress.
Governmental accelerator programs play a vital role in supporting entrepreneurship. In Senegal, a government-backed program has provided funding and resources for entrepreneurs like Hua Wang, driving economic growth. Wang emphasizes the need for sustainable support models and quick approval of funding for startups.
An integrated approach is essential for digitizing economies in developing countries, like India. The use of localized digital tools and affordable access to technology have enabled digitization efforts. Hua Wang stresses the importance of choosing a job based on passion for career success, particularly in a context where traditional paths are favored.
In conclusion, this analysis highlights the disparities faced by women founders and the importance of addressing biases in funding. It emphasizes the role of governmental support, sustainable funding models, and quick approval of funding for entrepreneurial success. The importance of an integrated approach to digitizing economies and following one’s passion for career success is also underscored.
Awa Caba
The analysis identifies two remarkable entrepreneurs from Senegal, namely Awa Caba. Awa Caba is actively involved in the agriculture and technology sectors, demonstrating her versatility and capacity to make a significant impact. She plays a crucial role in promoting several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
In the first argument, Awa Caba is described as an entrepreneur operating in the agriculture and tech sectors in Senegal. Her innovative contributions in these sectors demonstrate her entrepreneurial prowess and commitment to driving positive change. Though the sentiment is neutral, the supporting facts highlight her role as a key player in these fields.
The second argument highlights Awa Caba’s leadership in an e-commerce platform in Senegal, specifically focusing on empowering women and facilitating their access to the market. This effort aligns with multiple SDGs, including SDG 5, SDG 8, SDG 9, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. The sentiment associated with this argument is positive, indicating the impact Awa Caba is making in enabling women to engage in economic activities and reducing inequalities.
Notably, Awa Caba’s achievements are noteworthy within the context of gender equality, economic growth, and innovation. Her endeavors reflect her determination to create opportunities for women and foster economic development in Senegal. By combining her expertise in agriculture and technology, she effectively contributes to building sustainable industry infrastructure. Awa Caba’s work exemplifies the power of entrepreneurship in driving positive change and achieving the SDGs.
Overall, Awa Caba’s multi-faceted approach to entrepreneurship, encompassing the agriculture and tech sectors, as well as her leadership in an e-commerce platform, positions her as a prominent figure in Senegal’s development landscape. Her contributions towards gender equality, economic growth, and industry innovation are truly commendable and serve as inspiration for future entrepreneurs and change-makers.
Speaker 2
Tamar Sarawat is affiliated with the US Department of Commerce and plays a role in formulating policies related to national and international trade, economic growth, and technological advancement. This highlights the significant influence of the Department of Commerce in shaping the business landscape.
Within the Department of Commerce, there is a dedicated working group focused on women’s economic empowerment. This group is instrumental in advancing gender equality and promoting economic growth, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8. SDG 5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls, while SDG 8 focuses on inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all.
The presence of a robust working group within the Department of Commerce demonstrates a commitment to addressing gender disparities and promoting equal opportunities for women in the workplace. By addressing the unique challenges faced by women, this group contributes to building a more inclusive and diverse economy.
The working group comprises women from the private sector in Central Asia, highlighting the global nature of its approach and the importance of collaborating across regions. The active engagement of private sector women from Central Asia adds diverse perspectives and reinforces the idea that economic empowerment should be a global agenda.
In summary, the presence of a women’s economic empowerment working group within the US Department of Commerce reflects a dedication to promoting gender equality and enhancing economic opportunities. By engaging private sector women from Central Asia, this group ensures a global perspective. It aligns with the SDGs and has the potential to drive positive change in the business world, contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
Speaker 4
The speakers in the discussion provided insights into various aspects of entrepreneurship and startups in Africa. Speaker 4’s startup, Quitty, was highlighted as a B2B marketplace for Made in Africa products. The main goal of Quitty is to facilitate the accessibility of African products in international markets. Additionally, Quitty has a brand incubation program that collaborates directly with local suppliers, particularly women. This program aims to empower and support these suppliers in overcoming barriers they face in the industry.
One of the main challenges discussed during the discussion was the barriers to entry for African products on global platforms. It was noted that production capacity is still a significant challenge for local suppliers. Moreover, many African ingredients are not represented on popular platforms like Amazon, which limits the reach of these products. This highlights the need to address these challenges and provide better opportunities for African suppliers to showcase and sell their products globally.
The importance of an ecosystem for entrepreneurship was also emphasized. The speakers noted that the ecosystem in Africa has been experiencing growth, with more entrepreneurs returning to start businesses and the emergence of incubator programmes. Government involvement and support were highlighted as contributing factors to the ecosystem’s growth. Advocates were highlighted as critical in stimulating the ecosystem by instilling a sense of belonging and capability among entrepreneurs.
Government funding and policies were discussed as potential frameworks to support entrepreneurs. The success of government funding programmes was found to be dependent on efficiency and speed of disbursement. The implementation of the Startup Act was seen as a positive step, with Tunisia and Senegal having already adopted it and Nigeria working towards its implementation. The Startup Act provides clear definitions for startups and offers tax breaks for the initial years, promoting a conducive environment for startups.
However, challenges related to taxation were also raised during the discussion. High employment taxes and other levies were considered detrimental to startups, as they posed financial burdens and limited growth opportunities. The need for tax structures that support startups and foster economic growth was emphasized.
Digitalisation of public sector systems was highlighted as necessary to facilitate startup growth. Digitalisation would ensure easier access to information, loans, and other services, streamlining processes for startups. The use of digital tools and platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok was also discussed. These tools were deemed highly useful for managing projects, team communication, and marketing strategies, particularly in global teams and emerging markets.
The speakers also touched upon the importance of regulations in the digital world. They highlighted the need for the public sector to catch up with the pace of innovations and understand and control emerging technologies, such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies. However, it was mentioned that regulations in this realm need to strike a balance between control and fostering innovation.
Another noteworthy observation was the increasing trust in digital companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple, which raised concerns about individuals relying too heavily on these private sector companies over government institutions. It was noted that this misplaced trust could lead to a societal imbalance and potentially undermine the role and influence of governments.
On a more personal level, the speakers discussed the importance of self-belief and passion in entrepreneurship. Following one’s gut instincts and having the confidence to believe in one’s ideas were stressed as key factors in pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors. The speakers also acknowledged the challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship and encouraged women to bring out their strengths and not suppress them.
In conclusion, the discussion shed light on various aspects of entrepreneurship and startups in Africa, including the challenges faced by local suppliers, the significance of an ecosystem, the role of government support, digitalisation, and the importance of self-belief and passion. It emphasized the need for increased support and resources to foster an inclusive startup ecosystem in Africa and create opportunities for African products to thrive on the international stage.
Speaker 5
Shutlers, a shared mobility platform founded by Damilola Lokeshisi (also known as Dami) in Lagos, Nigeria, aims to address the transportation challenges faced by the workforce, particularly young professionals. The public transport system in Lagos is inadequate and poses safety risks, as seen in an unfortunate incident involving Dami’s sister. Shutlers provides a solution by offering affordable and safe transportation options. The service is priced between standard ride-hailing services and traditional public transport, providing a balance between affordability and safety.
Over the past six years, Shutlers has seen remarkable growth, expanding to three cities in Nigeria and raising $5.6 million in funding. This success demonstrates the conviction in the business model and the solution it offers to the public transport challenges in Nigeria.
Government initiatives, such as an accelerator programme, have proven to be instrumental in supporting startups like Shutlers. Dami received her first grant through this programme, which helped bootstrap and build her first tech. However, there is a need for a more sustainable model to support entrepreneurs beyond the initial stages.
Before developing their own application, Shutlers utilised existing digital platforms like WhatsApp, Google, and Excel sheets to communicate bus arrivals, track vehicles, and maintain reports. This approach proved effective in the early stages of their operations until they could afford to build their own apps.
There are concerns about proposals to tax digital goods and services, with some countries suggesting taxing instances like sending a PDF to another country or downloading an app. Such taxation measures could have negative implications for startups and the digital industry.
Policymakers are beginning to realise the significant influence of the digital world and its potential impact on various aspects of society. Issues such as ownership and control of data, alongside cases of influencers causing significant events, demonstrate the need for robust policy considerations.
The appointment of a young Nigerian minister with a tech background indicates that young people entering government can bring about effective change, leveraging their understanding of the digital ecosystem.
There is an argument that the government should support citizens by staying out of their way and not making life more difficult. This sentiment reflects the desire for reduced government interference and regulation, fostering an environment that promotes decent work and reduced inequalities.
Dami, the founder of Shutlers, emphasises the daily challenges faced as an entrepreneur, highlighting the necessity to fight for success constantly. She believes in self-empowerment and achieving one’s goals, using numbers and business traction as unbiased indicators of success. Doubts and challenges fuel her motivation to succeed.
In conclusion, Shutlers is making significant strides in addressing transportation challenges in Lagos, Nigeria, through its shared mobility platform. The success of Shutlers highlights the importance of government support for startups, the effective use of existing digital platforms, the implications of taxing digital goods and services, and the growing recognition of the influence of the digital world. The founder’s journey as an entrepreneur highlights the determination and perseverance required for success in the startup ecosystem.
Speaker 7
Speaker 7, a successful entrepreneur, started her first business at the age of 17. The business focused on selling fashionable textile products to university students. It had a successful three-year run before she decided to sell it to fund her studies in textiles at the National Institute. This early venture not only provided her with valuable experience but also demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit and determination.
After completing her studies, Speaker 7 recognized the need to connect women in the textiles and clothing value chain. To address this, she created a nonprofit organization that served as a platform for women entrepreneurs from different parts of the world. The platform not only allowed these women to reach new markets but also provided them with the opportunity to share their stories, further empowering them in their entrepreneurial journey.
Building upon this success, Speaker 7 went on to launch Inclusive Trade, an e-commerce platform that connects small businesses with customers globally. The platform has had a significant impact, supporting over 4,000 businesses so far. It provides these businesses with increased visibility and helps them prove their sustainability efforts, thus attracting more customers and opportunities. The positive sentiment surrounding Inclusive Trade is evident from its continuous influx of about £70,000 worth of business every month, which has prompted the need for external investments to support the platform’s scale-up.
Throughout her journey, Speaker 7 has been a strong advocate for comprehensive accelerator programs for women entrepreneurs. She believes that women should be given equally challenging programs as their male counterparts, rejecting the notion of “dumbing down” initiatives for women. She emphasizes the importance of having visible role models for women in the entrepreneurial sphere, encouraging their empowerment and success.
In addition, Speaker 7 highlights the significance of gender equality, which she believes can be achieved through empowering girls and educating boys. She draws from her own experience of being raised in a conservative Indian society but being encouraged to seize opportunities and gain knowledge. As a mother of two boys, she actively promotes equal responsibilities and respect for girls within her household.
The speaker also acknowledges the need for a blended approach towards digitization, involving bottom-up, top-down, and private sector involvement. She cites examples from India, where vendors on roads have embraced digital payments through platforms like Google Pay. She highlights the importance of policy changes, cheaper smartphones, and accessible data as essential factors enabling digital transformation.
Finally, Speaker 7 emphasizes the need to choose a profession based on passion, rather than merely for financial gain. She firmly believes that no profession should be viewed as superior or inferior, challenging traditional societal expectations in countries like India.
Overall, the journey and insights of Speaker 7 serve as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, highlighting the importance of determination, empowerment, and embracing new opportunities.
Speaker 3
Macy Ogu works for the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in Nigeria, and the Commission is actively working towards empowering women entrepreneurs. Macy joined the discussion with an aim to gain knowledge and understand more about the challenges faced by female founders. She expressed her belief in the need for more support for female founders as they scale their businesses.
The ecosystem in Nigeria is described as vibrant, full of energy and opportunities, but it initially posed challenges for female founders. Speaker 3, who has been on an entrepreneurial journey for seven years in Nigeria, highlighted the difficulty she faced finding other female founders and often being the only woman in meetings or when onboarding businesses or suppliers. This indicates that, despite the vibrant environment, gender disparities hinder the progress of female entrepreneurs.
However, there are positive developments in the Nigerian ecosystem, with an increasing number of initiatives focusing on women and supporting their growth. The MasterCard Foundation and IFC have introduced initiatives that specifically target women. There is also a growing representation of female general partners and investors in Nigeria. Additionally, programs that train women in coding have been initiated to address the supply issues faced by females in the tech industry. These initiatives indicate a more supportive ecosystem that is working towards gender equality and equal opportunities for female founders.
Although progress has been made, there is still a gap in support for women entrepreneurs as they transition from Series A to Series B, C, D, or billion-dollar businesses. Speaker 3 noted this gap and emphasized the need for additional support in this crucial phase of scaling businesses. Ensuring ongoing support at every stage is essential for female founders to achieve their full potential and contribute to the growth of the ecosystem.
In conclusion, Macy Ogu’s involvement with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in Nigeria highlights the Commission’s efforts to empower women entrepreneurs. The ecosystem in Nigeria is making positive strides in supporting female founders through initiatives focused on women and increasing representation in the tech industry. However, there remains a gap in support for women entrepreneurs as they scale their businesses, particularly in the Series A to Series B transition. Continued efforts to address these challenges will be crucial in creating a truly inclusive and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria.
Speaker 1
Caitlin Satola, an official at the US Department of State, plays a crucial role in supporting the C5 plus 1 initiative for the United States and Central Asia. Despite not being an entrepreneur herself, she is dedicated to providing assistance and resources to entrepreneurs in these regions.
The C5 plus 1 initiative is a platform that aims to foster cooperation and dialogue between the United States and the five Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It focuses on five key areas of collaboration: security, economic connectivity, business and entrepreneurship, environment, and regional integration.
Satola’s primary focus lies in supporting entrepreneurs in Central Asia. By offering guidance, resources, and expertise, she works to create an enabling environment for these individuals to thrive. Satola recognises the vital role entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth, innovation, and job creation. Through capacity-building programmes, she helps equip aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed.
Satola’s efforts also to extend to facilitating partnerships and collaborations between entrepreneurs in the United States and Central Asia. By connecting entrepreneurs from both regions, she fosters knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and the sharing of best practices. These connections enable entrepreneurs to tap into new markets, access funding opportunities, and gain valuable insights from their counterparts.
While Satola’s role is not directly entrepreneurial in nature, her commitment to supporting entrepreneurs showcases the Department of State’s recognition of the importance of entrepreneurship in driving economic development and stability in Central Asia. By empowering and assisting entrepreneurs, Satola contributes to creating a thriving business environment, fostering economic connectivity between the United States and Central Asia, and promoting stronger ties between the two regions.
In conclusion, Caitlin Satola, working under the US Department of State’s C5 plus 1 initiative, plays a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurship in Central Asia. Her dedication to providing resources, guidance, and facilitating partnerships benefits entrepreneurs in the region, driving economic growth and fostering stronger ties between the United States and Central Asia.
Birame Sock
Biram Sock, a representative from Senegal, introduced himself as an advocate for E-Trade for Women, focusing on the Francophone Africa region. This demonstrates his commitment to promoting equitable economic opportunities for women in this area. “E-Trade for Women” involves using electronic trading platforms to empower women entrepreneurs and enhance their participation in the global market. By leveraging technology, barriers such as limited access to financial services and discriminatory practices can be overcome, fostering economic growth and gender equality. Biram Sock advocates for the adoption of digital trade strategies that benefit women by engaging with policymakers, organizations, and stakeholders. He specifically addresses the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Francophone Africa, including cultural norms, limited access to education and technology, and inadequate infrastructure. His advocacy efforts aim to create an enabling environment for women in the digital economy, contributing to their socio-economic development and empowerment in Francophone Africa.
Pippa McDougall.
Pippa McDougall, a senior advocacy manager at the GSMA Connected Women Programme, introduces herself and her role in initiatives aimed at reducing the gender gap in mobile technology access and usage. McDougall advocates for women’s empowerment in the digital sphere and promotes inclusivity in the technology sector.
Expressing excitement and gratitude for being present at the event, McDougall demonstrates her commitment to the cause and eagerness to share insights and experiences with the audience.
Under McDougall’s direction, the GSMA Connected Women Programme works to increase women’s access to mobile services globally and empower them to engage fully with technology. Efforts focus on overcoming barriers such as affordability, literacy, and socio-cultural constraints that hinder women’s participation and access to mobile technology.
The advocacy work McDougall is involved in emphasizes the importance of addressing the gender gap in the technology sector. Collaborating with policymakers, industry leaders, and non-governmental organizations, McDougall develops impactful strategies to bring about positive change. She aims to raise awareness about gender equality in mobile technology and drive meaningful action towards achieving this goal.
McDougall’s introduction highlights her passion for the cause, setting the stage for a discussion on challenges, opportunities, and potential solutions for increasing women’s access and empowerment in the digital era.
Alisa Sydow
Alisa Sydow, an associate professor in entrepreneurship, holds a prominent position at the ESCP Business School, one of the most esteemed European institutions. With a focus on women in entrepreneurship, she dedicates her research efforts to understanding and promoting gender equality in this field. This emphasis on supporting women aligns with SDG5 for Gender Equality, indicating her commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial landscape.
Additionally, Alisa Sydow’s practical experience is evident through her ownership of a startup. This demonstrates her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs. Her firsthand experience in running a business enhances her credibility as an educator and researcher, allowing her to provide valuable insights and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs.
By focusing on women in entrepreneurship, Alisa Sydow’s work contributes to SDG8 for Decent Work and Economic Growth. Entrepreneurship not only provides individuals with meaningful employment opportunities but also drives economic growth and development. By promoting women’s involvement in this sector, she helps create a more vibrant and inclusive economy.
Moreover, her work is also relevant to SDG9 for Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. As an associate professor and entrepreneur, Alisa Sydow is undoubtedly familiar with the importance of innovation and efficient infrastructure in entrepreneurial endeavors. By exploring and promoting innovative approaches, she facilitates the growth and sustainability of startups, contributing to overall progress in society.
In conclusion, Alisa Sydow’s contributions in education, research, and entrepreneurship have substantial implications for various Sustainable Development Goals. Her position as an associate professor at the prestigious ESCP Business School allows her to shape the mindset and skills of future entrepreneurs. Through her research on women in entrepreneurship, she actively promotes gender equality and inclusivity. Furthermore, her own experience as a startup owner adds practical knowledge to her academic expertise. Overall, Alisa Sydow’s work not only supports specific SDGs such as Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a sustainable and prosperous society.
Speaker 6
The analysis includes discussions from various speakers covering different aspects of entrepreneurship, gender equality, and digital regulations.
One of the speakers, Yasmin, is the founder of a B2B startup in Egypt that focuses on food and e-commerce delivery. She has successfully raised $10 million in funding for her business and currently achieves an average of 10,000 deliveries per day. Yasmin’s success story highlights the potential of startups in the industry and the importance of targeting specific markets, such as Whole Foods and Carrefour.
Another speaker addresses the challenges faced by startups in certain regions, like the speaker’s own country. These challenges arise from the lack of an established ecosystem to support startups. This emphasizes the importance of building a supportive environment that includes wallets, banks, and user-friendly apps. The speaker also highlights the need to explain basic concepts like working hours and productivity to the drivers associated with the startup. Furthermore, the speaker notes that investors are becoming more cautious and are requiring additional due diligence, making it harder for startups to secure investment based solely on PowerPoint presentations.
The analysis also delves into the gender dynamics of entrepreneurship. One speaker asserts that entrepreneurship should be viewed as a business opportunity rather than a gender issue. This perspective argues that entrepreneurial success is not limited to any specific gender and that investors primarily consider the profit potential of ventures, irrespective of the entrepreneur’s gender. Another speaker highlights the importance of coaching and equal opportunity for women in entrepreneurship. Both male and female entrepreneurs face competition and challenges, and reaching potential investors and delivering compelling pitches are essential for securing investment.
The topic of digital regulations and policies is also explored. A speaker argues that regulating the digital space in traditional ways is impractical and reactive. Drawing parallels with the music industry’s experience with MP3 files, the speaker suggests that existing proposed policies are somewhat backward-looking. Instead, the speaker advocates for a proactive approach that takes into account the unique nature and dynamics of the digital realm.
The analysis also emphasizes the need for instilling specific values and norms within the digital space. One speaker stresses the importance of teaching children responsible technology use and the development of digital etiquette. By raising awareness about the responsible use of technology from a young age, individuals can navigate and contribute positively to the digital space.
In terms of gender equality, one speaker shares a childhood experience where their father emphasized that being a girl should not hinder them from aspiring for success. This anecdote signifies the importance of fighting for personal aspirations, regardless of gender. Another speaker highlights the treatment discrepancy between boys and girls, particularly in post-schooling stages. Girls often feel academic pressure to succeed, while boys may assume success will come through alternative means. The speaker raises concerns over the loss of self-belief many girls experience upon entering the workplace.
Finally, one speaker encourages individuals to view perceived obstacles as advantages and shares their ambition to work in a traditionally male-dominated industry. This serves as a testament to the speaker’s determination to challenge norms and succeed in challenging locations.
In conclusion, the analysis provides valuable insights into various aspects of entrepreneurship, gender equality, and digital regulations. It underscores the potential for success in startups, the importance of an established ecosystem, the need to view entrepreneurship as a business opportunity rather than a gender issue, and the significance of coaching and equal opportunity for women. The analysis also highlights the challenges of regulating the digital space, the importance of instilling digital values and norms, and the need to fight for aspirations irrespective of gender. Ultimately, the analysis calls for a conducive environment that supports and empowers entrepreneurs, regardless of their gender or the industry they choose to pursue.
Emily Ashby
During the discussion, the idea of attending an event was raised and Emily Ashby was asked if she would like to join. She responded affirmatively and mentioned that introductions would be made during the event. Ashby introduced herself as the director for South and Central Asia, representing the US in the USTR (United States Trade Representative). This indicates that she holds a significant position within the organization. The conversation was conducted in a friendly manner, with all participants expressing a willingness to attend the event and engage in introductions. The exchange took place in the afternoon, suggesting a positive and collaborative atmosphere among the participants.
Speakers
AS
Alisa Sydow
Speech speed
188 words per minute
Speech length
47 words
Speech time
15 secs
Arguments
Alisa Sydow is an associate professor in entrepreneurship at the ESCP Business School.
Supporting facts:
- ESCP Business School is a European institution
Topics: Education, Business, Entrepreneurship
Alisa Sydow focuses her research on women in entrepreneurship.
Topics: Women Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, Research
Alisa Sydow has her own startup.
Topics: Entrepreneurship, Startups
Report
Alisa Sydow, an associate professor in entrepreneurship, holds a prominent position at the ESCP Business School, one of the most esteemed European institutions. With a focus on women in entrepreneurship, she dedicates her research efforts to understanding and promoting gender equality in this field.
This emphasis on supporting women aligns with SDG5 for Gender Equality, indicating her commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial landscape. Additionally, Alisa Sydow’s practical experience is evident through her ownership of a startup. This demonstrates her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs.
Her firsthand experience in running a business enhances her credibility as an educator and researcher, allowing her to provide valuable insights and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs. By focusing on women in entrepreneurship, Alisa Sydow’s work contributes to SDG8 for Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Entrepreneurship not only provides individuals with meaningful employment opportunities but also drives economic growth and development. By promoting women’s involvement in this sector, she helps create a more vibrant and inclusive economy. Moreover, her work is also relevant to SDG9 for Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
As an associate professor and entrepreneur, Alisa Sydow is undoubtedly familiar with the importance of innovation and efficient infrastructure in entrepreneurial endeavors. By exploring and promoting innovative approaches, she facilitates the growth and sustainability of startups, contributing to overall progress in society.
In conclusion, Alisa Sydow’s contributions in education, research, and entrepreneurship have substantial implications for various Sustainable Development Goals. Her position as an associate professor at the prestigious ESCP Business School allows her to shape the mindset and skills of future entrepreneurs.
Through her research on women in entrepreneurship, she actively promotes gender equality and inclusivity. Furthermore, her own experience as a startup owner adds practical knowledge to her academic expertise. Overall, Alisa Sydow’s work not only supports specific SDGs such as Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a sustainable and prosperous society.
AC
Awa Caba
Speech speed
166 words per minute
Speech length
40 words
Speech time
14 secs
Arguments
Awa Caba is an entrepreneur in the agriculture and tech sector in Senegal
Supporting facts:
- Awakaba is an entrepreneur from Senegal in the agriculture and tech sector
Topics: entrepreneurship, agriculture, technology, Senegal
Awakaba is leading an e-commerce platform in Senegal to enable real women to have access to the market
Supporting facts:
- Awa Caba is leading an e-commerce platform in Senegal to enable women, real women, to have access to the market
Topics: e-commerce, women empowerment, access to market
Report
The analysis identifies two remarkable entrepreneurs from Senegal, namely Awa Caba. Awa Caba is actively involved in the agriculture and technology sectors, demonstrating her versatility and capacity to make a significant impact. She plays a crucial role in promoting several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
In the first argument, Awa Caba is described as an entrepreneur operating in the agriculture and tech sectors in Senegal. Her innovative contributions in these sectors demonstrate her entrepreneurial prowess and commitment to driving positive change. Though the sentiment is neutral, the supporting facts highlight her role as a key player in these fields.
The second argument highlights Awa Caba’s leadership in an e-commerce platform in Senegal, specifically focusing on empowering women and facilitating their access to the market. This effort aligns with multiple SDGs, including SDG 5, SDG 8, SDG 9, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. The sentiment associated with this argument is positive, indicating the impact Awa Caba is making in enabling women to engage in economic activities and reducing inequalities.
Notably, Awa Caba’s achievements are noteworthy within the context of gender equality, economic growth, and innovation. Her endeavors reflect her determination to create opportunities for women and foster economic development in Senegal. By combining her expertise in agriculture and technology, she effectively contributes to building sustainable industry infrastructure.
Awa Caba’s work exemplifies the power of entrepreneurship in driving positive change and achieving the SDGs. Overall, Awa Caba’s multi-faceted approach to entrepreneurship, encompassing the agriculture and tech sectors, as well as her leadership in an e-commerce platform, positions her as a prominent figure in Senegal’s development landscape.
Her contributions towards gender equality, economic growth, and industry innovation are truly commendable and serve as inspiration for future entrepreneurs and change-makers.
BS
Birame Sock
Speech speed
146 words per minute
Speech length
29 words
Speech time
12 secs
Report
Biram Sock, a representative from Senegal, introduced himself as an advocate for E-Trade for Women, focusing on the Francophone Africa region. This demonstrates his commitment to promoting equitable economic opportunities for women in this area. “E-Trade for Women” involves using electronic trading platforms to empower women entrepreneurs and enhance their participation in the global market.
By leveraging technology, barriers such as limited access to financial services and discriminatory practices can be overcome, fostering economic growth and gender equality. Biram Sock advocates for the adoption of digital trade strategies that benefit women by engaging with policymakers, organizations, and stakeholders.
He specifically addresses the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Francophone Africa, including cultural norms, limited access to education and technology, and inadequate infrastructure. His advocacy efforts aim to create an enabling environment for women in the digital economy, contributing to their socio-economic development and empowerment in Francophone Africa.
EA
Emily Ashby
Speech speed
143 words per minute
Speech length
40 words
Speech time
17 secs
Report
During the discussion, the idea of attending an event was raised and Emily Ashby was asked if she would like to join. She responded affirmatively and mentioned that introductions would be made during the event. Ashby introduced herself as the director for South and Central Asia, representing the US in the USTR (United States Trade Representative).
This indicates that she holds a significant position within the organization. The conversation was conducted in a friendly manner, with all participants expressing a willingness to attend the event and engage in introductions. The exchange took place in the afternoon, suggesting a positive and collaborative atmosphere among the participants.
HW
Hua Wang
Speech speed
194 words per minute
Speech length
3133 words
Speech time
968 secs
Arguments
Women founders tend to generate 1.6 times better returns on average than teams with male founders
Supporting facts:
- Stats show this difference in return
- Women founders tend to be very collaborative, very smart, and more realistic on the forecast and are more likely to hit their financial metrics
Topics: women-led start-ups, Investment in women, Success rate
Male investors ask more pessimistic questions to women founders
Supporting facts:
- There are more optimistic questions asked to male founders like ‘do you think you’ll be the next unicorn?’ whereas women are asked ‘What if you fail? What if you don’t reach your projections?’
Topics: Gender bias in funding, Investment dynamics
Hua Wang believes that governmental accelerator programs can play significant roles in supporting entrepreneurial initiatives
Supporting facts:
- In 2016, Office of the Vice President set up accelerator program which helped Hua Wang to build his first tech and move first 1,000 people.
- Hua Wang is a product of a program that funds entrepreneurs in Senegal which is backed by the government.
Topics: Government Support, Entrepreneurship, Accelerator Programs
Importance of an integrated approach for digitizing economies in developing countries
Supporting facts:
- Localized digital tools like Google Pay and UPI are now common in India even among roadside vendors.
- Top-down approaches, bottom-up initiatives, and private sector involvement are necessary for effective digitization.
- Large-scale policies and affordable data & phones have enabled widespread use of digital tools in India.
Topics: Technology, Economy, Digitalization, India
It’s important to follow your passion and do a job that you love, not just for the sake of it.
Supporting facts:
- Hua Wang emphasized on choosing a job one is passionate about, instead of following traditional paths like medicine, engineering, or law, particularly in Indian context.
Topics: Job Satisfaction, Career Choice, Passion
Report
Evidence suggests that women founders generate 1.6 times better returns on average than male founders, indicating the profitability of investing in women-led start-ups. Their success can be attributed to their collaborative nature, intelligence, and realistic financial projections. However, male investors often ask more pessimistic questions to women founders, reflecting bias in their perception of female entrepreneurs.
Access to capital presents a significant challenge for women entrepreneurs, especially when their products target women. Female founders struggle to convince male investors to invest in their businesses, highlighting gender bias in funding. Creating awareness about these biases is crucial to address disparities.
Female founders face subtle remarks that undermine their self-esteem, hindering their progress. Governmental accelerator programs play a vital role in supporting entrepreneurship. In Senegal, a government-backed program has provided funding and resources for entrepreneurs like Hua Wang, driving economic growth.
Wang emphasizes the need for sustainable support models and quick approval of funding for startups. An integrated approach is essential for digitizing economies in developing countries, like India. The use of localized digital tools and affordable access to technology have enabled digitization efforts.
Hua Wang stresses the importance of choosing a job based on passion for career success, particularly in a context where traditional paths are favored. In conclusion, this analysis highlights the disparities faced by women founders and the importance of addressing biases in funding.
It emphasizes the role of governmental support, sustainable funding models, and quick approval of funding for entrepreneurial success. The importance of an integrated approach to digitizing economies and following one’s passion for career success is also underscored.
MN
Mercedes Nunez
Speech speed
120 words per minute
Speech length
41 words
Speech time
20 secs
Arguments
Mercedes Nunez is an independent consultant with over 10 years of experience
Supporting facts:
- Mercedes Nunez mentioned that she is a consultant and she has been working for over 10 years.
Topics: Consultancy, Experience
Report
Mercedes Nunez, an independent consultant, has amassed over 10 years of experience in her field. She has demonstrated her expertise and dedication through her work, making her a trusted professional. Nunez strongly believes in empowering vulnerable communities, with a particular focus on women.
This commitment aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 10, which emphasise gender equality and reduced inequalities. Nunez possesses a wealth of experience in managing programs that aim to empower women and assist vulnerable communities. Her efforts have been felt in various parts of America, where she has implemented initiatives designed to uplift women and provide support to those in need.
By leveraging her skills and knowledge, Nunez has worked tirelessly to address the unique challenges faced by vulnerable communities, offering them opportunities for growth and development. It is evident that Nunez’s work has had a positive impact on the individuals and communities she has served.
Her sincere belief in the potential of women and her understanding of the struggles faced by vulnerable groups have driven her to create sustainable change. Through her efforts, Nunez has helped to foster greater gender equality and has taken meaningful steps towards reducing inequalities.
In conclusion, Mercedes Nunez stands out as an exceptional consultant with over a decade of experience. Her dedication to empowering vulnerable communities, especially women, has been demonstrated through her successful implementation of programs in America. Nunez’s work is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, and her commitment to creating positive change is commendable.
Through her expertise and passion, she has made remarkable strides in promoting gender equality and reducing inequalities, leaving a lasting impact on the communities she has served.
PM
Pippa McDougall.
Speech speed
191 words per minute
Speech length
31 words
Speech time
10 secs
Report
Pippa McDougall, a senior advocacy manager at the GSMA Connected Women Programme, introduces herself and her role in initiatives aimed at reducing the gender gap in mobile technology access and usage. McDougall advocates for women’s empowerment in the digital sphere and promotes inclusivity in the technology sector.
Expressing excitement and gratitude for being present at the event, McDougall demonstrates her commitment to the cause and eagerness to share insights and experiences with the audience. Under McDougall’s direction, the GSMA Connected Women Programme works to increase women’s access to mobile services globally and empower them to engage fully with technology.
Efforts focus on overcoming barriers such as affordability, literacy, and socio-cultural constraints that hinder women’s participation and access to mobile technology. The advocacy work McDougall is involved in emphasizes the importance of addressing the gender gap in the technology sector.
Collaborating with policymakers, industry leaders, and non-governmental organizations, McDougall develops impactful strategies to bring about positive change. She aims to raise awareness about gender equality in mobile technology and drive meaningful action towards achieving this goal. McDougall’s introduction highlights her passion for the cause, setting the stage for a discussion on challenges, opportunities, and potential solutions for increasing women’s access and empowerment in the digital era.
S1
Speaker 1
Speech speed
182 words per minute
Speech length
42 words
Speech time
14 secs
Report
Caitlin Satola, an official at the US Department of State, plays a crucial role in supporting the C5 plus 1 initiative for the United States and Central Asia. Despite not being an entrepreneur herself, she is dedicated to providing assistance and resources to entrepreneurs in these regions.
The C5 plus 1 initiative is a platform that aims to foster cooperation and dialogue between the United States and the five Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It focuses on five key areas of collaboration: security, economic connectivity, business and entrepreneurship, environment, and regional integration.
Satola’s primary focus lies in supporting entrepreneurs in Central Asia. By offering guidance, resources, and expertise, she works to create an enabling environment for these individuals to thrive. Satola recognises the vital role entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth, innovation, and job creation.
Through capacity-building programmes, she helps equip aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed. Satola’s efforts also to extend to facilitating partnerships and collaborations between entrepreneurs in the United States and Central Asia. By connecting entrepreneurs from both regions, she fosters knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and the sharing of best practices.
These connections enable entrepreneurs to tap into new markets, access funding opportunities, and gain valuable insights from their counterparts. While Satola’s role is not directly entrepreneurial in nature, her commitment to supporting entrepreneurs showcases the Department of State’s recognition of the importance of entrepreneurship in driving economic development and stability in Central Asia.
By empowering and assisting entrepreneurs, Satola contributes to creating a thriving business environment, fostering economic connectivity between the United States and Central Asia, and promoting stronger ties between the two regions. In conclusion, Caitlin Satola, working under the US Department of State’s C5 plus 1 initiative, plays a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurship in Central Asia.
Her dedication to providing resources, guidance, and facilitating partnerships benefits entrepreneurs in the region, driving economic growth and fostering stronger ties between the United States and Central Asia.
S2
Speaker 2
Speech speed
170 words per minute
Speech length
52 words
Speech time
18 secs
Arguments
Tamar Sarawat works with the US Department of Commerce.
Topics: US government, Department of Commerce
There is a robust women’s economic empowerment working group at the US Department of Commerce.
Topics: women’s economic empowerment, work groups
The working group consists of private sector women from Central Asia.
Topics: private sector, women, Central Asia
Report
Tamar Sarawat is affiliated with the US Department of Commerce and plays a role in formulating policies related to national and international trade, economic growth, and technological advancement. This highlights the significant influence of the Department of Commerce in shaping the business landscape.
Within the Department of Commerce, there is a dedicated working group focused on women’s economic empowerment. This group is instrumental in advancing gender equality and promoting economic growth, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8. SDG 5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls, while SDG 8 focuses on inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all.
The presence of a robust working group within the Department of Commerce demonstrates a commitment to addressing gender disparities and promoting equal opportunities for women in the workplace. By addressing the unique challenges faced by women, this group contributes to building a more inclusive and diverse economy.
The working group comprises women from the private sector in Central Asia, highlighting the global nature of its approach and the importance of collaborating across regions. The active engagement of private sector women from Central Asia adds diverse perspectives and reinforces the idea that economic empowerment should be a global agenda.
In summary, the presence of a women’s economic empowerment working group within the US Department of Commerce reflects a dedication to promoting gender equality and enhancing economic opportunities. By engaging private sector women from Central Asia, this group ensures a global perspective.
It aligns with the SDGs and has the potential to drive positive change in the business world, contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
S3
Speaker 3
Speech speed
151 words per minute
Speech length
421 words
Speech time
168 secs
Arguments
Macy Ogu works for the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Nigeria
Supporting facts:
- Macy Ogu working for the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Nigeria was declared in her introduction
Topics: Consumer Protection, Federal Competition
The Commission works to empower women entrepreneurs
Supporting facts:
- Macy mentioned in her introduction that the Commission is actively working on empowering women entrepreneurs
Topics: Women Empowerment, Entrepreneurship
The ecosystem is vibrant in Nigeria, full of energy, opportunities but also with numerous problems. However, the climate for female founders was initially challenging.
Supporting facts:
- Speaker 3 has started the entrepreneurial journey 7 years ago in Nigeria.
- Speaker initially had difficulty finding other female founders.
- She was often the only woman in meetings, onboarding businesses or suppliers.
Topics: Ecosystem, Female founders, Nigeria
The ecosystem in Nigeria has grown and is now more supportive of female founders with initiatives focusing on women and increasing representation of women in the tech industry.
Supporting facts:
- There are new initiatives focused on women by MasterCard Foundation and IFC.
- There is growing representation of female GPs and investors in Nigeria.
- Programs are available that train women how to code, addressing supply issues around females in the tech industry.
Topics: Female founders, Tech industry, Ecosystem growth, Initiatives
Report
Macy Ogu works for the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in Nigeria, and the Commission is actively working towards empowering women entrepreneurs. Macy joined the discussion with an aim to gain knowledge and understand more about the challenges faced by female founders.
She expressed her belief in the need for more support for female founders as they scale their businesses. The ecosystem in Nigeria is described as vibrant, full of energy and opportunities, but it initially posed challenges for female founders. Speaker 3, who has been on an entrepreneurial journey for seven years in Nigeria, highlighted the difficulty she faced finding other female founders and often being the only woman in meetings or when onboarding businesses or suppliers.
This indicates that, despite the vibrant environment, gender disparities hinder the progress of female entrepreneurs. However, there are positive developments in the Nigerian ecosystem, with an increasing number of initiatives focusing on women and supporting their growth. The MasterCard Foundation and IFC have introduced initiatives that specifically target women.
There is also a growing representation of female general partners and investors in Nigeria. Additionally, programs that train women in coding have been initiated to address the supply issues faced by females in the tech industry. These initiatives indicate a more supportive ecosystem that is working towards gender equality and equal opportunities for female founders.
Although progress has been made, there is still a gap in support for women entrepreneurs as they transition from Series A to Series B, C, D, or billion-dollar businesses. Speaker 3 noted this gap and emphasized the need for additional support in this crucial phase of scaling businesses.
Ensuring ongoing support at every stage is essential for female founders to achieve their full potential and contribute to the growth of the ecosystem. In conclusion, Macy Ogu’s involvement with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in Nigeria highlights the Commission’s efforts to empower women entrepreneurs.
The ecosystem in Nigeria is making positive strides in supporting female founders through initiatives focused on women and increasing representation in the tech industry. However, there remains a gap in support for women entrepreneurs as they scale their businesses, particularly in the Series A to Series B transition.
Continued efforts to address these challenges will be crucial in creating a truly inclusive and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria.
S4
Speaker 4
Speech speed
202 words per minute
Speech length
2952 words
Speech time
877 secs
Arguments
Speaker 4’s startup Quitty is a B2B marketplace for Made in Africa products
Supporting facts:
- Quitty was created to make African products accessible through international markets
- Quitty also has a brand incubation program working directly with local suppliers, primarily women
Topics: B2B marketplace, African products, Startup
Speaker 4’s startup has started conversations with major grocery stores in US
Supporting facts:
- Quitty has tested for one year, selling in major grocery stores locally in Senegal
- The startup has partnerships with major hotels and grocery chains in Senegal
Topics: Major Grocery stores, International Market, Expansion
An ecosystem is necessary for success in entrepreneurship
Supporting facts:
- Speaker 4 initiated entrepreneurship in the United States and later moved back to Senegal.
- When she moved back to Senegal, she noticed a growth in the number of entrepreneurs and the start of the ecosystem.
- She mentions the return of more people to build their businesses in Senegal, emergence of incubator programs and government’s involvement as evidence of the growth of the budding ecosystem.
Topics: Ecosystem, Entrepreneurship
Law, policies and public sector should support entrepreneurs
Supporting facts:
- Public policies should give entrepreneurs a sense that they are being supported and seen.
- Laws should work for the benefit of entrepreneurs, not against them.
- Entrepreneurs do not mind paying taxes, as long as they see benefits or support in return.
Topics: Law, Public Policy, Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship can be empowering and inspiring
Supporting facts:
- Moving to San Francisco made speaker realize she could be an entrepreneur too.
- Seeing other people in the entrepreneurial environment has empowered and inspired the speaker.
- Speaker believes one realizing ‘they are not smarter than me, I can do it’, is a key factor in making the decision towards entrepreneurship.
Topics: Empowerment, Inspiration, Entrepreneurship
The success of government funding for entrepreneurs depends on speed
Supporting facts:
- Hua Wang’s experience with a Rapid funding programme in Senegal
Topics: startups, government funding, entrepreneurship
High employment taxes and other levies can be detrimental to startups
Supporting facts:
- In Senegal, employment taxes can reach up to 40% and other taxes on activities can be up to 18%
Topics: taxation, employment
Use of digital tools helps startups manage projects and communications, especially in global teams
Supporting facts:
- Basecamp and Slack are highly useful for managing projects and team communication
Topics: Digital tools, Startups, Global teams
WhatsApp is the number one tool for doing business in Africa due to its accessibility and ease of use
Supporting facts:
- WhatsApp has been ingrained in African society, especially using voice messages, enabling communication without the need to write
Topics: WhatsApp, Business in Africa
Facebook and TikTok have proved successful in product marketing in developing countries
Supporting facts:
- Facebook and TikTok have been leveraged for product visibility, choice and price information
Topics: Social media marketing, Emerging markets
The government is implementing regulations to understand and control the digital world.
Supporting facts:
- The pace of innovations in the outside world is much higher than in the public sector, with this regulation may provide a base for them to catch up.
- Regulation on cryptocurrency might be due to the traditional banking systems trying to understand and control this new concept.
- Government proposed digital voting but is not yet ready for it due to possible security threats and the complexity of implementing it on blockchain.
Topics: Government Regulation, Digital World, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency
The increasing trust in digital companies over governments poses a threat to societal balance.
Supporting facts:
- Large tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple hold significant influence due to their vast control over the world’s data.
- This increasing trust in digital companies like Google can lead to a misplaced trust, an example being relying on Google Maps more than one’s own eyes.
- Such undue trust in private sector companies over government might cause a societal imbalance.
Topics: Trust, Digital companies, Google
Believe in your ideas, and follow them with passion.
Supporting facts:
- When an idea gives the speaker a physical reaction, it turns into a passion
- Following the gut instinct will show the path one needs to take
Topics: Self-belief, Passion
Report
The speakers in the discussion provided insights into various aspects of entrepreneurship and startups in Africa. Speaker 4’s startup, Quitty, was highlighted as a B2B marketplace for Made in Africa products. The main goal of Quitty is to facilitate the accessibility of African products in international markets.
Additionally, Quitty has a brand incubation program that collaborates directly with local suppliers, particularly women. This program aims to empower and support these suppliers in overcoming barriers they face in the industry. One of the main challenges discussed during the discussion was the barriers to entry for African products on global platforms.
It was noted that production capacity is still a significant challenge for local suppliers. Moreover, many African ingredients are not represented on popular platforms like Amazon, which limits the reach of these products. This highlights the need to address these challenges and provide better opportunities for African suppliers to showcase and sell their products globally.
The importance of an ecosystem for entrepreneurship was also emphasized. The speakers noted that the ecosystem in Africa has been experiencing growth, with more entrepreneurs returning to start businesses and the emergence of incubator programmes. Government involvement and support were highlighted as contributing factors to the ecosystem’s growth.
Advocates were highlighted as critical in stimulating the ecosystem by instilling a sense of belonging and capability among entrepreneurs. Government funding and policies were discussed as potential frameworks to support entrepreneurs. The success of government funding programmes was found to be dependent on efficiency and speed of disbursement.
The implementation of the Startup Act was seen as a positive step, with Tunisia and Senegal having already adopted it and Nigeria working towards its implementation. The Startup Act provides clear definitions for startups and offers tax breaks for the initial years, promoting a conducive environment for startups.
However, challenges related to taxation were also raised during the discussion. High employment taxes and other levies were considered detrimental to startups, as they posed financial burdens and limited growth opportunities. The need for tax structures that support startups and foster economic growth was emphasized.
Digitalisation of public sector systems was highlighted as necessary to facilitate startup growth. Digitalisation would ensure easier access to information, loans, and other services, streamlining processes for startups. The use of digital tools and platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok was also discussed.
These tools were deemed highly useful for managing projects, team communication, and marketing strategies, particularly in global teams and emerging markets. The speakers also touched upon the importance of regulations in the digital world. They highlighted the need for the public sector to catch up with the pace of innovations and understand and control emerging technologies, such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
However, it was mentioned that regulations in this realm need to strike a balance between control and fostering innovation. Another noteworthy observation was the increasing trust in digital companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple, which raised concerns about individuals relying too heavily on these private sector companies over government institutions.
It was noted that this misplaced trust could lead to a societal imbalance and potentially undermine the role and influence of governments. On a more personal level, the speakers discussed the importance of self-belief and passion in entrepreneurship. Following one’s gut instincts and having the confidence to believe in one’s ideas were stressed as key factors in pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors.
The speakers also acknowledged the challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship and encouraged women to bring out their strengths and not suppress them. In conclusion, the discussion shed light on various aspects of entrepreneurship and startups in Africa, including the challenges faced by local suppliers, the significance of an ecosystem, the role of government support, digitalisation, and the importance of self-belief and passion.
It emphasized the need for increased support and resources to foster an inclusive startup ecosystem in Africa and create opportunities for African products to thrive on the international stage.
S5
Speaker 5
Speech speed
175 words per minute
Speech length
1544 words
Speech time
528 secs
Arguments
Damilola Lokeshisi, also known as Dami, is the founder of a startup called Shutlers in Lagos, Nigeria
Supporting facts:
- Shutlers is a shared mobility platform that facilitates group travel for the workforce in Lagos, primarily young professionals who are inherently at risk due to inadequate public transport options
Topics: Lagos, Nigeria, Shutlers
Lack of safe and adequate public transport system in Lagos, Nigeria
Supporting facts:
- Nigeria has 200 million people with Lagos accounting for 20 million of this population. Public transport is not only inadequate but also poses safety risks, as evidenced by an unfortunate incident involving Dami’s sister
Topics: Public Transportation, Safety, Nigeria, Lagos
Shutlers provides affordable, safe, and predictable transportation to work
Supporting facts:
- Shutlers service is 60%-80% cheaper than normal ride-hailing services and neatly 10% higher than traditional public transport, balancing affordability and safety for the consumer
Topics: Shared Mobility, Workforce Transportation, Public Safety
Government initiatives can be very helpful for startups
Supporting facts:
- In 2016, the Office of the Vice President set up an accelerator program which was very helpful
- The speaker received their first grant through this program, which helped them bootstrap and build their first tech
Topics: Government Initiatives, Startups, Entrepreneurship, Tech
Using existing digital platforms like WhatsApp, Google, etc. can be effective for startups and businesses before they can afford to build their own apps
Supporting facts:
- Before having their own app, the speaker’s company used WhatsApp to communicate bus arrivals, shared Google links for tracking, and used Excel sheets for keeping reports
- This method was used for a number of years before they could build their own applications.
Topics: Startups, Digital platforms, Businesses, Communication
Policy makers are starting to realise that the digital world is a powerful venue for influence, more so than the physical world.
Supporting facts:
- Cases of influencers causing significant events, such as a mass gathering in Times Square
- Continued discussions over ownership and control of data
Topics: Policy Makers, Digital World
Young people entering government could bring about effective change, given their understanding of the digital ecosystem.
Supporting facts:
- Recent appointment of a young Nigerian minister with a background in the tech ecosystem
Topics: Government, Youth, Change
Had to fight everyday to succeed as an entrepreneur
Supporting facts:
- Describes fighting customers, team members, investors, policymakers
- Believes in saving herself and taking what she wants
Topics: Entrepreneurship, Women in Business
Doubts fuel her motivation to succeed
Supporting facts:
- Gets more energy when people doubt her success
- States that doubts fueled her hunger to succeed
Topics: Motivation, Success and Failure
Report
Shutlers, a shared mobility platform founded by Damilola Lokeshisi (also known as Dami) in Lagos, Nigeria, aims to address the transportation challenges faced by the workforce, particularly young professionals. The public transport system in Lagos is inadequate and poses safety risks, as seen in an unfortunate incident involving Dami’s sister.
Shutlers provides a solution by offering affordable and safe transportation options. The service is priced between standard ride-hailing services and traditional public transport, providing a balance between affordability and safety. Over the past six years, Shutlers has seen remarkable growth, expanding to three cities in Nigeria and raising $5.6 million in funding.
This success demonstrates the conviction in the business model and the solution it offers to the public transport challenges in Nigeria. Government initiatives, such as an accelerator programme, have proven to be instrumental in supporting startups like Shutlers. Dami received her first grant through this programme, which helped bootstrap and build her first tech.
However, there is a need for a more sustainable model to support entrepreneurs beyond the initial stages. Before developing their own application, Shutlers utilised existing digital platforms like WhatsApp, Google, and Excel sheets to communicate bus arrivals, track vehicles, and maintain reports.
This approach proved effective in the early stages of their operations until they could afford to build their own apps. There are concerns about proposals to tax digital goods and services, with some countries suggesting taxing instances like sending a PDF to another country or downloading an app.
Such taxation measures could have negative implications for startups and the digital industry. Policymakers are beginning to realise the significant influence of the digital world and its potential impact on various aspects of society. Issues such as ownership and control of data, alongside cases of influencers causing significant events, demonstrate the need for robust policy considerations.
The appointment of a young Nigerian minister with a tech background indicates that young people entering government can bring about effective change, leveraging their understanding of the digital ecosystem. There is an argument that the government should support citizens by staying out of their way and not making life more difficult.
This sentiment reflects the desire for reduced government interference and regulation, fostering an environment that promotes decent work and reduced inequalities. Dami, the founder of Shutlers, emphasises the daily challenges faced as an entrepreneur, highlighting the necessity to fight for success constantly.
She believes in self-empowerment and achieving one’s goals, using numbers and business traction as unbiased indicators of success. Doubts and challenges fuel her motivation to succeed. In conclusion, Shutlers is making significant strides in addressing transportation challenges in Lagos, Nigeria, through its shared mobility platform.
The success of Shutlers highlights the importance of government support for startups, the effective use of existing digital platforms, the implications of taxing digital goods and services, and the growing recognition of the influence of the digital world. The founder’s journey as an entrepreneur highlights the determination and perseverance required for success in the startup ecosystem.
S6
Speaker 6
Speech speed
196 words per minute
Speech length
3132 words
Speech time
958 secs
Arguments
Yasmin runs a B2B startup in Egypt focused on food, groceries, and e-commerce delivery, similar to Uber’s delivery service.
Supporting facts:
- She started the business towards the end of November 2019, and targets businesses like Whole Foods and Carrefour.
- The business currently averages 10,000 deliveries a day, with 6 million deliveries to date.
- She has raised 10 million dollars for her business, predominantly from foreign investors such as American funds and GCC funds.
Topics: Startup, Egypt, Delivery Service, E-commerce
Startups in regions like the speaker’s country face extra challenges due to a lack of established ecosystem
Supporting facts:
- Speaker built a whole ecosystem around her start-up, including wallets, banks, and an app for people who can’t read
- She had to explain concepts like working hours and productivity to drivers
- Investors are starting to require more due diligence and aren’t investing over powerpoints
Topics: Startups, Ecosystem, Challenges, Investment
It’s important to view entrepreneurship as a business opportunity rather than a gender issue
Supporting facts:
- She participated in several accelerators
- Has received grants and founded a company
- Entrepreneurial success is not gender-specific
- Investors invest based on the potential for profit, regardless of the entrepreneur’s gender
Topics: Women in entrepreneurship, Investing
Women should adopt the mindset that they don’t need help, but rather equal opportunity
Supporting facts:
- Men do not typically receive coaching on entrepreneurship
- Women can succeed with strong business models and hard work
Topics: Equality, Entrepreneurship
Regulating the digital space in traditional ways is impractical and late
Supporting facts:
- Comparison with the situation of MP3 and the music industry
- Existing proposed policies are reactions to what already happened, not forward-looking
Topics: Digital Regulations, Policies, Digital Space
Values and norms specific to the digital space must be instilled
Supporting facts:
- Existing typical guides of behaviour in the digital space for children
Topics: Digital Norms, Digital Space
Speaker 6 encourages fighting for one’s aspirations irrespective of the gender
Supporting facts:
- Speaker recalls a childhood incident where her father reiterates that she should not feel any different due to being a girl
- She shared an observation: at school, girls, often appear more mature and responsible than boys
Topics: Women Empowerment, Gender Equality
Speaker 6 indicates a discrepancy in the way boys and girls are treated post schooling
Supporting facts:
- The speaker commented on how girls are academically more advanced as they often feel the pressure to do well, while boys may assume they can succeed in other ways like becoming a football player
- She is puzzled that girls often lose their self belief upon entering the workplace
Topics: Education, Gender Bias
Speaker 6 suggests viewing perceived obstacles as advantages
Supporting facts:
- Speaker has ambitions of working in a traditionally male-dominated industry (oil and gas) and going to challenging locations (Iraq) as a field engineer
Topics: Self-Confidence, Career Aspirations
Report
The analysis includes discussions from various speakers covering different aspects of entrepreneurship, gender equality, and digital regulations. One of the speakers, Yasmin, is the founder of a B2B startup in Egypt that focuses on food and e-commerce delivery. She has successfully raised $10 million in funding for her business and currently achieves an average of 10,000 deliveries per day.
Yasmin’s success story highlights the potential of startups in the industry and the importance of targeting specific markets, such as Whole Foods and Carrefour. Another speaker addresses the challenges faced by startups in certain regions, like the speaker’s own country.
These challenges arise from the lack of an established ecosystem to support startups. This emphasizes the importance of building a supportive environment that includes wallets, banks, and user-friendly apps. The speaker also highlights the need to explain basic concepts like working hours and productivity to the drivers associated with the startup.
Furthermore, the speaker notes that investors are becoming more cautious and are requiring additional due diligence, making it harder for startups to secure investment based solely on PowerPoint presentations. The analysis also delves into the gender dynamics of entrepreneurship. One speaker asserts that entrepreneurship should be viewed as a business opportunity rather than a gender issue.
This perspective argues that entrepreneurial success is not limited to any specific gender and that investors primarily consider the profit potential of ventures, irrespective of the entrepreneur’s gender. Another speaker highlights the importance of coaching and equal opportunity for women in entrepreneurship.
Both male and female entrepreneurs face competition and challenges, and reaching potential investors and delivering compelling pitches are essential for securing investment. The topic of digital regulations and policies is also explored. A speaker argues that regulating the digital space in traditional ways is impractical and reactive.
Drawing parallels with the music industry’s experience with MP3 files, the speaker suggests that existing proposed policies are somewhat backward-looking. Instead, the speaker advocates for a proactive approach that takes into account the unique nature and dynamics of the digital realm.
The analysis also emphasizes the need for instilling specific values and norms within the digital space. One speaker stresses the importance of teaching children responsible technology use and the development of digital etiquette. By raising awareness about the responsible use of technology from a young age, individuals can navigate and contribute positively to the digital space.
In terms of gender equality, one speaker shares a childhood experience where their father emphasized that being a girl should not hinder them from aspiring for success. This anecdote signifies the importance of fighting for personal aspirations, regardless of gender.
Another speaker highlights the treatment discrepancy between boys and girls, particularly in post-schooling stages. Girls often feel academic pressure to succeed, while boys may assume success will come through alternative means. The speaker raises concerns over the loss of self-belief many girls experience upon entering the workplace.
Finally, one speaker encourages individuals to view perceived obstacles as advantages and shares their ambition to work in a traditionally male-dominated industry. This serves as a testament to the speaker’s determination to challenge norms and succeed in challenging locations. In conclusion, the analysis provides valuable insights into various aspects of entrepreneurship, gender equality, and digital regulations.
It underscores the potential for success in startups, the importance of an established ecosystem, the need to view entrepreneurship as a business opportunity rather than a gender issue, and the significance of coaching and equal opportunity for women. The analysis also highlights the challenges of regulating the digital space, the importance of instilling digital values and norms, and the need to fight for aspirations irrespective of gender.
Ultimately, the analysis calls for a conducive environment that supports and empowers entrepreneurs, regardless of their gender or the industry they choose to pursue.
S7
Speaker 7
Speech speed
216 words per minute
Speech length
4245 words
Speech time
1178 secs
Arguments
Speaker 7 started her first business at 17 centered around selling fashionable textile products
Supporting facts:
- She sold the products to other university students, and the business had a successful 3-year run before she sold it
- This allowed Speaker 7 to fund her studies at the National Institute to learn more about textiles
Topics: Entrepreneurship, Fashion, Textiles
Speaker 7 created a nonprofit to connect women from different parts of the world in the textiles and clothing value chain
Supporting facts:
- The platform allowed these women entrepreneurs to not only reach to markets but also tell their stories
Topics: Nonprofits, Textile industry, Women empowerment
Speaker 7’s platform, Inclusive Trade, assists small businesses in increasing their visibility and proving their sustainability efforts
Supporting facts:
- The platform has impacted about 4,000+ businesses so far
- An app version of the tool will soon be launched to scale the solution
Topics: Inclusive Trade, Sustainable development, Small businesses
The startup ecosystem involves various stakeholders including government, private sector investors, startups and scale ups.
Supporting facts:
- Speaker 7 is based in the UK
Topics: startup ecosystem, government, private sector investors
In the UK, the government provides grants for startups through Innovate UK.
Supporting facts:
- Innovate UK offers thematic grants
Topics: Innovate UK, government grants, startups
Investors receive tax benefits for investing in risky startups.
Supporting facts:
- The incentive is targeted at high net worth individuals.
- The tax benefits fill the gap before angel investors or VC funds step in.
Topics: tax benefits, investing, startups
Women entrepreneurs should be given equally comprehensive and challenging accelerator programs as male entrepreneurs
Supporting facts:
- She highlighted the importance not to underestimate women entrepreneurs
- Stated the need for training sessions and accelerators to see women as equals rather than a step lower
- She argued that knowing the rules of the game and being able to apply them is pivotal, not the gender of the entrepreneur
Topics: Women entrepreneurship, Business Accelerator programs, Gender bias
There is a need for MORE visible role models for women in the entrepreneurial sphere
Supporting facts:
- She shared her own experience of finding fewer role models while growing her business
Topics: Women entrepreneurship, Gender equality, Role models in Business
Transformation towards digitization requires a blend of bottom-up, top-down and private sector involvement
Supporting facts:
- In India, vendors on roads are now on Google Pay
- Unified payment solution (UPI) linking all banks in India has supported the digital transition
- Top-down measures such as policy changes and making data and smartphones cheaper and accessible have enabled the change
Topics: Digitization, Economic Growth, Government Policy, Private Sector
There are many free digital tools for start-ups and businesses for operation and planning
Supporting facts:
- Tools like Google Documents and Monday are simple, accessible and useful for operational management
Topics: Digital Transformation, Start-ups, Free Tools, Business Operations
There needs to be a difference between multinationals or level of companies when imposing specific policy regulations.
Supporting facts:
- It’s not fair to say to a small logistics company or an e-commerce company that every single market that you touch, you need to save the data on a cloud in that country or a server in that country.
- When you have large pan-global multinationals like Google or Meta, the rules there are not the same.
Topics: data privacy, data localization, policy regulations
There are complex discussions in AI space in terms of ownership and management.
Supporting facts:
- AI will keep growing over time.
- Discussions are ongoing on who owns what – the AI, the creator or the software that created the AI.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence, data ownership, data management
True gender equality can come through a combination of empowering girls and educating boys on how to respect and treat them as equals
Supporting facts:
- Speaker was raised in a conservative Indian society but encouraged to seize opportunities and gain knowledge
- As a mother of two boys, makes it a point to encourage equal responsibilities and respect for girls in the house
- Thinks it’s important to educate boys about gender equality to avoid problems later in life
Topics: gender equality, education, upbringing, culture
Choose something you truly believe in or want to do
Supporting facts:
- Speaker encourages selecting a profession not only for the money but also where passion lies
Topics: career choice, passion
Report
Speaker 7, a successful entrepreneur, started her first business at the age of 17. The business focused on selling fashionable textile products to university students. It had a successful three-year run before she decided to sell it to fund her studies in textiles at the National Institute.
This early venture not only provided her with valuable experience but also demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit and determination. After completing her studies, Speaker 7 recognized the need to connect women in the textiles and clothing value chain. To address this, she created a nonprofit organization that served as a platform for women entrepreneurs from different parts of the world.
The platform not only allowed these women to reach new markets but also provided them with the opportunity to share their stories, further empowering them in their entrepreneurial journey. Building upon this success, Speaker 7 went on to launch Inclusive Trade, an e-commerce platform that connects small businesses with customers globally.
The platform has had a significant impact, supporting over 4,000 businesses so far. It provides these businesses with increased visibility and helps them prove their sustainability efforts, thus attracting more customers and opportunities. The positive sentiment surrounding Inclusive Trade is evident from its continuous influx of about £70,000 worth of business every month, which has prompted the need for external investments to support the platform’s scale-up.
Throughout her journey, Speaker 7 has been a strong advocate for comprehensive accelerator programs for women entrepreneurs. She believes that women should be given equally challenging programs as their male counterparts, rejecting the notion of “dumbing down” initiatives for women. She emphasizes the importance of having visible role models for women in the entrepreneurial sphere, encouraging their empowerment and success.
In addition, Speaker 7 highlights the significance of gender equality, which she believes can be achieved through empowering girls and educating boys. She draws from her own experience of being raised in a conservative Indian society but being encouraged to seize opportunities and gain knowledge.
As a mother of two boys, she actively promotes equal responsibilities and respect for girls within her household. The speaker also acknowledges the need for a blended approach towards digitization, involving bottom-up, top-down, and private sector involvement. She cites examples from India, where vendors on roads have embraced digital payments through platforms like Google Pay.
She highlights the importance of policy changes, cheaper smartphones, and accessible data as essential factors enabling digital transformation. Finally, Speaker 7 emphasizes the need to choose a profession based on passion, rather than merely for financial gain. She firmly believes that no profession should be viewed as superior or inferior, challenging traditional societal expectations in countries like India.
Overall, the journey and insights of Speaker 7 serve as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, highlighting the importance of determination, empowerment, and embracing new opportunities.