Dakar: Financial and philanthropic leaders have called for inclusive fintech solutions and policy reforms to close the digital and financial divide-particularly for rural women entrepreneurs. They emphasised the need for rigorous tracking of remittance impacts on women and the development of gender-responsive investment mechanisms. They made the call during a Regional Conference on 'Sustainable Philanthropy and Remittances for Gender Equality' held in Dakar, Senegal.
According to Ghana News Agency, the forum was co-hosted by UN Women and the Ford Foundation and brought together over 150 thought leaders from philanthropy, finance, government, technology, and civil society. In a release copied to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Maxime Houinato, UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa, encouraged African countries to 'move from remittances to resilience.' He highlighted the necessity of viewing remittances and philanthropy as strategic levers for inclusive, sustainable change. Dr. Houinato urged the design of systems that cater to women who are off the grid but hold entire families together.
The conference also explored how to align Africa's diverse funding streams with the urgency of empowering women and girls. Participants shared examples of how remittances could unlock opportunities when recognized as 'intentional, long-term investments rather than one-off transfers.' Dr. Catherine Chi-Chi Aniagolu, Ford Foundation Regional Director for West Africa, stressed the importance of shifting power and building systems that focus on African women's voices and leadership.
Other participants advocated for structured partnerships among diaspora networks, local civil society, and public institutions. Mr. Kofi Appenteng, President of the African American Institute, emphasized that African women and girls should be seen as 'architects of their own futures.' He noted that while remittances are a success story, efforts to scale them must remain grounded in the voices and needs of those sending and receiving them.
The conference highlighted the importance of developing the right financial products and enabling environment. Mr. Paul-Harry Aithnard, Ecobank Group Regional Director, stated that sending money home must evolve beyond consumption to become a strategic engine for development with the right policies and investment products. Foundations and financial institutions described how their funding models were evolving to embrace 'inclusive, feminist, and locally rooted approaches.'
Oniye Okolo, Policy and Partnerships Officer, shared that the Tony Elumelu Foundation Grant had seen a significant increase in female grantees, aiming to build an ecosystem where women can thrive and lead. Ecobank Foundation CEO, Elisa Desbordes, added that their advocacy and outreach activities focus on addressing the funding gap and mentorship needs of women entrepreneurs.
Ms. Ndeye Amy Ngom Seck, representing the Central Bank of West African States, highlighted strategies targeted at women, emphasizing that when women thrive, everyone benefits. She noted that reallocating even a portion of diaspora remittances toward women's empowerment could be transformational. From maternal health to green entrepreneurship, the conference showcased how strategically aligned remittances and philanthropy could drive sustainable change.
