The Confederation of Gambian Industries urged financial institutions to expand credit access for women entrepreneurs at the Trade Partnerships Without Borders Summit 2025 held from Oct. 15 to 16 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre. CEO Fatou Mbenga told panelists that women operate most value chain businesses in food processing and textiles, but fewer than 25 percent of women-owned enterprises receive formal credit. The WCCI Emerging Market Hub and the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency organized the summit for government and business leaders from ECOWAS and OIC member states.
Mbenga recommended tailored financial products and gender-responsive credit guarantee schemes to integrate women-led businesses into regional trade frameworks, and she identified digital finance as a tool for closing the inclusion gap. CGI will launch workshops on financial literacy and business formalization, connecting banks with development partners and trade associations. The initiative will provide mentorship to increase women's participation in industrial supply chains across The Gambia and Africa.
Mbenga recommended tailored financial products and gender-responsive credit guarantee schemes to integrate women-led businesses into regional trade frameworks, and she identified digital finance as a tool for closing the inclusion gap. CGI will launch workshops on financial literacy and business formalization, connecting banks with development partners and trade associations. The initiative will provide mentorship to increase women's participation in industrial supply chains across The Gambia and Africa.
