Africa is rich with women entrepreneurs. In fact, the continent has the highest proportion of women entrepreneurs in the world, with OECD research revealing that more than a quarter of all businesses were either started or are run by women. In Europe, by contrast, the rate of entrepreneurial activity among women is just 5.7%, per figures from the European Investment Bank. Yet, despite those high levels of entrepreneurial activity, African women draw the short straw when it comes to funding.
I’ve lost count of the conferences about corporate responsibility (CR) and sustainability that I have attended/spoken at over the years, in more than 50 countries.
Sustainability is no longer the sideshow of mainstream business, to be wheeled out by the chief executive at conferences and then sent off back to the side lines. A company’s social and environmental performance is today a central concern of consumers, investors and regulators.
Creating a circular economy that supports global sustainability aims is critical for the future of business; and essential to meet ambitious net-zero targets. There are many immediate circular value creation opportunities, but the true value of a circular economy lies within wider systemic changes and an economy that works better in the future for everyone.