The Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC) is the first of its kind pan-African private sector coalition focused on addressing the continent’s largest challenges. In May 2024, the ABLC launched an ambitious commitment to drive women’s economic inclusion. ABLC members will share their motivation for this collective action and highlight the progress to date in mobilizing impact as a regional case study.

This insightful panel discussion on applying a gender lens across the value chain to mobilize capital for gender equality will introduce the Invest in Women initiative, a global effort to advance women in finance and increase capital flows to women-owned businesses, while exploring actionable strategies to drive gender-inclusive investments and accelerate progress toward equality in and through finance.

This panel will draw from individuals' experiences working with businesses driving allyship for gender equality, and reflecting on the previous panels and where men have a critical role to play to catalyze support for women’s economic inclusion.

Participants will engage in candid discussions to harvest breakthrough ideas on closing gender gaps, with a specific emphasis on generating policy recommendations and sharing actionable ideas. The session is designed to give participants time to connect, build relationships, and collaborate in a dynamic and engaging environment, fostering creativity, co-creation, and mutual learning. Come prepared to move around and share ideas!

Topics include: Gender-lens investing; Gender-responsive supply chains;  Male Allyship across business; Policy enablers for business action on gender equality