International Business Leaders Announce Global Task Force To Empower One Million Women In The Trade Industry

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International Business Leaders Announce Global Task Force To

Empower One Million Women In The Trade Industry

About the National Black Business Conference (NBBC) 2024 

This year’s conference is themed “WE ARE TOGETHER” is a momentous gathering that resonates with the collective voice of Black business leaders, both domestic and abroad, symbolizing unity, strength, and purpose as we honor and celebrate National Black Business Month aligned for a unified Black business agenda. This international task force includes the

National Alliance for Black Business (NABB), the National Business League (NBL), and the

National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) in partnership with the World Conference of Mayors (WCM) and the Historic Black Towns and Settlements Alliance (HBTSA), collectively represents 250,000 Black-owned businesses. The conference will feature keynote speaker President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, 26^th President, Republic of Liberia.

According to the World Bank, “Female entrepreneurs make significant contributions to economic growth and to poverty reduction around the world.” Women-led businesses in the US alone contribute nearly three (3) trillion dollars to the economy and create twenty-three (23) million jobs. Women trading effectively drives economic growth in global markets resulting in economic prosperity.

Connecting 1 Million Women Who Trade (CWT) is a private sector initiative to connect and empower 1 million women entrepreneurs who trade. CWT will catalyze organizations and individuals who invested in women involved in trade starting in Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean. Through our ecosystem, we will engage a minimum of 5,000 business associations and cooperatives that are connected to a minimum of 200 women each to reach 1 million.

“As President and CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, I am honored to stand alongside global leaders in this groundbreaking initiative. Connecting One Million Women in Trade is not just about increasing numbers: it is about unlocking women entrepreneurs’ potential across the globe. By breaking down barriers and providing access to vital resources, we are paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous global economy. This initiative will empower women to participate in international trade and thrive as leaders in the industry“, said Charles DeBow.

As part of the solution and call to action from NBBC, the CWT Initiative is presented by Blueprint, Oakwood Green Africa, and NBCC as the catalyst to increase the number of womenowned businesses that trade from 25% to 40% within a 3–5-year framework. Additionally, NBCC and CWT will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to concretize their commitment to the success of the Initiative. “CWT will serve as a clearinghouse ecosystem for grassroots-to-grass tops incorporating all necessary networks and resources for women who are (1) ready to trade globally, (2) preparing to trade globally, and (3) institutions that support women in trade” by Dr. Ky Dele, Principal, Blueprint. These groups and individuals will expand opportunities and enhance the capacity for women who trade by breaking down barriers for all women to connect and collaborate for trade.

In April 2024, CWT presented its first series, “The Future of Finance & Trade in Africa 1.0,” in partnership with The George Washington University and the World Bank Group in Washington D.C. The event marked a pivotal moment in addressing the continent’s financial and trade landscapes. The conference featured an array of speakers such as Her Excellency, Chief Jewel Taylor, Former Vice President of Liberia, and Secretary-General of the African First Ladies Peace Mission, who delivered a greeting and remarks from former Ghanaian President, H.E. John Mahama. Her Excellency Chief Jewel Taylor further emphasized the priorities of women in trade and the importance of the CWT initiative.

Similarly, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Hon. P.J. Patterson, Statesman-In-Residence at the P.J. Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Advocacy, noted: “The future of Africa is exciting. It offers tremendous possibilities for intra-Africa trade with our untapped creative potential for African youths who constitute the youngest and fastest-growing population in the world. If nurtured and supported today, they will be unconquerable in the future!”

As Secretary General of ECOWAS Ambassador’s Group in the United States and a leading advocate for effective diaspora engagement and partnership with women, “I do congratulate the incredible leadership that women of substance and distinction are making across the globe to ensure the participation of women at the decision-making arena through their 1 million women campaign. Kudos to the organizers as I look forward to supporting them all the way” H.E. Ambassador Sidique Abou-Bakarr Wai, Sierra Leone Ambassador to the United States and Secretary General, ECOWAS Ambassadors group in the United States.

H.E. Ambassador David Comissiong     Ambassador, the Parliamentary Republic of

Barbados to CARICOM

John E. Harmon                                     IOM – President, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey Tourism Union

Media Contacts:

Patrick Coker, Esq. +44 7716 228505,

Ian Campbell, 202-539-3383, [email protected]