Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, urged Canada to step up collaboration with African countries to enhance women’s access to finance, markets and broader economic opportunities. The call came at a panel discussion hosted by the Canada–Africa Policy Roundtable and Reception in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme “Building Inclusive African Economies: Advancing Canada–Africa Cooperation on Finance, Trade and Economic Opportunity.”
Lartey highlighted that inclusive economies demand more than investment and trade expansion; structural barriers still curtail women’s full participation in economic activities. She acknowledged Canada’s support for Ghanaian initiatives such as the Making Trade Work for Women in West Africa project, the Enhancing Market Participation and Learning Opportunities for Young Women (EMPLOY) project, and the Climate Resilient Livelihoods for Women in Northern Ghana (CLIMB) project.
The minister outlined three priority areas for further cooperation: expanding affordable finance and investment for women‑owned businesses, strengthening women’s participation in regional and international trade, and investing in skills development, technology, childcare, social protection and safe workplaces. She also pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a gateway for women‑owned enterprises to tap larger markets and value chains, while stressing the need to help entrepreneurs meet product standards, secure certification, adopt digital commerce and connect with buyers and investors.
Dr Lartey emphasized that women’s economic empowerment requires an integrated approach that blends financial support with skills training, market access and measures to address structural inequalities. She reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to partnerships that combine finance, trade, technical expertise and investment to grow women‑owned businesses, create jobs and contribute to national and continental economic development.
