07/10/2026
Day 2 of the First Ladies of Africa Impact and Resilience Summit, held at The Dorchester Hotel, was filled with inspiring speeches, panel discussions, round-table conversations and networking.
These discussions are a build up of day 1 conversations which took place at the UK Parliament- House of Lords and London Stock Exchange.
A key discussion focused on women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion. UWEP-Africa Executive Director delivered a keynote address and participated as a panellist, sharing the organisation’s approach to supporting women starting from the “unbankable woman”; women who may have no bank account or formal access to financial services.
The approach begins with women coming together in chamas to save and support one another, progressing to table banking, investment and stronger enterprises.
The importance of bookkeeping was highlighted as a practical tool for helping women understand their savings, ownership, finances and business growth. The discussion also explored the need for women to access capital, contracts, supply chains and procurement opportunities so that they can scale their businesses.
A key message was that being in the room is not enough, we must have a voice and influence. Leaders were encouraged to open doors, mentor, support and walk with young women from the beginning to the end, creating opportunities for the next generation rather than leaving people at the door.
The summit also challenged the narrative that Africa needs saving. Africa needs capital, investment and partnerships to unlock its potential. Discussions highlighted education, mentorship, investing in girls, sponsorship and digital skills as essential for the next generation.
Conversations around health, well-being and stronger communities emphasised the importance of maternal healthcare and starting health education early, breaking the stigma and silence around women’s bodies and health. one message echoed through the discussions, “take care of your health first.”
Day 2 reinforced the importance of capital, partnerships, inclusion, mentorship and intentional investment in women and girls to build a stronger Africa.
Through these conversations, UWEP-Africa is learning, gathering ideas and gaining insights that will help shape and tailor its empowerment programmes to better support the growth of future generations and the upliftment of communities, not only through economic empowerment, but across all aspects of their lives.
