Gender Minister calls for stronger Canada–Africa ties to boost women’s economic opportunities

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has called for stronger cooperation between Canada and African countries to improve women’s access to finance, markets and economic opportunities.

She made the call during a panel discussion at the Canada–Africa Policy Roundtable and Reception in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, held under the theme, “Building Inclusive African Economies: Advancing Canada–Africa Cooperation on Finance, Trade and Economic Opportunity.”

The engagement formed part of the Egumeni Dialogue, a platform for policy discussions and partnerships between Africa and its international partners.

Dr Lartey stressed that building inclusive economies requires more than increased investment and expanded trade, noting that structural barriers continue to limit women’s full participation in economic activities.

She acknowledged Canada’s support for initiatives in Ghana aimed at improving women’s economic opportunities.

These include 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 key areas for further cooperation: expanding access to 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 highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as an opportunity to connect women-owned businesses to larger markets and regional value chains.

However, she emphasised the need to support women entrepreneurs to meet product standards, obtain certification, adopt digital commerce and establish connections with buyers and investors to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the continental market.

Dr Lartey further noted that women’s economic empowerment requires an integrated approach that combines financial support with skills development, market access and measures to address structural inequalities.

She said such interventions were essential to helping women sustain their businesses and benefit from emerging economic opportunities.

The Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to partnerships that bring together finance, trade, technical expertise and investment to support the growth of women-owned businesses, create jobs and contribute to national and continental economic development.