The panel discussion on “The Law – Creating Equal Opportunities” highlighted the importance of financial inclusion in driving economic development, particularly for women-led SMEs. Despite progress, women entrepreneurs face significant barriers in accessing financial services, capital, and growth opportunities. The discussion emphasised the need for regulatory reforms, financial policies, and capacity-building initiatives tailored to the unique challenges faced by women in business. Key challenges include limited access to financial resources, generic financial interventions not catering to women-dominated sectors, underrepresentation of women in economic activities, inadequate funding policies, and limited technical knowledge and skills among women entrepreneurs. To address these challenges, the panel proposed recommendations such as establishing institutions to offer financial resources, introducing women-centric quotas, creating low-cost funding options, and developing collaboration between financial institutions and entrepreneurs. Additionally, the panel emphasised the importance of continuous government support, particularly during crises, to ensure SMEs can survive and thrive. The proposed resolutions include capacity building for financial resource provision, sector-specific interventions, women-centric quotas, women-focused funding policies, technical inclusion and follow-through, financial frameworks for women entrepreneurs, and crisis response funding mechanisms. By implementing these reforms, Zambia can promote equitable access to financial resources, driving economic development and social sustainability.
Ms. Maria Zaloumis, CEO of Tuzini Farms; Mr. Charles Kalela, Chief Operating Officer of Entrepreneurs Financial Centre; and Ms. Zita Kafwimbi, CEO of Sage Valley Spices, leading a discussion on the topic “The Law – Creating Equal Opportunities (Financial Inclusion, Wealth Creation, Economic Development)” at the inaugural National Law Conference held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, 30 September – 2 October 2024.
Delegates following a discussion a topic “The Law – Creating Equal Opportunities (Financial Inclusion, Wealth Creation, Economic Development)”
Delegates following a discussion a topic “The Law – Creating Equal Opportunities (Financial Inclusion, Wealth Creation, Economic Development)”
Delegates following a discussion a topic “The Law – Creating Equal Opportunities (Financial Inclusion, Wealth Creation, Economic Development)”
Ms. Maria Zaloumis, CEO of Tuzini Farms
Mr. Charles Kalela, Chief Operating Officer of Entrepreneurs Financial Centre