Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: women-led enterprises awarded by the Circular Economy Catalyst participated at the Women´s Economic Forum Kenya 2024

The recent Women's Economic Forum in Kenya (WEF-K) 2024 served as a pivotal platform for fostering women's economic empowerment and advancing sustainable development initiatives. The sessions highlighted the importance of supporting women-owned businesses and creating an enabling environment for female entrepreneurship. Addressing barriers to entry, providing access to finance, fostering collaboration and mentorship opportunities could unlock the full potential of women entrepreneurs and drive inclusive growth in emerging economies. As a key takeaway, empowering women entrepreneurs with knowledge and skills in technology and innovation can substantially contribute to their thriving within the challenging economic landscape. 

Four women entrepreneurs recognised and awarded by the Circular Economy Catalyst participated at the WEF-K and benefited from thought-provoking discussions, guidance and networking. They are excellent examples of women entrepreneurs navigating the fast-changing economic scene in Kenya and driving their business to success through innovative and circular approaches. 

Rose Owada and Joy Salome are beneficiaries of the Circular Economy Catalyst Starter Grant and co-founded Yarnana Ltd. The enterprise pioneers sustainable textile production in Kenya by utilising banana fibre as an eco-friendly alternative to cotton. Through innovative methods, they extract fibres from banana pseudo-stems, transforming agricultural waste into high-quality fabric while empowering local farmers and reducing environmental impact. Their circular business model not only generates profits but also creates employment opportunities and promotes sustainable agriculture practices. By repurposing agricultural waste and contributing to economic and environmental sustainability, Yarnana aims to revolutionise the textile industry in Kenya.

Margaret Miano, the founder of Pegama Farm was also awarded with a Circular Economy Catalyst Starter Grant to refine her business model enhancing circularity in agriculture. Pegama Farm offers on-site training and off-site mentoring to smallholder farmers on eco-piggery production. Their innovative approach integrates local resources and sustainable practices into their operations, effectively overcoming challenges in accessing expensive inputs and minimising environmental impact. By utilising locally available materials for pigsty construction, supplementing commercial feed with alternative on-farm produced feed, and implementing water-efficient systems, they have created a scalable and sustainable eco-piggery model.

Elizabeth Mbogo is a Circular Economy Awards Winner as the founder of Botanic Treasures. Collaborating with local smallholder farmers, Botanic Treasures promotes agroforestry and sustainable land management practices while empowering women entrepreneurs. Their holistic approach to value chain development not only creates economic opportunities but also addresses pressing environmental and social challenges. Innovatively, Botanic Treasures has leveraged community collaboration to overcome barriers in market access and knowledge dissemination and provided training opportunities for (mainly) women farmers, enhancing their capacity to participate in the value chain effectively.

As we celebrate the achievements of Yarnana Ltd, Pegama Farm and Botanic Treasures, we reaffirm our commitment to women's economic empowerment and sustainable development. Join us on the journey to embrace innovative circular business solutions, and pave the way for inclusive growth.