It was all pomp and colour at the 2024 Women Entrepreneurship Celebrations. Held on 5th July at MoTIV, Kampala, the event brought together over 100 Women Entrepreneurs that were recognized for their exemplary contribution to developing Uganda’s Entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Organized by the Ideation Corner Foundation in partnership with HiPipo and Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organisation (WEDO), the annual Women Entrepreneurship Celebration recognized exceptional women entrepreneurs leading Uganda’s transformation. It gave young and upcoming women innovators an unparalleled chance to network with already established entrepreneurs; and also celebrated milestones that women founders and business leaders have accomplished over the years.
The 2024 edition was much bigger; giving the lucky participants a chance to network, learn, unlearn and re-learn from one another.
While delivering her keynote speech, Ms. Ruth Sebatindira, the Founder of Ligomarc Advocates noted that her more than two decades’ long entrepreneurship experience has taught her that networking is at the center of business success as it is through such engagements that knowledge is shared, business ideas brainstormed, beefed up and implemented. She thus challenged the Women Entrepreneurs to take on networking as a positive business development activity.
“Networking is not a one-day event, it’s a long-term relationship. Establish expertise and credibility in your field, then network intentionally – over lunch, dinner, or a gym session. Use networking to build meaningful connections that open doors to new opportunities,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Damali Ssali, the Founder Ideation Corner and also WEDO Ambassador for Uganda noted that the over 100 participants for 2024 were shortlisted from more than 300 Women Entrepreneurs that showed interest in participating in this year’s event through online submissions.
“It is a pleasure to see you all today as we celebrate women entrepreneurs at the Ideation Corner. I am happy to see so many of you taking time out of your busy schedules to join us. As we mark this special occasion, I’m proud to reflect on our growth over the years. From 25 women entrepreneurs at our first celebration to 50 at our second, and now 100 today, we’re making progress! My goal is to see 1,000 women entrepreneurs at our next celebration – yes, I always aim high!” Damali Ssali noted.
She used the same opportunity to announce that as part of Ideation Corner’s continuous efforts to support Entrepreneurs, it was partnering with WEDO to offer a free an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Empowerment program, targeting the first 100 women that will register digitally.
“Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing business, and I’m excited to announce that the Ideation Corner, in partnership with WEDO, is launching an AI Empowerment Program specifically designed for women entrepreneurs in Uganda. This 6-week course will cover AI applications in small businesses, branding, data analysis, customer engagement, marketing, and sales,” she said, adding;
“Participants will gain practical skills in using AI tools like ChatGPT, chatbots, and data analysis platforms. By joining this program, women entrepreneurs will gain a deeper understanding of AI technologies, develop practical skills, and learn how to leverage AI to enhance their brand identity, improve customer engagement, and drive business growth.”
Additionally, Doreen Nanfuka, the HiPipo Senior Programs Officer noted that honoring Women Entrepreneurs is a step in the right direction and called upon other stakeholders to generously support initiatives such as Women Entrepreneurship Celebration and Women in FinTech program, as these contribute strongly to closing the gender diversity gap in business.
The 2024 edition built on the success of previous celebrations over the years. The inaugural Women Entrepreneurship Celebration was held in 2021 at the Stanbic Business Incubator, Kololo where up to 25 Women Entrepreneurs attended.
The second edition took a dinner theme held on December 17th, 2022 at Kampala Serena Hotel, attracting up to 50 Women Entrepreneurs who each had a chance to pitch their businesses, share experiences and mutually celebrate each other’s accomplishments.