In 2016, Anesu won an appointment as one of 170 worldwide Global Champions for Change, as bestowed by the United Nations for her work on Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE.) Her platform for this honor rested primarily on her proposed model for effective funding for women in agribusiness in Africa. That model is simply “development guarantees.” The plan requires manufacturers or distributors (such as processing plants) to promise entrepreneurs a market for their products. This promise promotes higher confidence in bankers to conduct business with entrepreneurs. The model has been used successfully in areas of Africa, but, like other avenues to funding, it can be a challenge to put into place. This is where government, banks, and global engagement must align.
Today, Anesu speaks on the topic of funding and women’s empowerment. She networks with financiers and foundation leaders, and is working to establish programs to educate youth on entrepreneurial development. What is needed now to create a path toward action is visibility for the issue of funding entrepreneurial development for women and connections with very specific sources.
Anesu’s Networking Interests: (Courtesy introductions made)
- USAID contact
- Sally Osberg, President Skoll Foundation or any foundation with an interest in African economic development
- CNN African Voices contact or any appropriate media source
- Philip Anschutz, The Anschutz Corporation
- Executives with corporations that have high interest in African business