Guinea positions itself as regional gender-policy hub

Conakry has hosted the inaugural Africa Women of Impact Summit, bringing together over 500 African and international female leaders to discuss women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and access to finance. The event, confirmed by Africa Guinée, was held under the patronage of Guinea’s government and supported by regional and international partners.

The summit focused on strategies for strengthening women’s participation in leadership, economic development, and peacebuilding across the continent. Speakers included policymakers, business executives, and civil-society representatives who underscored the importance of integrating gender equality into national and regional economic frameworks.

Participants examined opportunities for women-led enterprise growth in Guinea, where female entrepreneurs are increasingly active in agribusiness, trade, and services. Discussions centred on improving credit access and building networks that link local innovators to continental markets. The meeting also served as a platform for dialogue between public institutions and private investors seeking to expand inclusive financing mechanisms.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment through policy alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Organisers highlighted the summit as the first of its kind in Guinea and pledged to institutionalise it as an annual forum to monitor progress on women’s leadership and entrepreneurship.

Regional observers noted that the conference strengthened Guinea’s visibility as a convener of gender and development initiatives in West Africa. The successful hosting of the event reinforces the country’s broader effort to diversify its image beyond mining and natural resources toward inclusive, human-capital-driven growth.