Women business owners received support to access finance, mentoring, and networks, as well as to take their businesses to the next level at a Business Women Expo with Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Ethiopia as a partner.

The Expo, held at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, also hosted a career and job fair for new graduates, unemployed women and youth.

The Expo aims to support women in business to build a solid network, tap into employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, and advance their careers and businesses through job and career fairs, workshop programmes, and skills development sessions.

“CCBA in Ethiopia believes strongly in advancing women in business through a variety of economic inclusion and empowerment initiatives,” said Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Director of CCBA in Ethiopia, Nigus Alemu.

The Expo was held in partnership with Malesa Events and Promotion and was attended by the Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ergoge Tesfaye, and other senior government officials.

Alemu said CCBA aimed to create greater shared opportunity for the business and the communities it serves across the value-chain.

“Opportunity is more than just money, it’s about a better future for people and their communities everywhere on the African continent,” said Alemu.

“When we grow our business the right way, not just the easy way, we help create inclusive growth opportunities for our communities, women and youth, our customers, our employees and our shareholders, for a better shared future. 

“We understand that our business can only thrive when the communities we serve thrive too. Investing in communities ensures our business sustainability. Most of all, we are all Africans and are part of our communities,” said Alemu.

“Our entrepreneurship programmes focus on initiatives that provide our target groups with the opportunity to take an existing business to a higher level of operation. Our employability programmes focus on programmes that up-skill, re-skill or provide other opportunities that enhance prospects of finding sustainable employment.

“The success of these programmes will be defined by the extent to which we boost income, unlock sustainable earning potential, improve skills, and business knowledge for our target groups, resulting in access to economic opportunities,” said Alemu.

“Whether donating money, our time or our expertise, we take our responsibility to the communities we call home seriously.”