By Mark Kawalya
The 2024 Women Entrepreneurship Event, was held on July 5th at MoTIV in Kampala. More than 100 women entrepreneurs were recognized for their contribution to Uganda’s business landscape. The event was organized by Ideation Corner Foundation in collaboration with HiPipo and Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organisation (WEDO). It provided a unique opportunity for emerging women innovators to network with established entrepreneurs and recognized the milestones achieved by women leaders in business.
Ambassador Damali Ssali, the Founder of Ideation Corner and WEDO Ambassador for Uganda, said that this year’s 100 participants were shortlisted from over 300 online applicants. Ambassador Ssali expressed her delight at the growing participation in the event. “It’s wonderful to see so many of you here today. Reflecting on our journey, from 25 women at our first event, to 50, and now 100, it’s clear we’re making significant progress. My vision is to welcome 1,000 women entrepreneurs at our future celebrations,” she said.
In her keynote address, Ms. Ruth Sebatindira, Founder of Ligomarc Advocates, emphasized the importance of networking in business. “Networking is not a one day event, it is a long-term commitment,” she said. “Establish your expertise and credibility, then engage in intentional networking during lunches, dinners, or gym sessions. Use these connections to unlock new opportunities.”
She added that networking facilitates the sharing of knowledge, the development of business ideas, and their execution. Ms Sebatindira encouraged women entrepreneurs to engage in networking as a vital business growth strategy.
The 2024 edition was notable, offering participants the chance to exchange ideas, learn, and grow together. Ambassador Ssali also announced a new partnership with WEDO to launch a free AI Empowerment Program for the first 100 women to register online.
“Artificial intelligence is transforming businesses, and we are excited to introduce this program,” she said. In the six-week course, participants will learn about AI applications in small businesses, branding, data analysis, customer engagement, marketing, and sales. They will gain practical skills in using AI tools like ChatGPT, chatbots, and data analysis platforms to enhance their brand identity and drive business growth.”
The 2024 event builds on the success of previous celebrations. The first Women Entrepreneurship Celebration in 2021 was held at the Stanbic Business Incubator, which hosted 25 women. The second edition, took place on December 17, 2022, at Kampala Serena Hotel, attracting 50 women entrepreneurs who shared their business experiences and celebrated each other’s achievements.
