National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) Commissioner Dr Margaret Karungaru has called on governments, financial institutions and development partners to recognise women-led enterprises as serious commercial partners.
She spoke at the OWIT Gala Dinner and Awards 2026, held on Thursday 29 October at the Weston Hotel, Nairobi, in her capacity as Patron of the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) Kenya. She presented the Patron’s Awards on an evening that also marked the unveiling of a new OWIT Kenya Board.
Organised by OWIT Kenya in partnership with OWIT Africa and the State Department for Trade, the gala anchored the Africa Women in Trade Forum (AWTF) 2026, a four-day summit held from 27 to 30 October that brought together trade leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers for trade labs, workshops, a youth summit and factory visits. The evening’s Impact Honors & Awards recognised leadership and innovation in women-led enterprises and cross-border trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Ambassador Dr Ida Odinga, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), was the chief guest. Also present were Trade Principal Secretary Ms Regina Ombam, OWIT Kenya President Ms Salome Kavindu and Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) Chief Executive Officer Ms Floice Mukabana.
WHY WOMEN, WHY NOW
Dr Karungaru built her remarks around two questions: why women, and why now. Africa, she said, cannot realise its full economic potential while women continue to face barriers to trade, and the AfCFTA is creating opportunities to connect markets, expand regional commerce and strengthen African businesses.
“The question is whether women will be equipped to seize these opportunities,” she said.
She noted that women across Africa are building businesses, producing goods and creating employment, yet many struggle to access financing, meet export requirements, secure distribution networks and reach buyers beyond their domestic markets. “A promising product does not automatically secure an international customer,” she said.
She asked OWIT Kenya to judge its work by outcomes: whether a connection leads to a buyer, a discussion produces a partnership, and an entrepreneur gains access to a new market or the support needed to prepare for export. She encouraged the incoming Board to build practical programmes, meaningful partnerships and sustained engagement with women entrepreneurs.
Accessible financing, fair procurement opportunities, reliable trade information and practical technical support, she said, can help women-led businesses grow and compete. She urged women entrepreneurs to invest in financial management, product quality, digital capabilities and knowledge of their target markets.
“Your ambition must be matched by preparation, while institutions must do their part to ensure that avoidable barriers do not stand in your way,” she said.
COMMISSION AT THE FORUM
The Commission exhibited its publications, research and initiatives on gender equality, inclusion and the protection of the rights of Special Interest Groups at the forum, inviting participants to its booth to learn about its mandate and engage on advancing equality.
Dr Karungaru closed by inviting each guest to consider a practical contribution to women’s trade. “It may be a buyer introduction, a commercial partnership, a financing opportunity, mentorship or support for a policy that removes an unnecessary barrier,” she said.
