The Chief Executive of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Abibata Shanni Mahama Zakariah, has been celebrated as the “Capacity Building Shero of the Year” at the annual Women’s Choice Award Africa.

The Friday event which was themed “Empowerment, Impact, and Economic Strength: Transforming Narratives Across Africa” seeks to highlight remarkable women whose stories exemplify the essence of seizing the moment and transforming local communities into entrepreneurs revolutionising industries and being trailblazers who embody the spirit of resilience and courage.

Madam Zakariah was recognized for her visionary efforts to boost Masloc’s position in financial inclusivity and economic development.

She is credited for pushing the organisation into new terrains, focused on supporting Ghanaian women, youth, and rural entrepreneurs.

Her initiatives in capacity building, providing mentorship, financial literacy programs, and business development support have all created and sustained new pathways for countless Ghanaian small businesses to thrive.

Through Masloc, she has sought to extend not only loans but legacies too -  such is a legacy of empowered citizens armed with skills to better themselves and furthering a deep commitment to advancing sustainable development, not just through financing but through fostering skills and knowledge essential for growth.

Some Management members who were present at the event, and accepted the award on her behalf reiterated her relentless commitment to advancing MASLOC’s mission of economic empowerment and her tireless dedication to supporting women, youth, and rural entrepreneurs with the resources to become financially independent by way of support to their small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).