The Acting Chief Executive of the Ghana Export – Import Bank (GEXIM), Sylvester Mensah has urged African governments and all relevant stakeholders within the agricultural sector across the continent to prioritise empowering women within the agricultural value chain.

Mr. Mensah encouraged policymakers to focus on setting and establishing various policies and procedures to create an enabling environment for accelerating capacity building for women in the agriculture sector so that they can contribute effectively to the continent’s economic growth.

The accomplished finance professional made the call in commemoration of this year’s edition of the annual International Women’s Day celebrated around the world on March 8.  The 2025 edition was themed #AccelerateAction, to emphasize the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve full gender equality. 

The World Bank Group (WBG) reported that agriculture contributes between 30 to 40% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in sub-Saharan Africa, and employs over two-thirds of the population, with farmers producing up to eighty 80% of the continent's food and raw materials.

Despite this critical importance, Africa’s agricultural production continues to fall behind compared to the rest of the world.Most farmers often grapple with unending challenges ranging from limited farm resources, limited access to finance, low productivity, limited market access, to environmental pressures.

According to him, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) estimates Africa’s population to grow by over two billion by the year 2025, which makes it very important to boost agriculture and agribusiness immediately. He highlighted the urgent need to support the industry, which is highly populated by women with the right tools, resources and knowledge.  

‘’Women and youth make essential contributions to the agricultural and rural economies in all developing countries in Africa. Generally, women are the ones responsible for producing food; from planting and harvesting crops, tending livestock and other activities on the farm, including providing household income and providing care for family members. Although women play a crucial role in agriculture, their efforts are not given the recognition they deserve, usually underpaid and undervalued”, he enumerated.

Women face enormous obstacles due to several factors from the realization of their work due to the existing gender power relations, limited access to resources, technology, finance, and market. Therefore, failure to invest in women in agriculture and agro-processing can possibly contribute to food insecurity. 

Mr. Mensah advocated for the bridging of gaps in agriculture and agro-processing for women by creating equitable opportunities for women. 

“To address gender inequalities in agriculture as well as access to financial services and funding, we might have to introduce initiatives for skill development, capacity building, peer-to-peer learning, policy advocacy, and financing solutions to help women thrive in the agribusiness ecosystem. In addition, there should be other bold steps in tackling other pressing issues facing women in agriculture including innovation, technology trends as well as market insights and information”, he emphasised.

In his conclusion, the GEXIM Boss indicated that it is certainly an opportune time for women in agriculture to receive support from all relevant players to set the stage for unprecedented opportunities African women in agribusiness can leverage on.

"Additionally, there should be continued effort in championing women to drive economic activities in agribusiness”, he added. 

He believes this is very important especially in Ghana towards the implementation of the Affirmative Act Law. He pledged the commitment of GEXIM to investment for employment of women, prioritizing capacity building and funding for women to achieve their full potential.