President John Dramani Mahama has highlighted women’s financial inclusion as critical to Africa’s development, emphasising that investment in women accelerates national progress.

Speaking at Zambia’s National Assembly, he said Ghana is moving from symbolism to action.

Ghana, he said, elected its first female Vice President and operationalised the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, mandating at least 30% female representation in public appointments.

Additionally, a Women’s Development Bank is being established to provide financing for female-led enterprises.

“Our Reset Agenda includes establishing a Women’s Development Bank to unlock financing for female-led enterprises,” President Mahama said.

“When we invest in women, we accelerate national development.”

He also called on African nations to collectively advance the Decade of African Women’s Financial and Economic Inclusion. According to him, empowering women is not optional but essential for inclusive growth.

President Mahama urged Zambia and the continent to ensure gender equality translates into concrete economic opportunities, reinforcing women’s role as key drivers of Africa’s future.