LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As COVID-19 cases rise, so have calls for meaningful change, more robust diversity reporting and economic equity internationally, according to Africa-based, women-led enterprise development firm, ScaleUp Africa.
In light of this, ScaleUp Africa is virtually hosting its inaugural Pan-African and Diaspora Small Business Festival- ‘IGNITE’ on 6 August to explore and present case studies, policy successes and market insights through pragmatic conversations from a range of international speakers. IGNITE will also feature investors who have actively been investing in Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amma Gyampo, Co-Founder of ScaleUp Africa says: ''Organisations must begin to look beyond 'start-ups' and short-term programs. For any meaningful change and real impact to happen, large companies and Foundations must commit to true economic equity, quality enterprise education, as well as value-driven support for entrepreneurs across the continent. As a women-led organisation, ScaleUp Africa is working to improve the quality and contribution of entrepreneurs to what is going to be a very tough post-Covid global economic recovery. The nature and scale of this pandemic means that every nation and continent will look for unique solutions for their specific situation - Africa will not be any different. We will need all hands on deck particularly to support African and Black-owned ventures ready to invest, scale and build significant capacity to create jobs.''
ScaleUp Africa delivers value by strengthening ties between Black-owned Small Businesses and big Corporates, Foundations and Philanthropists dedicated to bridging economic gaps based on systemic race and gender biases.
Small businesses are the backbone of many economies and become more critical in situations such as this pandemic.
“Small businesses drive growth, open new markets, create jobs and are seedbeds for innovation. They are a key part of development and therefore must be encouraged to flourish,” Ms Gyampo added.
About ScaleUp Africa
ScaleUp Africa is an African and Women-led B2B Enterprise Development firm supporting corporations, foundations and investors to improve their thinking on strategic diversity, socio-economic Impact and approach to African and Black businesses. The organisation has recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to provide systems and support to ventures led by women and youth of African descent globally.