Jamaican Female Agro-Processors Inducted into Global Network of Women Entrepreneurs

Multiple female agro-processors in Jamaica have been inducted into a global network of women entrepreneurs.

This was undertaken through the SheTrades Caribbean Hub two-day training programme, which is taking place at the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) in Kingston from February 5 to 6.

The initiative is designed to equip participants with the requisite skills and knowledge to expand their businesses and access international markets, and represents a transformative move to empower women entrepreneurs across the Caribbean.

The programme operates through decentralised platforms known as Hubs, offering tailored capacity-building activities that enhance competitiveness and connect women entrepreneurs with new export markets.

SheTrades Hubs have already been established in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

The Caribbean Hub is part of the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, funded by United Kingdom (UK) International Development.

The initiative is hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), and aims to empower women entrepreneurs in Jamaica by enhancing their skills in the agro-processing and food manufacturing sectors.

The programme’s organisers hope that by connecting these entrepreneurs, they will be able to spur heightened economic activities among the participating countries and regions and increase the wealth of the women entrepreneurs involved.

Speakers addressing participants and other stakeholders on the training programme’s first day on Wednesday (February 5) at the DBJ, highlighted the initiative’s significance.

Acting Managing Director of the DBJ, Edison Galbraith, reinforced the importance of collaboration and networking among participants.

“We want to really bring together our women entrepreneurs, to grow your businesses, to collaborate, to network, to have innovation opportunities, market access, resilience and support,” he stated.

Mr. Galbraith assured the attendees that, “you can definitely count on the Development Bank of Jamaica and our partners to be here for you and give you all the support you need”.

Meanwhile, Acting General Manager for the DBJ’s Strategic Services Division, Renay Folks-Johnson, highlighted the critical role of SheTrades in addressing gender disparities in trade.

“SheTrades exists to unlock economic opportunities for women across the globe by providing access to trading markets, investment opportunities and robust networks. This initiative is crucial for Jamaica, because it addresses the challenges women face in business. We are committed to empowering Jamaican businesses by providing cost-effective loan financing, capacity-building initiatives and innovative solutions that enable entrepreneurs to thrive locally and compete globally,” she said.

Regional Coordinator, SheTrades Caribbean Hub-CDB, Kayanne Anderson, emphasised the training’s transformative potential.
“We are jumping forward to being able to make an impact through this training as we continue to empower women entrepreneurs across the Caribbean region, in all the 19 Borrowing Member

Countries of the CDB, including Jamaica. We look forward to you having an exciting, impactful, meaningful and valuable learning experience,” she stated.

SheTrades aims to empower women entrepreneurs from small businesses in developing countries by supporting them, raising their transaction values in international business and diversifying their market access.

Programme Management Officer, Global SheTrades Lead, ITC, Dr. Michelle Kristy, further elaborated on the programme’s objectives.

“This training is really to expand UK market opportunities for women entrepreneurs from 10 countries, and really to help UK importers know more about women entrepreneurs from these countries,” she informed.

Dr. Kristy encouraged the participants to reflect on their entrepreneurial journeys, pointing out that, “it’s… important to get reminded about what entrepreneurship should be and explore and question ‘how I can be a better exporter’.”