Secretary General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) Dr. Fatima El Sheikh has called on African states to implement specific tax relief measures for companies owned and operated by women, describing the move as a major economic adjustment that could significantly influence Africa’s progress.
She made these remarks on the third day of the 2026 Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD). The event, held on the theme “Empowering SMEs, Women & Youth in Africa’s Single Market: Innovate. Collaborate. Trade,” was organised at the Accra International Conference Centre on Friday, February 6, 2026.
In her address, Dr. El Sheikh stressed that small and medium-sized enterprises, together with women and young people, form the backbone of the continent’s economic expansion and future prosperity.
“Africa’s greatest strength lies in its women and youth, who make up the majority of the population and embody immense talent, endurance, and aspiration,” she noted. Despite this, she warned that persistent obstacles such as inadequate financing opportunities, limited access to broader markets, skills shortages, and minimal involvement in regional and continental production networks continue to restrict their advancement.
She identified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a historic platform for African businesses to expand beyond national borders, build scale across the continent, and eventually compete on the global stage.
Dr. El Sheikh reaffirmed BADEA’s commitment to supporting this continental ambition, emphasizing Ghana’s partnership and host role. She explained that BADEA continues to contribute through funding support, technical expertise, and programmes aimed at strengthening entrepreneurial capacity.
She highlighted BADEA’s cooperation with Ghana through the “24 Hour Economy” initiative, which is designed to channel financial resources to SMEs, particularly those established by women and young entrepreneurs.
“Progress requires creativity not only in digital innovation but also in how businesses are structured and how financing tools are designed,” she said.
Calling for bold policy action, Dr. El Sheikh encouraged African leaders to adopt frameworks that directly benefit women entrepreneurs. She proposed introducing a dedicated tax incentive policy for women-led enterprises, explaining that such an approach would not only advance inclusion but also shape Africa’s economic transformation.
