OWALI founder rallies government to invest in women's empowerment

The Founder of the Oxford Africa Women Leadership Institute, Odelia Ntiamoah, has urged the government to take bold steps to support women-led businesses, particularly in helping them access financing opportunities.

Speaking at the Women Investment Summit Africa (WISA) 2026, held on Monday, March 30, 2026, she said the initiative was created in response to the persistent challenges women entrepreneurs face in meeting funding requirements.

“We put this event together because each year we observe that women-led businesses have not been able to meet many of the criteria required when it comes to financing,” she said.

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According to her, OAWLI continues to position itself as a bridge between women entrepreneurs and potential investors, ensuring they are exposed to opportunities from both government and the private sector.

“We, as an organisation, have set up to serve as a bridge between women and financing opportunities, bringing them closer to opportunities each year, whether from the Trade Ministry or from investors,” she added.

She further questioned the readiness of many women-led businesses to meet the strict demands of investors, highlighting the need for structured support systems.

“Women need avenues to be able to meet the criteria required for them to access finance. For example, if they have to go to venture capital, how many women-led businesses will be able to meet the requirements?” she questioned.

The summit brought together key stakeholders, including the Vice President of Ghana, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, and the Trade Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, as well as investors and business leaders focused on improving access to capital.

Ntiamoah concluded by stressing that beyond verbal commitments, deliberate interventions such as a catalytic fund are needed to help women-owned businesses grow and attract investment.

“This year, we are saying that women-led businesses should be supported not just verbally, but through tangible support beyond promises that investments are being planned for women,” she noted.



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