The McDan Group has revealed that it has supported over 5,000 women entrepreneurs across Africa, providing critical resources and opportunities to scale their businesses.
Dr. Daniel McKorley, Executive Chairman of McDan Group, made this announcement on Day 2 of the 2026 Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Thursday, 5th February 2026.
Touching on the economic significance of women-led enterprises, Dr. McKorley said, “Women own about a third of formal businesses and up to 80, 90% of informal businesses. Yet they face some of the highest barriers to finance. This is not just a gender issue; it is an economic inefficiency. Supporting these women is supporting Africa’s growth.”
Through interest-free loan initiatives and targeted capacity-building programs, the McDan Group has enabled female entrepreneurs to scale operations, aggregate resources, and expand their reach beyond local markets. The program also seeks to integrate women-led businesses into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), connecting them with regional supply chains, logistics networks, and financial tools needed for sustainable growth.
Dr. McKorley emphasized the broader impact of empowering women in business. “Every year, millions of young Africans enter the job market, but formal employment opportunities are insufficient. Enterprise, not just employment, is the answer. By empowering women entrepreneurs, we create jobs, strengthen regional value chains, and keep wealth circulating within the continent,” he said.
The initiative aligns with continental efforts to boost intra-African trade, enhance connectivity, and support SMEs as the backbone of Africa’s economy. By addressing systemic barriers and providing practical support, the McDan Group ensures that African women entrepreneurs can not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
“This is our moment. By supporting women entrepreneurs, we are investing in Africa’s future. We must innovate boldly, collaborate across borders, and ensure that African businesses, led by women and youth, take their rightful place in the continental and global economy,” Dr. McKorley further added.
