UN International Year of the Woman Farmer – Insights from GOPA AFC’s Work in Senegal, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire

As the United Nations dedicates 2026 to honoring the vital role of women in agriculture, GOPA AFC is proud to share our experience as the implementing consultancy for the GIZ Invest for Jobs project “Access to African markets for high-potential SMEs in Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and Ghana”. The project aims to support SMEs in the food and cosmetic sector, which are often women-led companies. 

Female entrepreneurs in the agriculture and cosmetic sector

Our experience shows that female entrepreneurs are very skilled in processing and marketing agricultural and cosmetic products. In addition, they are skilled at quality management. The female entrepreneurs in our project bring unique perspectives and strengths to their business and excel at building networks, leveraging digital tools like social media for marketing, and developing products that are closely aligned with local needs and resources.

For example, we have seen how women in our project use storytelling and community engagement as powerful tools to promote their products. Their ability to adapt quickly to changing market demands and to find creative solutions to everyday challenges has been a key factor in their success.

Success stories from female entrepreneurs 

In the project, we provide targeted training in areas such as digital marketing, product development, export and financial management. In addition, we offer opportunities for women to showcase their products and share their stories with a wider audience. By focusing on the specific needs and strengths of female entrepreneurs, our project helps them to overcome barriers and realize their full potential.

One inspiring example is La Beille, a woman-led business from Côte d’Ivoire specializing in honey products. They sell their honey in small packages that are ready to use and perfectly portioned for drinks like tea or food. Through creative social media marketing and a strong brand identity, La Beille has managed to reach new customers and grow her business significantly (+ 50% sales in 2025). Their products have also been introduced in leading supermarket chains.

Another success story is Trésors d’Afrique in Senegal, whose founder has used digital platforms to expand her market and connect with customers beyond her local community. Her innovative approach to product presentation and storytelling has set her apart.

Anne’s Perfection from Ghana is yet another example of entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. Since the beginning of the project the company has developed four new products and could reach a hundred more customers.

The impact of these women-led businesses extends far beyond individual success. They are creating jobs (128 new direct jobs so far), supporting their families, and strongly contributing to the economic development of their regions by offering more business opportunities to their suppliers and service providers. As more women are empowered to pursue entrepreneurship in agriculture, the sector becomes more resilient, innovative, and inclusive.

Outlook

Looking ahead, we are committed to continuing our support for female entrepreneurs and sharing their stories as part of the FAO Year of the Woman Farmer.

The success of these women demonstrates the transformative power of female entrepreneurship in agriculture. By providing the right support and opportunities, we can help even more women realize their potential and drive positive change in their communities.

For more information, please contact annchristin.weiler [at] gopa.eu (annchristin[dot]weiler[at]gopa[dot]eu).