Women in Agribusiness Conference | Advancing Women in Agriculture

The agricultural landscape of Zambia is witnessing a paradigm shift as stakeholders converge in Lusaka for the much-anticipated Women in Agribusiness Conference. Operating under the resonant theme, “Advancing Women in Agriculture: Bridging Gaps, Building Futures,” the prominent event serves as a crucial convergence point for female smallholder farmers, corporate executives, policymakers, and financial institutions. Organized to tackle systemic bottlenecks, the forum places a heavy emphasis on dismantling barriers that historically restrict women from accessing lucrative markets, modern farming technologies, and affordable financing facilities. Despite women making up a substantial percentage of the agricultural labour force across rural and peri-urban Zambia, structural disparities continue to limit their economic mobility and scaling potential. Discussions throughout the opening sessions have zeroed in on inclusive financing models, value addition, and agro-processing, which are seen as vital steps for moving women beyond subsistence farming into profitable commercial enterprises. Industry leaders and sponsors have leveraged the platform to announce targeted support systems, underscoring that closing the gender gap in agriculture is not merely an equity objective, but an absolute economic necessity for national food security. Over the years, initiatives spearheaded by networks like She Entrepreneur have steadily expanded the footprint of women in trade, drawing participants from various districts across the country. Success stories shared during the opening panels—ranging from educators and medical professionals transitioning into full-time farming to youth embracing technology-driven agronomy—highlight a growing cultural acceptance of agriculture as a viable business career. These narratives offer practical blueprints for aspiring agripreneurs navigating climate vulnerabilities and market fluctuations. As the conference progresses, delegates are expected to fin