The Success of African & Black American Businesswomen: New Trends

The success of African #businesswomen is a topic that is gaining more and more attention as we head into the new decade. Over the past few years, we have seen a significant rise in the number of women starting their own businesses across #africa, from small startups to larger corporations. This trend is particularly exciting, as it reflects a shift in the traditional gender roles that have long dominated the African business landscape. Women are no longer content to be confined to the home or to low-paying jobs that offer little opportunity for advancement. Instead, they are taking charge of their own #careers, creating innovative businesses, and driving economic growth across the continent. 

One of the key drivers of this #trend is the increasing availability of resources and support for female #entrepreneurs. Many organizations and governments across Africa are recognizing the importance of supporting women in business and are launching initiatives to help them succeed. For example, the African Development Bank has launched a program called "Affirmative Finance Action for #women in Africa" that aims to provide $3 billion in funding to women-owned businesses over the next few years. Similarly, the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC) offers training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to women entrepreneurs across the continent. 

Another factor contributing to the success of African businesswomen is the growing #recognition of the value of diversity in the workplace. Companies across Africa are realizing that having a diverse workforce, including women in #leadership positions, can lead to greater innovation and better business outcomes. As a result, many are actively seeking out female candidates for leadership roles and are providing opportunities for women to advance within their organizations. 

Finally, the success of African businesswomen is also due to their own hard work, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. These women are breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes, proving that they have what it takes to succeed in the #competitive world of business. They are creating businesses that are making a difference in their communities, and they are inspiring other women to follow in their footsteps. 

The success of African businesswomen is a trend that is here to stay. With increasing support and resources, a #growing recognition of the value of diversity, and the amazing drive and determination of these women themselves, we can expect to see even more incredible #achievements in the years to come. The future is bright for African businesswomen, and we can't wait to see what they will accomplish next!

On the side of the world, African-American businesswomen have made significant strides in entrepreneurship and corporate leadership, but they still face unique challenges and barriers compared to other groups.

According to the 2018 State of Women-Owned Businesses report commissioned by American Express, the number of businesses owned by women of color grew by 163% since 2007, with African-American women leading the way with a 164% increase. African-American women currently own 2.4 million businesses in the United States, generating $358 billion in revenue and employing 1.9 million people.

Despite these impressive numbers, African-American businesswomen still face challenges in accessing funding, resources, and networks needed to scale their businesses. They also experience discrimination and biases that make it harder for them to gain recognition, promotions, and equal pay in corporate settings.

However, there are many #success stories of African-American businesswomen who have broken through these barriers and achieved great success. For example, Ursula Burns served as the CEO of Xerox, making her the first African-American woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. Mellody Hobson is the co-CEO of Ariel Investments and sits on the board of several major corporations. And Janice Bryant Howroyd founded ActOne Group, which is now the largest privately-held, woman- and minority-owned workforce solutions company in the United States.

Overall, while there is still work to be done to ensure #equity and opportunity for African-American businesswomen, their contributions to the economy and society are significant and growing.