A new pan-African initiative aimed at strengthening financial literacy and wealth-building capacity among women has been launched in Kigali, marking a step toward addressing persistent knowledge gaps that continue to limit women’s economic potential.

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The initiative, spearheaded by Africa’s Moneypreneur, a pan-African platform founded by financial expert Christine Sesay, was unveiled at the Wealth Balance Summit held on Saturday, March 21.

Dubbed The Money Accountability Partnership, the initiative is a structured, ongoing programme designed to equip women with financial knowledge, accountability systems, and investment networks.

The Saturday event brought together women entrepreneurs, investors, and financial experts from across the continent, offering a blend of practical insights and lived experiences on financial literacy, long-term wealth creation, and the socio-cultural barriers that often hinder women’s financial advancement.

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Beyond access: the role of financial literacy

While access to capital remains a widely acknowledged challenge for women-led businesses, speakers at the summit stressed that financial literacy and the confidence to apply it is an equally decisive factor.

Sesay said the initiative is designed to move beyond conversations and into practical transformation.

"Financial independence is not about constantly checking your bank balance,” she said. "It is about making decisions from a place of security, where your life choices are not constrained by money, and where you are building something that can outlive you.”

She added that the platform seeks to dismantle the isolation many women face in their financial journeys, observing that it becomes a lonely journey when you are progressing alone.

"This initiative is about creating a community where women learn together, invest together, and grow together. We are rolling out targeted trainings and accountability sessions where participants define clear financial goals and are supported to achieve them,” Sesay explained.

"For any woman who is intentional about changing her financial situation, this is an opportunity she should not miss.”

Breaking cultural and psychological barriers

Discussions at the summit highlighted how cultural norms and internalised beliefs continue to shape women’s financial behavior, often limiting risk-taking and long-term planning.

Rebecca Hansen, who spoke on the psychology of money, held that many of these barriers are deeply ingrained.

"There are so many layers, cultural, social and historical, that have not been fully unpacked,” she said.

"This creates internal resistance, where women may feel that wealth-building is not for them or fear the societal implications of financial success.”

She emphasised the importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces for dialogue.

"Money is still a taboo topic for many women. Platforms like this allow them to learn, connect, and realise that financial growth is accessible at every level,” she said.

Hansen also challenged the perception that such forums are only for established entrepreneurs.

"This is for everyone. Financial literacy is as essential as health or personal development. You can start small; what matters is building the habit.”

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For many attendees, the summit offered more than just insights but a shift in mindset and practical direction.

Entrepreneurs share practical lessons

Entrepreneur Easther Uwimana, who has previously ventured into business without success, said the summit provided clarity on gaps that had undermined her earlier efforts.

"I was eager to learn about cash flow, and the summit exceeded my expectations,” she said. "I realised that I had been mixing business money with personal expenses. That alone has changed how I will manage my finances going forward.”

She added that the discussions also reshaped her approach to building systems for successful business.

"I am now more intentional about structuring my business and supporting other entrepreneurs within my network.”

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Deborah Moraa, a foreign investor and founder of Zen Spa and Aesthetics in Kigali, described the experience as highly practical.

"I expected to network and learn a few things, but I gained much more,” she said. "We explored risk assessment, investment timing, and how to build company policies and structures. These are lessons that directly affect how I run my business.”

She underscored the importance of women-focused spaces, noting that "Women tend to take fewer risks. Being in environments that encourage calculated risk-taking is essential, not just for business growth, but for shaping how future generations understand money.”

Moraa noted that she would immediately apply lessons on financial discipline.

"One of my biggest challenges has been tracking expenditures between personal and business use. Now I have clarity on how to structure that.”

Shifting mindsets and future ambitions

For Rita Daniella Sahinkuye, a young entrepreneur in Kigali, the summit challenged long-held beliefs.

"I came with the mindset that some opportunities are meant for men and that my voice could not go far,” she said. "Today, I leave knowing that women can do anything, and that our voices are powerful.”

She added that the sessions encouraged her to think beyond her current business.

"I now want to explore investments such as bonds and stocks. The message was clear, emphasizing to start where you are, with what you have.”

Looking ahead, Sesay revealed plans to expand the initiative through regular summits, investment clubs, mentorship programmes, and financial literacy workshops under the Money Accountability Partnership.

"We are building more than an event, we are building a movement,” Sesay said. "A platform where women are equipped with knowledge, supported by community, and empowered to take control of their financial futures.”

Founded in 2017 in Sierra Leone, Africa’s Moneypreneur has expanded across the continent, positioning itself as a response not only to financial exclusion but also to the knowledge gaps and myths that often prevent women from fully engaging in economic opportunities.