In pursuit of gender equality in Africa, the president of Zambia, Edgar Lungu has said that his government will set up a Gender and Equity Commission that will address the many challenges facing women including gender inequalities. The President said documents such as the National Gender Policy of 2014 and the Anti-Gender Based Violence Act number 1 of 2011 require further support to yield the required results. He said there is also need for revolutionary thinking in tackling gender inequalities which have continued to overshadow the progress of women. President Lungu said women are still facing a lot of social injustices such as lack of access to finances, fair justice and access to land among other issues. He was speaking when he officiated at this year’s International Women’s Day which is being celebrated under the theme: Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change. And Gender Minister Elizabeth Phiri has reaffirmed support to…

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and Turkey’s Alternatif Bank inked a cooperation deal to provide $100 million for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) particularly those run by women. The 5-year maturity financing comprises $80 million from IFC’s own account and $20 million from the Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Program (MCPP), funded by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, with IFC acting in its capacity as the implementing entity. At least 25 percent of the loan proceeds will be used to support Alternatif Bank’s lending to women owned or managed SMEs (WSMEs). Alternatif Bank CEO Kaan Gür said: “We believe that the entrepreneurial spirit, perseverance and assiduity of women have an important place in the development of the Turkish economy. We hope that this loan will contribute to supporting women entrepreneurs, creating more jobs, facilitating new opportunities and financing more SMEs.” Access to finance is one…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday cut the number of cabinet ministers from 36 to 28, in a move he said would tackle the country’s “bloated” government and improve efficiency. “The people who I am appointing to day must realise that the expectations of the South African people have never been greater and that they will shoulder a great responsibility,” Ramaphosa said in a national address that stressed the need for an “ethical” government. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement followed similar moves by Ethiopia and Rwanda last year. Gender diversity Half the new ministers are women, making South Africa one of the world’s few gender-balanced governments. Ramaphosa announced the new line-up after he led the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party to victory in elections earlier this month. He took office last year after the ousting of graft-tainted Jacob Zuma, who had expanded the number of ministerial posts in an alleged attempt to strengthen…