Video: Premiere of the Africa Women Rising Documentary

Join guests at the premiere of the Africa Women Rising documentary which tells the story of African women entrepreneurs navigating complex challenges, whether it is raising capital, finding markets, weaving through regulatory hoops, as they build formidable businesses that create employment, boost government revenue, and grow their societies.

© Felix Masi Productions

Tonight we are here to celebrate these amazing women. You are the hidden figures of Africa. Let what starts here not be the end. This is not a night for speeches. I give you Africa Women Rising.

Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. We need to see more women at the table. For me, each one of you is the table, or you have made your own table. So keep winning, ladies.

Women have transformed the business landscape with determination, creativity, and leadership. Our deepest fear is often that we are powerful beyond measure. Today we are rewriting the narrative both in Kenya and beyond. I believe the future is fully woman, and the future is fully bright.

Tonight is a night of African women rising, not just as a title, but as a reality. We finally get to share our own stories. I hope today inspires young girls to believe in themselves, to see that hard work pays off, and to know they can create something out of nothing. It is powerful to see our stories come to life, to see them believed in and told. I pray we can raise more resources to tell the stories of African women in business, so the world sees us not as beggars, but as business leaders.

It is amazing to stand in this room full of women doing extraordinary work. My father, may his soul rest in peace, always gave selflessly. As I grew up, I wondered how he did this. When he passed on, I came to understand that life is about living purposefully. My purpose comes from pouring out of a full cup.

I have learned the power of focus and consistency. That is what has brought me here. Many people today jump from one thing to another. I tried that, I lost everything and became nothing. But when I embraced consistency, focus, hard work, and discipline, that is what lifted me to where I am.

It begins with the belief that what you are doing makes sense. And when all those efforts manifest, when you see results, when you are able to pay your employees, you know you are on the right path.

Africa is a beacon of hope. Africa is known for resilience. Africa is rising. And as we rise, we share our stories with pride.

This is a story of hope and courage, a story that no matter where we come from or what our circumstances are, if we believe in ourselves, we have so much more to give to the world as African women and as girls. We must continue to dream, because our dreams are valid. We must believe in ourselves and go after those dreams. We are worth it.

The time is now for young African girls to see other African women doing it, to have role models, and to know that more than ever, there is light at the end of the tunnel.