Awa Traoré

A pioneering entrepreneur from Ivory Coast who empowered women through textile innovation and economic independence.

Awa Traoré is a visionary entrepreneur from Ivory Coast, known for her groundbreaking work in transforming traditional textile practices into a tool for women's economic empowerment. Born in 1965, she emerged as a leader in the 1990s by founding SOGATEX, a company that revitalized the local textile industry by blending ancestral techniques with modern design. Her initiatives provided over 2,000 jobs to rural women, many of whom were previously excluded from formal employment. Traoré’s approach not only preserved cultural heritage but also created sustainable livelihoods, challenging gender norms in a male-dominated sector. Her work has been featured in UNESCO’s Women in Science initiatives and recognized by the African Union for fostering economic resilience. By integrating social impact into business models, she inspired a generation of female entrepreneurs across West Africa.

Her advocacy extended beyond business to policy-making, where she co-founded the Women in African Business Network in 2000. This platform advocates for equitable access to capital and training, directly influencing Ivory Coast’s National Gender Policy. Traoré’s legacy is evident in the 30% increase of women-led SMEs in the region since 2010, as documented by the World Bank. Her story underscores the power of cultural preservation as a catalyst for economic transformation, making her a pivotal figure in global discussions on gender equity and sustainable development.