Beti Cudjoe

Pioneered women's economic empowerment in West Africa through entrepreneurship training and advocacy

Beti Cudjoe is a Ghanaian social entrepreneur and founder of the Women's Initiative (WIN), an organization dedicated to empowering women through entrepreneurship. Established in 2009, WIN has become a leading force in fostering economic independence among women across West Africa. Cudjoe's innovative approach combines business training, mentorship programs, and access to microfinance, helping over 10,000 women launch sustainable businesses since its inception.

Her work gained significant traction during 2014-2019 when she expanded operations to Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. By partnering with local NGOs and international organizations like UN Women, Cudjoe helped create economic opportunities in regions affected by conflict and poverty. A standout achievement was the establishment of the Women's Investment Fund, which provided seed capital to over 500 businesses in 2016 alone.

Cudjoe's advocacy for gender equality extended beyond economic realms. She co-founded the Africa Women's Leadership Institute (AWLI) in 2015, offering leadership training to 2,000 women annually. Her TED Talk "What I learned from mothers who slept on palm oil mills" (2017) highlighted the resilience of African women entrepreneurs. The initiative's impact was recognized by Forbes Africa naming her one of its "Women of the Year" in 2018.