By Nnamdi Okose, Author, The African Philanthropist
Millions of women and children in Africa face systemic barriers to economic empowerment, education, and healthcare. The Graça Machel Trust (GMT), founded by the renowned humanitarian Graça Machel, is dedicated to breaking down these barriers. By amplifying the voices of women and children, GMT creates opportunities for sustainable development and social equity across the continent. In the words of Graça Machel, “Empowering women and protecting children are not just moral imperatives; they are the foundation of a just and prosperous Africa,” With a focus on community-driven initiatives, GMT is making transformative strides in addressing critical challenges and empowering Africa’s most vulnerable populations.
The Graça Machel Trust envisions an Africa where women and children thrive as equal participants in its progress. At its core, the trust is dedicated to advancing women’s economic empowerment, protecting children’s rights, and nurturing female leadership. Machel believes that this will begin a chain reaction that will have an impact on the entire continent. She says, “Our work is about creating a ripple effect—empowering one woman or child to transform entire communities.” By addressing systemic inequalities and fostering resilience, GMT aims to build a legacy of sustainable growth and social justice.
Since its inception in 2010, the Graça Machel Trust has achieved ground-breaking milestones that underscore its commitment to transformative change. GMT has supported over 5,000 women entrepreneurs, many of whom have scaled their businesses, created local jobs, and contributed to regional economies. Through education and healthcare initiatives, GMT has improved the lives of over 100,000 children in underserved areas.
The trust has cultivated a network of women leaders driving impactful change across political, economic, and social spheres. Take Amina Yusuf, a farmer from Tanzania who transformed her small-scale operation into a thriving agribusiness. With GMT’s support, Amina gained access to markets, financial tools, and leadership training, enabling her to create jobs for others in her community. Similarly, Fatima, a young girl from Mozambique, escaped early marriage and is now excelling academically, thanks to GMT’s child advocacy initiatives. These stories showcase the tangible and life-changing impact of the trust’s work.
The Graça Machel Trust distinguishes itself through its innovative and community-centric strategies. Central to its success is the Women’s Economic and Social Advancement (WESA) program, which equips women entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive. This includes financial literacy training, leadership development, and access to microfinance tailored to the unique needs of women-led enterprises. One standout innovation is GMT’s focus on sustainable practices, such as integrating solar-powered educational tools into schools in remote areas. These tools bridge the digital divide and serve as a blueprint for environmentally sustainable development.
Partnerships also play a vital role in GMT’s approach. Collaborations with organizations like UNICEF and the African Development Bank enhance the trust’s ability to mobilize resources and extend its reach. For instance, the trust’s work with local communities to implement culturally relevant solutions—such as engaging traditional leaders in addressing child marriage—ensures its initiatives resonate with the people they serve.
As GMT looks ahead, its aspirations are both bold and achievable. The trust aims to expand its footprint, extending its programs to neighboring regions and exploring technological innovations to enhance its reach. Plans include digital mentorship and learning platforms, enabling women entrepreneurs and young leaders to access training and resources from anywhere in Africa.
The Graça Machel Trust exemplifies the power of compassion, innovation, and collaboration in addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges. By empowering women and advocating for children, GMT is one of the organisations laying the groundwork for a more equitable and prosperous future.
