World Economic Forum

Christine LeGarde

Empowering Entrepreneurs and Creating Jobs

Last week, politicians, writers, activists, and non-profit leaders are gathered in Davos, Switzerland for the 43rd annual meeting of the World Economic Forum. While the issues to be addressed range from health care to regulation to the environment, the two of us share a common interest in one particular topic -- economic growth and job creation. 

While many European countries are struggling with double-digit unemployment, and America's recovery continues to limp along at best, many of us gathered in Davos will draw important lessons, not just from one another -- amidst the well-intentioned talk and catchy phrases -- but from the individuals around the world who are building growth and creating opportunity every day, often overcoming extraordinary obstacles. 

To this end, we want to put the spotlight on those who are starting up small businesses, creating jobs, and improving their lives and the lives of their communities.

People like Kabeh Sumbo, the owner of Passama Agriculture Trading Company in Monrovia, Liberia. Kabeh survived her country's civil war as a refugee in Guinea. Upon returning to Monrovia, she started a palm oil business with a single gallon of oil, bought off of the back of a truck. Today, she provides employment for 65 Liberians and exports 1,200 gallons of palm oil to the United States.

Kabeh is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women program. 

She is just one example of the millions of untold stories of entrepreneurs around the globe who, every day, are driving economic growth. This kind of grassroots growth must be recognized, encouraged, replicated, and multiplied manyfold if we are to build a resilient and dynamic global economy.

And real economic growth is essential if we are to create opportunities for all and healthier, safer, better educated communities. But prosperity and the broader benefits of growth are not always distributed equitably by the markets. The public and private sectors must therefore offer support to help build growth that is both sustainable and widely shared.

And around the world, one of the best investments we can make to spur growth is in women entrepreneurs.

To read more by our two reporters, click here