Accion Pledges Support for Odisha Women Entrepreneurs to Reach International Markets
In a significant development for women-led entrepreneurship in Odisha, global microfinance and impact investment non-profit Accion has committed to supporting women self-help groups (SHGs) in exporting their products to suitable international markets. This announcement came after Accion CEO Michael Schlein met with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Friday.
High-Level Meeting Focuses on Collaboration and Empowerment
Schlein was accompanied by Ravi Menon, chairman of the Singapore-based Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) and Singapore's ambassador for climate action, along with Ant International president Douglas Feagin. The business leaders were in Bhubaneswar to attend the Black Swan Summit, a global policy-industry conference that brings together governments, regulators, and leaders in artificial intelligence, fintech, and digital finance.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Majhi sought the support of the visiting delegation in empowering Odisha's youth and women through scalable and successful entrepreneurship models. He emphasized that Odisha's development journey reflects deliberate policy choices focused on building credible institutions, enhancing people's capabilities, and ensuring credible governance.
Odisha Positioned as India's Gateway to Asia
Majhi highlighted that Odisha is being strategically positioned as India's gateway to Asia, connecting the Global South with Indo-Pacific economies. He detailed how structural reforms over recent years have strengthened the investment climate while keeping people at the center of growth.
"We simplified business processes, strengthened single-window systems, and introduced policies for IT, electronics, fintech, AI, and other emerging technologies," the Chief Minister stated during his address at the Black Swan Summit.
Accion's Comprehensive Support Plan for SHGs
Following visits to several women self-help groups and studies of their business models, Schlein and Feagin praised the entrepreneurial efforts of Odisha's women. They confirmed that Accion could help these SHGs scale up into small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with comprehensive support.
"Support will be provided at every stage, including technology, e-commerce, and marketing. SHG women in Odisha also have the potential to export their products," Schlein explained, noting that similar initiatives have succeeded in other countries.
GFTN Partnership Yields Results and Expands
Ravi Menon revealed that the first batch of 195 Odisha students trained in fintech under the GFTN partnership has completed their skilling program and secured employment with various corporate houses. Several students have obtained placements in Singapore and other overseas markets.
Menon announced that the GFTN partnership with Odisha would be taken to the next level through initiatives such as entrepreneurship boot camps for skilled youth, further strengthening the state's position in the global fintech landscape.
Export Potential of Odisha's Traditional Crafts and Agricultural Products
Government sources indicated that Odisha SHGs are deeply involved in traditional crafts that have steady demand in international markets, particularly in Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia. Several SHGs, especially those in tribal and KBK districts, are engaged in processing high-value agricultural products with significant export potential.
The products identified for international markets include:
- Traditional handicrafts and artisanal products
- Kandhamal turmeric with its unique properties
- Various millet varieties suitable for health-conscious global consumers
- Other region-specific agricultural specialties
This collaboration between Accion, GFTN, Ant International, and the Odisha government represents a comprehensive approach to women's economic empowerment through international market access, technological support, and skill development initiatives that align with global sustainability and climate action goals.
