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President Barack Obama has announced a U.S. plan to launch three women entrepreneurship centres in Kenya, Zambia and Mali. He made the announcement in Nairobi during his visit last month to Kenya and Ethiopia.

"Women are powerhouse entrepreneurs. The research shows that when women entrepreneurs succeed, they drive economic growth and invest more back into their families and communities. We're launching three women's entrepreneurial centres, one in Zambia, one opening later this year here in Nairobi and I'm proud to announce that the third centre will be located in Mali," said President Obama.

He also added that US Government had already helped build a network of more than 1,600 women entrepreneurs across Africa. President Obama said half of the $1 billion raised in previous summits for emerging entrepreneurs around the world would be going into supporting women and young people.
 
He also said that United States Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is contributing $100 million to support Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Women initiative, in a plan to make more capital available to women-owned enterprises around the world.

"Do not be distracted by some of the stereotypes being promoted about Africa, come and invest and partner," Obama said at the 6th Global Entrepreneurship Summit which held at the United Nations office in Nairobi.