en
South Africa
June 16, 2023

Moody’s Announces Collaboration with WEConnect International to Launch Moody’s Empowering Women-Owned Businesses Program | Building Capacity for Sustainable Growth in South Africa 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

[Johannesburg, 14th June 2023] – Moody’s, the global integrated risk assessment firm, is delighted to announce the launch of the Empowering Women-Owned Businesses | Building Capacity for Sustainable Growth, a ground-breaking partnership with WEConnect International in South Africa, an organization that helps women business owners succeed in the global marketplace.

Launching in 2023 and underpinned by Moody’s and WEConnect International’s dedication to empowering female entrepreneurs around the world, this program aims to help women-owned businesses in South Africa to create and embrace sustainable practices. This collaboration builds on the Moody’s Foundation’s and WEConnect International’s 6-year partnership and comprehensive support model for small businesses and will be tailored to help women-led enterprises to build capacity and sustainable growth, access capital and markets, and achieve long-term success.

Commenting on this collaboration, Isabella Burke, VP-Relationship Manager at Moody’s, said, “We are proud to be part of this program tailored to provide the necessary support for women entrepreneurs to help them succeed in today’s global market. We hope our insights and expertise will enable women-led enterprises to make informed business decisions that contribute to a sustainable future.

Women-owned businesses can have a significant impact on economic growth and sustainable development. By joining forces, Moody’s and WEConnect International can help women-led enterprises to enhance their sustainability practices and drive meaningful change in South Africa’s business landscape.

Elizabeth Vazquez, co-founder and CEO at WEConnect International, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Together, Moody’s and WEConnect International are embracing the power of collaboration and harnessing the benefits of inclusivity to create a brighter future for women-owned businesses in South Africa..” 

 

About Moody’s
Moody’s (NYSE: MCO) is a global integrated risk assessment firm that empowers organizations to make better decisions. Its data, analytical solutions and insights help decision-makers identify opportunities and manage the risks of doing business with others. We believe that greater transparency, more informed decisions, and fair access to information open the door to shared progress. With approximately 14,000 employees in more than 40 countries, Moody’s combines international presence with local expertise and over a century of experience in financial markets. Learn more at moodys.com/about.

About WEConnect International
WEConnect International is a member-led, global non-profit that brings motivated, large corporate, multilateral, and government buyers together with qualified women-owned suppliers worldwide. It works with over 200 multinational member buyers, with over $3 trillion in annual purchasing power combined, that have committed to sourcing more products and services from women-owned businesses based in over 140 countries. WEConnect International identifies, educates, registers, and certifies Women’s Business Enterprises that are at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by one or more women. Learn more about WEConnect International, visit www.weconnectinternational.org.  For more information about Moody’s and WEConnect International’s collaboration, please contact:

Sidhant Mahajan
Communication Strategist – EMEA at Moody’s
sidhant.mahajan@moodys.com

Vanessa Mumba
Market Lead | South Africa
+27 82 880 6261
SouthAfrica1@weconnectinternational.org