Ms. Burgan began her business, called Med Grant, with an investment of US$3,000. It is now worth an estimated $450,000. Finland’s President Tarja Halonen presented the prize at a ceremony at the UNCTAD XII quadrennial conference in Accra, Ghana.

Eligible were women who have participated in UNCTAD Empretec programmes around the world.  Empretec trains budding entrepreneurs in developing countries. Research has shown that numerous healthy small businesses are vital for economic growth.  Developing countries often have a shortage.

Second place went to Sapphira Nyabunwa of Uganda. She founded Safi Cleaning Services Ltd., based in the capital of Kampala, which provides professional cleaning services. It has 800 employees and a monthly turnover of US$88,000.

Third prize went to Augustine E. Hammond of Ghana. Her business, Jem Afrik Creations Ltd., designs and produces afro-ethnic clothing.  It began with a single employee in 1986 and now has 55.

There were ten finalists for the awards.

From left to right: Ms. Sana Zaal Burgan,Mr. Sapphira Nyabunwa, Mrs. Augustine E. Hammond - Photo Credit: D. Anobil / ISD.

H.E. Mrs. Tarja Halonen (President of Finland) and Ms. Sana Zaal Burgan (Med Grant, Jordan) - Photo Credit: D. Anobil / ISD.

H.E. Mrs. Mary Robinson (Former President of Ireland and President of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization) and Mr. Sapphira Nyabunwa (Safi Cleaning Services Limited, Uganda) - Photo Credit: D. Anobil / ISD.

H.E. Mrs. Theresa Kufuor (First Lady of the Republic of Ghana) and Ms. Sana Zaal Burgan, Med Grant, Jordan - Photo Credit: D. Anobil / ISD.

From left to right: Nazha Benabbes Tarjii (Chief, Investment Promotion, UNCTAD), H.E. Mrs. Tarja Halonen (President of Finland), Ms. Sana Zaal Burgan (Med Grant, Jordan), H.E. Mrs. Theresa Kufuor (First Lady of the Republic of Ghana), Mr. Sapphira Nyabunwa (Safi Cleaning Services Limited, Uganda), Mrs. Augustine E. Hammond (Jem Afrik Creations Limited, Ghana) and Mr. Supachai Panitchpakdi(Secretary-General of UNCTAD) - Photo Credit: D. Anobil / ISD.