It's Day Two the Annual COMFWB Trade Fair. Learn more
Day Two of the Annual COMFWB Trade Fair.Learn more

second annual
regional trade fair
& Gala dinner

22nd - 24th September 2021

Lusaka, Zambia
New Opportunity
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CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE PROVISION OF CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR DEVELOPING A FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN (2026 - 2030) FOR THE COMESA COURT OF JUSTICE
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Latest News

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October 7, 2024
📣 Fashion entrepreneurship in Madagascar 🇲🇬 : a successfull training course with Groupement des Femmes Entrepreneurs de Madagascar officiel - GFEM, the COMFWB Madagascar Chapter !📣

The "Groupement des Femmes Entrepreneurs de Madagascar" - GFEM, the COMFWB Madagascar Chapter recently concluded a successful Fashion Entrepreneurship Training course. The four-day training, held from October 1st to 4th, 2024, equipped participants with essential skills in pattern making, textile embellishment, and business management.

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October 4, 2024
Somali Women Entrepreneurs shine at 4th Annual Exhibition in Mogadishu

The 4th Annual Exhibition of Somali Women in Business was a successful event showcasing the products, services, and innovations of Somali women entrepreneurs. The exhibition provided a platform for these women to connect with customers, network, and grow their businesses. With the support of local banks and the Somali Chamber of Commerce, the event was a testament to the resilience and talent of Somali women entrepreneurs.

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October 1, 2024
ETHIOPIA will host the 6th COMFWB Trade Fair and Business Conference for African Women Entrepreneurs

Ethiopia is gearing up to host the highly anticipated 6th COMFWB Trade Fair and Business Conference in May 2025. A recent meeting between Ethiopian government officials and the COMFWB Secretariat discussed preparations for this significant event, which aims to empower women entrepreneurs across the COMESA region. The Ethiopian government, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Women Entrepreneurs Association (EWEA) and the COMFWB Ethiopia Chapter, will spearhead the organization committee. The trade fair is expected to attract over 500 women entrepreneurs from 21 COMESA member states, providing them with a platform to showcase their products and services to a regional audience. The event will also feature a business conference, offering valuable insights and networking opportunities for participants. With a population of over 110 million, Ethiopia presents a vast and untapped market for women-owned businesses. The trade fair is poised to connect Ethiopian women entrepreneurs with new markets and business opportunities, contributing to economic growth and empowerment.

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September 20, 2024
COMFWB Board Chairperson Mrs Maureen Sumbwe urges COMFWB Malawi Chapter Board of trustees to adopt modern Governance Practices

The Chairperson of the COMESA Federation of Women in Business has urged the Malawi Chapter's Board of Trustees to adopt contemporary governance practices. Addressing a recent training, she emphasized the importance of proactive leadership and well-structured governance systems for organizational success. The training focused on Board development and organizational structure, aiming to empower the Board to drive the Malawi Chapter towards its goal of fostering Women's participation in Trade and Business.

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August 26, 2024
Signature of a MoU between KIRDI and COMFWB Seychelles : a milestone for the future of Female Entrepreneurship in Seychelles

The Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) and the COMFWB Seychelles Chapter signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a business incubation center in Seychelles. The center will provide support to women, youth, and entrepreneurs in the agriculture and fisheries value chains. This is the first fully fledged incubation center in Seychelles and represents a significant milestone for entrepreneurship, especially for women.

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August 22, 2024
The COMESA Federation of Women in Business : A new Board of Directors for the period 2024 to 2026

The COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) has elected a new Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 term. Ms Maureen Sumbwe from Zambia was re-elected as Chairperson, while Mrs. Leila Belkhiria Jaber from Tunisia became Vice Chairperson. Ms Angie Wibabara from Rwanda was also re-elected as Rapporteur. Other new members include Selina Mwenelupembe from Malawi, Zintombi Thandi from Eswatini, Ibtissam Ben Amer from Libya, Claudette Albert from Seychelles, Fanja Razakaboana from Madagascar, and Choukri Abdillahi from Djibouti. The Board is responsible for making decisions that align with COMFWB's values and goals.

Our results in numbers

Our results in numbers

10,000+

Jobs created

Through our programs and initiatives, COMFWB has contributed to the creation of over 10,000 jobs. These job opportunities have a meaningful impact on local economies and the livelihoods of individuals, advancing our mission of women's economic empowerment.

$50M

Investment facilitation

Over the past five years, COMFWB has successfully facilitated over $US50 million in investments for women-led businesses across the COMESA region. This substantial financial support has driven economic growth and empowerment for women entrepreneurs in our network.

50%

Membership Increase

Since our inception, we have achieved a 50% increase in membership across the various COMFWB chapters, demonstrating our growing impact and outreach within the COMESA region.

100,000+

Women-owned businesses empower

COMFWB has trained over 100,000 women, equipping them with essential business skills, cross-border trade knowledge, and other tools necessary for success. These women are now empowered to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and cross-border commerce, contributing to economic growth and regional integration.

1,500+

Cross-border collaborations

COMFWB has facilitated 1,500 cross-border collaborations among women entrepreneurs in the COMESA region. These collaborations have led to increased trade, knowledge sharing, and economic opportunities, fostering regional integration and empowerment.

2,500+

Women Entrepreneurs Supported by Incubators

COMFWB has enabled 2,500 women entrepreneurs to access essential business support services through partnerships with business incubators. This initiative has provided women with valuable resources and guidance to enhance their business ventures and overall economic success.

About us

Who Are We

The Comesa Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) is a COMESA institution which was established in July 1993 in Zimbabwe with the endorsement of the Authority which is made up of Heads of States and Governments of the COMESA member states.

COMFWB acts as a forum for the exchange of ideas and experience among women entrepreneurs; an instrument through which the appropriate portion of COMESA Women in Development Programmes are implemented; a forum for network among women entrepreneurs and an instrument for encouraging women to set up or expand existing enterprises.”

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About us

Testimonials

Catherine Olab
Farmer
Tangakona Commercial Village, Busia - Kenya

I thank God for COMFWB for opening our minds through the training offered to us. I have benefited very much from this training. I am now able to train other groups and also other trainers on value addition for the cassava produced here in Busia.

Maureen sumbwe
Chief Executive Officer
ZFAWIB -Zambia

The hard work by the women in business in Zambia is now yielding results especially with the help coming from stakeholders like COMESA, COMFWB and ZAM.

Our Partners