FOWEK successfully hosted an engaging AI for Business Workshop, bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals for a dynamic day of practical learning focused on harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence in the workplace.Facilitated by Joan Mbesya, the workshop provided participants with hands-on experience in using a wide range of AI-powered tools to enhance their daily operations. Participants explored effective prompting techniques and learned how to integrate AI with commonly used platforms such as Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Canva to improve productivity, streamline workflows, save time, and enhance business performance.

Through the annual COMFWB Awards, the COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) reaffirms its commitment to trailblazing leadership, economic resilience, and transformative innovation across Africa. Far more than a ceremonial night, this flagship platform shines a brilliant spotlight on the visionaries, emerging forces, and game-changing organizations actively powering trade, job creation, and sustainable prosperity throughout the 21 COMESA Member States. Unveiled during the prestigious 7th COMFWB Trade Fair (CTF7) Gala Dinner, this year's accolades celebrate the full spectrum of our vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem—from bold innovators dismantling old paradigms to dynamic national chapters accelerating cross-border growth.

The COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) hosted the high-level Business Conference from 1st to 2nd July 2026 in Tunisia, taking center stage as a core highlight of the 7th COMESA Trade Fair (CTF7).Bringing together over 1,000 participants and 60 international experts—spanning policymakers, regional institutions, international organizations, private sector leaders, investors, academics, and entrepreneurs across the 21 COMESA Member States—the conference served as a vibrant platform for reflection, dialogue, and cross-border collaboration.Held under the theme “One Market, One Future: Digital Pathways to Harnessing the AfCFTA,” the event aimed to transform strategic ambitions for African economic integration into concrete, actionable business outcomes, with an unwavering focus on women-led enterprises, youth, and inclusive growth.

Empowering Women, Digitizing Trade: 7th COMFWB Trade Fair and Business Conference The 7th COMFWB Trade Fair and Business Conference (CTF7), held at the UTICA headquarters in Tunis, Tunisia, successfully convened 190 international delegates and 130 women entrepreneurs across 100 exhibition booths representing all 21 COMESA Member States. Officially opened by Tunisia’s Minister of Trade and Export Development, Mr. Samir Obaid, alongside COMESA Secretary General H.E. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, COMFWB Chairperson Madam Maureen Sumbwe, and other key regional leaders, the three-day event attracted over 2,000 visitors. The trade fair underscored Tunisia’s commitment to African economic integration while positioning women-led enterprises at the heart of continental growth, innovation, and competitiveness. Central to COMFWB's core mission, the CTF7 served as an impactful, practical platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their products, access expanded COMESA markets, and build regional value chains. By fostering cross-border B2B networking, technical partnerships, and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, the event empowered women-led SMEs to learn from one another and scale together. High-level discussions reinforced the urgent need to accelerate digital transformation, embrace e-commerce, expand accessible trade financing, and dismantle barriers, ensuring women business owners drive and lead the future of intra-African trade under the AfCFTA.

Empowering Women, Digitizing Trade: 7th COMFWB Trade Fair & Business Conference Opens in Tunis July 1, 2026 — Tunis, Tunisia: The 7th COMFWB Trade Fair & Business Conference officially convened in Tunis under the theme "Digital Pathways to Harnessing the AfCFTA." Inaugurated by H.E. Asma Jebri (Tunisia's Minister of Women and Family) and H.E. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe (COMESA Secretary General), the event focuses on equipping women-led businesses with digital platforms, e-commerce networks, and strategic B2B connections needed to thrive within the African Continental Free Trade Area. Key Conference Deliverables: AfCFTA Integration: Strategic roadmaps for cross-border trade. Digital Transformation: Accelerated adoption of e-commerce platforms for SMEs. Regional Networks: Strengthening trade linkages and investment across COMESA member states.

Last 25th May 2025, the Federation For National Association of Women in Business Malawi - the COMFWB_Malawi took part in the Africa Day Commemoration organized by the African Union in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) under the theme, “Strengthening the Water-Energy-Climate Nexus for a Resilient Malawi.”The event was graced by Patricia Kaliati, Minister of Natural Resources of the Republic of Malawi; Hilda Suka-Mafudze, Representative of the African Union Southern Africa Regional Office (AU-SARO); Nancy Saungweme; and Mrs. Mary D. Kachale, Principal Secretary for Legal Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.During the commemoration, COMFWB Malawi members showcased a variety of products including Malawian attire and jewellery, value-added products, and traditional Malawian cuisine, proudly promoting local entrepreneurship and culture.