The COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) and the COMFWB Malawi Chapter participated in the Malawi Youth Summit from August 18 to 20, 2026, at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. Convened under the theme "Accelerating Progress: Reflecting on Impact, Expanding Prospects for Youth Development in Malawi," the event gathered approximately 1,000 stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, development institutions, and youth enterprises.

On August 18, 2026, the "Groupment des Femmes Entrepreneurs de Madagascar" (GFEM), the COMFWB Madagascar participated in the Mauritius–Madagascar Business Forum held at the Louvre Hotel & Spa. Organized by the Economic Development Board (EDB) Mauritius, the event convened key economic players, institutional leaders, and women entrepreneurs from both nations.

On August 13, 2026, COMFWB Malawi, in partnership with the Graça Machel Trust, held a consultative workshop under the Women Creating Wealth Intergenerational Edition (WCW-I) Programme. The workshop brought together government and financial-sector stakeholders to assess advocacy efforts from 2023–2026 and their impact on policy and structural change. Key areas included women’s economic empowerment policy reform, improved public procurement access for women-led businesses, capacity building, and media visibility. Stakeholders validated achievements, identified systemic gaps, and developed recommendations to strengthen long-term economic inclusion for women entrepreneurs.

On 12 August 2026, the COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) Eswatini Chapter joined the International Youth Day 2026 commemoration in Manzini, focusing on digital and employability skills for young people. Over 100 youth registered for the MTN Skills Academy. COMFWB highlighted its commitment to supporting youth, women, and MSMEs through entrepreneurship training, capacity building, business facilitation, and improved market access. The Chapter emphasized the importance of connecting skills development to real economic opportunities and sustainable livelihoods, while strengthening public-private partnerships to promote inclusive economic growth in Eswatini.

From 11–13 August 2026, COMFWB, in partnership with Farm Concern International and the COMFWB Malawi Chapter, conducted a cassava value addition training in Mzuzu, Malawi. 🌱 34 women entrepreneurs gained hands-on skills in transforming cassava flour into commercial products, including bread, scones, doughnuts and chin chin. The training strengthened product diversification, business opportunities and sustainable livelihoods, with all participants successfully completing the programme and receiving certificates. Together, we are advancing women’s entrepreneurship, food security and economic empowerment across the region. #Agribusiness #ValueAddition #WomenInAgribusiness #EconomicEmpowerment #COMFWB #Malawi #Entrepreneurship #SustainableLivelihoods

On 11 August 2026, COMFWB DRC representatives met with DRC Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Noëlla Ayeganagato Nakwipone to advance women’s entrepreneurship, diaspora investment, and international economic engagement. Discussions also focused on preparations for the 3rd Congolese Student Entrepreneur Trade Fair in Brussels (14–16 October 2026). The meeting secured government support to mobilize DRC diplomatic missions across Europe and strengthen technical cooperation, creating opportunities to promote Congolese women entrepreneurs and talent internationally and connect them with partners, investors, and policymakers.