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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REQUEST FOR TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL PROPOSAL TO UNDERTAKE AN ORGANISATIONAL CAPACITY REVIEW OF COMFWB SECRETARIAT
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Latest News

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October 30, 2026
Ms. Ibtisam Ben Amer Elected to the Board of Directors of the Arab Businesswomen’s Council (2026–2030)

On 30 September 2026, Ms. Ibtisam Ben Amer represented Libya at the eighth session of the Arab Businesswomen’s Council, convened at the headquarters of the League of Arab States in Cairo. The assembly convened high-ranking dignitaries, ambassadors, senior officials, and council members from across the Arab world to deliberate on strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering economic collaboration and regional growth.Held in a spirit of unity and shared ambition, the meeting prioritized high-level discussions on promoting intra-Arab trade, identifying strategic investment opportunities, and expanding platforms for economic exchange. The Council emphasized that fostering dialogue and leveraging collective expertise remains vital to expanding regional business horizons for Arab women.

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October 23, 2026
COYWA CONFERENCE/ 19th BUSINESS FORUM : COYWA offers Youth and Women in Africa a model to nurture their potential, connect them to opportunities, and ensure their resilience beyond incubation

During the panel discussion on the COYWA Project, the exchanges were rich and insightful. Day 2 of the COYWA Grand Launch has truly been a platform of learning, reflection, and forward-looking dialogue.

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October 21, 2026
COYWA Grand Launch Day 2 -COMFWB-COYWA CONFERENCE/ From Dialogue to Action : Strategic Pillars for Empowering Youth and Women Entrepreneurs Across COMESA 🌍

Day 2 of the COYWA Grand Launch brought together regional and continental stakeholders to discuss aligning with Agenda 2063, addressing informal sector barriers, strengthening digital literacy, developing key value chains, and improving access to finance. Discussions produced recommendations under four strategic pillars: strengthening policy and partnerships; scaling incubation models through mentorship, digital skills, and innovation; expanding access to finance through flexible and inclusive financing solutions; and establishing market linkages through B2B connections, trade fairs, and digital platforms. These recommendations provide a roadmap for positioning COYWA as a catalyst for sustainable economic transformation, with women and youth recognized as key drivers of Africa’s economic future.

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October 20, 2026
COMFWB/COYWA Launch: Creating opportunities for Youth and Women in Africa (Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Kenya, Ethiopia)

COMFWB officially launched the Creating Opportunities for Youth and Women in Africa (COYWA) initiative on 20 October 2026 in Harare, Zimbabwe, with support from AECID and AUDA-NEPAD. The initiative aims to empower women and youth entrepreneurs through business incubation, digital and financial literacy, mentorship, access to funding, and market linkages, enabling them to grow their enterprises, create decent jobs, and participate in continental value chains. The launch was endorsed by key regional and international leaders, reinforcing the vision of “One Market, One Future.”

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October 13, 2026
COMFWB TUNISIE: Rencontre stratégique à l’UTICA entre la CNFCE / COMFWB Tunisie et l’Organisation Africaine de Normalisation (ARSO)

On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Ms. Leila Belkhiria Jaber, President of CNFCE and President of COMFWB Tunisia, welcomed Mr. Hermogene Nsengimana, Secretary-General of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), at UTICA headquarters.This meeting reflects a shared commitment to strengthening intra-African trade and empowering women entrepreneurs across the continent.‍Key Discussion Topics:———————-Presentation of national and regional structures under UTICA and CNFCE.-The vital role of standardisation in facilitating seamless trade across Africa.-Assessment of trade relations between Tunisia and other African nations.-Growth prospects under the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) to access new regional markets.-Empowering Women in Intra-African Trade

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October 7, 2026
Transformer la certification en impact économique : Le Forum Women Creating Wealth célèbre plus de 140 diplômées au Malawi

Le forum Women Creating Wealth (WCW) - Impact Pays, Certification et Communauté d'Affaires, qui s'est tenu à l'Hôtel Crossroads de Lilongwe, a marqué une étape majeure dans la promotion de l'entrepreneuriat féminin au Malawi. Plus de 140 femmes entrepreneures ont officiellement obtenu leur diplôme à l'issue du programme, recevant un mandat clair de la part des dirigeants politiques, économiques et régionaux : la certification ne constitue pas l'aboutissement, mais la ligne de départ pour créer des emplois, développer des marchés et bâtir des entreprises pérennes.

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