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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November 28, 2024
ZFAWIB or COMFWB Zambia Chapter inspired zambian women leaders at the 2024 Women’s Insaka

With its partners, the Zambia Federation of Associations of Women in Business (ZFAWIB) or COMFWB Zambia hosted the 2024 Women’s Insaka to empower Zambian women leaders. The event focused on evaluating Zambia's progress in gender equality, developing strategies to increase women's economic participation, and fostering collaboration among women leaders. By emphasizing the need for an enabling environment, the Insaka aimed to inspire action and create a more inclusive future for Zambian women.

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November 28, 2024
COMFWB Malawi Chapter : review of its 2024 entrepreneurial gender responsive advocacy program

The COMFWB Malawi Chapter held a meeting with the Graça Machel Trust to review its 2024 program promoting women's participation in trade. Key issues identified were limited access to public procurement and lack of knowledge on export processes. To address these, they reviewed their advocacy plan, analyzed barriers, and optimized their approach for greater impact. This collaboration aims to empower women in trade through better information and export training, ultimately promoting inclusive economic growth.

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November 28, 2024
Ethiopian women entrepreneurs from the COMFWB Ethiopia Chapter recently made waves at the 10th African Entrepreneurs Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.

Ethiopian Women Entrepreneurs Empower Themselves at 10th African Conference A group of inspiring Ethiopian women entrepreneurs from the COMFWB Ethiopia Chapter participated in the 10th African Entrepreneurs Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. By attending workshops, engaging in business pitches, and networking with industry leaders, they gained valuable insights and skills to elevate their businesses.

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November 25, 2024
COMFWB Ethiopia equipped Women Entrepreneurs with Sustainable Waste Management Solutions

COMFWB Ethiopia recently empowered 50 women entrepreneurs in Arba Menchi with sustainable waste management solutions. A five-day training program covered waste characterization, reduction, segregation, recycling, upcycling, and relevant regulations. This initiative aims to promote a cleaner environment and create new economic opportunities for the community.

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November 17, 2024
President's Breakfast : A Celebration of resilience, opportunity and lasting impact

The President's Breakfast, hosted by FOWEK, was a successful event celebrating women entrepreneurs. Key highlights included an inspiring keynote speech by Flora Mutahi, a panel discussion on building lasting success, the FOWEK-COMFWB Kenya Awards 2024, and a vibrant trade bazaar. The event empowered women entrepreneurs through networking, knowledge sharing, and recognizing achievements.

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November 9, 2024
Djibouti Women Entrepreneurs Shine at Expo-Vente and Conference 2024 in DJIBOUTI

The third annual Expo-Vente and Conference, hosted by the Association of Dumaar Yio Dadaal of Djibouti (COMFWB Djibouti Chapter), took place at the Palais du Peuple in Djibouti City. This event brought together government officials, business leaders, and women entrepreneurs to celebrate and empower women in business.

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