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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CONSULTANCY FOR REVIEWING THE COMFWB CHARTER AND DRAFTING COMFWB BOARD CHARTER -RE-ADVERTISED
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Latest News

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March 11, 2026
Paving the Way for Inclusive Trade: Inception Meeting on the Non Tarriff Barriers project and Public–Private Dialogue launches in Mchinji

Today at Mchinji! We successfully launched our first Inception Meeting & Public–Private Dialogue (PPD) today, March 16th, at the Malawi-Zambia border!By bringing together Gov reps, COMFWB officials, and women/youth traders, we’re co-creating solutions to crush Non-Tariff Barriers and lower trade costs. From maize to soya beans, we’re making agri-food trade faster and fairer across the COMESA corridors. 2,000+ traders, 5 borders, 1 goal: Inclusive Prosperity. #TradeTransformed #WomenInBusiness #Mchinji #COMESA #AGRA

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March 11, 2026
Empowering the Future: COMFWB ignited action on International Women’s Day

On March 10, 2026, the Lifestyle Boutique in Lilongwe Malawi, transformed into a vibrant hub of advocacy and ambition as COMFWB hosted a high-level program to celebrate women’s achievement during the Women’s month . Under the official theme, "Rights. Justice. Action. For all Women and Girls," and the global campaign, "Give to Gain," the event brought together regional leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.

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February 25, 2026
COMFWB Malawi and NABW present landmark procurement survey to the Minister of Industrialization, Business, Trade, and Tourism

COMFWB Malawi and NABW recently engaged the Minister of Trade to push for fairer access to public procurement. We presented a strong case for policy changes, specifically requesting that the MSME Order 2020 be revised to reserve clear allocations for women, youth, and PWDs. The Ministry has officially welcomed these findings and expressed readiness to implement our recommendations. Great progress for women entrepreneurs!

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February 23, 2026
L’Entrepreneuriat féminin en action : Un élan de succès à l’ AFAB (Association des femmes d'affaires de Burundi)

Incredible energy at the AFAB event! On Feb 19, Burundi’s women entrepreneurs gathered to turn inspiration into impact. From informal to formal, we are building a prosperous future through solidarity and strategic action. Every member is now an ambassador for change!

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February 16, 2026
COMFWB SUDAN : Online training on Business development

Under the leadership of Dr. Siham, Chairperson of COMFWB Chapter Sudan, the online Business Development training kicked off vibrantly this February 15, 2026. All participants engaged with energy, diving deep into interactive case studies and sharing invaluable experiences surrounding essential entrepreneurial concept.By the end of this comprehensive workshop, these women business leaders will possess the validated skills to project cash flows, determine breakeven points, and craft actionable plans to successfully launch or scale their venture. Attending this workshop empowers entrepreneurs with the essential tools to transform a business vision into a scalable reality. COMFWB Secretariat, in collaboration with the Sudanese Chapter, were supporting this business development training of 49 sudanese women

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February 12, 2026
Driving economic transformation: COMFWB advances the COYWA Project in Zimbabwe

The COMFWB team was recently in Zimbabwe to advance this critical initiative focused on empowering women and youth through economic development. The mission included a crucial visit to the Leather Incubation Centre, a brilliant hub where entrepreneurship and skills are being forged in the leather industry.

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