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 proposal for feasibility study of pre-construction work for COMFWB HQ Business Complex
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Latest News

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August 12, 2026
COMFWB ESWATINI: Empowering youth through digital skills and economic opportunities

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.

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August 11, 2026
Advancing Economic Diplomacy and Women’s Leadership in the DRC

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.

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August 10, 2026
COMFWB Malawi and Graça Machel Trust Convene Dissemination Meeting on Women’s Participation in Public Procurement

On 10 August 2026, COMFWB Malawi, with support from the Graça Machel Trust, held a dissemination meeting with women entrepreneurs to share findings and policy responses on women’s participation in public procurement. The session followed policy engagements with key government institutions, including the Ministries responsible for Industrialization, Trade and Tourism, Gender, and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA). It provided women-led MSMEs with feedback on government commitments, while creating space to assess progress, discuss policy interventions, and address structural barriers limiting women’s access to public procurement opportunities.

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August 7, 2026
COMFWB Excellence Awards - 7 August 2026 Evening

On 7 August 2026, COMFWB concluded two days of dialogue with its Annual Excellence Awards at Hyatt Regency The Meikles Harare. The event celebrated resilience, innovation, leadership, and outstanding achievement in Zimbabwe’s business and development sectors. Key speakers highlighted the importance of recognizing excellence, empowering women in economic transformation, and building partnerships to expand impact. The evening also featured a fashion showcase by Sibo Makaya of Ceca Couture. The awards ceremony recognized inspiring individuals whose achievements demonstrated the value of hard work and perseverance. Overall, the event ended the two-day programme on a positive note of inspiration, unity, and hope for Zimbabwean entrepreneurs.

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August 7, 2026
Deepening UK-Zimbabwe Trade Ties: Key Highlights from the COMFWB & ZIM-UK Business Chamber Indaba

On August 7, 2026, the COMFWB Zimbabwe Chapter, in partnership with the ZIM-UK Business Chamber, hosted a Trade and Investment Indaba in Harare, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and business leaders to explore ways to strengthen Zimbabwe–UK trade relations. Key discussions focused on monetary policy stability, women’s participation in trade, diaspora investment, UK market entry requirements, and business support. Participants also gained practical guidance on export compliance, trade finance, corporate structuring, and investment opportunities. The Indaba reinforced COMFWB’s role in connecting policy, investment, and enterprise development to promote regional trade and economic growth.

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August 6, 2026
Advancing U.S.-Africa Bilateral Trade: Strategic insights from the Harare entrepreneurship roundtable

On 6 August 2026, the COMFWB Secretariat, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy and ZIM-USA Business Connect, held an Entrepreneurship Roundtable in Harare, Zimbabwe. The forum brought together development institutions, private sector leaders, and emerging entrepreneurs to strengthen trade and investment between Africa and the United States. Discussions focused on market access, innovative financing, private sector participation, and U.S. market entry. Participants gained practical knowledge on export compliance, international partnerships, and business opportunities, while young entrepreneurs benefited from mentorship and increased market exposure. The event strengthened collaboration among government, private sector, and international stakeholders in promoting economic cooperation.

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