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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SHORT TERM CONSULTANCY TO DEVELOP TRAINING MODULES ON STR AND NON-TARIF BARRIERS (NTBs) REPORTING MECHANISMS AND DELIVER CAPACITY-BUILDING TRAINING FOR WOMEN AND YOUTH CROSS BOARDER TRADERS IN AGRI-FOOD SECTOR IN THE COMESA REGION
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Latest News

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May 14, 2026
COMFWB Seychelles members discussed new Incubation and Innovation Hub with Minister Geralda Desaubin

Minister Geralda Desaubin met with Ms. Claudette Albert, Chairperson of the COMESA Federation of Women in Business Seychelles (COMFWB), to discuss the exciting Incubation and Innovation Hub Project in Seychelles. The meeting was also attended by PS Michael Nalletamby. The discussion highlighted innovative approaches to entrepreneurship, including a remarkable initiative turning fish skin into sustainable products, truly proving that “nothing goes to waste.” The creative products showcased were inspiring and a fantastic example of innovation and resourcefulness in local business. Minister Desaubin remains committed to fostering the growth of Seychellois entrepreneurs, supporting them with new ideas, practical initiatives, and capacity-building opportunities to strengthen the local business landscape.

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May 8, 2026
COMFWB Somalia Chapter actively participated in the DUMAR TALK

The COMFWB Somalia Chapter recently participated in the DUMAR Talk. For that, Madam Hersio Siad, Chairperson of the COMFWB Somalia Chapter and Chairwoman of the Somali Women In Business, took recently stage at that relevant talk. This influential platform connects established leaders with the next generation to foster empowerment through shared experience. The event drew an impressive crowd of over 2,000 young women. Madam Hersio was joined by a panel of distinguished speakers, including the Director of the Independent Human Rights Commission, various Members of Parliament, and prominent leaders from the security sector. During her address, Madam Hersio shared her personal life story and entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the impactful work of Somali Women in Business to inspire the country's future female leaders

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May 8, 2026
National Women Entrepreneur Council celebrated Excellence at the 2026 Award Ceremony

The National Women Entrepreneur Council (NWEC) or COMFWB Mauritius celebrated the brilliance of Mauritian female leadership at the NWEC Award Ceremony 2026, held at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Auditorium -Graced by the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Marie Arianne Navarre Marie, and NWEC Chairperson Mrs. R. Fatuma Koylash, the event highlighted the council's unwavering commitment to economic empowerment and innovation -Twelve nominees were honoured for their resilience and growth, showcasing the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit that drives the nation's diverse economic sectors forward The highlight of the evening was the crowning of Mrs. Biguette Petronille Julien as the "Most Promising Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2026" for her exceptional work in Agri-Business, earning her a grand prize of Rs 100,000/ 2000USD Top entrepreneurs in the Textiles, Handicraft, and Services sectors were also awarded Rs 50,000 each / 1000 USD for their outstanding contributions This ceremony not only rewarded individual success but also served as a powerful testament to the vital role women play in shaping the future of Mauritius

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May 8, 2026
COMFWB ESWATINI : Signature of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industries – Eswatini (YCCIE)

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May 8, 2026
Empowering Uganda’s Women Entrepreneurs through strategic planning

The Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited -UWEAL- the COMFWB Uganda Chapter, held an impactful breakfast session led by Yvonne Mpanga, focusing on the critical role of strategic business planning in achieving long-term sustainability. The session dismantled the complexities of financial projections and market analysis, reminding us that an excellent business plan isn’t just about securing funding—it’s about establishing a "North Star" for risk management and operational excellence. Beyond the technicalities, the heart of the discussion centered on the power of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The key takeaway was clear : for women-led businesses to scale, we must move from informal operations to structured systems, trading unhealthy competition for a culture of collaboration, financial discipline, and continuous learning.

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April 23, 2026
Media awareness on the CTF7 : Tunisia set to host the 7th COMFWB Trade Fair and Business Conference

On April 21, an official press point and information session were held at #UTICA. The event successfully mobilized public officials, private sector leaders, and international and local media representatives. The session served to officially announce the event and ensure technical and administrative alignment to support women entrepreneurs from across the 21 COMESA member states

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