News

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.

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.

Le 4 août 2026, une délégation de la Commission Nationale des Femmes Entrepreneures (CNFE), conduite par sa Présidente Mme Esperance Belau, a été reçue par la Ministre du Genre, S.E. Mme Micheline Ombae Kalama, pour une rencontre de prise de contact et de présentation des missions de la CNFE. Les échanges ont porté principalement sur la formalisation et l’autonomisation des femmes du secteur informel, la promotion de l’entrepreneuriat féminin et du Made in RDC, ainsi que sur plusieurs projets futurs, notamment le Salon de l’Étudiante Entrepreneure Congolaise à Bruxelles et le sommet du COMESA prévu à Kinshasa en 2027. Les parties ont également discuté de la collaboration autour du programme CONAPAS. La Ministre a salué ces initiatives et réaffirmé le soutien de son ministère aux actions en faveur de l’entrepreneuriat féminin et de la lutte contre les violences basées sur le genre.

On August 3, 2026, the Groupement des Femmes Entrepreneurs de Madagascar (GFEM) participated in a B2B business matchmaking session at the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront in Antananarivo, connecting Malagasy women-led businesses with South African enterprises. The event provided entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase their products and explore potential partnerships in key sectors such as spices, handicrafts, agrifood, and textiles. GFEM expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts and the Ambassador of Madagascar to South Africa for their support. The initiative reflects GFEM’s commitment to expanding market access, promoting cross-border trade, and creating international business opportunities for its members.

The Ethiopian Women’s Trade Association (EWTA), the official COMFWB Ethiopia Chapter, and ECO Trade recently held a strategic bilateral meeting to establish a long-term partnership focused on empowering women entrepreneurs and promoting sustainable business growth. The discussions highlighted each organization's strengths, with EWTA showcasing its nationwide network and focus on financial inclusion, technical skills development, digital literacy, and regional trade integration. ECO Trade presented its expertise in business advisory services, market linkages, and inclusive capital markets. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration, expanding trade opportunities, and supporting the growth and competitiveness of women-led enterprises in Ethiopia and across the region.

On 2 August 2026, the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Djibouti hosted a high-level seminar bringing together women entrepreneurs from Dumar Iyo Dadaal – Djibouti Business Women Empowerment (3D), led by Chairperson Ms. Choukri Abdillahi, and Egyptian officials to strengthen trade and investment cooperation between Djibouti and Egypt. The seminar showcased business opportunities across key sectors while providing participants with practical insights into import-export procedures, trade logistics, and strategic partnerships. The event concluded with a shared commitment to expanding bilateral economic relations and supporting the growth of women-led businesses through sustainable cross-border collaboration.