News

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.

From 11–13 August 2026, COMFWB, in partnership with Farm Concern International and the COMFWB Malawi Chapter, conducted a cassava value addition training in Mzuzu, Malawi. 🌱 34 women entrepreneurs gained hands-on skills in transforming cassava flour into commercial products, including bread, scones, doughnuts and chin chin. The training strengthened product diversification, business opportunities and sustainable livelihoods, with all participants successfully completing the programme and receiving certificates. Together, we are advancing women’s entrepreneurship, food security and economic empowerment across the region. #Agribusiness #ValueAddition #WomenInAgribusiness #EconomicEmpowerment #COMFWB #Malawi #Entrepreneurship #SustainableLivelihoods

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.

Congratulations to Ms. Pascaline Mwenge! 🎉 COMFWB Congo proudly celebrates the appointment of Ms. Pascaline Mwenge as Deputy Director-General of the AUDA-NEPAD Country Office in the DRC. As an active member of the CNFE-FEC and a strong advocate for women’s leadership and economic empowerment, this appointment recognizes her expertise, leadership and commitment to development. We warmly congratulate Ms. Mwenge and wish her every success in her new role serving the DRC and the African continent! 🌍👏 #COMFWB #COMFWBCongo #AUDA_NEPAD #WomenLeadership #WomenEmpowerment #DRC #EconomicDevelopment

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.

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.