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SESSION 1 and INAUGURAL CONFERENCE on"Enhancing participation of Women and Youth entrepreneurs in the AfCFTA :Harnessing COMESA, EAC, SADC, FTA for inclusive growth". At the end of the Conference, the panelists were convinced that to truly unlock the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA) for inclusive growth, a concerted effort must focus on significantly enhancing the participation of women and youth entrepreneurs.

On May 7th, 2025, Ethiopian government officials and COMFWB representatives visited the 6th COMFWB Trade Fair in Addis Ababa, where approximately 250 women entrepreneurs from diverse sectors showcased their products and services over two days. This significant event provided crucial access to potential customers and strategic partners, enhanced brand recognition among key decision-makers, and facilitated the display of innovative products, highlighting the COMESA region's economic potential.

The successful 6th COMESA Business Women Federation (COMFWB) Trade Fair, held in Addis Ababa from May 7th to 9th, 2025, commenced with an opening ceremony graced by prominent figures including the COMESA Secretary General, Ethiopia's Speaker of the House and Minister of Trade, and COMFWB leadership from both the regional and Ethiopian chapters. This significant event drew over 250 participants, including women entrepreneurs from all 21 COMESA member countries, government officials, diplomats, and various stakeholders, who gathered to emphasize the importance of supporting women and youth in trade, recognized women's crucial role in the regional economy, and utilize the Trade Fair as a platform for trade, empowerment, and addressing existing challenges.

The COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) successfully held its annual General Assembly on May 6th, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together Chapter Chairpersons and representatives from all 21 member countries, along with COMESA and COMFWB leadership. This high-level meeting served as a crucial platform to review the progress of the 2025 work plan and budget, provide updates on the upcoming Trade Fair and Business Conference, including new guiding principles, and for the General Assembly, as the supreme policy organ, to set the strategic direction for empowering women in business across the COMESA region.

The COMESA Week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, centered around the 2nd Awareness Forum and the 6th COMFWB Trade Fair, highlighted the importance of regional integration and women's economic empowerment through resilient value chains in agriculture, mining, and tourism. Convening government officials, private sector leaders, women entrepreneurs, and youth, the events, officially opened by Ethiopia's Minister of Trade and Regional Integration and underscored by the COMESA Secretary General, emphasized the alignment of these initiatives with Ethiopia's development goals and the significant role of the COMFWB in fostering inclusive growth, with support from the European Union

Kenya has been officially declared the host of the 7th COMFWB Trade Fair and Business Conference in 2026, an announcement celebrated at the 6th COMFWB Gala Dinner in Addis Ababa. Ambassador George Orina of Kenya emphasized that this event transcends a typical trade show, serving as a dynamic platform to foster connections among women entrepreneurs across borders and boost inter-regional commerce. He urged governments to support entrepreneurs with enabling policies and infrastructure, affirming that empowering women in business is crucial for Africa's hope, dignity, and future, with Kenya eagerly anticipating to host an unforgettable experience.