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The COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) hosted the high-level Business Conference from 1st to 2nd July 2026 in Tunisia, taking center stage as a core highlight of the 7th COMESA Trade Fair (CTF7).Bringing together over 1,000 participants and 60 international experts—spanning policymakers, regional institutions, international organizations, private sector leaders, investors, academics, and entrepreneurs across the 21 COMESA Member States—the conference served as a vibrant platform for reflection, dialogue, and cross-border collaboration.Held under the theme “One Market, One Future: Digital Pathways to Harnessing the AfCFTA,” the event aimed to transform strategic ambitions for African economic integration into concrete, actionable business outcomes, with an unwavering focus on women-led enterprises, youth, and inclusive growth.

Empowering Women, Digitizing Trade: 7th COMFWB Trade Fair and Business Conference The 7th COMFWB Trade Fair and Business Conference (CTF7), held at the UTICA headquarters in Tunis, Tunisia, successfully convened 190 international delegates and 130 women entrepreneurs across 100 exhibition booths representing all 21 COMESA Member States. Officially opened by Tunisia’s Minister of Trade and Export Development, Mr. Samir Obaid, alongside COMESA Secretary General H.E. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, COMFWB Chairperson Madam Maureen Sumbwe, and other key regional leaders, the three-day event attracted over 2,000 visitors. The trade fair underscored Tunisia’s commitment to African economic integration while positioning women-led enterprises at the heart of continental growth, innovation, and competitiveness. Central to COMFWB's core mission, the CTF7 served as an impactful, practical platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their products, access expanded COMESA markets, and build regional value chains. By fostering cross-border B2B networking, technical partnerships, and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, the event empowered women-led SMEs to learn from one another and scale together. High-level discussions reinforced the urgent need to accelerate digital transformation, embrace e-commerce, expand accessible trade financing, and dismantle barriers, ensuring women business owners drive and lead the future of intra-African trade under the AfCFTA.

Empowering Women, Digitizing Trade: 7th COMFWB Trade Fair & Business Conference Opens in Tunis July 1, 2026 — Tunis, Tunisia: The 7th COMFWB Trade Fair & Business Conference officially convened in Tunis under the theme "Digital Pathways to Harnessing the AfCFTA." Inaugurated by H.E. Asma Jebri (Tunisia's Minister of Women and Family) and H.E. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe (COMESA Secretary General), the event focuses on equipping women-led businesses with digital platforms, e-commerce networks, and strategic B2B connections needed to thrive within the African Continental Free Trade Area. Key Conference Deliverables: AfCFTA Integration: Strategic roadmaps for cross-border trade. Digital Transformation: Accelerated adoption of e-commerce platforms for SMEs. Regional Networks: Strengthening trade linkages and investment across COMESA member states.

Last 25th May 2025, the Federation For National Association of Women in Business Malawi - the COMFWB_Malawi took part in the Africa Day Commemoration organized by the African Union in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) under the theme, “Strengthening the Water-Energy-Climate Nexus for a Resilient Malawi.”The event was graced by Patricia Kaliati, Minister of Natural Resources of the Republic of Malawi; Hilda Suka-Mafudze, Representative of the African Union Southern Africa Regional Office (AU-SARO); Nancy Saungweme; and Mrs. Mary D. Kachale, Principal Secretary for Legal Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.During the commemoration, COMFWB Malawi members showcased a variety of products including Malawian attire and jewellery, value-added products, and traditional Malawian cuisine, proudly promoting local entrepreneurship and culture.

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.

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