COMESA AWARENESS FORUM : Bringing COMESA closer to its people
Leaders and representatives from COMESA institutions were gathered in Addis Ababa for the 2nd Awareness Forum. This event aimed to develop the visibility and understanding of COMESA's operations among local stakeholders and partners. A diverse group of delegates, including government officials, private sector organizations, women entrepreneurs, youth, and the media were present at the Opening Ceremony last 5th May 2025.
At the heart of the COMESA Week in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa is abuzz as it hosts the 2nd Awareness Forum, strategically timed alongside the highly anticipated 6th COMFWB Trade Fair.This pivotal trade fair underscores the vital role of the COMESA Federation ofWomen in Business (COMFWB) in fostering economic empowerment and regional integration.
The broader COMESA Week aimed to amplify the visibility and understanding of COMESA's multifaceted operations among Ethiopian stakeholders and partners. The gathering convened a diverse array of delegates, including government officials, private sector leaders, women entrepreneurs who are central to the COMFWB Trade Fair, youth representatives, and the media. The Forum's theme, "Accelerating Regional Integration through theDevelopment of Regional Value Chains in Climate Resilient Agriculture, Mining, and Tourism," resonates deeply with the objectives of both the broader COMESA initiatives and the specific focus of the COMFWB Trade Fair on women's contributions to these sector
During his opening speech at the opening ceremony of the COMESA AWARENESS Forum, HE Kassahun Gofe Balami (PhD), Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Ethiopia, officially inaugurated the COMESA Week activities, emphasizing how the discussions, particularly those around value chains and women's economic participation championed by COMFWB, align withEthiopia's commitment to economic diversification and resilience. He cited initiatives such as the Green Legacy Initiative and national wheat programs as tangible examples of this commitment.
"Bringing COMESA closer to its people" was key message from Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe at the 2nd COMESA Institutions Awareness Forum in Addis Ababa.In her address, HE. SecretaryGeneral of COMESA onfirmed that the COMESA Week, with the 6th COMFWB Trade Fair as a key highlight, reflects the Region’s shared understanding that Africa’s sustainable development hinges on building resilient, competitive, and inclusive value chains across crucial sectors that underpin our economies and livelihoods.
The Secretary General highlighted the significant contribution of COMFWB in driving this agenda by empowering women in business. This important event has received support from the 11th European Union Development Fund (EDF11). The COMESA Awareness Forum lasted two days at the EthiopianSkylightHotel of Addis Ababa and was followed by the 6th COMFWB Trade Fair and Business Conference from 07th May to 9th May 2025
Leaders and representatives from COMESA institutions were gathered in Addis Ababa for the 2nd Awareness Forum. This event aimed to develop the visibility and understanding of COMESA's operations among local stakeholders and partners. A diverse group of delegates, including government officials, private sector organizations, women entrepreneurs, youth, and the media were present at the Opening Ceremony last 5th May 2025.
At the heart of the COMESA Week in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa is abuzz as it hosts the 2nd Awareness Forum, strategically timed alongside the highly anticipated 6th COMFWB Trade Fair.This pivotal trade fair underscores the vital role of the COMESA Federation ofWomen in Business (COMFWB) in fostering economic empowerment and regional integration.
The broader COMESA Week aimed to amplify the visibility and understanding of COMESA's multifaceted operations among Ethiopian stakeholders and partners. The gathering convened a diverse array of delegates, including government officials, private sector leaders, women entrepreneurs who are central to the COMFWB Trade Fair, youth representatives, and the media. The Forum's theme, "Accelerating Regional Integration through theDevelopment of Regional Value Chains in Climate Resilient Agriculture, Mining, and Tourism," resonates deeply with the objectives of both the broader COMESA initiatives and the specific focus of the COMFWB Trade Fair on women's contributions to these sector
During his opening speech at the opening ceremony of the COMESA AWARENESS Forum, HE Kassahun Gofe Balami (PhD), Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Ethiopia, officially inaugurated the COMESA Week activities, emphasizing how the discussions, particularly those around value chains and women's economic participation championed by COMFWB, align withEthiopia's commitment to economic diversification and resilience. He cited initiatives such as the Green Legacy Initiative and national wheat programs as tangible examples of this commitment.
"Bringing COMESA closer to its people" was key message from Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe at the 2nd COMESA Institutions Awareness Forum in Addis Ababa.In her address, HE. SecretaryGeneral of COMESA onfirmed that the COMESA Week, with the 6th COMFWB Trade Fair as a key highlight, reflects the Region’s shared understanding that Africa’s sustainable development hinges on building resilient, competitive, and inclusive value chains across crucial sectors that underpin our economies and livelihoods.
The Secretary General highlighted the significant contribution of COMFWB in driving this agenda by empowering women in business. This important event has received support from the 11th European Union Development Fund (EDF11). The COMESA Awareness Forum lasted two days at the EthiopianSkylightHotel of Addis Ababa and was followed by the 6th COMFWB Trade Fair and Business Conference from 07th May to 9th May 2025
