COMFWB Business Conference 2026: From ideas to opportunities, from integration to results
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.
Moving from vision to action
------------------------------
Structured around two complementary pillars—Vision and Action—the conference guided delegates through strategic economic challenges, emerging market mechanisms, and high-potential sectors.
At a pivotal moment driven by rapid digital evolution and the rollout of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), discussions highlighted practical pathways to strengthen competitiveness, expand market access, and build resilient, sustainable business models across the continent.
Two-day core focus & thematic sessions
---------------------------------------------
Day 1: Expanding Opportunities
-----------------------------
The opening day addressed structural barriers and institutional strategies required to convert trade agreements into real-world commercial success for women and youth.
•Transforming AfCFTA into Tangible Results : Examining how institutional synergies, seamless trade facilitation, and regional value chains can help businesses—particularly women entrepreneurs—better navigate and capitalize on continental markets.
•Empowering Women and Youth as Drivers of Trade : Identifying public policies, mentorship networks, and targeted financing models needed to create an enabling environment for marginalized entrepreneurs.
Day 1 Key Sessions:
---------------------
•Session 1: Strategic Institutional Synergies for Regional and Continental Trade Integration: Empowering Women and Youth Entrepreneurs
•Session 2: From Regional Markets to Continental Trade: Leveraging AfCFTA for Digital and Inclusive Growth
•Session 3: Unlocking AfCFTA Opportunities Through Women and Youth Participation in Regional Value Chains
Day 2: Accelerating Transformation
----------------------
The second day focused on emerging technologies, market expansion, export readiness, and sustainable economic models.
•Digital Technologies as Trade Accelerators : Exploring how FinTech, digital payment platforms, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence can eliminate cross-border friction and dramatically lower trade barriers.
•Building Export-Ready African Brands : Evaluating how sectors like textiles, leather, fashion, and creative industries can scale up quality, brand identity, and digitalization to conquer regional and global markets.
•Resilient, Sustainable, and Inclusive Growth : Outlining actionable steps for green and blue economy innovations, circular business practices, and inclusive economic policies that benefit women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Day 2 Key Sessions:
---------------------
•Session 4 : FinTech, Digital Payments, and the Future of Intra-African Commerce
•Session 5 : Digital Trade, AfCFTA, Market Access, Investment Opportunities, and Export Readiness for Women-Led Enterprises
•Session 6 : Inclusive Green and Blue Economies: Driving Circular Innovations and Climate-Smart Enterprises for Sustainable Growth
•Session 7 : From Policy to Action: Promoting Inclusive Trade, Digital Accessibility, and Sustainable Growth for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities
Driving Sustainable Results Across the COMESA Region
-----------------------------------------------------------
The CTF7 Business Conference proved to be far more than a discussion forum; it acted as an essential catalyst for new partnerships, investments, and regional policy alignment.
By uniting decision-makers, industry experts, and grass-roots entrepreneurs under a shared vision, COMFWB continues to pave digital and strategic pathways that ensure African women and youth stand at the forefront of continental economic transformation.
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.
Moving from vision to action
------------------------------
Structured around two complementary pillars—Vision and Action—the conference guided delegates through strategic economic challenges, emerging market mechanisms, and high-potential sectors.
At a pivotal moment driven by rapid digital evolution and the rollout of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), discussions highlighted practical pathways to strengthen competitiveness, expand market access, and build resilient, sustainable business models across the continent.
Two-day core focus & thematic sessions
---------------------------------------------
Day 1: Expanding Opportunities
-----------------------------
The opening day addressed structural barriers and institutional strategies required to convert trade agreements into real-world commercial success for women and youth.
•Transforming AfCFTA into Tangible Results : Examining how institutional synergies, seamless trade facilitation, and regional value chains can help businesses—particularly women entrepreneurs—better navigate and capitalize on continental markets.
•Empowering Women and Youth as Drivers of Trade : Identifying public policies, mentorship networks, and targeted financing models needed to create an enabling environment for marginalized entrepreneurs.
Day 1 Key Sessions:
---------------------
•Session 1: Strategic Institutional Synergies for Regional and Continental Trade Integration: Empowering Women and Youth Entrepreneurs
•Session 2: From Regional Markets to Continental Trade: Leveraging AfCFTA for Digital and Inclusive Growth
•Session 3: Unlocking AfCFTA Opportunities Through Women and Youth Participation in Regional Value Chains
Day 2: Accelerating Transformation
----------------------
The second day focused on emerging technologies, market expansion, export readiness, and sustainable economic models.
•Digital Technologies as Trade Accelerators : Exploring how FinTech, digital payment platforms, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence can eliminate cross-border friction and dramatically lower trade barriers.
•Building Export-Ready African Brands : Evaluating how sectors like textiles, leather, fashion, and creative industries can scale up quality, brand identity, and digitalization to conquer regional and global markets.
•Resilient, Sustainable, and Inclusive Growth : Outlining actionable steps for green and blue economy innovations, circular business practices, and inclusive economic policies that benefit women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Day 2 Key Sessions:
---------------------
•Session 4 : FinTech, Digital Payments, and the Future of Intra-African Commerce
•Session 5 : Digital Trade, AfCFTA, Market Access, Investment Opportunities, and Export Readiness for Women-Led Enterprises
•Session 6 : Inclusive Green and Blue Economies: Driving Circular Innovations and Climate-Smart Enterprises for Sustainable Growth
•Session 7 : From Policy to Action: Promoting Inclusive Trade, Digital Accessibility, and Sustainable Growth for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities
Driving Sustainable Results Across the COMESA Region
-----------------------------------------------------------
The CTF7 Business Conference proved to be far more than a discussion forum; it acted as an essential catalyst for new partnerships, investments, and regional policy alignment.
By uniting decision-makers, industry experts, and grass-roots entrepreneurs under a shared vision, COMFWB continues to pave digital and strategic pathways that ensure African women and youth stand at the forefront of continental economic transformation.
