COMFWB strengthens Cross-Border traders through FIRST Project training at Kasumbalesa Border
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The COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB), in partnership with Facilitating Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Trade (FIRST) Project, implemented by Cowater International, with support from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), has successfully delivered a five-day capacity building programme targeting small-scale cross border traders operating along the Zambia – DRC kasumbalesa Corridor.
Kasumbalesa remains one of the busiest border posts in the region, serving as a vital economic lifeline for traders from surrounding communities. Recognizing the importance of equipping these traders with practical tools to strengthen their livelihoods and resilience s, COMFWB and the FIRST Project jointly designed a comprehensive training covering business development, financial literacy and management, and social commerce.
The training convened 80 participants predominantly women, youth, and persons with disabilities, reflecting the demographic that drives an estimated 70% of small-scale cross-border trade in the COMESA region. Participants were selected from trader associations operating at kasumbalesa Border post and adjacent communities whose livelihood depend heavily on cross- border activity.
The modules covered during the training included Business Development where participants were trained in business development with the aim of translating business ideas into structured and viable business plans. The training also covered financial literacy, with a particular focus on budgeting, cash flow management, and managing financial resources to support long-term business sustainability. In addition, participants were equipped with skills in social commerce management, including the use of digital financial services and secure transaction systems, to reduce financial risks, prevent fraud, and minimize the loss of market opportunities within the border.
Mr. Mark Pearson, Trade Advisor to the FIRST Project, emphasized the importance of sustained capacity-building support for traders at the Kasumbalesa Border. He reaffirmed the commitment of FIRST to ensure that traders are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively navigate cross-border trade processes.
In his opening remarks, COMFWB CEO Mr. Chikakula Miti emphasized the organization’s longstanding commitment to empowering women and youth. He highlighted COMFWB’s ongoing efforts to provide training, information, and support across various value chains to promote sustainable economic participation for women and youth.
This training initiative was delivered with support from Global Affairs Canada, reaffirming a shared commitment toward inclusive and resilient trade.
The COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB), in partnership with Facilitating Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Trade (FIRST) Project, implemented by Cowater International, with support from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), has successfully delivered a five-day capacity building programme targeting small-scale cross border traders operating along the Zambia – DRC kasumbalesa Corridor.
Kasumbalesa remains one of the busiest border posts in the region, serving as a vital economic lifeline for traders from surrounding communities. Recognizing the importance of equipping these traders with practical tools to strengthen their livelihoods and resilience s, COMFWB and the FIRST Project jointly designed a comprehensive training covering business development, financial literacy and management, and social commerce.
The training convened 80 participants predominantly women, youth, and persons with disabilities, reflecting the demographic that drives an estimated 70% of small-scale cross-border trade in the COMESA region. Participants were selected from trader associations operating at kasumbalesa Border post and adjacent communities whose livelihood depend heavily on cross- border activity.
The modules covered during the training included Business Development where participants were trained in business development with the aim of translating business ideas into structured and viable business plans. The training also covered financial literacy, with a particular focus on budgeting, cash flow management, and managing financial resources to support long-term business sustainability. In addition, participants were equipped with skills in social commerce management, including the use of digital financial services and secure transaction systems, to reduce financial risks, prevent fraud, and minimize the loss of market opportunities within the border.
Mr. Mark Pearson, Trade Advisor to the FIRST Project, emphasized the importance of sustained capacity-building support for traders at the Kasumbalesa Border. He reaffirmed the commitment of FIRST to ensure that traders are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively navigate cross-border trade processes.
In his opening remarks, COMFWB CEO Mr. Chikakula Miti emphasized the organization’s longstanding commitment to empowering women and youth. He highlighted COMFWB’s ongoing efforts to provide training, information, and support across various value chains to promote sustainable economic participation for women and youth.
This training initiative was delivered with support from Global Affairs Canada, reaffirming a shared commitment toward inclusive and resilient trade.
