Empowering Women, Digitizing Trade: 7th COMFWB Trade Fair & BusinessConference Ignites AfCFTA in Tunis
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TUNIS, TUNISIA – July 1, 2026 — The 7thCOMFWB Trade Fair & Business Conference officially opened today in Tunis,bringing together a powerful coalition of women entrepreneurs, policymakers,trade experts, and regional partners from across the COMESA region.
Driven by COMFWB’s mission to advance women’seconomic empowerment, the event serves as a high-impact platform to expandmarket access, foster B2B linkages, and position women-led enterprises at theforefront of continental trade.
Under the theme "Digital Pathways toHarnessing the AfCFTA," this year’s conference focuses on turningdigital innovation into a practical equalizer. Discussions centered onequipping women-owned businesses with digital tools, e-commerce platforms, andtech-driven supply chains to navigate and capitalize on the African ContinentalFree Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Unlocking Potential Through Bold Leadership
The Opening Ceremony was inaugurated by H.E.Asma Jebri, Tunisia's Minister of Women and Family, who emphasized thecritical role of inclusive policies in driving sustainable economic growth.
Amplifying the call to action, COMESASecretary General H.E. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe urged stakeholders tomove beyond rhetoric and convert digital ambitions into concrete opportunitiesfor women-led businesses across Africa.
"The future of African trade is notmerely connected—it is unapologetically digital, fiercely inclusive, and drivenby the unstoppable force of women-led enterprises."
Expected Outcomes
- Accelerated AfCFTA Integration: Equipping women entrepreneurs with actionable strategies to leverage continental trade protocols.
- Enhanced Digital Literacy & E-Commerce Adoption: Bridging the digital divide to enable women-led SMEs to access cross-border digital marketplaces.
- Robust Regional Networks: Facilitating B2B partnerships and investment deals to drive economic growth across the COMESA region.
TUNIS, TUNISIA – July 1, 2026 — The 7thCOMFWB Trade Fair & Business Conference officially opened today in Tunis,bringing together a powerful coalition of women entrepreneurs, policymakers,trade experts, and regional partners from across the COMESA region.
Driven by COMFWB’s mission to advance women’seconomic empowerment, the event serves as a high-impact platform to expandmarket access, foster B2B linkages, and position women-led enterprises at theforefront of continental trade.
Under the theme "Digital Pathways toHarnessing the AfCFTA," this year’s conference focuses on turningdigital innovation into a practical equalizer. Discussions centered onequipping women-owned businesses with digital tools, e-commerce platforms, andtech-driven supply chains to navigate and capitalize on the African ContinentalFree Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Unlocking Potential Through Bold Leadership
The Opening Ceremony was inaugurated by H.E.Asma Jebri, Tunisia's Minister of Women and Family, who emphasized thecritical role of inclusive policies in driving sustainable economic growth.
Amplifying the call to action, COMESASecretary General H.E. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe urged stakeholders tomove beyond rhetoric and convert digital ambitions into concrete opportunitiesfor women-led businesses across Africa.
"The future of African trade is notmerely connected—it is unapologetically digital, fiercely inclusive, and drivenby the unstoppable force of women-led enterprises."
Expected Outcomes
- Accelerated AfCFTA Integration: Equipping women entrepreneurs with actionable strategies to leverage continental trade protocols.
- Enhanced Digital Literacy & E-Commerce Adoption: Bridging the digital divide to enable women-led SMEs to access cross-border digital marketplaces.
- Robust Regional Networks: Facilitating B2B partnerships and investment deals to drive economic growth across the COMESA region.
