Eswatini Chapter Hosts Trade Readiness Workshop
The COMESA Federation of Women in Business Eswatini Chapter hosted a 2-day competitiveness face to face training/workshop for women’s business associations and their members. The workshop dubbed “THE TRADE READINESS TRAINING” was for women and youth entrepreneurs who are ready to export their products and took place on the 30th and 31st of March 2022.
To carry out this activity, COMFWB partnered with The International Trade Centre (ITC) to maximize trade opportunities for women entrepreneurs under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This is a project under the framework of the Intentional Trade Centre’s (ITC) She Trades Commonwealth project funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
The official opening of the workshop was graced by Mr. Mluleki Dlamini, the Director of Micro, Small, Medium, Enterprises, which is a department under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry& Trade. The Media, as well as 34 export-ready women and youth entrepreneurs, were also in attendance
Opening the ceremony was the Chapter Chairperson, Honourable Thandi Nxumalo, who passed her appreciation towards the ITC, FCDO, as well as the COMFWB Secretariat for recognising the chapter and making sure that it participates in projects that empower the women and youth entrepreneurs in the Kingdom. She continued to appreciate the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade for always showing up when the chapter requests for their assistance and for making sure that the entrepreneurs in the country are well taken of. Honourable Thandi urged all participants to be attentive to the training and make sure they participate by asking questions where they need answers and also practice whatever it is that they would learn from the training so that their business can grow and improve for a better economy.
Mr. Mluleki Dlamini, The Director of the MSMEs in Eswatini, ushered critical points that the participants needed to note as they begin to export their products. Dlamini mentioned that there is a great market opportunity in the AfCFTA but quality and standards have to be met at all costs to avoid losses. He mentioned that those making edible products need to make sure that they indicate all the components or ingredients in their products so that consumers can make informed choices, especially for their health. He advised the entrepreneurs to be cautious on the shipment of their products, noting that some goods may be in good condition when they leave the country but may reach their destination spoilt if not properly packed and transported. He then, in closing encouraged the participants to work hard in improving their products and mentioned that the MSME department is more than willing to help all entrepreneurs where they require help.
The two-day workshop was held at the Thokoza Anglican Conference Centre which is situated in Mbabane, the Capital City of the Kingdom of Eswatini. Participants were encouraged to bring their product samples to display at the workshop.
The COMESA Federation of Women in Business Eswatini Chapter hosted a 2-day competitiveness face to face training/workshop for women’s business associations and their members. The workshop dubbed “THE TRADE READINESS TRAINING” was for women and youth entrepreneurs who are ready to export their products and took place on the 30th and 31st of March 2022.
To carry out this activity, COMFWB partnered with The International Trade Centre (ITC) to maximize trade opportunities for women entrepreneurs under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This is a project under the framework of the Intentional Trade Centre’s (ITC) She Trades Commonwealth project funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
The official opening of the workshop was graced by Mr. Mluleki Dlamini, the Director of Micro, Small, Medium, Enterprises, which is a department under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry& Trade. The Media, as well as 34 export-ready women and youth entrepreneurs, were also in attendance
Opening the ceremony was the Chapter Chairperson, Honourable Thandi Nxumalo, who passed her appreciation towards the ITC, FCDO, as well as the COMFWB Secretariat for recognising the chapter and making sure that it participates in projects that empower the women and youth entrepreneurs in the Kingdom. She continued to appreciate the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade for always showing up when the chapter requests for their assistance and for making sure that the entrepreneurs in the country are well taken of. Honourable Thandi urged all participants to be attentive to the training and make sure they participate by asking questions where they need answers and also practice whatever it is that they would learn from the training so that their business can grow and improve for a better economy.
Mr. Mluleki Dlamini, The Director of the MSMEs in Eswatini, ushered critical points that the participants needed to note as they begin to export their products. Dlamini mentioned that there is a great market opportunity in the AfCFTA but quality and standards have to be met at all costs to avoid losses. He mentioned that those making edible products need to make sure that they indicate all the components or ingredients in their products so that consumers can make informed choices, especially for their health. He advised the entrepreneurs to be cautious on the shipment of their products, noting that some goods may be in good condition when they leave the country but may reach their destination spoilt if not properly packed and transported. He then, in closing encouraged the participants to work hard in improving their products and mentioned that the MSME department is more than willing to help all entrepreneurs where they require help.
The two-day workshop was held at the Thokoza Anglican Conference Centre which is situated in Mbabane, the Capital City of the Kingdom of Eswatini. Participants were encouraged to bring their product samples to display at the workshop.
