THE COMFWB AWARDS 2026: Celebrating excellence, fueling innovation, inspiring Africa’s future
Through the annual COMFWB Awards, the COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) reaffirms its commitment to trailblazing leadership, economic resilience, and transformative innovation across Africa. Far more than a ceremonial night, this flagship platform shines a brilliant spotlight on the visionaries, emerging forces, and game-changing organizations actively powering trade, job creation, and sustainable prosperity throughout the 21 COMESA Member States.
Unveiled during the prestigious 7th COMFWB Trade Fair (CTF7) Gala Dinner, this year's accolades celebrate the full spectrum of our vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem—from bold innovators dismantling old paradigms to dynamic national chapters accelerating cross-border growth.
RECOGNIZING OUR 2026 VISIONARIES & CHAMPIONS
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- ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR – “SHE LEADS” EXCELLENCE AWARD
HATS OFF TO DR. DEEPIKA PANCHOO YASHASVINEE (MAURITIUS)
Dr. Deepika Panchoo Yashasvinee—a stellar member of the National Women Entrepreneur Council (NWEC), the COMFWB Mauritius Chapter—is fundamentally reshaping the intersection of higher education and technology. As the mastermind behind the Confederation of International Talents Ltd (CIT), Dr. Deepika shattered historical financial barriers by pioneering a revolutionary 100% tuition scholarship model delivering UK-accredited qualifications. Beyond her corporate leadership, she actively mentors women entrepreneurs in AI mastery and digital literacy through NWEC. She stands as a brilliant testament that bold commercial success and profound social impact go hand-in-hand.
2. EMERGING START-UP AWARD
STANDING OVATION FOR SOUAD SOLAYMAN (LIBYA)
Representing COMFWB Libya, Tripoli-based powerhouse Souad Solayman has turned vision into high-impact reality as the founder of Jasminalsham, a dynamic manufacturing force. Over nearly a decade of strategic leadership, Souad has scaled her enterprise from a local venture into a competitive player across international export markets. By driving value addition and industrial development in Libya, her company has created vital jobs, proving how resilience and regional trade networks can transform local communities.
3. SPARK ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD (AGES 18–35)
WARMEST APPLAUSE FOR IDAH GONDWE (ZAMBIA)
Named the 2026 SPARK Most Promising Startup Winner, Idah Gondwe—Chief Visionary Officer of Promaid Cleaning Service Ltd in Lusaka—is radically redefining facilities management through green technology and service perfection. Yet Idah’s true genius lies in her commitment to lifting others as she climbs. An alumna of Standard Chartered Women in Tech and Women Creating Wealth, she delivers free, transformative skills training to rural and market-based women, connecting them directly to fair-wage employment and economic independence.
4. BEST EXHIBITOR AT CTF7
KUDOS TO THE COMFWB MADAGASCAR CHAPTER (GFEM)
The "Groupement des Femmes Entrepreneurs de Madagascar" (GFEM), under the dynamic leadership of Chairperson Fanja Razaka, completely stole the show in the CTF7 exhibition hall! The GFEM pavilion was a masterclass in design, capturing the imagination of international buyers and beautifully showcasing the vibrant diversity, craftsmanship, and economic potential of Madagascar’s local industries.
5. BEST COMFWB CHAPTER
THREE CHEERS FOR THE COMFWB KENYA CHAPTER (FOWEK)
Since its powerful revitalization in 2022, the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Kenya (FOWEK), spearheaded by Chairperson Vicky Karuga, has established itself as an unstoppable advocate for over 300 women entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders. FOWEK has successfully positioned Kenyan women at the absolute center of national trade, investment, and employment creation.
6. BEST YOUNG COMFWB LEADER (COUNTRY PROGRAM OFFICER)
Saluting Mrs. Emma Chomo (Malawi)
Serving as Country Program Officer for the National Association of Women in Business (COMFWB Malawi Chapter) alongside Chairperson Selina Mwenelupembe, Emma Chomo has been a relentless engine of progress since 2023. Known for her infectious passion and operational agility, Emma empowers Malawian businesswomen daily. Reflecting on her award, Emma shared: "Working with women entrepreneurs is a deeply rewarding journey—their passion inspires me to keep growing as a leader every single day."
7-SPECIAL CTF7 AWARD FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS WITH DISABILITY
The Special CTF7 AWARD for Women Entrepreneurs with Disability has been awarded to the inspiring Evelyne Nibogora, member of Association "Des Femmes d'Affaires Du Burundi" - AFAB _ the COMFWB Burundi Chapter!
Evelyne’s journey with her business, "Atelier Bel@rt Model", is a beautiful story of pure grit and resilience. Mother of three, Evelyne started her fashion styling and art business from home back in 2010 because she couldn't afford rent.
Despite facing a physical disability and tight resources, she never gave up. She pushed through every single barrier
Today, Evelyne:
-Owns her own thriving workshop
-Operates successfully in the formal economic sector
-Showcases her talent across East Africa (DRC, Rwanda, Tanzania)
-Hits a remarkable annual turnover
Evelyne didn't just build a business; she built a legacy of courage.
LIGHTING THE PATH FORWARD
The 2026 COMFWB Awards honored more than individual triumphs—they celebrated the perseverance, creativity, and unity of women who are actively drafting Africa’s economic future. Held before institutional leaders, international trade partners, and delegates from across the continent, the ceremony highlighted the joint vision of COMFWB and COMESA: building an integrated, inclusive, and prosperous Africa driven by empowered women leaders.
Every barrier broken today lights the trail for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. To all our 2026 winners and nominees: your success is our collective pride!
Through the annual COMFWB Awards, the COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) reaffirms its commitment to trailblazing leadership, economic resilience, and transformative innovation across Africa. Far more than a ceremonial night, this flagship platform shines a brilliant spotlight on the visionaries, emerging forces, and game-changing organizations actively powering trade, job creation, and sustainable prosperity throughout the 21 COMESA Member States.
Unveiled during the prestigious 7th COMFWB Trade Fair (CTF7) Gala Dinner, this year's accolades celebrate the full spectrum of our vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem—from bold innovators dismantling old paradigms to dynamic national chapters accelerating cross-border growth.
RECOGNIZING OUR 2026 VISIONARIES & CHAMPIONS
-----------------------------------
- ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR – “SHE LEADS” EXCELLENCE AWARD
HATS OFF TO DR. DEEPIKA PANCHOO YASHASVINEE (MAURITIUS)
Dr. Deepika Panchoo Yashasvinee—a stellar member of the National Women Entrepreneur Council (NWEC), the COMFWB Mauritius Chapter—is fundamentally reshaping the intersection of higher education and technology. As the mastermind behind the Confederation of International Talents Ltd (CIT), Dr. Deepika shattered historical financial barriers by pioneering a revolutionary 100% tuition scholarship model delivering UK-accredited qualifications. Beyond her corporate leadership, she actively mentors women entrepreneurs in AI mastery and digital literacy through NWEC. She stands as a brilliant testament that bold commercial success and profound social impact go hand-in-hand.
2. EMERGING START-UP AWARD
STANDING OVATION FOR SOUAD SOLAYMAN (LIBYA)
Representing COMFWB Libya, Tripoli-based powerhouse Souad Solayman has turned vision into high-impact reality as the founder of Jasminalsham, a dynamic manufacturing force. Over nearly a decade of strategic leadership, Souad has scaled her enterprise from a local venture into a competitive player across international export markets. By driving value addition and industrial development in Libya, her company has created vital jobs, proving how resilience and regional trade networks can transform local communities.
3. SPARK ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD (AGES 18–35)
WARMEST APPLAUSE FOR IDAH GONDWE (ZAMBIA)
Named the 2026 SPARK Most Promising Startup Winner, Idah Gondwe—Chief Visionary Officer of Promaid Cleaning Service Ltd in Lusaka—is radically redefining facilities management through green technology and service perfection. Yet Idah’s true genius lies in her commitment to lifting others as she climbs. An alumna of Standard Chartered Women in Tech and Women Creating Wealth, she delivers free, transformative skills training to rural and market-based women, connecting them directly to fair-wage employment and economic independence.
4. BEST EXHIBITOR AT CTF7
KUDOS TO THE COMFWB MADAGASCAR CHAPTER (GFEM)
The "Groupement des Femmes Entrepreneurs de Madagascar" (GFEM), under the dynamic leadership of Chairperson Fanja Razaka, completely stole the show in the CTF7 exhibition hall! The GFEM pavilion was a masterclass in design, capturing the imagination of international buyers and beautifully showcasing the vibrant diversity, craftsmanship, and economic potential of Madagascar’s local industries.
5. BEST COMFWB CHAPTER
THREE CHEERS FOR THE COMFWB KENYA CHAPTER (FOWEK)
Since its powerful revitalization in 2022, the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Kenya (FOWEK), spearheaded by Chairperson Vicky Karuga, has established itself as an unstoppable advocate for over 300 women entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders. FOWEK has successfully positioned Kenyan women at the absolute center of national trade, investment, and employment creation.
6. BEST YOUNG COMFWB LEADER (COUNTRY PROGRAM OFFICER)
Saluting Mrs. Emma Chomo (Malawi)
Serving as Country Program Officer for the National Association of Women in Business (COMFWB Malawi Chapter) alongside Chairperson Selina Mwenelupembe, Emma Chomo has been a relentless engine of progress since 2023. Known for her infectious passion and operational agility, Emma empowers Malawian businesswomen daily. Reflecting on her award, Emma shared: "Working with women entrepreneurs is a deeply rewarding journey—their passion inspires me to keep growing as a leader every single day."
7-SPECIAL CTF7 AWARD FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS WITH DISABILITY
The Special CTF7 AWARD for Women Entrepreneurs with Disability has been awarded to the inspiring Evelyne Nibogora, member of Association "Des Femmes d'Affaires Du Burundi" - AFAB _ the COMFWB Burundi Chapter!
Evelyne’s journey with her business, "Atelier Bel@rt Model", is a beautiful story of pure grit and resilience. Mother of three, Evelyne started her fashion styling and art business from home back in 2010 because she couldn't afford rent.
Despite facing a physical disability and tight resources, she never gave up. She pushed through every single barrier
Today, Evelyne:
-Owns her own thriving workshop
-Operates successfully in the formal economic sector
-Showcases her talent across East Africa (DRC, Rwanda, Tanzania)
-Hits a remarkable annual turnover
Evelyne didn't just build a business; she built a legacy of courage.
LIGHTING THE PATH FORWARD
The 2026 COMFWB Awards honored more than individual triumphs—they celebrated the perseverance, creativity, and unity of women who are actively drafting Africa’s economic future. Held before institutional leaders, international trade partners, and delegates from across the continent, the ceremony highlighted the joint vision of COMFWB and COMESA: building an integrated, inclusive, and prosperous Africa driven by empowered women leaders.
Every barrier broken today lights the trail for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. To all our 2026 winners and nominees: your success is our collective pride!
