CONWOBAA Launched to Strengthen Intra-African Trade Among Women Entrepreneurs

• The Continental Network for Women's Business Associations in Africa (CONWOBAA) was launched formally in Johannesburg, South Africa
• The project is set to boost intra-African trade under the leadership of women entrepreneurs
• It is supported by the African Women in Paradise (AWIP) Pavilion in association with ITC's SheTrades and One Trade Africa strategies

The Continental Network for Women's Business Associations in Africa (CONWOBAA) was launched officially during the first Global SME Ministerial Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. CONWOBAA is committed to increasing intra-African trade by empowering women's businesses.

Backed by the International Trade Centre (ITC), in partnership with the African Union Commission and the AWIP Pavilion, CONWOBAA is a component of the ITC's SheTrades and One Trade Africa plans. The network unites 102 women's business associations across West, North, Central, East, and Southern Africa as well as the Indian Ocean.

The association also revealed its leadership, with South Africa's Dimakatso Malwela, President of Women of Value South Africa (WOVSA), appointed as the first chairperson. She will be accompanied by Vice Chairperson Fanja Razakaboana, President of the Madagascar Women Entrepreneurs Association (GFEM).

Notable members of the executive board are Kenya's Laura Akunga Mwenje—Founder, CEO of Benchmark Solutions Limited and AWEP Kenya Chairperson—who serves as treasurer, and Mabel Ibidun Quarshie, CEO of Acquatic Foods Limited, Ghana, who serves as secretary.

Other board members represent parts of the continent, including Sitti Abdallah Mshangama (Comoros), Barbara Banda (Malawi), Yomita El Sheridy (Egypt), Leila Belkhira Jaber (Tunisia), Dr. Blessing Irabor-Oza (Nigeria), Nicole Gakou Gomis (Senegal), Betty Mulanga Kadima (DR Congo), Esther Omam (Cameroon), and Dr. Nigest Haile (Ethiopia).

Dorothy Tembo, Deputy Executive Director of ITC, stressed the value of the network in bringing together women's business associations from across Africa and facilitating market access via SheTrades and One Trade Africa.

During her acceptance speech, Malwela noted that the network is strategically positioned to solve some major challenges facing women entrepreneurs, which include distorted access to capital, gender stereotyping, support networks, and low self-esteem. He also added that the association will play a crucial role in influencing policies that empower women to overcome such challenges.

CONWOBAA aims to enable women entrepreneurs to harness the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which unlocks opportunities for cross-border trade and sustainable development.

“This dynamic network is led by women who are not only successful business leaders but also strong advocates for women’s economic empowerment. We’re excited to see how CONWOBAA will enable women to harness the potential of AfCFTA and scale their businesses across Africa,” said Tembo.