African Women Unite to Drive Intra-Continental Trade Onward

By Staff Reporter

In a landmark move to strengthen economic integration and women-led entrepreneurship across the continent, the Continental Network for Women’s Business Associations in Africa (CONWOBAA) , was officially launched during the inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting held last week.

The network, which brings together over 102 women’s business associations from six African regions, was facilitated by the International Trade Centre (ITC) , in collaboration with the African Union Commission, under the SheTrades and One Trade Africa initiatives.

The launch took place on July 29, 2025, marking a significant milestone in advancing intra-African trade for women entrepreneurs.

CONWOBAA aims to increase intra-African trade by empowering women entrepreneurs with access to markets, resources, and policy support within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Association also revealed its newly elected leadership, with Dimakatso Malwela of South Africa, President of Women of Value South Africa (WOVSA), serving as the inaugural Chairperson. She is joined by Fanja Razakaboana from Madagascar as Deputy Chairperson, Laura Akunga Mwenje of Kenya as Treasurer, and Mabel Ibidun Quarshie of Ghana as Secretary.

The board includes regional representatives from across the continent, such as Sitti Abdallah Mshangama (Comoros), Brbara Banda (Malawi), Yomita El Sheridy (Egypt), Leila Belkhira Jaber (Tunisia), Blessing Irabor-Oza (Nigeria), Nicole Gakou Gomis (Senegal), Betty Mulanga Kadima (DRC), Esther Omam (Cameroon), and Dr. Nigest Haile (Ethiopia).

Speaking at the unveiling, Ms. Dorothy Tembo, ITC Deputy Executive Director, highlighted the association’s potential to transform market access for women-led enterprises, stating, “This Network underpins ITC’s broader efforts to create real market opportunities for women in trade.”

In her acceptance speech, Chairperson Dimakatso Malwela emphasized the importance of tackling structural challenges faced by women in business, including limited access to finance, gender bias, and weak support networks. “As the Association looks to the future, we will seize opportunities to advance policies that address these challenges,” she stated.

CONWOBAA has been strategically designed to help women entrepreneurs navigate cross-border trade under AfCFTA, creating avenues for sustainable business growth and broader economic participation.

In conclusion, the launch of CONWOBAA marks a trans-formative step toward economic inclusivity and empowerment of African women entrepreneurs. As the network gains momentum, it is poised to unlock new cross-border trade opportunities and shape inclusive policies that support the growth and resilience of women-led enterprises across the continent.

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