African Women in Business Unveil Association to Boost Intra‑African Trade

A historic milestone was reached last week with the launch of the Continental Network for Women’s Business Associations in Africa (CONWOBAA), a groundbreaking platform designed to strengthen intra-African trade through the empowerment of women entrepreneurs. The association was unveiled during the inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Facilitated by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in partnership with the African Union Commission and supported by the African Women in Business Pavilion (AWIP) under ITC’s SheTrades and One Trade Africa strategies, CONWOBAA brings together over 102 women’s business associations from six regions: West Africa, North Africa, East Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa, and the Indian Ocean.

ITC Deputy Executive Director Dorothy Tembo described the initiative as a critical step toward enabling real market access for women-led enterprises across the continent. “We are delighted to bring together women’s business associations from across Africa to advance intra-African trade. This network underpins ITC’s broader efforts to create market access and long-term impact,” she said.

The association’s leadership was also announced, with Dimakatso Malwela, President of Women of Value South Africa (WOVSA), elected as CONWOBAA’s inaugural Chairperson. She will be deputized by Fanja Razakaboana, President of the Madagascar Women Entrepreneurs Association (GFEM). 

Laura Akunga Mwenje of Kenya, Founder and CEO of Benchmark Solutions and Chairperson of AWEP Kenya, will serve as Treasurer, while Ghana’s Mabel Ibidun Quarshie, CEO of Acquatic Foods Limited, has been named Secretary.

The board includes a strong regional representation: Ms. Sitti Abdallah Mshangama (Comoros), Ms. Barbara Banda (Malawi), Ms. Yomita El Sheridy (Egypt), Ms. Leila Belkhira Jaber (Tunisia), Dr. Blessing Irabor-Oza (Nigeria), Ms. Nicole Gakou Gomis (Senegal), Ms. Betty Mulanga Kadima (DR Congo), Ms. Esther Omam (Cameroon), and Dr. Nigest Haile (Ethiopia).

In her acceptance speech, Ms. Malwela acknowledged the unique challenges facing women entrepreneurs across Africa. “Women face a multitude of barriers, limited access to funding, gender bias, work-life balance issues, and lack of strong networks. As an association, we will seize every opportunity to advance policies and create solutions that address these critical challenges,” she affirmed.

CONWOBAA is designed to be a driver of economic empowerment, helping women entrepreneurs leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand their businesses across borders. By facilitating access to regional markets, building support systems, and amplifying the voice of women in trade, the association is set to play a transformative role in Africa’s economic integration.

“This powerful network is led by women who not only run successful businesses but are also committed advocates for women’s economic growth. We are confident that CONWOBAA will unlock opportunities and raise the profile of women-led enterprises across the continent,” Ms. Tembo added.