Written By |
Continental Network for Women’s Business Associations in Africa Board
Search
Johannesburg, South Africa — A major milestone for women entrepreneurs across Africa was marked last week with the official unveiling of the Continental Network for Women’s Business Associations in Africa (CONWOBAA). The launch took place at the inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The newly formed network, facilitated by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in partnership with the African Union Commission, brings together 102 women’s business associations from all six regions of the continent: West Africa, North Africa, East Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa, and the Indian Ocean region.
CONWOBAA is part of ITC’s broader initiatives under its SheTrades and One Trade Africa strategies. It is also supported by the AWIP Pavilion, and aims to enhance women’s participation in intra-African trade, especially within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Leadership elected
The association also unveiled its inaugural leadership team:
Chairperson: Dimakatso Malwela, President of Women of Value South Africa (WOVSA)
Deputy Chairperson: Ms. Fanja Razakaboana, President of the Madagascar Women Entrepreneurs Association (GFEM)
Treasurer: Laura Akunga Mwenje of Kenya, Founder and CEO of Benchmark Solutions Ltd, and Chairperson of AWEP Kenya
Secretary: Ms. Mabel Ibidun Quarshie, CEO of Acquatic Foods Ltd, Ghana
Board Members representing various regions include:
A platform for real impact
Speaking at the unveiling, Dorothy Tembo, ITC’s Deputy Executive Director, emphasized the significance of the network. “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 real market access for women-led enterprises.”
The initiative is designed to help women entrepreneurs navigate challenges and seize cross-border trade opportunities offered by the AfCFTA.
Dorothy Tembo
Addressing challenges facing women entrepreneurs
In her acceptance remarks, Chairperson Dimakatso Malwela noted that the Association is well-positioned to tackle key obstacles faced by women in business.
“Women entrepreneurs face a multitude of challenges — limited access to finance, gender bias, lack of strong support networks, and more. CONWOBAA will work to influence policies that address these barriers and empower women to launch, grow, and sustain successful businesses,” she said.
Looking ahead
With a diverse and experienced leadership team, CONWOBAA is poised to be a game-changer for women in trade across the continent. The association’s formation marks a significant step toward inclusive economic growth and integration under the AfCFTA.
“This powerful network is led by women who are not only running successful businesses but also advocating for the growth of women-led enterprises. We look forward to its continued expansion and the opportunities it will create,” Ms. Tembo concluded.
Torch Media Africa
