Kenya: Laura Akunga Mwenje, the Founder and CEO of Benchmark Solutions Limited and Chairperson of the African Women Entrepreneurship Programme (AWEP) Kenya and Secretariat, has been elected as the treasurer of the Continental Network for Women's Business Associations in Africa (CONWOBAA).
According to Kenya News Agency, the Association has also appointed South Africa's Dimakatso Malwela, President of Women of Value South Africa (WOVSA), as its first chairperson. She will be supported by Ms. Fanja Razakaboana, President of the Madagascar Women Entrepreneurs Association (GFEM), as deputy. Ms. Mabel Ibidun Quarshie, CEO of Acquatic Foods Limited Ghana, will serve as the Secretary of the Association.
Additional regional representatives on the Association's Board include Ms. Sitti Abdallah Mshangama (Comoros), Ms. Brbara 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 (Democratic Republic of Congo), Ms. Esther Omam (Cameroon), and Dr. Nigest Haile (Ethiopia).
The network, facilitated by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in collaboration with the African Union Commission, unites over 100 women business associations from West Africa, North Africa, Indian Ocean, Central Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa. It aims to enhance intra-African trade.
'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 through SheTrades and One Trade Africa to create real market access for women-led enterprises,' stated ITC Deputy Executive Director Dorothy Tembo during the unveiling of the association's leadership.
CONWOBAA is structured to facilitate trade for women entrepreneurs through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aiding members of the WBAs in accessing cross-border trade opportunities and building sustainable businesses.
'This powerful network is led by women in leadership who are successfully running businesses and advocating for the growth of women-led enterprises across Africa. We look forward to the continued growth of this network and the opportunities it will create for women entrepreneurs across Africa to leverage on AfCFTA and elevate their businesses to new heights,' Ms. Tembo added.