As a Board Member of the Continental Network for Women’s Business Associations (WBAs) in Africa, I was honored to participate in the « Unlocking Opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area for Women (HerAfCFTA) » event in Addis Ababa, organized by UNDP Ethiopia , the UNDP Regional Service Center for Africa, and Center for Accelerated Women’s Economic Empowerment.
This gathering was a powerful platform to highlight the role of women-led businesses in intra-African trade and the urgent need for gender-inclusive economic policies.
Key Takeaways from the Event :
- Women entrepreneurs must be at the forefront of AfCFTA implementation. We are not just participants in trade—we are key drivers of economic transformation.
- Access to finance, cross-border regulations, and market linkages remain challenges. However, through networks like WBAs Africa, we are working to create solutions that empower women in business.
- Collaboration is our strength. By connecting women business associations across Africa, we can build a stronger, more inclusive trade ecosystem.
This event reinforced the mission of WBAs Africa : to unite, empower, and advocate for women entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to thrive in the AfCFTA era.
Next Steps : As a board, we are committed to strengthening partnerships, advocating for gender-sensitive trade policies, and providing women entrepreneurs with the resources they need to scale their businesses across Africa.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Nigest Haile and the organizers for an impactful discussion. This is just the beginning—together, we will shape a future where women entrepreneurs lead Africa’s trade revolution!