Kenya’s Laura Akunga Mwenje, Founder and CEO of Benchmark Solutions Limited and Chairperson of the African Women Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) Kenya and Secretariat, has been elected Treasurer of the Continental Network for Women’s Business Associations in Africa (CONWOBAA).
The election marks a significant milestone for women’s economic empowerment across Africa, as the newly formed network aims to promote intra-African trade and strengthen collaboration among women-led business associations.
Alongside Ms. Akunga’s election, the Association unveiled its leadership team:
- Dimakatso Malwela (South Africa) — President of Women of Value South Africa (WOVSA) — Chairperson
- Fanja Razakaboana (Madagascar) — President of Madagascar Women Entrepreneurs Association (GFEM) — Vice Chairperson
- Mabel Ibidun Quarshie (Ghana) — CEO of Acquatic Foods Limited Ghana — Secretary
Other board representatives 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 (DRC), Ms. Esther Omam (Cameroon), and Dr. Nigest Haile (Ethiopia).
CONWOBAA, facilitated by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), unites over 102 women’s business associations from six regions across Africa:
- West Africa
- North Africa
- Indian Ocean
- Central Africa
- East Africa
- Southern Africa
Its primary goal is to boost the participation of women-led enterprises in cross-border trade, leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking during the announcement, Dorothy Tembo, ITC Deputy Executive Director, highlighted the importance of the network in driving inclusive 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.”
She added that CONWOBAA will open new opportunities for women entrepreneurs:
“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 seeing members leverage AfCFTA to elevate their businesses to new heights.”
For Kenya, Ms. Akunga’s election signals greater representation for local women entrepreneurs on the continental stage. Through her leadership role, AWEP Kenya and other women-led associations in the country are expected to access broader markets, benefit from cross-border trade initiatives, and forge partnerships across Africa.
