This forum presents a unique opportunity for African women actively engaged in value-added processing to showcase their businesses in Africa’s largest trade fair, which highlights the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Key Objectives:
• Facilitate market access for women-led enterprises involved in processing.
• Connect participants with investors, financers, and strategic market linkages.
• Provide expert-led training on export readiness, quality infrastructure, and branding.
• Showcase value-added products manufactured by African women entrepreneurs.
Expected Outcomes:
• Enhanced understanding of AfCFTA opportunities and market dynamics.
• Improved skills and capabilities in key business areas.
• Expanded professional networks and collaborative partnerships.
• Increased visibility for women-led processing enterprises.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Applicants must be African women entrepreneurs with established businesses in processing and value addition.
• Proficiency in English or French is required.
• Demonstrated business maturity and growth potential.
• Businesses that showcase innovative products, processes, or technologies, and those that significantly add value to local resources, will be prioritized.
• A demonstrated willingness to network, collaborate, and share best practices with other women entrepreneurs and stakeholders during and after the IATF.
Forum Format:
The AWIP Forum will feature:
• Expert panel discussions.
• Business-to-business (B2B) sessions.
• Targeted training workshops.
• Product exhibitions.
• Networking events.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should apply here
Application Timeline:
● Call for applications: 14 May 2025
● Application deadline 10 June 2025 by 23:59 EAT
● Announcement of selected participants: 14 July 2025
Contact Information:
For inquiries, please contact the African Women in Processing Forum via:
[email protected]
