Women take Lead at Intra-Africa Trade Fair 2023

The 2023 Intra-Africa Trade Fair had a considerable increase in female exhibitor presence, indicating a big step forward in empowering women in business. Zimbabwe's trade promotion agency, ZimTrade, has championed programs to support women-driven companies, most notably through the Next She Exporter program, which caters to firms owned or primarily managed by women.

This action is consistent with Zimbabwe's commitment to promote gender equality in economic realms, and it resonates with President Mnangagwa's vision of fair development. Exhibitors such as Choice Rusike and Paula Mazvita, in particular, have illustrated the program's effect, praising the government's support for women-led enterprises and their integration into global trade systems.

Rusike, the Next She Exporter program's 2023 winner, expressed excitement about the expanding presence of women in business, underlining the transformational influence of such efforts in breaking down obstacles for female entrepreneurs. Mazvita reiterated the sentiment, recognizing the accomplishments while emphasizing the need for further finance and capacity building.

The growing female presence at the trade show aligns with the wider objective of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), giving an ideal opportunity for female entrepreneurs to reach a market of over 1.3 billion people and a GDP of around US$3.5 trillion.

Organizers have offered continuous support and resources to further empower women in trade and commerce, including ZimTrade, the International Trade Centre, Afreximbank, and the African Union. The collective focus continues to be on creating an environment in which women-led enterprises may thrive, enabling their meaningful involvement in the global economy.