2nd Global Women Entrepreneurs Fair and Forum

The  theme  of  the  2nd  Global  Women   Entrepreneurs  Trade Fair and Investment  Forum, held from 15 to 23 October 1998 in Addis Ababa, was credit   and   direct    foreign   investment   for   African    women's entrepreneurial  participation  in  the  global economy. Hosted by the Ethiopian Women Entrepreneurs Association (EWEA) in collaboration with the  African  Federation  of  Women  Entrepreneurs   (AFWE),  UNDP, the ECA/ACW  among  others,  the occasion was used to maximize exchange of information  on  best  practices,   product  development  and  enhanced marketing.

Many  women  from  various parts of Africa participated at the Fair and   Forum,  exhibiting  and  networking.  The  Fair   turned out to be largely  an African business affair, since the critical mass of buyers and investors from North America, Europe and Asia did not materialize. Businesswomen showed up from Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra  Leone,  Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, USA and Zambia, as well as  representatives of non-governmental and UN and other international agencies.   The  exhibition   featured mostly clothing and accessories, handicrafts  and  processed   food items, including packaged flours and spices from West Africa.

An  exhibitor said that this was only the second fair in the series planned  and   the  training  and  exposure  factor was very important. Business  was  done,  contacts were made, and the women shared success stories and strategies. 'Our cries are getting louder,' she said, 'buy Ethiopian.   Buy Ghanaian. 'Trade with Africa.  Invest in Africa!'

In the panels and workshops that took place, participants discussed issues  linked   to credit facilities for women entrepreneurs, the need for  appropriate   technology adapted to raise the productivity and the quality  of   products, as well as the use of Information Communication Technology   in    production   and   marketing  of  goods.     Training institutions,  professional  associations, NGOs among others were also urged  to do more training in basic business skills, while governments were  urged  to  make suitable land available for business, and ensure micro-financing within a legal and commercial environment that enables
rather than stifle and impede.

The  Communiqué  and Declaration issued clearly detail the areas in which African women entrepreneurs need assistance to build capacity to compete  in  a global economy.   The OAU and the ECA were called on to assist  and   train  women  to  take  advantage of trade agreements and quotas that boost exports.

The  Awards  Dinner  and  Fashion Show that followed, attended Mrs. Tadelech  Haile  Michael,  Minister  of  Women's  Affairs in the Prime Minister's  Office,  Ethiopia,  Mrs.  Yeshimebet Tessema, President of EWEA,  and  Mrs.  Lucia  Quachey, President of AFWE ended the Fair and Forum  with  a  flair and flourish.  The next Fair and Forum may be in
the  USA  in  two  years  time.   So, get ready women entrepreneurs of Africa!