African women in business have launched a new lobbying network, the Continental Network for Women’s Business Associations in Africa (CONWOBAA), to boost intra-African trade. This initiative was unveiled at the Global SME Ministerial Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking a significant step to empower women entrepreneurs across the continent.

• The network brings together 102 women’s business associations from various African regions.
• Dimakatso Malwela, President of Women of Value South Africa (WOVSA), was elected the first chairperson of CONWOBAA.
• Kenya’s Laura Akunga Mwenje, Founder and CEO of Benchmark Solutions Ltd, was elected the treasurer of the Association.