Accelerating Women-Led Trade for Africa's Economic Transformation. Convened by OWIT Kenya and Kenya's State Department for Trade.
The Africa Women in Trade Forum (AWTF) 2026 is a premier, action-driven platform harnessing the transformative power of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to empower women-led enterprises. As Africa positions itself as a global economic powerhouse, AWTF connects women entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to unlock cross-border trade, foster industrial partnerships, and drive inclusive growth.
Women make up 70% of Africa's informal cross-border traders, yet only 15% of formal exports are women-led. AWTF 2026 exists to close that gap, turning AfCFTA's promise into practical, actionable opportunity across finance, markets, manufacturing, and digital trade.
AWTF is convened by the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) Kenya, established in 2001, in partnership with Kenya's State Department for Trade.
of women-led firms lack access to export financing.
of women-owned firms are integrated into regional manufacturing value chains.
Compliance costs for standards certification and digital adoption remain a major hurdle.
Five days of dialogue, learning, and action, from high-level policy conversations to hands-on trade-readiness labs.
Panels with AU officials, ministers & CEOs on inclusive trade strategy and AfCFTA implementation.
B2B matchmaking, trade exhibitions & deal rooms for immediate and lasting commercial partnerships.
Workshops on value addition, supply chain tech, industrial clusters & co-production opportunities.
Interactive sessions on digital tools, export compliance, e-commerce & investment pitching.
Roundtables with DFIs, investors, insurers & fintech innovators unlocking funding for women-led SMEs.
Gala dinners, cultural showcases & virtual extensions connecting delegates globally.
A Youth Conference followed by a two-day Main Conference, each building toward a shared set of continental outcomes.
Invest in high-impact initiatives that deliver social returns alongside business value, with direct access to 1,000+ women entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors across 50+ African nations.
Established in 2001, the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) Kenya is a business support organization built on four pillars: Access to Markets, Access to Finance, Capacity Building, and Mentorship. OWIT Kenya operates through a global network of 30 chapters, 11 of them in Africa, and has impacted more than 5,000 women to date, with a footprint across the Rift and Central regions and expansion underway.
Inclusive trade is not just about fairness. It is about unlocking the $3.4 trillion of our continent.