In a groundbreaking move aimed at revolutionizing women’s entrepreneurship across the continent, Njomo Omam Esther, the Executive Director of Reach Out Cameroon and a recognized Global Peace Champion, is at the forefront of the newly established Continental Network for Women Business Associations in Africa (CONWOBAA).
This ambitious initiative, facilitated by the International Trade Centre (ITC), according to Omam Esther, promises to enhance trade opportunities for women-led businesses, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that paves the way for economic empowerment and sustainable enterprise development.
Reflecting on the mission of CONWOBAA, the Global Peace Champion noted, “When women move, Africa rises.” This powerful mantra encapsulates the essence of the network, which unites over 102 Women Business Associations (WBAs) from diverse regions, including West Africa, North Africa, the Indian Ocean, Central Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa.
She emphasized that the primary goal of the association is to bolster trade among women entrepreneurs within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), ensuring access to cross-border opportunities that can transform their businesses.
Beyond her continental advocacy, Omam Esther has directly empowered thousands of women and girls through economic security programs in Cameroon’s most vulnerable communities. Through a robust poverty graduation approach which she coordinates many women have transitioned from dependency to entrepreneurship. Today, they are successful petit traders and small-scale business owners, increasing household incomes, supporting education, and contributing to the stability of their communities. “Economic empowerment is peacebuilding in action,” she often says, grounding her efforts in practical, people-centered development.
As a passionate advocate for women’s rights and economic inclusion, Omam Esther's role in spearheading this initiative is not merely professional; according to her, it is deeply personal. “Our vision is to change the business narrative for African women,” she explains. “By harnessing the collective strength of women entrepreneurs across the continent, we can create an impact that transcends borders.”
According to the CONWOBAA board member, the launch of the association is set for July 24, 2024, during the Global Ministerial Conference on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Johannesburg, South Africa.
At this event, Ms. Tembo, Deputy Executive Director of ITC, will unveil the Board Members who will guide this transformative movement. Additionally, a session dedicated to unlocking access to finance for women-led enterprises, organized by Women of Value Southern Africa (WOVSA), will further amplify this crucial conversation about support for women in business.
She insists that the establishment of CONWOBAA comes at a pivotal moment when women entrepreneurs in Africa face numerous challenges, from limited access to finance to inadequate networking opportunities.
However, with Esther’s leadership and the collective efforts of dynamic women leaders across the continent, there is a renewed sense of hope and potential. “This network will serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, mentorship, and collaboration,” Esther affirms. “Together, we rise. Together, we trade. Together, we transform Africa.”
The significance of CONWOBAA extends beyond the immediate benefits for women entrepreneurs; it represents a shift in economic dynamics within Africa, the Executive Director of Reach Out Cameroon opines, adding that "By empowering women-led businesses, the initiative is poised to create jobs, stimulate local economies, and contribute to the overall growth and stability of the region."
As Njomo Omam Esther continues her mission to advocate for women’s empowerment and economic equity, her leadership in the establishment of CONWOBAA cements her role as a catalyst for change. With the support of this innovative network, the future looks promising for women entrepreneurs in Africa, as they stand ready to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
In the words of Esther, “From local vision to continental impact, African women are changing the business narrative.” And as they unite under CONWOBAA, the vision of a prosperous, equitable Africa is increasingly within reach.
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