Thursday 31 July 2025, Geneva, Switzerland – Parliamentary leaders from some 120 countries gathered at the United Nations Office at Geneva for the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, a summit convened every five years by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in partnership with the United Nations (UN).
The Conference, regarded as the world’s top parliamentary forum, was held from 29 to 31 July 2025. It gathered hundreds of participants, including 102 Speakers of Parliament, 34 Deputy Speakers, MPs, diplomats, UN officials, experts, and representatives from civil society, academia and the media.
The Conference took place amid rising global tensions and regional conflicts. After three days of debate and negotiations, the Speakers adopted a Declaration outlining the key transitions that are needed to advance peace, justice and prosperity, underpinned by a renewed commitment to deepen parliamentary engagement with the United Nations through a call for stronger and more effective multilateralism.
The Declaration highlights the need for greater collaboration and enhanced political will to tackle issues including climate change, armed conflict, economic instability and digital transformation. Parliamentary leaders underscored the view that global challenges require coordinated responses and solidarity among nations.
The Speakers also stressed the need to restore public trust in democracy and in its key institutions. The Declaration urges governments to fully integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals into national policy, to tackle the rise in misinformation, and to ensure that legislation is grounded in science and evidence.
Security, the parliamentarians declared, should not be viewed solely through a military lens. Instead, they called for a broader approach that addresses the root causes of insecurity, from poverty and inequality to environmental decline.
Gender equality was a central theme, shaped in part by the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament, which preceded the Conference. The Summit, co-hosted by the IPU and the Swiss Parliament, reinforced calls to put women’s empowerment and gender parity at the heart of efforts to build peace and foster innovation.
Discussions in Geneva covered the need for economic reform, with parliamentary leaders supporting a shift towards sustainable, people-centred models. The Declaration advocates for investment in the green and care sectors and calls for greater protection of vulnerable populations.
As part of its forward-looking agenda, the Conference also called for stronger regulation of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, ensuring they are governed responsibly and used peacefully, with respect for fundamental rights and for the benefit of all of society.
Quotes:
Michael Douglas, actor, activist and UN Messenger of Peace, opening the Conference, said: “When your faith is in short supply… look to [the] dreamers. To progress, and those who make it possible. Most of all: look to one another. To leaders willing to choose compromise over ego. To parliaments that act as lighthouses, amidst a tempest of authoritarianism. To legislative bodies, struggling towards inclusive democracy – but refusing to give up. And to the parliamentarians not just in here, but out there, linking arms with the people in the fight against cruelty, against corruption, against kings.”
Tulia Ackson, IPU President, said: “We are all products of our communities and of our interaction with others, starting with our parents, day after day, for our entire lives. In Africa we express this idea in one word: Ubuntu. Which roughly means: I am, because you are. Likewise, there is no such thing as a nation that can live and prosper in isolation from the rest of the world. There can be no national interest defined in total juxtaposition to what is good for the world as a whole. Now more than ever, as the world has grown smaller and more interdependent, countries need to work together to find solutions to their common problems.”
Maja Riniker, President of the National Council of Switzerland, said: “We must put gender equality at the very centre of peace and security, now. Conflicts disproportionately affecting women and girls, gender-based violence used as a weapon of war have to stop. Women must be in peace negotiations and peace processes equally with men. We must ensure they are not only present but empowered, supported and resourced to take decisions at every stage of diplomacy, conflict prevention, negotiations, and post-conflict recovery. We must also ensure that international humanitarian law is upheld and that the consequences of conflict are addressed in a gender-responsive manner.”
Tatiana Valovaya, Director General of the UN Office at Geneva, said: “The United Nations deeply values its cooperation with parliaments, which are the beating heart of democracy. Parliamentary leadership is indispensable to the multilateral system: you craft laws, shape budgets, and hold governments to account. We are very pleased that the new era for the Assembly Hall starts with this World Conference.”
Martin Chungong, IPU Secretary General, concluding, said: “Looking at the number of Speakers and other high-level parliamentarians who have gathered here in Geneva and spoken so passionately over the past two days about their priorities to build a better world, I am filled with a renewed hope. A renewed belief that there is a future for the multilateral system that the UN has been building for 80 years… and the IPU for 136 years. A belief that we are stronger together, that dialogue and diplomacy are better tools for solving problems than bullets and bombs, and that parliaments can play a key role in reinvigorating global cooperation.”
The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 181 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes peace, democracy and sustainable development. It helps parliaments become stronger, younger, greener, more innovative and gender-balanced. It also def
Australia – Average small business tax refund tops $5k: Tax tips and traps for business owners filing their tax return – CBA
With CommBank data showing most small business tax refunds are processed in the first quarter of a financial year, here are some tax tips for business owners on staying financially fit and scam aware.
Key facts:
- New CommBank data shows on average, small business owners received a tax return of around $5,000 for financial year 2024.
- The number of refunds processed between July and September in 2024 are 75 per cent higher than the average number processed in the prior three quarters.
- Mining contractors, electricians, plumbers, manufacturers, small agribusinesses, and wholesale traders can expect to get the highest tax returns this year.
According to the data, based on funds deposited into small business customer accounts by the Australian Tax Office (ATO), states with the highest average tax refunds are ACT and Queensland ($5,700), followed by Victoria ($5,300), NSW ($4,900) and WA ($4,800).
Interestingly, electricians and plumbing businesses top the list for average tax returns in NSW and TAS, mining contractors unsurprisingly for WA, and education and communication services for VIC, while small agriculture businesses top the average tax return in Queensland.
Mixed emotions as tax time rolls around
Drew Campbell, co-founder of boutique travel company Reveling – Nestled on the Gold Coast, Reveling is redefining luxury travel with a focus on immersive, small-group and private experiences across Australia and Africa. Co-founded by a team of passionate adventurers, the company is powered by a growing collective of guides, hosts, artisans, and creatives who share a love for meaningful connection through travel.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing people connect deeply with nature and community,” said Drew Campbell, co-founder of Reveling.
Since its inception, Reveling has carved out a niche in the high-end travel space, offering curated experiences that blend authenticity with elegance. But behind the scenes of dreamy destinations and bespoke itineraries lies the reality of running a small business – especially during tax time.
“Honestly, it’s a bit of both stress and excitement,” Mr Campbell admits.
“It’s a good checkpoint to assess how we’re tracking and tidy up any loose
Pacific -Nauru President says Govt made the right decision to develop China relationship
Nauru President David Adeang says the government’s decision in January 2024 to re-establish diplomatic relations with China has paid great divid
Economy – US Fed holds rates steady – but September cut now in focus: deVere CEO
July 30 2025 – The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady today, but the next step is increasingly clear. A cut is coming in September, and investors should be preparing now, predicts the CEO of one of the world's largest independent financial organizations.
“The decision to hold was expected, but it doesn't shift the path. The Fed has likely just bought itself eight more weeks before a pivot,” says Nigel Green, CEO of global financial advisory giant deVere Group.
“We now expect that by September, the underlying softness in the economy will make a cut not just justified, but necessary.”
The Fed kept the benchmark rate in its target range of 4.25% to 4.50%, where it has sat since December.
But what was notable this time wasn't the decision, it was the dissent.
“When key policymakers start breaking ranks, it tells you the consensus is cracking. The economy is changing faster than the narrative.”
The headline GDP figure – 3.0% annualized growth in the second quarter – painted a picture of strength.
However, the internals tell a different story. Imports plunged, flattering the overall print, while core domestic demand slowed sharply.
“The GDP number looked impressive at first glance, but it's built on a shrinking trade gap. That's not the foundation of enduring growth. Beneath it, private consumption and business investment are both showing signs of fatigue,” notes Nigel Green.
Consumer spending, while still positive, decelerated from the previous quarter. Americans are becoming more selective, more cautious – a shift that matters for investors trying to assess which parts of the market remain resilient.
“We're seeing a transition in behavior. People aren't panicking, but they're hesitating. They're thinking harder about how and where to spend. This shift will ripple across sectors, and smart investors will adjust early.”
With inflation continuing to ease, the Fed has room to move – and the broader economic signals are now pointing in the same direction.
“The case for cutting isn't built on fear, it's built on realism. Growth isn't reversing, but it is thinning out. The Fed has always said it's data-driven, and the data is evolving.”
The deVere Group chief executive believes today's pause gives investors a crucial window.
“This is the moment to recheck exposure, stress test assumptions, and reweight toward high-quality, globally diversified assets. If you're waiting for the official pivot to reposition, you may already be behind.”
Markets may respond positively in the short term to the Fed's steady hand, but that optimism could narrow once investors process the nuances of slowing demand and uneven sector performance.
“There's a difference between momentum and endurance. Right now, we're seeing the tail end of stimulus-driven resilience, but not a broad-based expansion. Positioning based on the headline alone is a mistake.”
deVere is advising clients to look beyond the binary of rate hikes or cuts, and to focus instead on portfolio durability in a world where growth is steady but no longer abundant.
“It would appear that we're entering a new phase of lower inflation, lower growth, and soon, lower rates. This rewards forward-thinking strategy over reaction.”
As central bankers weigh the incoming data and investors digest the mixed signals, it seems that September is shaping up to be a decisive month.
“Today's decision keeps the Fed in wait-and-see mode – but the waiting won't last much longer. We expect the first cut in September. Now is the time to prepare for it.”
deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients. It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.
Economy – KOF Economic Barometer: Economic outlook improves noticeably
In July, the KOF Economic Barometer increases noticeably, after decreasing to its lowest value of the year in the previous month. The outlook for the Swiss economy is brightening.
The KOF Economic Barometer increases in July by 4.8 points to a level of 101.1 (after revised 96.3 in the previous month). Among the indicator bundles included in the Economic Barometer, the indicators for manufacturing, for hospitality as well as for other services particularly reflect the positive developments. The indicators for foreign demand and for financial and insurance services, however, are under downward pressure.
The development of the indicator bundles within the producing industry (manufacturing and construction) is predominantly positive. In particular, the indicator bundles for stockpiling of intermediate goods, for the general business situation as well as for production activity exhibit a favourable outlook. While the indicators for the competitive situation are slightly weakening, the indicators for stocks of finished products remain nearly unaltered.
The sub-indicators of the manufacturing industry all show positive developments. The strong impetus is particularly reflected in the sub-indicators of the textile industry, the paper and printing products industry, the machinery and equipment manufacturing industry as well as of the wood, glass, stone and earth segment.
Note
Due to the publication of the revised national accounts at the end of September, the yearly update of the KOF Economic Barometer will be done in October. In previous years, KOF has published the yearly update in September.
Universities – Urban food production ticks all boxes for more sustainable living – here’s why – Flinders
Urban agriculture should be treated as a serious farming method to help meet the global ambitions of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, according to Flinders University researchers.
Well-managed food production both on city fringes and built-up areas is a vital part of building healthy communities – while also enhancing environmental and social resilience in an increasingly urban world, they say in a review of urban agriculture published in the journal Urban Forestry & Urban Greening.
“While not overstating the benefits, urban agriculture clearly has a role to play in achieving food security, urban sustainability, and fostering environmental stewardship,” says PhD candidate Hannah Thwaites, lead author of the study.
“We argue that more widespread and sustainable urban agriculture can help to address key issues of hunger, urbanisation, and finite resources to positively support people and the planet.”
The Flinders and University of Adelaide research found that growing food within urban areas from backyard scale and beyond can directly help to meet the 2030 completion of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Zero Hunger (SDG2), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG11) and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG12).
Applied effectively, urban agriculture also can help multiple targets sitting under a further nine of the 17 SDGs – Zero Poverty (SDG 1), Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG5), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG6), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG8), Reduced Inequalities (SDG10), Climate Action (SDG13) and Life on Land (SDG15).
Urban food production can occur in, around, under and on top of infrastructure – on private and public land – for consumption, distribution and sale.
The diversity of urban agricultural forms – from residential, community and allotment gardens, to rooftop farms, school gardens, and various scales of commercial farms – appear to add to its impact, and certainly its accessibility.
Along with providing healthy, affordable fresh food and opportunities for social connectedness and skills development, the environmental benefits include improved resource use and carbon footprint.
“Urban agriculture reconnects people with their food supply, builds resilient communities, improves community engagement, and the positive environmental outcomes includes mitigating against the effects of climate change,” adds Professor of Soil Ecology Tim Cavagnaro, a coauthor of the study.
To avoid an advocacy bias, the authors point out potential risks of urban farming, such as heavy metal contamination, along with mitigative strategies such as using raised garden beds and root barriers.
“Ultimately, contextualised and nuanced approaches are critical for achieving sustainable development aims and urban agriculture’s multidimensionality and diversity l
Human Rights – Indonesia on Watchlist as President Prabowo’s Government Crushes Civic Freedoms
- Violent arrests and attacks on protesters by security forces
- Journalists and human rights defenders intimidated with surveillance and threats
- Quick expansion of repressive laws sidestepping democracy.
Johannesburg, 30 July 2025 – Indonesia is added to CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist amid widespread state intimidation, legal manipulation, and violent crackdowns on dissent, pushing civic space to a precarious point. Nine months into President Prabowo Subianto's administration, dozens of activists have been attacked, intimidated or arrested. Authorities have crushed protests with violence, harassed human rights groups and journalists, and introduced restrictive legal revisions.
The CIVICUS Monitor currently rates Indonesia as “obstructed”, indicating serious challenges to the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. Indonesia joins Kenya, El Salvador, Serbia, Turkey, and the United States on the latest Watchlist of countries where there has been a notable decline in the state of civic freedoms.
“Speaking out is becoming a dangerous act in Indonesia's tightening environment,” said Josef Benedict, CIVICUS Monitor Asia researcher. “Anyone who criticises the government is being forced into silence through fear, violence, and intimidation.”
Silencing Human Rights Defenders and Stifling Protests
In the first six months of 2025, more than 100 human rights defenders have faced arrest, criminalisation, intimidation, or physical attacks, according to civil society. This includes land and environmental activists, student organisers, academics, labour advocates, and anti-corruption campaigners.
The crackdown is particularly evident at protests. In March, police and military units violently dispersed public demonstrations opposing military law revisions, which dramatically expanded military influence over civilian life and weakened oversight. Security forces assaulted several journalists covering the protests and forced them to erase footage of police violations.
During a peaceful protest on International Labor Day, police arrested 14 people, including paramedics, and physically assaulted 13 of them, resulting in serious injuries. No one was held accountable. Security forces also deployed tear gas and water cannons on demonstrators without provocation.
In Papua, police met student-led demonstrations in April with tear gas, arrests, and assaults. In May, police violently shut down a peaceful protest at Cenderawasih University (UNCEN) over rising tuition fees.
Authorities targeted the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), a leading human rights group, with sustained harassment and surveillance from March to May. Intimidation tactics included attempted break-ins at its Jakarta office, unknown vehicles loitering outside its premises, and calls flooding its lines including from a number allegedly linked to intelligence services.
Independent journalism faces growing hostility and intimidation too. One journalist from the critical Tempo outlet received a severed pig's head in the mail, was doxxed, and her relatives received online harassment and threats. Parliament also introduced a new regulation in March requiring foreign journalists to obtain police clearance prior to reporting inside Indonesia.
“In Indonesia today, human rights defenders, protesters, and journalists are being treated like enemies of the state. Even paramedics at protests risk being beaten by security forces. This isn't just a failure to protect people's rights. It reinforces the climate of impunity in the country,” said Benedict. “This is how civic space, including press freedom and the right to protest, dies. Not in one dramatic moment, but in a hundred acts of intimidation and retaliation.”
Legal Revisions Undermine Accountability
Besides the military law revisions, legislative proposals for the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) and the National Police Law could further empower law enforcement agencies without strengthening accountability mechanisms or protecting victims' rights.
Moreover, in June, the government entered a wiretapping agreement with four major telecommunications operators, dramatically increasing risks of mass surveillance and arbitrary data collection. Authorities also continue to wield the Electronic Information and Transactions Law to stifle online dissent.
“The pace and secrecy of these new repressive revisions show that Indonesia's government is sidestepping democratic processes,” said Benedict. “These legal changes are designed to consolidate power, not safeguard citizens.”
The Prabowo government must stop targeting activists and hold those involved in attacks against them to account. It must ensure that legal revisions passed meet international laws and standards. The processes must be transparent and include participation of civil society.
“Adding Indonesia to the CIVICUS Monitor watchlist reflects warnings civil society groups in Indonesia have been flagging on dwindling civic freedoms since Prabowo took office. The international community must call out these blatant violations, demand progress on civic freedoms, and stand in solidarity with civil society,” said Nadine Sherani from KontraS.
The CIVICUS Monitor highlights countries with notable declines in civic freedoms, based on analysis from research partners, grassroots activists, and human rights defenders. CIVICUS Monitor currently rates Indonesia's civic space as “obstructed”, indicating serious challenges to the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association
NOTES:
On Indonesia's civic space rating of Obstructed: This rating is typically given to countries where civic space is heavily contested by power holders, who impose a combination of legal and practical constraints on the full enjoyment of fundamental rights (see full description of ratings). (ref. https://monitor.civicus.org/about/how-it-works/ratings/ )
See Frequently Asked Questions about the Watchlist here: https://monitor.civicus.org/watchlist-september-2024/faqs/
There are a total of 35 countries in the world with this rating (see all): https://monitor.civicus.org/search/countries/?territories=&status=3
About the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist:
The new watchlist is released by the CIVICUS Monitor, an online platform that tracks the latest developments to civic freedoms, including the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly, across 198 countries and territories.
The ratings are categorised as either 'closed,' 'repressed,' 'obstructed,' 'narrowed' or 'open,' based on a methodology that combines several data sources on the freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression.
Over twenty organisations collaborate to provide an evidence base for action to improve civic space on all continents.
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation
Website: https://monitor.civicus.org/
Moldova – 10 Reasons Why Moldova Is the Next Strategic Investment Destination
Invest Moldova Agency invites global investors to discover Moldova's potential at Moldova Business Week 2025
Chisinau, Republic of Moldova – Invest Moldova Agency, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, announces the 10th edition of Moldova Business Week (MBW), taking place from September 15 to September 19, 2025, in Chisinau. With the central message “Moldova is Open for Business”, this milestone event highlights Moldova's emergence as the next strategic investment destination in Europe.
As Moldova accelerates its path toward EU membership and positions itself as a regional hub for innovation, logistics, and Ukraine reconstruction, international investors are increasingly turning their attention to this dynamic market.
10 key reasons why Moldova stands out:
- EU Candidate Country – On track for EU membership by 2030, Moldova offers investors a stable, reform-oriented environment.
- Strategic Location for Ukraine's Reconstruction – Moldova is a key logistics and economic hub for regional rebuilding efforts.
- €1.9 Billion EU Growth Plan – Unprecedented investments are flowing into Moldova's infrastructure, energy, education, and entrepreneurship.
- Accelerated Digital Transformation – Over 65% of public business services are digitized, with full coverage targeted by 2030.
- Thriving ICT & Business Services Sector – The fastest-growing sector contributes 7.1% to GDP in 2024; 88% of ICT services are exported.
- Multilingual Workforce – Over 80% of the population speaks at least two languages – including English, French, and Italian.
- Efficient Market Access – Only 4 truck days to any EU or CIS destination and full time zone compatibility for global operations.
- Free Trade Network – 47 FTAs offer access to a market of over 800 million consumers.
- Business-Friendly Environment – Moldova welcomes investors with over 350 weekly summer flights and visa-free travel for 100+ countries.
- Attractive State Aid Scheme – Investors in strategic sectors can access state support for up to 60% for eligible expenditures.
MBW 2025 will focus on four strategic pillars that reflect Moldova's economic priorities:
- The State Aid Scheme for Industrialization
- Digital and Business Services within Moldova IT Park
- Infrastructure and Renewable Energy Investment
- Moldova's Role in Ukraine's Reconstruction.
“Moldova is no longer a hidden gem – it is a country on the rise. From industrial expansion to digital innovation and energy security, Moldova is delivering real opportunities for international investors. We look forward to welcoming the world to Chisinau this autumn. This anniversary edition of MBW is about celebrating partnerships and showcasing Moldova's determination to shape its future as a regional economic leader,” says Natalia Bejan, Director of Invest Moldova Agency.
During MBW 2025, participants will engage with economic leaders, investors, innovators, and government decision-makers who are shaping Moldova's transformation. This is your opportunity to witness firsthand how Moldova is contributing to global value chains.
Moldova Business Week 2025 – where opportunities meet commitment. Registration is open at: www.mbw.md
Economy – US Fed expected to hold rates and trigger standoff with Trump – deVere Group
July 29 2025 – The Federal Reserve is expected to leave interest rates on hold Wednesday, despite mounting pressure from President Donald Trump – setting up a direct standoff between the world's most influential central bank and a White House demanding immediate stimulus.
This is the warning from Nigel Green, CEO of global financial advisory giant deVere Group ahead of the Fed's critical interest rate decision that will set the tone for markets and the US economy for the rest of 2025.
He says: “Trump has made no secret of his frustration. Senior administration figures have been pressing the Fed behind the scenes, while the President has repeatedly gone public with calls for lower borrowing costs.
“But the central bank appears likely to resist, at least for now, holding firm in the face of aggressive political intervention.
“In doing so, it could trigger another direct standoff with Trump.
Nigel Green continues: “This is a collision between a political push for immediate stimulus and a central bank trying to defend its institutional independence. The stakes go far beyond this week's rate decision.”
Markets are already attuned to the tension. A rate hold is largely priced in. But investors are watching for what comes next: the tone of Powell's message, and Trump's reaction if the Fed refuses to deliver the cuts he's demanding.
“The pressure campaign is about to intensify,” the deVere CEO notes.
“Trump blames the Fed for slowing the economy, for capping the market, for anything that doesn't go his way. This will, again, become personal with Fed Chair, Jerome Powell.”
The economic backdrop gives the Fed cover to pause. Inflation has cooled but remains above target. Labor markets are still tight. Financial conditions are already easier than they were at the start of the year. There is no immediate economic case for cutting—but there is a clear political one.
“This is about optics as much as outcomes,” says Nigel Green. “The White House wants momentum. The Fed wants breathing room. Neither side is likely to back down.”
What happens next matters. If Trump launches a fresh public offensive—as expected—it could shift sentiment quickly.
“The dollar could strengthen on Fed firmness, while equities and emerging markets wobble on fears of a widening institutional rift.”
He adds: “Markets can handle steady rates. What they don't handle well is institutional volatility. A public fight between the President and the Fed injects uncertainty into every asset class.”
The President has options. If monetary easing doesn't come through, he may accelerate fiscal promises, hint at further executive action, or reignite questions over Jerome Powell's future.
This administration has already shown it's willing to blur lines between economic stewardship and political advantage.
“Trump wants control of the economic narrative and he's running out of patience,” concludes Nigel Green.
“If the Fed doesn't move, he'll move the spotlight. This could mean spending pledges, it could mean trade posturing, it could mean fresh attacks on Powell. All of it adds risk.”
deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients. It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.
Africa – African Women in Business unveils Association to Boost Intra‑African Trade
The network facilitated by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in partnership with the African Union Commission, brings together over 102 women business associations from six regions across Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa: July 29, 2025 -The Continental Network for Women's Business Associations in Africa (CONWOBAA) aimed at promoting intra-African trade, was officially unveiled at the inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting held in Johannesburg, South Africa last week.
The game-changing initiative – facilitated by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in partnership with the African Union Commission and supported by the AWIP Pavilion under the framework of ITC's SheTrades and One Trade Africa strategies, has brought together 102 women's business associations from West Africa, North Africa, Indian Ocean, Central Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa.
The Association also unveiled its leadership with South Africa's Dimakatso Malwela, President of Women of Value South Africa (WOVSA) being elected the first Association's chairperson. She will be deputized by Ms. Fanja Razakaboana, who is the President of the Madagascar Women Entrepreneurs Association (GFEM).
Kenya's Laura Akunga Mwenje, who is the Founder and CEO of Benchmark Solutions Limited and the Chairperson of African Women Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) Kenya and Secretariat, has been elected the treasurer of the Association, while Ms. Mabel Ibidun Quarshie – the Chief Executive Officer of Acquatic Foods Limited Ghana, will serve as the Association's Secretary.
Other regional representatives on the Association's Board include Ms. Sitti Abdallah Mshangama (Comoros), Ms. Brbara Banda (Malawi), Ms. Yomita El Sheridy (Egypt), Ms. Leila Belkhira Jaber (Tunisia), Dr. Blessing Irabor-Oza (Nigeria), Ms. Nicole Gakou Gomis (Senegal), Ms. Betty Mulanga Kadima (the Democratic Republic of Congo), Ms. Esther Omam (Cameroon), and Dr. Nigest Haile (Ethiopia).
“We are delighted to bring together women's business associations from across Africa to advance intra‑African trade. This Network underpins ITC's broader efforts through SheTrades and One Trade Africa to create real market access for women-led enterprises,” ITC Deputy Executive Director Dorothy Tembo said while unveiling the association's leadership.
Addressing important challenges
In her acceptance remark, Ms. Malwela said the Association has the capacity to address important challenges facing women entrepreneurs across Africa.
“Women entrepreneurs face a multitude of challenges, primarily revolving around access to funding and financial resources, gender bias and discrimination, work-life balance, and establishing strong support networks and confidence. Oftentimes, these hurdles impede their ability to launch, grow, and sustain their businesses. As the Association looks to the future, we will seize opportunities to advance policies that address these challenges,” Ms. Malwela said.
CONWOBAA has been designed to facilitate trade for women entrepreneurs through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), helping members of the WBAs access cross-border trade opportunities and build sustainable businesses.
“This powerful network is led by women in leadership who are successfully running businesses and advocating for the growth of women-led enterprises across Africa. We look forward to the continued growth of this network and the opportunities it will create for women entrepreneurs across Africa to leverage AfCFTA and elevate their businesses to new heights,” Ms. Tembo said.