First-ever Ethiopia-Kenya Women Exporters fair opens in Nairobi
Addis Ababa, December 6, 2024*(FBC) — The first of its kind exhibition of Ethiopian women exporters trade fairs and exhibitions kicks off on 6 December 2024 at the Embassy premises under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
During the event, Gen. Bacha Debele, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of FDRE to the Republic of Kenya; Dr. Abraham Korir SingOei, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya; Dr. Nigest Haile, Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Accelerated Women’s Economic Empowerment (CAWEE) and African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program’s (AWEP) Chairperson; and Mrs. Laura were in attendance.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Gen. Bacha Debele appreciated Ethiopian women exporters for taking such encouraging initiatives of exhibiting and promoting Ethiopian exportable products.
He also mentioned that women play a significant role in society development in many ways.
During his speech, the ambassador briefed the participants about business and investment opportunities in Ethiopia, with a special focus on recent macroeconomic policy measures taken by the government, including opening up financial institutions as well as the market-based foreign exchange system to foreign investors aimed at making Ethiopia business and investment destinations in Africa.
He called upon the Kenyan companies, especially women, to invest in these sectors.
Abraham Korir SingOei, the chief guest, in his speech, appreciated the recent economic reforms in Ethiopia, such as the liberalization of key sectors and modernization of the foreign exchange regime, which are indicative of a readiness to deepen trade relations and foster an environment conducive to business growth.
He also encouraged impressive women entrepreneurs, stating, “you are not just exporters; you are ambassadors of resilience and innovation”.
He called upon the two countries to double their exports/imports, and underscore that it is time for the two countries to explore the opportunities in trade and business in the border areas and beyond for the two countries benefits.
Dr. Nigest Haile, on her part, extended gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of FDRE, the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi, and the Kenyan government.
She said the exhibition aims to create the opportunity for women-led and -owned businesses in Ethiopia and Kenya to have meaningful networking, which will enable them to take their businesses to the next level.
Mrs. Laura Akunga MMM, stated that the collaborative initiative between the women entrepreneurs of both Kenya and Ethiopia should elevate and expand to include all African entrepreneurs in advancing Africa’s economic integration.