Center For Accelerated Women's Economic Empowerment - CAWEE

20/10/2025

Canada Ambassador to the AU Honored Former Prime Minister

Ambassador of Canada to the African Union (AU) H. E. Ben Marc Diendéré honored H. E. Hailemariam Desalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and CAWEE’s Champion in facilitating intra-African trade, women taking the lead.

Through an event organized over dinner, in celebrating the contributions of H. E. Hailemariam, to women and intra-African trade, H.E. Christine Pirenne, Ambassador of the Netherlands and H. E. Luísa Fragosoto, Ambassador of Portugal, representative from the Embassy of Kenya in Ethiopia and other invited guests including CAWEE members were present.

Ambassador Ben Marc and the Executive Director of CAWEE welcomed CAWEE’s Champion and invited guests in appreciating the guidance and support CAWEE secured and underlined the need for more strategic support as CAWEE has expanded its reach beyond Ethiopia to empower African women exporters to trade within the Continent in benefiting from the provisions of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn highlighted that this is a pivotal moment for Africa, particularly for women in trade. He acknowledged the challenging journey to operationalize the AfCFTA, which came after years of dedicated effort. It is vital to champion trade and recognize the immense potential of women. He stressed the need for institutions like CAWEE to play a crucial role in building the export readiness capacities of women in business and connect them to markets.

CAWEE’s Champion expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Ambassador Ben Marc for the support given to Ethiopian women exporters and for fostering open discussions on Africa's integration, emphasizing the shift from aid to trade and the essential role of the AfCFTA in attracting investment and expediting trade. He congratulated Ambassador Ben Marc on his appointment as Special Envoy for the AU, where a lot is expected in securing support from him and the Ambassadors precent at the dinner.

CAWEE Members that joined the dinner (Samrawit Moges from Samor Flower & Travel Ethiopia and Yezichalem Kassas from TseDay Jam) shared their business journeys in overcoming trade barriers and the various challenges they currently face, including stringent regulations, lack of packaging materials and other essential resources, all of which were their challenges to meet quality standards in targeting the export market.

The discussion over dinner underscored the need to engage the youth in trade, as they can take over to lead Africa to economic development.

17/10/2025

CAWEE Celebrated Ignite Capital’s Historic Milestone

CAWEE celebrated Ignite Capital for becoming the first woman-founded company to be licensed by the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA) as a Securities Investment Advisor, October 17, 2025.

This landmark achievement highlights women’s growing leadership in Ethiopia’s financial sector and marks a significant step in advancing their role in the country’s capital market development.

15/10/2025

Kabana Design Wins CBI Sustainable Business Award 2025

The Center for Accelerated Women’s Economic Empowerment (CAWEE) proudly congratulates Kabana Design, led by our pioneer member, Semhal Guesh, for being named the winner of the CBI Sustainable Business Award 2025.

This prestigious recognition celebrated Kabana Design’s exceptional commitment to sustainability, innovation and women’s empowerment. Selected from 62 applications across 21 countries, Kabana stood out for its circular fashion model, local sourcing of 92% of materials from Ethiopia and its impactful efforts in creating fair and inclusive job opportunities for women, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds.

Under Semhal’s visionary leadership, Kabana Design exemplifies how fashion can be both beautiful and sustainable, contributing to Ethiopia’s growing presence in the global ethical fashion industry.

CAWEE is proud to celebrate Semhal’s remarkable achievement, a true inspiration to women entrepreneurs across Africa.

11/10/2025

CAWEE-KAS Organized Training on E-commerce

CAWEE in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) organized a two-days training on the theme “E-Commerce Training for Emerging Entrepreneurs in Ethiopia”, October 9-11, 2025, at Haile Hotels & Resorts, Arba Minch, Ethiopia, where 32 participants (23 women and 9 men), including CAWEE members & staff took part.

Participants were welcomed with a welcoming remark by Mr. Alemnew Gebeyehu, Program Manager, KAS, followed by an opening remark from Dr. Nigest Haile, Executive Director of CAWEE. The training was delivered by Mr. Timo Deadrich, German Consultant assisted by Mr. Evance Rabare, Digital Expert.

Participants were introduced to the e-commerce landscape in Ethiopia, opportunities & challenges to women entrepreneurs, business model canvas, sales channels and digital marketing strategies for e-commerce.

Participants had the opportunity to get informed on European/German Market access and the use of LinkedIn for business networking and B2B marketing.

The training was highly engaging, featuring hands-on sessions where participants developed their business model canvases and were able to design mini-digital marketing campaigns. Participants were encouraged to develop concrete action steps for their way forward.

The training was concluded with certificates handing-over ceremony and closing remarks delivered by the training organizers.

10/10/2025

From Agreement to Trade: Ethiopia Marks Its First AfCFTA Shipment

Ethiopia celebrated a historic milestone in organizing the event “From Agreement to Trade: Ethiopia’s First AfCFTA Shipment,” held under the theme “Exemplary Beginnings: Ethiopia’s First Shipment under the AfCFTA”, October 9, 2025, at the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI). The event marked the launch of both cargo and land shipments, symbolizing Ethiopia’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area ( ).

The event brought together key stakeholders, including Government Ministries, Private Sector, Entrepreneurs, CAWEE Staff & Members, to celebrate this landmark achievement. During the event a video presentation was presented on Ethiopia’s progress under the AfCFTA, showcasing advancements in producing high-value goods and emphasizing the role of Ethiopian Airlines in connecting goods and services across the continent.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, who congratulated Ethiopia on this remarkable beginning. In his address, H.E. Kassahun Gofe (PhD), Minister, MoTRI, commended Ethiopia’s achievements in implementing AfCFTA and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to regional integration and trade expansion.

During the event was a panel discussion that focused on the theme: “Scaling up Ethiopia’s Participation in the AfCFTA”, moderated by H.E. Yasmin Wohabrebbi, State Minister, MoTRI, where distinguished experts were in the panel.

The panel emphasized strategies to enhance Ethiopia’s participation in intra-African trade, highlighting the importance of modernization, transparency and accountability. The discussion underscored the critical role of academic institutions, the private sector and entrepreneurs in driving innovation, knowledge sharing and capacity-building initiatives to support Ethiopia’s trade transformation. Panelists mentioned the need to create competitive entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills, resources & market knowledge required to actively participate and succeed on the AfCFTA platform.

The event also featured a trade show exhibiting and showcasing products from 18 sectors, where participants had the opportunity to visit and explore.

02/10/2025

Ignite Capital become First Women-Founded ECMA Licensed Securities Investment Advisor

The Center for Accelerated Women’s Economic Empowerment (CAWEE) is delighted to extend its warmest congratulations to our esteemed member, Meseret, and her company Ignite Capital, on becoming the first women-founded Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA) licensed Securities Investment Advisor.

This achievement represents a defining moment in Ethiopia’s financial sector, demonstrating the critical role women-led enterprises play in driving innovation and inclusivity. Through months of rigorous preparation and unwavering commitment, Ignite Capital has positioned itself to champion inclusive finance, ensuring opportunities serve the wider population and not only the privileged few.

With this license, Ignite Capital is empowered to fulfill its mission of unlocking capital for Ethiopian businesses and international investors by delivering ethical, transparent, and impact-driven investment advisory services. This milestone not only elevates the profile of women in finance but also sets a strong precedent for other women entrepreneurs to follow.

CAWEE is proud of Meseret’s groundbreaking accomplishment and commends her leadership, vision, and dedication.

01/10/2025

On the generous support of global affairs Canada, in empowering women in SMEs, Ethiopia is one of the countries where Center for Accelerated Women's Economic Empowerment (CAWEE) is appointed as the lead implementing organization.

TFO Canada is proud to launch the project, Trade for Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth, a five-year initiative announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney at the United Nations General Assembly and funded by Global Affairs Canada. The project will support Small and Medium Enterprises....

30/09/2025

CAWEE Participated at the AUC Egumeni Dialogue Event

Organized by the AUC under the theme “Shaping Equitable Gender Norms: Advancing Women’s Agency and Opportunities in Africa”, the Egumeni Dialogue on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment took place at the AU Headquarter in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, September 29-30, 2025

The two-day event, supported by the World Bank EAGER Project and GIZ AWARE Project, brought together AU representatives, Member States, development partners, UN agencies, financial institutions, civil society organizations, CAWEE staff & its members.

The dialogue featured high-level panel discussions addressing critical issues such as dignity as the foundation of human rights, regressive gender norms limiting women’s access to education & health, drivers of violence against women and political barriers and grassroots women’s perspectives through lightning talks, followed by direct responses from policymakers.

Following the panel sessions was marketplace of ideas bringing together perspectives on the challenges women face, the significance of gender equality & actionable ways to achieve it. During the discussion two CAWEE members discussed their challenges as a woman entrepreneur in Ethiopia and possible solution that could be implemented by policy makers. The event highlighted Africa’s continued commitment to advancing gender equality, empowering women & broadening opportunities across the continent.

Alongside the conference, 11 CAWEE members showcased their products, creating opportunities for visibility, networking & opportunity to meet potential buyers.

24/09/2025

CAWEE Signed MoU with Teba Connects

CAWEE signed MoU with Teba Connects, Owned by Tewabech Molla, Ethiopian Diaspora based in the US.

The purpose of signing this MoU is to establish strategic collaboration between Teba Connects and CAWEE to jointly promote women’s economic empowerment through global business exposure, partnership facilitation, market access and investment opportunities, particularly for women-led enterprises across Africa and the global diaspora.

CAWEE expresses its sincere appreciation to Tewabech for her support while she was in Ethiopia and now from the US for the extended support that she continues to provide through her newly established organization - Teba Connects – which the Executive Director of CAWEE in particular and its members in general are looking forward.

23/09/2025

Maheder Foods Joined Alibaba

CAWEE's proud member - Maheder Foods - reached a remarkable milestone at Alibaba’s Head Office in Hangzhou, China, signing official agreements to join Alibaba’s global online platforms.

This achievement is more than just business; it is a shining example of how persistence and determination can take Ethiopian products beyond borders. It is a win for Maheder Foods, Ethiopian women entrepreneurs and the next generation of trailblazers.

Congratulations to Mahder! CAWEE is proud to celebrate this milestone with you - the journey continues and even greater achievements lie ahead, the sky is the limit.

09/09/2025

Happy New Year! 🎉✨
May 2025 bring you peace, growth, and lots of blessings. 🌸

05/09/2025

CAWEE at IATF25 Official Opening Day

CAWEE Members took part at the official opening of the IATF25 Algiers, September 4, 2025.

Members exhibition stand was visited by prominent people including Ethiopian Ambassador to Algeria.