Connecting women with the knowledge and resources including digital tools, market insights, and funding opportunities they need to succeed on a global scale is at the heart of EU- EAC MARKUP II.
Alongside the SheTrades Initiative, the EU-funded MARKUP II program has been providing the platforms to enable women in trade in realising their potential as drivers of sustainable economic progress.
Women-led businesses at Jua Kali Exhibition
Eight women, supported by the SheTrades Initiative, proudly represented South Sudan at the trade fair, exhibiting their products in sectors such as packaging, leather, gum arabic and coffee.
Altogether, women exhibitors secured USD 18,000 in business deals.
Webinar: Expanding women’s opportunities in global trade
The East African Business Council (EABC), in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the East African Women in Business Platform (EAWiBP), hosted the SheTrades webinar aimed at advancing the competitiveness of women-led enterprises across East Africa.
SheTrades webinar brought together more than 200 entrepreneurs, including women and business leaders to explore strategies for enhancing women’s participation in regional and global markets.
An overview of existing networks, digital tools and upcoming SheTrades activities in the region was also shared with the particpants.
Speakers shared insights on the EU-funded MARKUP II program, which is providing training, mentorship, and funding opportunities to over 800 MSMEs across six East African countries, particularly in high-growth sectors such as coffee, cocoa, leather, and horticulture.
