Libya was elected to the board of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) with the second highest number of votes.
The election took place during the 5th Comesa Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) Trade Fair held in Antananarivo, Madagascar between 28 and 29 June. The First Lady of Madagascar, Madame Mialy Rajoelina, was the guest of honour at the event.
The Presidents of the 21 national associations of women entrepreneurs, including Libya, participated.
Themed “Enhancing Participation of Women Entrepreneurs in the COMESA Regional Markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”, the event focused on Green Investment, Value Addition, and Tourism. The event aimed to facilitate trade among women entrepreneurs and promote the development of policies supporting women in business.
Speaking to Libya Herald, Libya’s COMFWB president, Ibtisam Ben Amer, said the long trip was a big success despite the total lack of funding for her organisation from the Libyan government – or any sector.
She said the Libyan booth at the event attracted many visitors eager to taste Libyan dates and inspect the traditional Libya howlies (traditional weaved sari-like dress). The visitors to the Libyan booth included the Libyan Charge’ de affairs in Madagascar and First Lady of Madagascar.
Ben Amer said the First Lady of Madagascar fell in love with the Libyan holies and asked how they are worn. Ben Amer presented her one as a gift
A young Libyan member of Comfwb won an award at the event as a promising start up.
