On May 26, 2023, TWCC engaged in an insightful knowledge exchange session with the Ghana National Coordination Office for the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) during the Ghana Expo event in Nairobi. The purpose of the meeting was to gather expertise on establishing a similar AfCFTA National Coordination Office in Tanzania, with a specific focus on empowering women in business and facilitating trade for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) under this landmark trade agreement.

The AfCFTA, as the world’s largest free trade area, presents an extraordinary opportunity to foster economic growth, drive regional integration, and create new prospects for businesses across Africa, including women-owned enterprises. Recognizing the immense potential for women in business, TWCC is committed to establishing an effective coordination mechanism that specifically supports and empowers women entrepreneurs to leverage the benefits of the AfCFTA.

During the knowledge exchange session, TWCC representatives had the invaluable opportunity to learn from the experiences and best practices of the Ghana National Coordination Office in promoting women’s participation in trade. Ghana, being one of the early adopters of the AfCFTA, has made remarkable progress in identifying export priorities and streamlining trade procedures to maximize the potential benefits of the agreement for women entrepreneurs. The Ghanaian government has actively supported and prioritized the inclusion of women-owned businesses in the AfCFTA, providing them with opportunities to access regional and international markets.
Moreover, TWCC also held productive discussions with key Ghanaian government agencies, including the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Ghana Free Zone Authority, and Ghana Shipping Authority, focusing on empowering women in business. These meetings aimed to explore mutually beneficial trade opportunities between Tanzania and Ghana that specifically empower women entrepreneurs. By identifying areas of synergy and collaboration, both countries can enhance bilateral trade, expand market access for women-owned businesses, and contribute to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.
By leveraging Ghana’s expertise in promoting women entrepreneurs, creating supportive business environments, and facilitating trade, Tanzania can unlock its export potential and provide a conducive platform for women to thrive in business.

The establishment of a similar coordination office in Tanzania, combined with strategic collaborations and partnerships, will enable the TWCC to support and empower women in business, enhancing their participation in the AfCFTA and ensuring that they benefit equitably from this historic trade agreement.
In conclusion, the exchange of experiences between TWCC and the Ghana National Coordination Office offers promising prospects for Tanzania’s effective participation in the AfCFTA while promoting the empowerment of women in business. Through the establishment of a dedicated coordination office and targeted initiatives, Tanzania aims to facilitate trade, provide capacity-building support, and unlock the immense potential of women entrepreneurs within the Africa Free Trade Agreement.