African Women in Processing (AWIP) Forum at IATF2025

Omran Aburayya
May 27
2 min read

If you're an African woman entrepreneur in the processing or value-added sector, the African Union Commission invites you to apply for the African Women in Processing (AWIP) Forum. This prestigious event will take place alongside the Fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) in Algiers, Algeria, from 4th to 10th September 2025. The forum offers a unique platform to showcase your business, connect with key stakeholders, and leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

📝 Forum Summary

Location: Algiers, Algeria
Target Group: African women entrepreneurs in processing and value addition
Fields of Focus: Value-added processing across sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, and artisanal goods
Value & Coverage: Participation in expert-led training, business networking, and product exhibition opportunities
Award Duration: 7 days (4th – 10th September 2025)
Application Deadline: 10th June 2025, 23:59 EAT
Eligible to: African women entrepreneurs with established processing businesses

📚 Forum Overview

The AWIP Forum is designed to empower African women entrepreneurs by providing:

Market Access Facilitation: Connecting women-led enterprises with investors, financiers, and strategic market linkages.
Capacity Building: Expert-led training sessions on export readiness, quality infrastructure, and branding.
Product Showcasing: Opportunities to exhibit value-added products to a diverse audience.
Networking Opportunities: Engagements with industry leaders, policymakers, and fellow entrepreneurs.

The forum will feature panel discussions, business-to-business (B2B) sessions, targeted workshops, and networking events, all aimed at enhancing participants' business acumen and market reach.

🎁 Forum Benefits

Participants will gain:

Enhanced Understanding: Insights into AfCFTA opportunities and market dynamics.
Skill Development: Improved capabilities in key business areas.
Expanded Networks: Connections with potential partners and collaborators.
Increased Visibility: Exposure for women-led processing enterprises on a continental platform.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be African women entrepreneurs with established businesses in processing and value addition.
Demonstrate business maturity and growth potential.
Showcase innovative products, processes, or technologies that add significant value to local resources.
Exhibit a willingness to network, collaborate, and share best practices with other stakeholders.
Be proficient in English or French.