The African Union Commission invites applications from African women entrepreneurs to participate in the African Women in Processing (AWIP) Forum. This strategic event will be held on the sidelines of the Fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) in Algiers, Algeria, from 4th to 10th September 2025.

This forum presents a unique opportunity for African women actively engaged in value-added processing to showcase their businesses in Africa’s largest trade fair, which highlights the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Key Objectives:
• Facilitate market access for women-led enterprises involved in processing.
• Connect participants with investors, financers, and strategic market linkages.
• Provide expert-led training on export readiness, quality infrastructure, and branding.
• Showcase value-added products manufactured by African women entrepreneurs.

Expected Outcomes:
• Enhanced understanding of AfCFTA opportunities and market dynamics.
• Improved skills and capabilities in key business areas.
• Expanded professional networks and collaborative partnerships.
• Increased visibility for women-led processing enterprises.

Eligibility Criteria:
• Applicants must be African women entrepreneurs with established businesses in processing and value addition.
• Proficiency in English or French is required.
• Demonstrated business maturity and growth potential.
• Businesses that showcase innovative products, processes, or technologies, and those that significantly add value to local resources, will be prioritized.
• A demonstrated willingness to network, collaborate, and share best practices with other women entrepreneurs and stakeholders during and after the IATF.

Forum Format:
The AWIP Forum will feature:
• Expert panel discussions.
• Business-to-business (B2B) sessions.
• Targeted training workshops.
• Product exhibitions.
• Networking events.

How to Apply:
Interested applicants should apply via: https://awip.aiw.africa/

Application Timeline:
● Call for applications: 14 May 2025
● Application deadline 10 June 2025 by 23:59 EAT
● Announcement of selected participants: 14 July 2025

Contact Information:
For inquiries, please contact the African Women in Processing Forum via:
AWIP2025@AfricanUnion.org