Leading trade and investment consultancy, Compass Global Business Services has concluded the second edition of its West Africa Meets East Africa Trade Mission and Business Development Tour.

A statement on Saturday by the Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Tokunbo Chiedu, this dual-country initiative, spanning Kenya and Tanzania aimed to unlock the African Continental Free Trade Area opportunities for women and youths, by leveraging regional value chains and fostering business linkages.

Building upon the success of its inaugural edition hosted in Kenya in March 2023, this year’s programme, themed “Unlocking the AfCFTA Opportunity for Women and Youths,” focused on improving intra-African trade.

Organised by Compass Global with support from Afreximbank and the UNDP, the event was facilitated through strategic alliances with the AfCFTA Secretariat and FEWACCI.

Speaking on the primary goal of the tour, Chiedu said, “Our primary goal is to empower SMEs to take advantage of AfCFTA and the $22 billion intra-African trade potential.

“This initiative provides guidance on navigating exports and trade within the AfCFTA and helps SMEs establish business partnerships to expand their economic potential.

“Through our 2024 programs, Compass Global has organised regional events for over 600 SMEs across four countries, benefiting over 1,000 SMEs, women, and youth involved in trade across 22 countries since 2022.”

She commended Afreximbank for its consistent sponsorship, acknowledging its crucial role in supporting the trade mission’s primary aim: exposing participants to regional value chain prospects through deal activations, networking, and establishing vital connections for market access.

Strategic partners, such as the Association of Nigeria Women Business Network and the Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry, played a vital role in mobilising key associations, women business networks, and SMEs to actively engage in the deal room activities. The efforts of AWEP West Africa President Mrs. Comfort Adjahoe-Jennings, who led a team of SME exporters and youth entrepreneurs supported by CAMFED, were also noteworthy.

Other critical players acknowledged for their contributions include the East Africa Business Council, the East Africa Women in Business Platform, and leading business networks such as the SME Founders Association, OWIT Kenya, and WeConnect.

Building on the success of the 2nd edition, Compass Global aims to expand this initiative in 2025 to include additional sub-regions such as Central Africa, North Africa, and South Africa. This expansion will leverage the company’s extensive networks and close affiliations with SMEs, enhancing its access to valuable market intelligence and networks to effectively promote the interests of Africa’s SMEs.