Blog

**AFRICA WOMEN IN TRADE MONTHLY SPOTLIGHT MEMBER'S BUSINESS

Join us THIS MONTH as we Highlight MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.

DAKARI
📌Dakari is a women-led brand from Nairobi, Kenya. We create ethically handcrafted leather accessories that blend African heritage with modern design.
Our work is guided by sustainability, artisan empowerment, and circular production. Our collections include handbags, travel gear, men’s briefcases, and lifestyle essentials, all made with responsibly sourced leather and a commitment to quality. Each piece reflects purpose, pride, and refined African craftsmanship.
Beyond our collections, Dakari offers white labelling, wholesale options, and corporate merchandising services, allowing businesses to align with sustainable luxury while showcasing authentic African artistry.

OUR MISSION IS TO CELEBRATE AFRICAN HERITAGE THROUGH:
✴️ Ethically made leather accessories
✴️ Promote sustainable luxury that blends timeless design with impact
✴️ Empower artisans

🌟 Founder & CEO : Judy Ngotho

Looking ahead, Dakari is positioning itself as a global leader in responsible fashion, redefining perceptions of African value through craftsmanship and circular economy principles.
As proud members of AfWITrade, we look forward to collaborating with fellow businesses and continuing to elevate African artistry on the global stage.

Explore our collections, story, and sustainability ethos.

To Read more about DAKARI 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾
Www.africawomenintrade.com

COMING UP THIS WEEKEND 📣📣

AFRICA WOMEN IN TRADE MEMBERS ONLY
WHATSAPP GROUP INTERVIEWS

Date: Friday 20th February 2026,
Time: 19:00 CEST

Host: Joy Zenz - Founder & Co-CEO AfWITrade
Guest: Chantelle de Bruyn - Founder & CEO Buttercup Farmhouse

📌 Buttercup Farmhouse is an Organic Food and Beverage Consumer Outlet, creating a safe and attractive space for people to indulge in healthy beverages and light meals, as well as their summer favourite: special craft vegetable ice cream. They are currently specializing in Prime Product, the Organic Vegetable Coffee that is being agro processed with their very own Butternut vegetable alongside Soya product additives.

Join us as Chantelle will be sharing with us;
✴️ About her journey
✴️ The challenges she faced
✴️ How she overcame the challenges
✴️ Q&A

Yours
AfWITrade Communication Team
Www.africawomenintrade.com

AFRICA WOMEN IN TRADE MONTHLY SPOTLIGHT MEMBER'S BUSINESS

Join us THIS MONTH as we Highlight AGRI BUSINESS.

RUCH Investment and Manufacturing {RUCHIM} Limited

📌RUCH Investment and Manufacturing {RUCHIM} Limited is a Nigeria-based, award-winning manufacturer of premium, 100% natural wellness products.
Our flagship brands are the MASTER TEA BRAND and the MASTER SPICE BRAND, which are carefully crafted to promote healthy living through nature’s finest ingredients. All our products are manufactured under strict quality standards and are HACCP and ISO 22000 certified, reflecting our commitment to safety, consistency, and excellence.

At RUCH Investment and Manufacturing Limited, we combine tradition, innovation, and quality to deliver natural products you can trust.

OUR FLAGSHIP BRANDS INCLUDE:
✴️ The MASTER TEA BRAND consists of 10 varieties of 100% herbal infusions, expertly blended from caffeine-free, non-GMO Moringa, Ginger, Turmeric, and Hibiscus, as well as low-caffeine Black tea.

RUCHIM Ltd uses the highest grades of Moringa leaves, Tea leaves, Hibiscus plants, Ginger, and Turmeric roots, which are carefully selected from traceable sources, processed, and packed to ensure their nutrients are preserved in their most natural state. The Master Tea Blends are excellent sources of natural vitamins, minerals, & antioxidants which enhance well-being.

✴️ The MASTER SPICE BRAND consists of 7 varieties of natural spice mixes, produced without any
chemical additives or fillers. They are designed to enhance the flavors of foods and soups with natural
farm-sourced ingredients while supporting wholesome nutrition.

🌟 Founder & CEO : FUNKE BOLUJOKO

To Read more about RUCH Investment and Manufacturing (RUCHIM) Limited 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾

Www.africawomenintrade.com

AFRICA WOMEN IN TRADE MONTHLY SPOTLIGHT MEMBER'S BUSINESS

Join us THIS MONTH as we Highlight AGRI BUSINESS.

BUTTERCUP FARMHOUSE

📌Buttercup Farmhouse is an Organic Food and Beverage Consumer Outlet, creating a safe and attractive space for people to indulge in healthy beverages and light meals, as well as our summer favourite: special craft vegetable ice cream. We are currently specializing in our Prime Product, the Organic Vegetable Coffee that is being agro processed with our very own Butternut vegetable alongside Soya product additives..

Buttercup Farmhouse began as a spark of inspiration in the heart of our founder, a passionate wellness advocate and visionary who set out to create a better alternative to conventional caffeinated beverages. Armed with a deep respect for natural ingredients and an unrelenting drive to innovate, she turned to the Cucurbita genus to develop a nutrient-rich, caffeine-free beverage that would nourish without compromise.

What started in a home kitchen as an experiment quickly became a mission. The goal was clear: to reimagine daily nourishment by introducing a warm, wholesome beverage rooted in heritage, health, and sustainability.
With curiosity as the compass and community as the driving force, Buttercup Farmhouse launched its signature product - a velvety, earthy blend crafted from 100% vegetable-based ingredients.

Today, Buttercup Farmhouse is more than just a beverage brand. It is a movement: a celebration of conscious living, ethical consumption, and the beauty of plantbased innovation.

🌟 Founder & CEO : Chantelle de Bruyn

WHAT WE OFFER AND VENTURING INTO:
✴️ Organic Ground Vegetable Coffee (hot & cold beverage)
✴️ Organic Smoothies (looking into enlarging the scale of fruit and vegetable smoothies.
✴️ Butternut will be our main ingredient to all beverages, meals and sauces.

Product Range What’s Brewing
Our flagship product is a caffeine-free, nutrient-rich beverage made from 100% plant-based ingredients sourced from butternut squash. It's vegan, gut-friendly, rich in vitamins A and C, and already stocked in Food Lover's Market with expansion into Walmart stores across South Africa in the next quarter. International Expansion Programs follow soon thereafter.

While the Latte remains our current flagship product, our vision extends well beyond a single beverage. We are actively expanding our product portfolio to include:

🌀 A range of Coffee Beverages
🌀 Ready-to-Drink Wellness Beverages
🌀 Plant-based Snack Bars
🌀 Confectionery and Savouries
🌀 Spice Mixes

Coffee is a global ritual - but for millions, it comes at a cost: anxiety, disrupted sleep, and long-term health concerns. At Buttercup Coffee, we're not just offering an alternative; we're redefining the category...

Whether served hot or chilled, our beverage is not just a drink: it's a ritual of nourishment & self-care.

To Read More about ButterCup FarmHouse 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾

Www.africawomenintrade.com

If you want to be recognized, Register to be an AfWITrade Member.

AfWITrade is Celebrating 5th Year of Excellence and Growth!

Today, we proudly celebrate Five Years of AfWITrade. It's been five years of success, collaboration and growth.

What began as a bold vision has become a strong organisation, raising women's voices and unlocking opportunities for women in Africa.

We are proud of the milestones we've achieved, the challenges we've overcome, and the partnerships we've built. Our continued growth is a testament to the vision and hard work that has defined our organization.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to delivering excellence, fostering innovation, and making a lasting impact to the Africa women and youths. As we celebrate this special occasion, we thank you for being a part of our success. Here's to many more years of progress, collaboration, and shared achievements!

Thank you for your trust and support. Together, we will continue to reach new heights.

Happy 5th Anniversary 🥳 🎉

Yours
AfWITrade
Joy Zenz and Milkah Muigai
Your CEO and Excecutive director

Follow us on our website
Www.africawomenintrade.com

AFRICA WOMEN IN TRADE MEMBERS WHATSAPP GROUP MEETING

Topic: Update on IATF 2025 Event

Date: Friday 31st October 2025,
Time: 19:00 CAT

Host: Joy Zenz - Founder & Co-CEO AfWITrade

The event brought together women and youth entrepreneurs, development partners, and trade experts.

We will share insight from our business partner
UNDP
AfCFTA
Afreximbank

Yours
AfWITrade Communication Team

AfWITrade in partnership with Kenya Embassy Berlin Open Day

How Diaspora can support African Business to find market.......

📌The African diaspora plays a very vital role in helping African businesses find markets. Their influence, networks, and financial resources can open global doors that many small and medium businesses in Africa always struggle to reach.

📍Must watch for women and youth Traders to learn and get informed

Africa Women in Trade (AfWITrade) was proud to host a powerful side event at the Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF 2025) — Women and Youth attended the event.

Topic: Empowering Women SMEs for Intra-African Trade

Welcome & Opening Remarks
AfWITrade CEO, Joy W. Zenz and Natasha Van Rijn UNDP Resident Representative for Algeria

Speakers
🔹 UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa
By Komi Tsowou Regional Trade Advisor, UNDP Africa
📍 Creating an Enabling Ecosystem for Women in Business through Policy, Capacity Building, and Digital Tools
→ Explore current initiatives supporting inclusive policy reform, training, and digital innovation for women entrepreneurs.

🔹 Afreximbank / ATG
Annerose Ngemu Afreximbank Representative
📍 Unlocking Trade Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs through the African Trade Gateway
→ Discover how the ATG platform enables access to market data, trade intelligence, e-commerce, payments, logistics, and compliance tools — with a focus on women-led businesses.

🔹 AfCFTA Secretariat
Florence Mulenga-Sinyangwe
Women, Youth and MSMEs lead
AfCFTA Secretariat
📍 Operationalizing the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade: Private Sector Engagement and Digital Trade
→ Learn about implementation progress, gender-responsive trade facilitation, and the role of digital platforms in boosting cross-border trade.

Listen and learn : https://youtu.be/CsSUqG5z-gE

Register to be a member of AfWITrade and to receive more details on how to benefit on this programs

Www.africanwomenintrade.com

🚀 You're Invited! Join AfWITrade at IATF 2025 – Algeria 🇩🇿

Africa Women in Trade (AfWITrade) is proud to host a powerful side event at the Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF 2025) — and YOU are invited to be part of this high-impact experience!

This is a FREE Event to attend . Register on the IATF website

💬 Confirmed Topics & Speaker Focus:
🔹 UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa
📍 Creating an Enabling Ecosystem for Women in Business through Policy, Capacity Building, and Digital Tools
→ Explore current initiatives supporting inclusive policy reform, training, and digital innovation for women entrepreneurs.

🔹 Afreximbank / ATG
📍 Unlocking Trade Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs through the African Trade Gateway
→ Discover how the ATG platform enables access to market data, trade intelligence, e-commerce, payments, logistics, and compliance tools — with a focus on women-led businesses.

🔹 AfCFTA Secretariat
📍 Operationalizing the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade: Private Sector Engagement and Digital Trade
→ Learn about implementation progress, gender-responsive trade facilitation, and the role of digital platforms in boosting cross-border trade.

📅 Date: [To Be Announced]
📍 Location: IATF 2025, Algeria
🎙️ Hosted by: UNDP & Africa Women in Trade (AfWITrade)

✨ This event will bring together women and youth entrepreneurs, development partners, and trade experts to shape the future of inclusive, cross-border African trade.
🎟️ Registration here https://form.jotform.com/243421962645358
📧 Contact us: africawomenintrade@gmail.com
🌐 www.africanwomenintrade.com
Let’s build a future where African women thrive in business and trade. See you in Algeria! 🇩🇿
#AfWITrade #IATF2025 #UNDP #AfCFTA #ATG #Afreximbank #WomenInTrade #YouthInTrade #InclusiveTrade #AfCFTAForWomen #MadeInAfrica #TradeNotAid #DigitalTrade #Algeria2025

📣 📣 AFRICA WOMEN IN TRADE MONTHLY WEBINAR

Topic: Winning Investor Trust: How to Raise Capital and Lead with Confidence

Date: Tuesday 15th July 2025,
Time: 19:00 CAT

Hosts: MILKAH MUIGAI - Executive Director, AfWITrade

Guest: ALICE SANTOS - Founder & CEO, APGB Boutique Consultancy

Come all!
Let's learn from an expert!

Catch us Live on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/P_o_1RA1ioc?si=6DdomLzTlp6ZAViX

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1461661048613744

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7348026943931375617/comments/

……….
AfWITrade Communication Team
Contact us: africawomenintrade@gmail.com
Website: Www.africawomenintrade.com

Looking for markets and machines for my member Africa Women in Trade
I believe in value addition
Roasted Coffee ✅
Roasting machine ✅
Packaging ✅

Join the movement of Value addition

🎊🎉Time to celebrate a milestone 📢

AfWITrade is very proud to achieve one of our goals to support our members in value addition. Through the diaspora aspect we were able to support them acquire machinery for the freeze drying. Now they have launched the product in Kenya and now available in the supermarket and in the globe.

Watch livestream as they launch the products.
https://www.youtube.com/live/OE-2ZJWkjp4?si=DC3C0WotJf-WaH4Z

watch our first trade mission where we invited them to meet buyers in Germany
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNd2UpQSh/

If you need this kind of support reach out to us
africawomenintrade@gmail.com

AfWITrade invites its members and partners to join us at the Intra-Africa Trade Fair in Algeria.

As part of this partnership, we will be hosting a side event where you are welcome to attend an informative session presented by our business partners. Experts from various sectors will share insights into their services and explore how traders like you can benefit. Don't miss this opportunity to connect and grow your business!

More details on our
EVENT website : https://sites.google.com/view/awt-2022-event/about-2025-event?authuser=0

VISIT MAIN WEBSITE :www.africawomenintrade.com

📣 📣 AFRICA WOMEN IN TRADE MONTHLY WEBINAR

Topic: AfWITrade 2025 Outlook

Date: Friday 24th January 2025,
Time: 18:00 CAT

Hosts: Joy Zenz - Founder & Co-CEO AfWITrade and Milkah Muigai AfWITrade Executive Director

📌Celebrating 4th Anniversary and its achievement, as well as overview of 2025 for AfWITrade members .

Catch us Live on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/DjSunDVz0r0?si=MUhkKuvNOQ-kMEcl

Facebook: https://facebook.com/events/s/afwitrade-monthly-webinar-afwi/955072869921249/

Read more about us www.africawomenintrade.com

---
AfWITrade is Celebrating 4th Year of Excellence and Growth!

As we commemorate 4 years of success, innovation, and progress, we reflect on the remarkable journey that has brought us to this moment. This anniversary marks not just the passage of time, but the collective efforts, dedication, and passion of every member of our team and our partners.

We are proud of the milestones we've achieved, the challenges we've overcome, and the partnerships we've built. Our continued growth is a testament to the vision and hard work that has defined our organization.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to delivering excellence, fostering innovation, and making a lasting impact to the Africa women and youths. As we celebrate this special occasion, we thank you for being a part of our success. Here's to many more years of progress, collaboration, and shared achievements!

We will be sharing with you this and upcoming activities in the next upcoming webinar this month . As well conduct a survey to receive your feedback to help us serve you better.

Thank you for your trust and support. Together, we will continue to reach new heights.

Happy Anniversary 🥳 🎉

Yours
AfWITrade
Joy Zenz and Milkah Muigai
Your CEO and Excecutive director

Follow us on our website
Www.africawomenintrade.com
---

📣📣📣
An opportunity for you to open ceremony for free on 27th

Get discounted ticket for 28th and 29th

The Intra Africa Coffee and Chocolate Trade Week is calling all coffee and cocoa stakeholders across the continent!

📅 Date: November 27-29, 2024
📍 Location: Glee Nairobi, Kenya

This gathering provides a unique platform to foster collaboration, explore market opportunities, and drive innovation in these key sectors.

Are you a
-buyer
-Investor
-Seller

Secure your place now

Register now:
https://www.eventbrite.de/e/intra-africa-coffee-and-chocolate-trade-week-iacctw-nairobi-kenya-tickets-1089566385389

Contact us to pay with Mpesa
📞 +254 769 271905

Join us as we position Africa’s coffee and cocoa at the forefront of global trade.
#Iacctw2024
#afcfta
#dealroom
#afwitrade

Africa’s Women's Day Awareness Celebration 2024! 6 Days to go!

Theme: "Invest in Education for Climate Resilience: Celebrating African Women Leading the Climate Change Revolution.”

Date: Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Time: 17:00 - 20:00 (CAT/GMT +2)
Venue: Virtual Event (Zoom)

Join us virtually on July 31, 2024, to commemorate Africa’s Women’s Day! Aligning with the Pan African Women’s Organization’s (PAWO) theme, "Invest in Education: Securing the Future of Women and Girls in Africa,” this awareness event highlights the transformative power of education in empowering women and fostering a sustainable continent, supporting the African Union's 2024 Year of Education theme.

Esteemed Guest Speakers:

* Muthoni Gachanja Likimani, (Founding member of the Pan African Women’s Organisation (PAWO), Activist and Writer)

* Rt. Hon Grace Kabayo, (Secretary General of the Pan African Women’s Organisation (PAWO)

* Dr. Esselina Macome - (CEO Financial Sector Deepening Moçambique (FSDMOç), Chairperson Board of Directors, Standard Bank, Moçambique)

* Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE (Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, and Co-Chair of the C40 Cities Global Group)

* Wanjira Mathai (Chair of the Wangari Maathai Foundation and Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute)

* Fati N'Zi Hassane (Director, Oxfam in Africa)

* Judith Marera (Founder and CEO of Lanforce Energy)

* Anaël Bodwell (Co-Founder of SIDS Youth AIMS Hub (SYAH) Seychelles)

Register: bit.ly/awd2024
Website: www.africaswomenday.africa
Contact: africawomenday@gmail.com

🌿 Climate Change Knows No Borders, neither Should Our Efforts. Join us for this powerful conversation on climate resilience. Let’s Take Action for Climate Change!

📣 📣 AFRICA WOMEN IN TRADE MONTHLY WEBINAR

Topic: Discussion About Intra Africa Coffee & Chocolate Trade Week Event

Date: Friday 26th July 2024,
Time: 19:00 CAT

Hosts: Joy Zenz - Founder & Co-CEO AfWITrade
Co-Host: Linda Fernando - AfWITrade Mozambique Rep

📌AfWITrade has partnered to host the IACCTW Event on 12-14 September 2024, Equatorial Guinea.

There is sponsorship for SME delegates who register by 31st July. Showcase your Africa-origin products, solutions, or equipment within the coffee and cocoa value chain.

Conditions:
✅ Register by 31st July
✅ Must be an SME in the coffee or cocoa industry
✅ Submit a business profile

Benefits:
✅ Sponsored exhibition space
✅ Networking opportunities
✅ Marketing and visibility
✅ Support services

Join the Webinar to learn more about the coming event.

Catch us Live on:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crzJ0tInofQ

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/511271984586217

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/events/7221147418174648320/comments/

……….
AfWITrade Communication Team
Contact us: africawomenintrade@gmail.com
Website: Www.africawomenintrade.com

📣 📣 AFRICA WOMEN IN TRADE MEMBERS WEBINAR

Topic: AfWITrade Market Access Opportunities

Date: Thursday 30th May 2024,
Time: 19:00 CAT

Host: Milkah Muigai - AfWITrade Director

📌We will discuss the Ready Markets available for the members.

For your business to be able to compete in a specific market and be able to reach and serve its target customers, It MUST Overcome barriers such as;

✅Regulations
✅Tariffs
✅Distribution Networks
✅Cultural Differences

*REGISTER for AfWITrade membership to be able to join the Webinar.*

For Registration;
Visit our website: Www.africawomenintrade.com

……….
AfWITrade Communication Team
Contact us: africawomenintrade@gmail.com
Website: Www.africawomenintrade.com