In celebration of International Women’s Month, the Canadian Embassy in Ethiopia hosted a landmark event to promote women’s participation in trade and strengthen economic ties between the two nations. The forum brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and gender advocates from Ethiopia and Canada to share experiences, foster collaboration, and explore new opportunities for women in business.
Canada’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Joshua Tabah, emphasized the country’s commitment to gender equality through its Feminist International Assistance Policy. “As women succeed in business, entire societies and economies thrive,” Ambassador Tabah stated, encouraging participants to think big and connect across borders. He highlighted ongoing collaborative projects aimed at improving access to finance and creating an enabling environment for Ethiopian women entrepreneurs.
Dr. Ergoge Tesfaye, Ethiopia’s Minister of Women and Social Affairs, expressed gratitude to Canada for its support in empowering women entrepreneurs. She noted that while women make up 30% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ethiopia, they still face significant barriers to financial resources, market access, and networking opportunities. “Investing in women is investing in growth,” she said, outlining government initiatives such as the 10-year development plan and the Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Project supported by the World Bank.
The event featured a panel discussion titled “Canadian-Ethiopian Women in Trade,” where prominent business leaders from both countries shared insights on overcoming challenges as female entrepreneurs. Canadian participants included Andrée-Lise Méthot, founder of Cycle Capital, and Dominique Anglade, co-founder of KANPE, while Ethiopian panelists included Dr. Teguest Gurema of LeDeG Midwifery College and Thitina Mulushewa Legesse of Waryt Furniture Manufacturing.
The forum also explored the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to open new markets for women traders. Both Ambassador Tabah and Minister Ergoge stressed the importance of cross-border partnerships in driving innovation, improving market access, and creating mentorship opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
Discussions highlighted persistent challenges such as gender-based discrimination and limited institutional support for women-led businesses. Participants called for targeted interventions like specialized financial instruments, capacity-building programs, and policy reforms to close these gaps.
The event concluded with a networking session that encouraged participants to establish connections and exchange ideas for advancing gender equality in trade.
This collaboration between Ethiopia and Canada reflects a shared vision for empowering women as drivers of economic growth. By fostering partnerships and addressing systemic barriers, both nations aim to create a more inclusive environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive locally and globally.
