Women in business from 10 SADC countries converged on Botswana's capital, Gaborone in June to showcase their products in a move to strengthen trade co-operation and opportunities in the region.

The Fourth Women in Business SADC Fair and Investment Forum saw a majority of exhibitors clinching business deals with various business agencies from different countries including Europe.

Businesswomen from Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, United Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe confirmed that they had clinched some deals with companies from Botswana and Europe. The Botswana Minister of Labour and Home A ffairs, Thebe David

Mogami, officially opened the fair. "We have to uphold the objectives of the investment forum which entail the promotion of intra and inter-regional trade among women and ensure economic empowerment of SADC women through the creation of opportunities for women in business,” he said.

Speaking at the fair, United Republic of Tanzanian’s Minister for Community Development, Gender and Children, Asha-Rose Migiro, said the investment forum would facilitate poverty alleviation and economically empower women. She noted the importance of African governments taking a leading role in financing small-scale women's entrepreneurial activities to enable them to compete in large-scale businesses.

Malawi, in this case, should be commended for paying for all the 12 stalls occupied by women from that country.

The significant turnout of women involved in various businesses showed the determination of women to advance themselves and develop the region. Parallel meetings facilitated the exchange of ideas on how to respond to common challenges. The need to create business trust starting amongst them to enable linkages in business ventures within and outside the region was emphasised.

Botswana , the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe were represented at the trade fair.