Manchester trade event empowers women-led businesses from across Asia and Africa
What: Trade mission to connect women-led businesses from 10 countries across five sectors with companies in the United Kingdom
When: 10 – 12 February 2025
Where: Manchester, United Kingdom
(Manchester) – On 11 February, 50 women-led businesses from Africa and Asia will engage in business-to-business meetings with United Kingdom companies at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce to explore market opportunities, as part of a three-day trade mission.
The delegation comprises women-led businesses from Bangladesh, Ghana, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Kenya, Pakistan, Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the following sectors: fresh and processed agrifood, textiles and apparel, handicrafts, beauty, and information technology and business process outsourcing.
As part of the trade mission, participants will gain direct exposure to British buyers and insights on market entry requirements through study tours to British companies in relevant sectors and informational sessions with key stakeholders—including chambers of commerce, sector-specific institutions, regulatory standards and trade bodies.
Engaging multiple chambers of commerce to increase engagement with British companies, this event facilitates meaningful market information exchanges on the overall business landscape in the United Kingdom. It enhances bilateral economic relations between the United Kingdom and the 10 participating delegation countries while enabling British buyers to connect with new suppliers, enhancing product competitiveness and boosting global exports, which aligns with the United Kingdom’s trade agenda during a period of domestic manufacturing decline.
This trade mission is part of the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, which is implemented by the International Trade Centre and funded by United Kingdom International Development. It is organized in collaboration with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and in partnership with the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, London Chamber of Commerce, and West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
‘The Manchester trade mission gives women-led businesses direct exposure to United Kingdom buyers, giving them a head start in establishing business connections. For United Kingdom companies, this business-to-business event offers an opportunity to diversify their suppliers and become more competitive in the United Kingdom market, while supporting trade for development initiatives to bolster women’s participation in trade,’ said Michelle Kristy, ITC SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme manager.
Susana Córdoba, head of international yrade at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: ‘The Chamber has been a keen supporter of the SheTrades initiative. Last year we supported many business missions to Asia and Africa, during which some of our members and customers made meaningful connections with potential women entrepreneurs.
‘This year, for the first time, we are working with our partners to host a delegation of 50 women entrepreneurs from 10 different Asian and African countries. This is a unique opportunity for Chamber members and companies across Greater Manchester and beyond to meet potential new suppliers across a wide range of sectors.’
The trade mission will strengthen market access for women-led businesses through increased market exposure and information, including updated market requirements and new business generation opportunities.
This aligns with the Programme’s objectives to foster a more inclusive business environment to unlock greater market access opportunities for women-led businesses, while further strengthening the United Kingdom’s bilateral trade relations with the 10 countries represented in this trade mission.