The Center for Accelerated Women’s Economic Empowerment (CAWEE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Teba Connects, a global consultancy and venture development firm owned by Ethiopian diaspora entrepreneur Tewabech Molla based in the United States. The agreement establishes a strategic partnership to support women-led enterprises across Africa and the global diaspora. Through this collaboration, CAWEE and Teba Connects aim to provide women entrepreneurs with access to international markets, investment opportunities and global business exposure, while facilitating strategic collaborations and connections that can help women expand their businesses and reach new customers worldwide.
Teba Connects specializes in strategic representation, business advisory and market expansion. With a robust network spanning the U.S., Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia, the firm helps companies, chambers and investors unlock cross-border growth and innovation. From facilitating market entry to developing sustainable ventures, Teba Connects acts as a catalyst for organizations seeking to expand their global footprint and create meaningful impact in high-potential and emerging markets. The firm’s vision is to be a leading force driving global business collaboration, fostering innovation and enabling expansive growth. Its mission is to empower businesses to seize exceptional opportunities through customized representation, expert advisory solutions and region-specific support, ensuring success across diverse and evolving markets.
CAWEE has expressed its appreciation to Tewabech Molla for her continued support, both during her time in Ethiopia and now through her US-based organization. The Executive Director of CAWEE and its members are eager to see the partnership unfold and the tangible benefits it can bring to women entrepreneurs across different sectors.
Established in 2004 by Nigest Haile, as a non-profit, non-governmental organization, CAWEE focuses on promoting women in business, particularly by strengthening value chains and building marketable skills. The organization supports women at all levels, from grassroots initiatives to established small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with the goal of creating sustainable economic empowerment.
The mission of CAWEE is to promote Ethiopian women entrepreneurs, with particular attention to exporters, both existing and emerging. The organization provides training, advisory services, business counseling, product development support, mentoring and information sharing. CAWEE also facilitates market linkages by partnering with international institutions and conducts practical research to address challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. Its vision is to develop a globally competitive class of women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia.
Membership with CAWEE spans five key sectors: agribusiness, including coffee and honey; textiles, garments, hand-weaving and handmade shoes; leather, with a focus on fashion accessories and gift items; gemstones and jewelry; and services, covering tourism, export management, training and IT services. Through these sectors, CAWEE strengthens value chains by providing technical and marketable skills to grassroots women. These women are connected to markets through women-owned and managed SMEs, as well as existing and potential exporting companies. The aim is to empower the supply capacity of these SMEs, helping them grow and compete in both domestic and international markets.
By partnering with Teba Connects, CAWEE is taking a significant step toward expanding its reach and creating new opportunities for women entrepreneurs to thrive. The collaboration is expected to open doors for women-led businesses to access investment, scale operations and participate in global trade. Ultimately, this partnership represents a meaningful effort to empower women economically, enhance their visibility in international markets and support sustainable business growth across Ethiopia and beyond.
