Stories

SheTrades supported brands from Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria aim for success at COTERIE

22 February 2019
ITC News

Ten women-owned businesses from Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya to attend COTERIE, one of the United States’ top fashion trade shows, thanks to support from the International Trade Centre’s SheTrades initiative.

Taking place at the Javits Center, New York City, on 25-27 February, COTERIE provides an incredible opportunity for these talented brands to showcase their collections and connect with international buyers. All ten companies are part of SheTrades in the Commonwealth Programme, funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID).

In 2018, SheTrades sponsored a delegation of 9 brands from Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria to attend the fall edition of COTERIE, which led to meetings with 100 buyers and secured US $495,000 USD in trade leads.

One of the participating companies was Afrodesiac, a Ghanaian company that has seen tremendous success following its attendance at COTERIE.

‘The International Trade Centre has helped our company reach international markets by giving us access to new buyers through trade shows and exhibitions,’ said Chiedza Makonnen, Founder of Afrodesiac Worldwide. ‘Thanks to support from SheTrades and DFID, we expanded our business by over 50%.’

Makonnen added: ‘New orders secured at COTERIE has had an impact throughout our supply chain, which includes Cadling, a Ghanaian women manufacturer with whom we tripled our orders of raw materials. Thank you SheTrades! Your impact changes lives and empowers female entrepreneurs.’

This year SheTrades is showcasing new brands including Bello Edu, a Ghanaian company, and Lilabare Clothing from Kenya. If you are going to COTERIE, you will find them at the SheTrades booth 1130.

Apply to be a part of SheTrades in the Commonwealth Programme: https://shetradescommonwealth.converve.io

Notes for the Editors

About the SheTrades in the Commonwealth Programme - The SheTrades in the Commonwealth programme aims to increase economic growth and job creation in Commonwealth countries by increasing the participation of women-owned businesses in international trade. The project is funded by the UK Department for International Development and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) under the framework of the SheTrades Initiative. For more information, please visit https://www.shetrades.com/en/projects/shetrades-commonwealth

About the SheTrades initiative - The SheTrades initiative aims to connect three million women to market by 2021. The initiative brings together stakeholders around the world to work on seven actions to address trade barriers and create greater opportunities for women entrepreneurs. It is supported by a web and mobile digital platform. For more information, please visit shetrades.com