The Haitian Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) is advancing its commitment to female economic empowerment through the upcoming Regional Women’s Entrepreneurship Fair, scheduled for March 7-8, 2026, in the Grand Sud region. This strategic initiative forms a core component of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Program (PAEF), designed to transform women’s economic participation into a tangible driver of national development.
Minister James Monazard, championing the program, recently convened a critical working session at the Montana Hotel to finalize preparations. In his opening address, Minister Monazard emphasized the foundational role of women in Haiti’s economic future, stating, “We are preparing Haiti’s future. Women are the pillars of the Haitian economy.”
The PAEF represents a structured, multi-faceted approach to economic inclusion. Its current cohort includes 40 beneficiaries, with ambitious goals to formalize women-led enterprises, deliver market-relevant training programs, and enhance collaboration between national and international partners to maximize local resource utilization.
Mona Lisa Dunbar, PAEF Coordinator, clarified that the program extends beyond a single event, constituting a long-term support ecosystem. This includes structuring business activities, building capacity for over 500 women, and providing technical and financial support in partnership with institutions like the Industrial Development Fund (FDI).
Panel Paulemont, Director of Trade at the Ministry, identified the resource-rich Grand Sud region as an ideal launchpad for this inaugural regional edition, highlighting its significant economic potential.
The Fair itself is designed to deliver concrete benefits to participants, including dedicated exhibition booths to increase product visibility, curated networking spaces for business promotion, and facilitated access to new economic opportunities aimed at fostering business growth and formalization. This effort specifically targets the gradual integration of women from the informal sector into the formal economy, a move deemed essential for sustainable national growth.