The first edition of the Women's Entrepreneurship Fair (HAIFEX 2025), held on July 5 and 6 at the NH El Rancho Convention Center, marked a major turning point in the recognition of the role of women in the Haitian economy. The large crowd demonstrated the growing interest in women-led economic initiatives.

Organized by Haifex, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI), the official partner, the event brought together exhibitors from across the country with a shared ambition: to promote women's entrepreneurship as a lever for sustainable growth.

From the official opening, the organizers captivated the audience with a rich and diverse program. July 5th featured the official launch of the trade show, a pitch competition bringing together women entrepreneurs with projects with strong economic and social impact, as well as multi-sector exhibits and discussion panels on the challenges of trade and entrepreneurship in Haiti.

The MCI took the opportunity to present its Women's Entrepreneurship Support Program (PAEF), aimed at strengthening the skills of young women involved in business, promoting their integration into productive sectors, and stimulating job creation through the development of women-led businesses.

More than fifteen registrations and follow-ups were conducted during these PAEF days, demonstrating the commitment of women eager to undertake and create in the sectors driving the country's economic growth.

The second day of the show intensified with interactive panels, product demonstrations, workshops, and the final stages of the pitch competition.

Among the highlights, the panel entitled "Financial Inclusion and Women's Empowerment" brought together representatives from UN Women, UNDP, and MCI. During this panel, Ms. Monalissa Dunbar, PAEF Coordinator, emphasized the importance of expanded access to financing for women entrepreneurs, an essential condition for the growth of their businesses and their economic independence.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the final of the national women's entrepreneurship pitch competition, where the finalists presented their projects to a jury of experts.

Three women entrepreneurs excelled in the finals of the pitch competition, respectively in the creative industries, technology and digital, and agri-food sectors. Each received a grant of 1 million gourdes from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), an additional 300,000 gourdes from the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH), as well as six months of professional support (mentoring, coaching, and networking) and various other benefits to help propel their projects forward.

List of winners :

Laure Mendie BOTTEX (Ecovision)

Marie Changlais AIME (Thinkinnov Technologies)

Naichka LEONARD (AGRIMODESS)

Through the PAEF, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry reaffirms its commitment to making women's entrepreneurship a key driver of the country's economic development and social transformation.

HL/ HaitiLibre