About
About SMWF
Mission, Vision & Governance
We build systems so market women can move from survival to sustainability—owning land, accessing finance, learning modern skills, and selling in fair, resilient markets.
Vision
An Africa where women farmers and food vendors thrive, lead, and nourish the continent with dignity and power
Our north star centers women’s agency, shared prosperity, and food system resilience across communities and generations.
2007
Founded
2
Countries of Registration
9
Program Streams
Mission
To empower and support women in the food supply chain across Africa by providing access to resources, training, markets, and advocacy — enabling them to build resilient communities and sustainable food systems
Empower market women to grow income, leadership, and dignity.
Land & ToolsFinanceTrainingFair TradeClimateDigital
Strategic Goals
Systems that unlock women’s economic power
Access to Land, Tools & Finance
Secure land use, input kits, and blended microfinance so women can produce and trade competitively.
Training & Skills
Market-based training: production, hygiene, pricing, bookkeeping, coop governance, and leadership.
Market Access & Fair Trade
Better stalls, storage, cold chain links, and fair-pricing pathways that raise incomes sustainably.
Policy Advocacy
Evidence and coalitions to improve fees, safety, and protections for informal traders and farmers.
Climate Resilience
Agroecology, diversified crops, and climate-smart market infrastructure to reduce risk.
Digital Inclusion
Mobile money, basic apps, and market data tools that help women price, plan, and save.
History & Structure
Rooted in Liberia, with binational governance
Established in 2007; later transitioned to the Sustainable Market Women’s Fund (SMWF).
SMWF-USA: 501(c)(3) with U.S. bank account for grants and donations.
SMWF-Liberia: Registered NGO with UBA account and local board.
Governance links with the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA).
Docs pointer: “SMWF Brief for the President” available upon request.
Governance & Compliance
Transparent, compliant, and community-led
Annual IRS Form 990 and New York State Charities Bureau filings.
Compliance calendar overseen by the Treasurer with legal/accounting support.
Oversight bodies: U.S. Board, Liberia Advisory Council, and Program Committees.
Programs
From problems to practical solutions
Land & Tools for Women Farmers
Problem → land insecurity; Solution → access & inputs; Outcomes → higher yields.
Microfinance & Savings Circles
Problem → cashflow gaps; Solution → blended finance; Outcomes → steady growth.
Market Infrastructure & Safety
Problem → poor storage; Solution → stalls & cold-chain; Outcomes → less loss.
Leadership & Advocacy
Problem → weak voice; Solution → training & coalitions; Outcomes → policy wins.
Youth Apprenticeship
Problem → joblessness; Solution → trade skills; Outcomes → income pathways.
Digital Skills for Market Women
Problem → info gaps; Solution → mobile basics; Outcomes → better pricing.
Climate-Smart Agriculture
Problem → climate risk; Solution → agroecology; Outcomes → resilience.
Cross-Border Trade & Fair Markets
Problem → predatory fees; Solution → fair routes; Outcomes → stable margins.
Policy & Research Center
Problem → weak data; Solution → research; Outcomes → better policy.
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