O Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) and the initiative Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) of African Development Bank Group (AfDB) have come together to drive increased access to finance and markets for women-led startups across Southern, East and West Africa.
The program called "Solutions that catalyze increased access to capital for women entrepreneurs to succeed” aims to accelerate efforts to tackle gender inequality and drive inclusive economic transformation across the African continent.
According to what is revealed by the creators, more than 500 “founders” are expected to be supported by the program and have access to markets and investment readiness in 8 African countries: Niga © ria, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Rwanda, Malawi, Tanzania e Zimbabwe.
Lasting two years, this program of mentoring and accelerating female entrepreneurs on the continent thus creates a profitable style of investee companies ready to access financing.
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The program will be organized in 4 parts:
AWIEF Growth Accelerator (in partnership with Nedbank) – to increase investment readiness and increase access to finance.
eCommerce Capacity Development (in partnership with UNIDO) – to acquire knowledge, skills and competencies in digital channels to increase participation and success in online business.
Digital Skills (in partnership with Amazon Web Services) – to reinforce the ability of startups to embrace technological innovation.
Mentoring and Counseling – enhancing visibility and access to model models for startups through a guidance platform.
Applications are now open and founders who have companies in the following countries can apply: Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Rwanda, Malawi, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
Priority sectors include: Technology, Agriculture & Agribusiness, Creative Industry, eCommerce, Renewable Energy, Manufacturing, Retail, Construction, Logistics.
Applications close on the 06th of July, and where you can apply by clicking on here.
