Be a part of a network of 1600 women entrepreneurs across 53 African Countries

Transform your Business

Through practical learning, mentorship, and a powerful pan-African community, you’ll gain the tools to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities in and for your business. This is more than a program, it’s a movement of women transforming their businesses, communities, and the continent.

Applications open from Jan 19th - Feb 2nd, 2026

Join the Waitlist

Who Should Apply?

Women who are:

  • Founders of businesses that have been in operation for at least two years in any industry and have at least two employees (either full time or part time). Aspiring entrepreneurs are not eligible

  • Citizens of any African country, currently living on the continent or in the diaspora. For those living in the diaspora, your business must clearly impact Africa through the creation or delivery of its products or services, or based on where its customers reside.

  • Comfortable with remote teamwork and collaboration, especially using digital tools

  • Proficient in verbal and written English

  • Able to regularly (at least weekly) access the Internet through a computer or tablet

AWEC admissions do not discriminate based on race, religion, age, disability, marital status, education, business revenue, or geographic location.

Don’t miss our Live Info Week webinars this January!

Hear directly from alumnae and learn how to craft a strong, standout application.

  • Jan 5th (1:00pm -2:00pm UTC)

  • Jan 7th (3:00pm -4:00pm UTC)

  • Jan 9th (1:00pm -2:00pm UTC)

Register for Info Week

Buddy Up for a Stronger Application

Connect with an AWEC alumna from your country or industry to get guidance as you complete your application. Application Buddies are available to answer questions, share insights, and help you navigate the process with confidence.

Launches in January

FAQs

  • Applications for AWEC Cohort 9 opens on Jan 19th - Feb 2nd, 2026. Join the waitlist and be the first to know when it opens up via - www.weareawec.org/apply

  • Applications open from Jan 19th - Feb 2nd, 2026

  • AWEC was created to meet an expressed need for more equal access to sustained, high-quality leadership and business management learning opportunities, mentorship, and a pan-African peer network. AWEC is unique in its inclusiveness, innovative learning approach, and content:

    • Technology-enabled Blended Learning: Innovative technology and program design allows us to serve women in real-time from across the continent and diaspora, both online and offline

    • Quality and Rigor: Fast-paced, 12-month program dives deeply on business, leadership, and management skills taught by global thought-leaders

    • Applied Learning: Learning topics are immediately applicable, not theoretical

    • Diverse Industries and Countries: Exposes cohort to an array of experiences and viewpoints

    • Women-only Cooperative: Supportive give-and-take learning and networking environment

  • AWEC is FREE. However, while there is no program fee to participate in AWEC, Fellows are required to commit their time (4 to 6 hours per week for one year), hard work and energy to being an active learner and participant in the AWEC community.

    Fellows may incur costs related to attending an optional in-person event.

  • The core components of AWEC are:

    • Online and in-person learning opportunities led by world-class business practitioners and academics

    • One-on-one mentoring by senior business professionals

    • Individual applied learning assignments and collaborative team projects

    • Online and offline peer networking and feedback

  • Upon successful completion of the 12-month program, Fellows will:

    • Form connections with a diverse network of African women entrepreneurs

    • Establish a relationship with a senior business mentor

    • Strengthen strategy, leadership and business management skills

    • Gain skills in finance, marketing, and strategy needed to grow and scale their enterprise

    • Develop a toolkit of soft skills, including self-confidence, resilience, collaboration, and cross-cultural communications

  • The program is conducted in English. Fellows are expected to complete all program elements, including small group conversations and written assignments, in English.

  • If you are encountering technical issues with the application, please reach out to the AWEC Management Team with “Application Question” in the subject line. In your email, please provide an explanation of the issue you are experiencing, with screenshots if possible.

  • Fellows should expect to spend an average of 4 to 6 hours per week participating in AWEC activities (primarily online), for one year. Fellows are expected to participate in at least one AWEC activity per week throughout the 12 month program. Please seriously consider this time commitment before applying and/or accepting an offer to participate in AWEC.

  • AWEC is a 12-month program.

    For more information on the upcoming application, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter.

  • AWEC enrolls 200 women each program year. T

    o stay up-to-date with AWEC activities, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter.

  • The 2026-2027 program would begin with orientation in May 2026.

  • All AWEC Fellows must have reliable access to a strong Internet connection, at least once per week.

    Most of the AWEC program activities are conducted online and can be completed from anywhere a Fellow has an Internet connection, including a university, Internet café, shared workspace, their home, or other locations. AWEC requires Fellows to participate in video conference calls, which generally requires more bandwidth than typical Internet browsing.

  • Program Fellows will need access to a tablet, laptop or desktop to complete most of the work. Smartphones can be used to engage in the Live Sessions and for messaging with peers and teammates, but are not sufficient for all course activities.

  • Fellows are not required to travel. Most of the AWEC program activities are conducted online and can be completed from anywhere a participant has an Internet connection. However, there are some opportunities to connect for in-person learning and networking opportunities.

  • Founders of social enterprises are encouraged to apply; founders of NGOs or nonprofit organizations are not eligible for the 12-month program