Empowering the Next Generation of Successful African Business Women
Over the past three years, AWEC’s core program has supported more than 600 women entrepreneurs across 52 African countries and the diaspora who conduct business in 40+ industries. Through these entrepreneurs, AWEC also has indirectly impacted more than 3,000 of their employees, who have benefited from stronger leadership, more well-managed businesses, and revenue growth.
AWEC monitors core program participant engagement on a monthly basis and measures key indicators for success, including assignment submissions and participation in live learning opportunities. Across all program years, AWEC continues to achieve an average 80% completion rate for its 12-month blended learning program, which far exceeds industry averages.
Aggregate Impact
79% strengthened their business management skills
79% increased the quality of their peer network
76% experienced higher quality mentoring
72% increased their annual revenue
63% attracted new customers/clients
43% created new jobs
AWEC Alumnae Success Stories
The skills that Dr. Cheswa Vwalika (Zambia) learned as a Fellow helped her to grow her medical business as she completed her AWEC year.
Through connections at the annual AWEC Leadership Summit, Yemi Adenuga (Nigeria/Ireland), was able to identify the ways she could streamline processes for her NGO.
The key takeaways from applying AWEC assignments and projects to her business allowed Ritha Tarimo (Tanzania) to secure new funding, create a new partnership, and build a new facility for her school.
Empowered with her newfound AWEC knowledge, Sharon Ndegwa (Kenya) was able to secure $10,000 in seed funding for her all-natural baby food company from Standard Chartered Bank in early 2019.
Annual Reports
Each year, AWEC welcomes 200 new entrepreneurs into our 12-month program. We challenge them to learn together, teach each other, create community, and develop their businesses. For some, this is the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey and for others, an opportunity to sharpen their businesses and prepare for growth.
Read more about our program, participants, and impact in our Annual Program Reports.
AWEC Supporters
AWEC’s mission is to empower African female entrepreneurs to build resilient businesses and unlock their potential to become catalysts for change.
Foundations, corporations, and individuals enable AWEC to continue these impacting women entrepreneurs across Africa through financial support, in-kind support and contributing to our ecosystem of business experts who serve as mentors and instructors. For full list of AWEC supporters click here.
You can donate to support our dynamic cohort of entrepreneurs.