6,000+ women entrepreneurs trained and mentored across multiple African countries
We work across sectors including agribusiness, manufacturing, technology and tech-enabled services, creative industries, renewable energy and more. Our programmes combine regional and country-based cohorts and are increasingly delivered digitally to expand access and reach more entrepreneurs.
What We Do
1. Incubators
From Idea to Business
For aspiring and early-stage women entrepreneurs. Our incubators provide structured business training, hands-on support to refine business models, and mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs.
Participants leave with:
- A practical and structured business plan
- Stronger confidence and leadership capacity
- Clear financial planning foundations
- A roadmap to launch and grow
Past Programmes Include:
- AWE LESA (Academy for Women Entrepreneurs – Lesotho, Eswatini, South Africa)
- LeadTech Incubation
- Enterprise Development for Women-Owned Ventures in Green Energy
2. Growth Accelerators
Scaling Women-Led SMEs
For post-revenue, growth-stage businesses. Our accelerators focus on:
- Growth strategy and market positioning
- Financial management and modelling
- Operational systems strengthening
- Leadership and team development
- Investment readiness and investor linkages
Many alumni report increased revenues, strengthened systems, and improved access to finance.
Past Programmes Include:
- AWIEF Growth Accelerator
- FemBioBiz Accelerator
3. Access to Finance & Networks
Connecting entrepreneurs to capital, markets and partnerships
We bridge the gap between women entrepreneurs and the resources they need — linking them to finance, markets, peer networks and strategic partnerships.
Through investment readiness support and ecosystem partnerships, we help women-led businesses compete regionally and globally.
Past Programmes Include:
- AGF AFAWA Investment Readiness
- AfDB: Solutions Catalysing Increased Access to Capital for the Success of Women Entrepreneurs
- Enhanced SMEs Investment and Export Readiness Through a Digital Platform
Stories of Change
Agribusiness Expansion
Nigeria
A participant in the AWIEF Growth Accelerator strengthened her financial modelling and value proposition, enabling plans to establish a cassava processing plant producing flour, starch and animal feed — with the potential to increase revenue and create new jobs across the value chain.
Aquaculture Growth
Zambia
Following participation in the accelerator, a socially conscious aquaculture SME increased revenue by approximately 10% and advanced investor engagement for expansion, including plans to develop Zambia’s first crayfish hatchery.
Indigenous Catering
South Africa
An entrepreneur specialising in indigenous foods strengthened financial planning, record-keeping and leadership systems — positioning her business for growth and improved access to funding opportunities.
Current Opportunities
Applications are currently closed. Join the AWIEF Community to receive updates on upcoming programme cohorts, events and partnership opportunities.
Partner With AWIEF
We welcome collaborations with governments, development partners, corporates and financial institutions to scale women’s entrepreneurship support across Africa.