Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: U.S. Mission’s Initiative in South Africa

In a groundbreaking move, the U.S. Mission to South Africa has unveiled a remarkable opportunity set to revolutionize socio-economic landscapes across Southern Africa. Brace yourselves for the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a dynamic initiative spanning five months, dedicated to nurturing women entrepreneurs in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini.

AWE, a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of State and Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management, promises to be a game-changer. This innovative program, nestled within the Francis and Dionne Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative, offers a comprehensive online curriculum featuring five top-tier courses in management and entrepreneurship, tailor-made for global learners.

Under this visionary initiative, applicants will champion cohorts of women entrepreneurs across seven strategic cities, fostering a blend of virtual and in-person sessions. These sessions, held at American Spaces and facilitated by alumni coordinators in tandem with the U.S. Embassy, aim to provide a nurturing environment for entrepreneurial growth and empowerment.

At the heart of the AWE LESA program lies its 18-module foundation course, emphasizing global entrepreneurship and innovation. Through a blend of online education, in-person discussions, and mentorship, participants are poised to embark on a transformative learning journey.

But AWE doesn’t stop there. It aims to cultivate networks offering peer-to-peer mentorship, forge business partnerships, and unlock scaling opportunities regionally and internationally. By providing tailored educational programs, AWE seeks to amplify the impact of women’s economic empowerment initiatives.

Who can participate, you ask? Eligible participants are young women aged 21–35, running early-stage businesses with a focus on community improvement or social impact. Additionally, they must have some post-secondary education and reside within 40km of designated cohort locations across the region.

In conjunction with the AWE program, the U.S. Mission to South Africa calls for applications to organize a 3-day regional summit. This summit, targeting alumni from SACU countries, aims to foster networks, explore trade opportunities, and impart knowledge on digital innovations in entrepreneurship.

The summit, slated to be held during Global Entrepreneurship Week, will convene alumni from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa. Organizers are set to ensure a seamless experience for the anticipated seventy attendees by facilitating logistical arrangements and travel.

With a funding range of $25,000 to $119,190, this initiative promises to catalyze impactful projects promoting economic prosperity and gender equity. Non-profit organizations with proven implementation capability in South Africa are urged to apply and be part of this transformative journey.

As the deadline for applications approaches on April 26, 2024, women organizations operating in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini are urged to take action now. This is your chance to make a significant difference in empowering women entrepreneurs and driving positive change in our communities. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Apply today and be a catalyst for a brighter, more inclusive future.

To read more and apply, please click here