The AWEC Alumnae Network (AAN) Thought Leadership Initiative, launched five months ago, successfully empowered alumnae across nine countries and five cohorts to enhance their online presence and business impact through strategic thought leadership. Alumnae from diverse industries experienced significant personal and professional growth, including increased visibility, expanded networks, and new business opportunities. Through structured support and mentorship, alumnae like Hussaina P. Nuhu-Ajala, Priscah Mufunde, and Eme Tony-Uzoebo have achieved speaking engagements and industry recognition ..read more

We're proud to welcome 200 exceptional women entrepreneurs from 33 countries into our program, selected from over 3,400 applicants. Their businesses span various key industries. AWEC equips these women with essential skills and networks, focusing on social impact and growth. Congratulations, Cohort 7! The future of Africa is in your hands. Hear more from AWEC Senior Program Advisor, Magdalene Uzoechi, who shares inspiring success stories and insights on AWEC’s transformative impact over the past six years. Watch the video to discover how small ventures have become thriving enterprises ..read more

Welcoming us to Botswana, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Kabelo Antony Ebineng, emphasized the significance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the nation's journey towards vision 2036. He underscored the pivotal role of women entrepreneurship in advancing SDG objectives and announced plans for the Ministry of Entrepreneurship to partner with entrepreneurs across Africa, aiming to open Botswana up for trade and foster economic growth. The opening keynote speaker was Monica Musonda, the CEO of Java Foods. As the founder of Zambia's leading instant noodle brand e ..read more

When collaborating with an AWEC sister, there's no need for constant monitoring as both sides know their roles and add value to each other. It feels like a sister business where feedback is easily exchanged without fear of judgment. Additionally, there's a comfortable and cordial atmosphere where suggestions are freely given and received to help each other grow ..read more

In a world grappling with the economic challenges brought about by soaring global inflation, AWEC convened an in-person alumnae meet-up that marked a pivotal moment for entrepreneurs seeking tangible solutions in these challenging times. Recognizing the power of face-to-face interactions, the event brought together local alumnae, staff members, and Live Session leader Kola Osinowo, CEO of Baobab+ Nigeria, to discuss and share experiences on navigating economic uncertainties ..read more

We're well into 2024, but we couldn't launch the new year without reflecting on AWEC's impact in 2023. We ushered in new initiatives, launched exciting campaigns and reports, unpacked pertinent issues facing African women in business, celebrated the successes of our alumnae and fellows, and worked together to troubleshoot business challenges ..read more

Generosity transcends mere giving. It's a profound force for change, empowerment, and shaping a brighter future. As AWEC alumnae unveil their giving motives in the End-of-Year Giving Campaign, we witness the transformative influence of collective benevolence. The AWEC End of Year Giving Campaign is an occasion for our remarkable community to reflect on their AWEC experiences and contribute to a cause that has profoundly impacted them. This initiative stands as a testament to the profound impact AWEC has made on its alumnae, fostering a sense of community and a steadfast commitment to ensuring ..read more

Why do we give? Giving back to those who’ve lifted us up, to our communities, is the heart of the African spirit. For our giving campaign, we had a candid conversation with some of our alumnae, Generose Ndalami from Malawi, Kimani Purity Wanjiru from Kenya and Uzoamaka Igweike from Nigeria, to find out why they give ..read more

For entrepreneurs who wear many hats in their personal and professional lives - employer, community leader, parent, partner, sibling, friend - there is a tendency to take care of everything and everyone else without paying enough attention to one’s own mental and emotional wellness. A business cannot flourish if its founder does not prioritize their own well-being. Therefore, AWEC believes that women entrepreneurs must invest in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing the effects of stress that can arise from the competing pressures of balancing work and life as an entrepreneur ..read more

Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri, widely known as "the celebrity shrink," is a highly-acclaimed neuro-psychiatrist and mental health advocate and AWEC Cohort 4 alumna. In a candid discussion with AWEC, Dr. May delved into her mission to establish Pinnacle Medical Services, a mental health-focused institution in Nigeria. She shed light on the stigma associated with mental health, saying, "People want a place where the stigma is reduced. They don't want people to know about what is happening to them ..read more