What is AWEC?

The African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC) is a 12-month, high-touch leadership and management capacity building program. AWEC empowers women from across Africa and the diaspora with the knowledge and network needed to build resilient and scalable businesses. We use applied and collaborative learning models, enabling immediate business impact and cultivating a pan-African cooperative of entrepreneurs, experts, and allies. Our mission and impact are aligned with the UN’s SDGs focused on gender equality, economic empowerment, and high-quality learning opportunities. AWEC is a program created through the Center for Global Enterprise (CGE), a nonprofit and nonpartisan research institute focused on developing insights that help current and future business leaders build resilient enterprises.

How is AWEC different from other entrepreneur programs?

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

What are the core elements of the program?

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

What will participants gain from the program?

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

What language is the program conducted in?

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

How much does the program cost?

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.

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) OR women who have a strong business concept and plan to launch their business within the next year
• Founders of social enterprises are encouraged to apply; founders of NGOs or nonprofit organizations are no longer eligible for the 12-month program
• Citizens of any African country, currently living on the continent or in the diaspora
• 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.

Please note: 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.

How do I apply?

Applications for AWEC Cohort 6 are now closed. Applicants will be notified of their status in April 2023.

Who do I contact if I am having trouble using the online application?

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.

How long is the program?

AWEC is a 12-month program. For more information on the upcoming application, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter.

When does the program start?

The 2023-2024 program began with orientation in May 2023.

How many people are accepted into the program?

AWEC enrolls 200 women each program year. To stay up-to-date with AWEC activities, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter.

What is the time commitment?

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.

Do I need to travel to participate?

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. Given the ongoing global impact of COVID-19, it is unclear when AWEC will resume hosting in-person events. We will continue to monitor the situation and look forward to gathering with our cohort members when it is safe to do so.

Do I need access to the Internet?

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. Given the ongoing global impact of COVID-19, please keep in mind that you may lose access to public spaces where you typically use the Internet. We strongly encourage you to take this into consideration - and making alternate plans if needed - before committing to participating in this program.

Can founders of NGOs or nonprofit organizations apply for the core program?

Founders of NGOs or nonprofit organizations are no longer eligible for the core program. Founders of social enterprises are encouraged to apply.

What kind of device do I need to participate in the program?

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.

Will I work alone or as part of a team?

Collaboration is a core element of the AWEC program. While assignments are completed individually and focus on one’s own business, the program provides numerous opportunities to work in teams and to peer review each other’s work.

What if I miss some of the program?

While Fellows who consistently engage in the program will gain the most benefit, we understand that managing careers, businesses, families, and other commitments will occasionally prevent participants from engaging in AWEC activities. Live Sessions are recorded and can be viewed later, however we strongly encourage live participation to gain the full program benefit.

Why does AWEC fundraise?

AWEC is a 100% donor-supported program operated through The Center for Global Enterprise, a US-based nonprofit organization. Our operations are funded by grants and gifts from global foundations, corporations, and generous individual donors around the world who share our vision of changing Africa through women-led entrepreneurship. This support ensures that program participants are able to gain a lifetime of learning and connections at little to no cost to themselves. To donate to AWEC, please visit our online donation platform here.

Who are your current supporters?

Our supporters include Bloomberg Philanthropies, Ernst & Young, Google, The Inglesea Charitable Trust, Ogilvy, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, and dozens of individual donors across three continents. They, and others, provide a combination of financial and in-kind contributions that enable AWEC to maintain and grow our impact. We also value the support of a pan-African network of organizations that extend our reach to women entrepreneurs across Africa and the diaspora. For more information visit our Supporters Page.

How does AWEC accept donations?

Donors can give to AWEC on our donation platform here. We are a 501(c)3 not for profit organization based in the United States. Your donation is tax deductible as allowed by law.

How can I volunteer with AWEC?

AWEC is fortunate that many of our volunteer Mentor and Live Session leaders return each year. When we have opportunities to welcome new experts, we begin recruiting in January each year. Mentors donate their time by guiding and advising participants over the course of the program. Live Session Leaders contribute their subject matter expertise by leading our monthly webinars focused on key business and management skills. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit out Volunteer Page