The African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC) Programme is currently accepting applications for its 2026 cohort. This transformative initiative is a year-long leadership and business management development programme designed for female entrepreneurs, welcoming 200 participants each year.
AWEC offers a complimentary 12-month business training programme, structured similarly to an MBA curriculum, aimed at supporting female business owners throughout Africa in scaling their enterprises. Launched in 2018, the programme has reached over 15,000 women spanning all 53 African nations. Graduates of AWEC have demonstrated measurable success, including revenue growth, workforce expansion, and the training of additional women entrepreneurs across the region.
Participants benefit from hands-on education, personalised mentorship, and connection to a dynamic pan-African network, equipping them with resources to navigate obstacles and capitalise on emerging business prospects. AWEC represents not merely an educational initiative but a collective effort of women driving change in their enterprises, local communities, and throughout the continent.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualified applicants are women who meet the following conditions:
- Own and operate businesses that have been active for a minimum of two years in any sector, with at least two staff members (full-time or part-time). Those planning to start businesses are not considered.
- Hold citizenship of an African nation and currently reside either on the African continent or abroad. Diaspora-based applicants must demonstrate that their businesses create a meaningful impact in Africa through their products, services, or customer base.
- Are willing to engage in virtual team collaboration and are comfortable utilising digital platforms.
- Possess strong communication skills in English, both spoken and written.
- Have consistent (minimum weekly) internet connectivity via computer or tablet.
Who Should Apply?
Women who are:
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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). Aspiring entrepreneurs are not eligible
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Citizens of any African country, currently living on the continent or in the diaspora. 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.
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Comfortable with remote teamwork and collaboration, especially using digital tools
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Proficient in verbal and written English
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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.
Application Tips
1. Familiarize yourself with the program you are applying for:
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What does the program offer? How does this align with your goals?
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How does this program align with your learning style AND your availability?
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What does “success” look like in the program? How does this align with your vision for success?
2. Ensure that you meet the applicant criteria.
3. Review the application questions as early as possible:
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What do I need to answer this question?
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How much time will it take me to answer each question?
4. Start early. Don’t wait till the last minute!
5. Be clear and concise:
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No need to use fancy buzzwords – explain your business as though you are talking to a stranger who has no idea what you do.
6. Know your numbers.
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Revenue, employees, customers, capital – what data is the application asking for? If you need to approximate, do so via informed guesses.
7. Proofread:
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Did you fully answer each question?
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Did you answer the question being asked?
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Are there any glaring typos to correct?
Submission Deadline: February 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm UTC
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