African women building and scaling businesses can now apply for Cohort 9 of the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC) Programme 2026.
AWEC is a free, 12-month leadership and business management programme designed to help women entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, expand their leadership capacity, and scale their impact across Africa. Each year, the programme admits 200 female founders from diverse industries and regions.
Since its launch in 2018, AWEC has supported over 15,000 women across 53 African countries, helping participants grow revenue, create jobs, and mentor other women entrepreneurs. The programme combines practical business training, mentorship, and a strong pan-African peer network to support long-term growth.
About the AWEC Programme
The AWEC Programme is structured like an MBA-style business accelerator, delivered virtually over 12 months. Fellows gain hands-on knowledge in leadership, strategy, finance, operations, and business growth, while collaborating with women entrepreneurs across the continent and in the diaspora.
Participants become part of a supportive community focused on transforming businesses, communities, and Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to women who meet the following criteria:
- Founders of established businesses operating for at least two years
- Businesses must have at least two employees (full-time or part-time)
- Applicants must be citizens of any African country
- Entrepreneurs living in the diaspora are eligible if their business clearly impacts Africa through products, services, or customer base
- Comfortable working remotely and collaborating with others using digital tools
- Proficient in spoken and written English
- Able to access the internet regularly using a computer or tablet
Note: Aspiring entrepreneurs without an existing business are not eligible.
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Programme Benefits
Selected AWEC Fellows will receive:
- Free participation in a 12-month business and leadership programme
- Practical training to accelerate business growth
- Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and leaders
- Access to a powerful pan-African network of female founders
- Opportunities for collaboration, peer learning, and visibility
- Tools to increase revenue, employment, and long-term sustainability
Application Deadline
1 February 2026 at 11:59 PM (UTC)
APPLY FOR THE AWEC PROGRAMME FOR AFRICAN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
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