photo courtesy AWIF
The U.S. Mission to South Africa and the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) have announced the launch of the 2024 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program. According to the announcement made on July 22nd,2024 the program is set to benefit 100 women in Lesotho, Eswatini, and South Africa (LESA) collectively.
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (LESA) program is centered on the Francis and Dionne Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative an accredited online global management and entrepreneurship certificate.
The program aims to promote economic prosperity, including equitable economic development opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups and individuals.
AWE LESA 2024 will empower young women entrepreneurs in seven cities – five in South Africa and one each in Lesotho and Eswatini. The program will host cohorts in Bloemfontein (10 participants), Cape Town (10 participants), Johannesburg (15 participants), Polokwane (15 participants), Manzini (20 participants), Maseru (20 participants), and Pietermaritzburg (10 participants). The participants will attend in-person training sessions and events at designated American Corners and partner spaces in each location.
Selected participants that will get to complete the program will not only be awarded with A 100 million Learners certificate; but also gain access to the U.S. alumni robust network of support, including business opportunities and potential seed funding.
They’ll also get expert-facilitated in-person business management training and mentorship as well as gain membership to the AWIEF Community among other benefits.
 Criteria for application include;
- Young women (aged 21 – 35);
- Early-stage entrepreneurs (with businesses in operation for 1-3 years);
- Citizens/legal residents of South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini;
- Read, write, speak, and listen to the program in English;
- Reside within 40km of one of the seven program cities: Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Polokwane, Maseru, Manzini, and Pietermaritzburg;
- Commit to weekly in-person training sessions at a designated American Space of the U.S. Missions to Lesotho, Eswatini, and South Africa;
- Commit to up to 5 hours of weekly programmatic assignments; and
- Basic computer skills, access to a computer with a data plan to access program content and activities.
Applications are now open  at https://apo-opa.co/3WvSAIa .The deadline for submission is August 4, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. South Africa Standard Time (SAST).The activities will take place between August 2024 and January 2025, bringing the total number of women entrepreneurs trained through the U.S. Mission to South Africa and AWIEF partnership to more than 700.
