Women in Africa Initiative is inviting you to join their international entrepreneurs’ club through the 54 project, a startup challenge for women entrepreneurs on the continent.
Women in Africa Initiative (WIA) is a networking platform for women entrepreneurs in Africa. It has continued its work of supporting businesses run by women by launching 54 Project (or Project 54). This is an initiative to recognize promising women entrepreneurs from each of the 54 African countries.
How you will benefit?
The 54 Project program comes with a funded trip to Marrakech, Morocco. This will be to attend WIA’s annual summit. In 2018, there were over 500 participants from 70 countries.
Photo: Women in Africa InitiativeAt the Summit, each business woman will get a booth at the startup exhibition. This visibility will go with the networking opportunity. The women will also be offered annual membership to the WIA Entrepreneurs Club and a whole year of mentorship. And scholarships will be available thanks to WIA’s partner campuses.
Before all of these good things, there will be a 2-day bootcamp ahead of the WIA Summit in Morocco in late June, 2019.
How to apply
Women entrepreneurs, who apply, will be selected based primarily on how innovative their products or services are. Otherwise, the level of social impact will be an important factor. Women in Africa Inititative will also be looking for businesses that have gained at least “first traction on the market.” This may be in terms of turnover, users or funds raised, among other measures.
Will you apply? It will also serve you great if your business has a great team and is scalable. WIA believes your business can grow locally, regionally and even internationally. The business sectors emphasized for 54 Project are based on World Bank assessment of Africa’s needs. They are:
- Education
- Health
- Energy/Environment
- FinTech
- Social and Digital innovation
- Agricultural innovation
Deadline for application is 15th February, 2019. Visit the official website to learn more and apply. Good luck.
