Introducing She Wins Africa

She Wins Africa is a program dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs across sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative offers training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to enhance the success of their startups. Among the global regions, African women display the highest rate of entrepreneurial activity at approximately 24%. They are more inclined to initiate businesses compared to their peers in other parts of the world. However, certain challenges consistently impede the potential of female founders and entrepreneurs on the continent. These challenges encompass limited access to startup capital, absence of supportive startup ecosystems and networks for capacity building, and the lack of expertise in implementing gender-focused investment strategies within venture capital firms and funds.

She Wins Africa seeks to tackle these barriers and enhance the prospects for women-led startups to secure financing.

The program's objectives are as follows:

1. Deliver training on investment readiness and enhance business skills. This will improve the prospects for women-led startups to secure funding.
2. Equip funds and Venture Capital firms with expertise in gender-focused investing. This accelerates investments in women-led startups and businesses, encompassing ten startup support organizations.
3. Enhance the capabilities of accelerators and ESOs in supporting early-stage startups. This aids in cultivating a robust pipeline of startups ready for investment.
4. Facilitate connections and pitching events between female founders and investors, streamlining the flow of funds towards women-owned enterprises.

Eligibility Criteria for the She Wins Africa Program

To be considered for participation, interested individuals must fulfill the following requirements:

Age: 21 and above
Gender: Female
Business Experience: Minimum of 1 year
Headquarters: Located in a sub-Saharan African country
Industry: Open to various industries, with a focus on technology
Previous participants in similar IFC programs are ineligible to apply
Language: Proficient in English

Participating in the She Wins Africa program involves committing to attending online training sessions and engaging in networking events over the upcoming 12 months. Please be aware that IFC will only cover flight and accommodation expenses for the program's duration.

scroll down and click on the official link below to apply