Applications are now open for the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC) Cohort 9, a 12-month leadership and business capacity-building programme designed for women entrepreneurs across Africa and the African diaspora. Each year, AWEC selects 200 female founders to participate in an intensive journey focused on leadership development, business growth, and peer learning.
The programme combines practical business education, mentorship, and collaboration within a strong pan-African network. AWEC is built for women who are already running businesses and are ready to strengthen their leadership skills, improve business performance, and expand their impact within their communities and across the continent.
Participation is fully virtual, making it accessible to entrepreneurs based in Nigeria, other African countries, and the diaspora, provided their businesses contribute meaningfully to Africa’s economic development.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for AWEC Cohort 9:
- Women founders of businesses that have been operating for at least two years
- Businesses must employ at least two people, either full-time or part-time
- Open to entrepreneurs across all industries
- Applicants must be citizens of an African country
- Diaspora applicants are eligible if their businesses clearly impact Africa through customers, services, or operations
- Comfortable working remotely and collaborating using digital tools
- Proficient in spoken and written English
- Able to access the internet regularly using a computer or tablet
Aspiring entrepreneurs and idea-stage founders are not eligible. AWEC admissions do not discriminate based on age, education level, religion, marital status, disability, revenue size, or geographic location.
Programme Benefits
Women selected for AWEC Cohort 9 will gain access to a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities, including:
- A structured 12-month leadership and business development curriculum
- Practical learning focused on real business challenges
- Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders
- Access to a supportive pan-African network of women founders
- Peer learning, accountability, and collaboration across countries
- Tools and strategies to strengthen operations, leadership, and growth
The programme is designed to support long-term impact rather than short-term training.
Application Process
Interested candidates are expected to complete the online application form thoughtfully and honestly. Key application steps include:
- Completing the AWEC online application form
- Providing accurate information about your business, revenue, staff, and customers
- Answering all questions clearly and concisely in your own words
- Reviewing responses carefully before final submission
Applicants are advised to avoid copying content from external sources and to ensure all information provided reflects their real business situation.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative Cohort 9 is February 1, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
Official Links
Application Portal: https://www.awecafrica.org/apply
AWEC Official Website: https://www.awecafrica.org
