Welcome AWEC Cohort 7!
Read Time: 2 mins
- Welcoming AWEC Cohort 7
- About Cohort 7
- In conversation with AWEC's longest-serving Program Advisor
The African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC) recognizes the significant impact of supporting women, particularly in the African context.
We understand that investing in African women isn't just the right thing to do - it's the smart thing to do.
As the backbone of their communities and economies, African women entrepreneurs have an unparalleled potential to drive positive change and sustainable development across the continent. African women entrepreneurs possess unmatched potential to catalyze positive change and sustainable development across the continent. That's why we're thrilled to announce the enrollment of 200 vibrant and driven African women entrepreneurs from a pool of over 3,400 applicants into our premier 12-month program this month.
About AWEC Year 7
These extraordinary entrepreneurs hail from 33 countries across Africa, with Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Tanzania being the most represented nations. A comprehensive analysis of Year 7 data reveals that West Africa is the largest source, contributing 42% of the total cohort, followed by East Africa at 31%, and Southern Africa at 22%. Central Africa and North Africa make up 4% and 2% respectively. Additionally, the African diaspora includes two individuals in the United States, and one each in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This analysis highlights significant regional variations and the global dispersion of African origins. The businesses owned by these women have already gained noteworthy traction, generating a collective $12 million USD in revenue last year.
Cohort 7 consists of fellows representing 23 diverse industries, with Farming & Agriculture, Food Processing, Beauty & Cosmetics Healthcare, and Apparel emerging as the top sectors. 46% of the fellows’ businesses are in the growth stage, operating for 3 to 5 years. Approximately one third are new businesses. A small fraction of our new cohort are aspiring entrepreneurs and less than 10% run businesses that are over a decade-old. The predominance of young and growing businesses at AWEC shows our commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial growth for African women.
Cohort 7 fellows’ businesses incorporate philanthropy with profit. Over a third of the businesses employ and train women and youth, and address a social need in their communities.
Congratulations Cohort 7! Enjoy the ride!
AWEC COHORT INDUSTRY REPRESENTATION OVER THE YEARS
AWEC COHORT INDUSTRY REPRESENTATION OVER THE YEARSORT INDUSTRY REPRESENTATION OVER THE YEARS
AWEC Cohort 7 Geographic Representation
21% of the Fellows hail from Southern Africa
42% of the Fellows are from West Africa, making it the highest-represented region of Cohort 7
7 Fellows come from Central Africa
62 Fellows hail from East Africa
A small but mighty 4 Fellows come from North Africa
2 Fellows proudly represent the African diaspora in the United States
The Middle East is home to 2 Fellows of the African diaspora in Qatar and Saudi Arabia
Take Action!
We’re excited for the 200 new fellows. We look forward to learning more about their businesses, fostering connections, and equipping them with the skills necessary to grow resilient businesses that will impact Africa. Our intensive, year-long, flagship program designed to accelerate their businesses awaits them.
But you don’t have to miss out! Until we open applications for our next cohort in January, enroll in Entrepreneur Essentials, our self-paced, online, mini-course, to get a glimpse of the AWEC experience. Share your learnings with us on social @weareawec. The future of the continent lies in the hands of resilient and resourceful women like you.
In Conversation With AWEC's Senior Program Advisor
At AWEC, our aim is to provide entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge, skills, and networking environment to take their businesses to the next level. We are excited to watch them grow and succeed over the coming year and beyond.
As we welcome Cohort 7, we took some time to reflect on AWEC’s impact over the past six years through the insights of seasoned Senior Program Advisor, Magdalene Uzoechi. Magdalene is also the co-founder and CEO of Handworka, an EdTech project dedicated to empowering unemployed and underemployed African youths with technical and vocational skills.
As a founding team member, Magdalene has witnessed the transformative impact of AWEC, where women develop essential business and leadership skills, turning small, unstructured ventures into thriving enterprises. Success stories, such as a fellow expanding from a home business to multiple outlets and forming nationwide partnerships, showcase the program's effectiveness.
WATCH NOW to get more insights.
Magdalene Uzoechi- AWEC Senior Program Advisor
#WeAreAWEC
Built with Shorthand