Why You Need to Join AWEC in 2026
Grow and Transform Your Business
Highlights
- Discover how AWEC can transform your business
- Get tips to craft a winning AWEC application
- Learn from women who reapplied and succeeded
From Monrovia to Maseru
Spotlighting Entrepreneurs Transforming Their Businesses Across Africa
Have you ever imagined how one bold application could change the course of your business and your life?
One act of courage, fueled by vision, determination, and a supportive community, can spark opportunities you never dreamed possible.
For eight years, the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC) has been empowering women across Africa and the diaspora. Transforming businesses and creating lasting impact. Over 1,600 women entrepreneurs from 53 countries have benefited from AWEC - growing businesses across 40-plus industries and touching countless lives, from employees to families, communities, and customers, through their resilience and innovation.
This month, we are spotlighting some of these incredible women who have benefited from AWEC. Their journeys are proof that your business could be next.
Applications for Cohort 9 open on January 19. Don’t wait. Your vision, drive, and story could be the next spark for change. Whether you are thinking of applying, you’ve applied before, or you have a community of women entrepreneurs who could benefit, this is for you.
The Woman Steering the Ship
Meet the fearless founders turning ideas into reality and keeping the vision alive
Comfort Eneke
CAMEROON / Cohort 8
Ubong Agina
NIGERIA / Cohort 8
Jewel Wesseh-Duo
LIBERIA / Cohort 8
Matsoanelo Lethole
LESOTHO / Cohort 8
Houlda Fambo
BENIN/ COTE D'IVOIRE / Cohort 8
Nathalie Eyeffa
CAMEROON / Cohort 7
Maissa Redjil
Halima Dube
KENYA / Cohort 7
The Reason She Said ‘Yes’ to AWEC
I started my business driven by passion and necessity, without any formal training. Facing challenges in managing people, making tough decisions, and handling finances made me realize I needed deeper knowledge to grow and scale sustainably. – Jewel
After finishing my PhD, I wanted to reconnect with entrepreneurs in Africa. I had run an e-commerce business for years in China, but stepping away for my studies made me lose my rhythm. I needed mentorship, a strong entrepreneurial network, and guidance to restart - Houlda
"I needed deeper knowledge to grow and scale sustainably"
I applied to AWEC to learn real business skills. For years, I was a consultant, but I struggled to turn my expertise into a functional business. I also wanted to meet women like me, gain confidence, and improve my ability to express myself in English, something that’s been a challenge because I speak French. - Nathalie
A friend from Cohort 5 told me how AWEC transformed her business. She shared how the expert training went beyond ordinary business advice and convinced me to apply. I researched AWEC and was captivated by the mission and programs. - Ubong
The Spark in AWEC
Many women in Algeria face challenges with exposure and balancing work and life. I know this struggle well, but AWEC has been a game-changer for me. Through the program, I connected with a strong, supportive network of women across Africa, learned from their experiences, and found practical ways to grow my business while managing life’s demands. AWEC gives you the tools, guidance, and community to thrive. - Maissa
Peer sessions make the journey less lonely, and the community gives me a space to speak the “business language.” Mentorship and accountability from my program advisor have been invaluable. Highlights include the Virtual Leadership Summit, which offered inspiring insights, and learning Canva, which now lets me design my own materials without outsourcing. - Ubong
Thanks to the peer pitch session, I rebuilt my confidence. I applied the feedback from my peers, pitched at a national accelerator program, and the panel had no questions because the pitch was so clear. - Jewel
AWEC taught me to start small, test ideas, and scale sustainably, while providing invaluable mentorship and strategic guidance in helping me refine my operations and reach new customers. The strong network I have built has allowed me to grow Sunburst and expand my impact within the country confidently. - Maissa
I’ve learnt the importance of intention, focus, and precision. What you write today connects with what you’ll need months later. I now approach my business with seriousness and clarity. - Matsoanelo
Networking changed everything for me. AWEC showed me that Africa is one big marketplace. I now source products directly from factories and completed my first order through a Nigerian alumna. AWEC also helped me separate business and personal finances, streamline operations, improve marketing, and tell my story clearly. Most importantly, it taught me to focus on long-term growth, not just profit – Comfort
AWEC helped me rebuild my entrepreneurial confidence, giving me clarity on how consulting works, from pricing and ethics to client management. I gained a supportive network of women entrepreneurs, a mentor to guide my business direction, and a fresh perspective on how to relaunch after years in academia. - Houlda
AWEC taught me clarity, strategy, and the power of mentorship. I refined my business model, strengthened marketing, and now navigate challenges confidently with a clear growth plan - Halima
My business is now much clearer. I understand how to create a business plan, acquire customers, and manage sales and marketing. AWEC helped me focus on my strengths, develop confidence in English communication, and structure my business effectively. - Nathalie
The Re-Applicant Chronicles: The Women Who Came Back Stronger
I first applied to AWEC four years ago, in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Each time I didn’t get in or was put on the waiting list, it was discouraging, but I refused to give up. I kept improving my business and refining my application. I reapplied the following year, this time with a clear mind, focus, and commitment. I researched AWEC on Facebook and YouTube, learned what makes a strong application, and put in all the effort. That’s when I got in. - Ubong
The first time I applied, I didn’t give the form the attention it needed, and I didn’t connect the dots between the application questions and what I would be asked later. The second time, I approached it with focus, honesty, and clear intention. I made sure my answers reflected my real experience and goals - Matsoanelo
The first application focused mostly on me and not my business, and how it will benefit from AWEC. The second time, I highlighted my production house, detailed what we’ve accomplished, the challenges we face, and how AWEC could help me grow the business. I was more specific, honest, and concrete. – Tazanu
AWEC gave me feedback after every application, highlighting areas to improve. I worked on those points, researched, and strengthened my business structure. I knew AWEC could transform my business, so I stayed persistent.
Ubong Agina
How did your application change over time?
When I applied in 2022, I didn’t give the application my full attention, so I missed out. The next year, I approached my application differently. I reflected on my strengths, focused on being honest and clear about my goals, and really invested time in understanding AWEC from the website and YouTube videos, and how my business would benefit. That intentionality made all the difference and helped me get accepted. - Matswanelo
After each rejection, I focused on improving my business. The key was showing tangible growth. AWEC looks for progress and a clear vision. By restructuring operations, refining strategy, and demonstrating commitment, my 2025 application reflected the real growth and true state of my business – Ubong
On the second attempt, I took time to reflect. I analyzed my application, revisited my business strategy, and made sure I understood every aspect of my business deeply. I made sure each question was answered clearly and completely. I gave full details about my business, took time to structure my responses thoughtfully, and ensured everything was accurate and honest. – Halima
What advice would you give someone who has applied before and did not get in?
- Don’t give up. Review the feedback from AWEC and focus on improving those areas. Improve your business, refine your strategy, and apply again. Persistence pays off. AWEC rewards growth, resilience, and clear vision. - Ubong
- Don’t be discouraged if you’re not accepted the first time. It’s a learning opportunity. Be honest and intentional in your application. Share your true experiences, goals, and growth. Give each question your full attention, and let your authenticity be felt. - Matswanelo
- Be very clear about why you’re applying. Apply to AWEC for learning and growth, not just the opportunity. Apply early, review your application carefully, identify gaps, and check the AWEC website for guidance. If you don’t succeed the first time, rise again and improve your approach. – Tazanu
- First, do your research. Understand what AWEC stands for and how it aligns with your business goals. Second, know your business inside out. Be able to clearly communicate what you do and why it matters. Third, look at past AWEC cohorts for inspiration. See what those businesses are doing, learn from their journey, and use that to guide how you present your own story. – Halima
My Pitch to You: Why You Should Apply
AWEC Advice Corner
If you want to learn more about the program and get tips on how to submit a successful application, register to attend our live webinars during Info Week in January 2026!
Staff Corner
Personally, I have seen firsthand the transformation businesses experience because of the AWEC program. I’ve witnessed women step into the program with questions, ideas, and hopes, and walk out with renewed confidence, clearer strategy, and visible growth—both in their businesses and in themselves. With the right guidance, accountability, and community, challenges begin to look like opportunities, and ideas turn into real, tangible results.
So if you’re considering applying, don’t hold back! This program truly equips you with the structure, mentorship, and support you need to stretch, evolve, and unlock your full potential. The growth I see year after year is real, both personally and professionally.
And if you’ve applied before and didn’t get in, please don’t be discouraged. Here are a few tips to help you get ahead of the game:
- Start with Entrepreneur Essentials. It’s a solid resource that will strengthen your foundation and help you approach the application questions with greater clarity and confidence.
- Attend Info Week 2026.
- Pair up with an application buddy for extra support as you prepare. We’ll be sharing more details about this on the website very soon.
All the best!
- Modupe Adeloye / Program Manager, Alumnae & Advancement and Senior Program Advisor, AWEC
Join the waitlist for applications. Your business transformation starts now!
Built with Shorthand