WOMEN in Africa (WIA), has announced the launch of “JAMII Femmes” a programme designed to enhance the impact of 20,000 women entrepreneurs from 10 African countries.
Over three years, participants will be supported through online training, networking, mentorship and local bootcamps.
Speaking on the initiative, President, Women in Africa, Hafsat Abiola, explained that the initiative is designed to give African women access to resources that can set them up for success.
“This programme will impact 20,000 and indirectly impact over 60,000 persons. Opening up pathways to their success is the key to Africa’s rise,” she added.
Vice President Africa for Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability at Coca-Cola, Patricia Obozuwa believes the initiative will create business opportunities by improving access to vocational training, networks, finance and markets.
In its first year, the programme aims to support women entrepreneurs in 3 countries – Ivory Coast, Kenya and Nigeria, with the call for applications launched on March, 31st 2022 in Nigeria and Ivory Coast on the WIA website, and will open in April 2022 in Kenya.
According to her, in order to meet the growing and pressing demands across the African continent, 7,000 impactful women entrepreneurs would be selected in three countries, among them Nigeria, to take part in an online training programme from August to November 2022.
“These sessions, conducted by WIA’s knowledge partner and Africa’s first and largest network of private higher education institutions, Honoris United Universities, will equip women to take a principled approach to design creative ideas, and gain knowledge on leadership and managerial skills.
“From this pool of women, more than 600 entrepreneurs will receive grants to support their business development and increase their impact on communities,” she added.