November 19, 2021
USADF Announces the 2nd Cohort of Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) African Grantee Enterprises
Washington, D.C., November 19, 2021 - In partnership with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) announced today — Women's Entrepreneurship Day — the 2nd cohort of USADF Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) African grantees.
AWE was launched in 2019 by the Department of State in partnership with Arizona State University’ Thunderbird School of Management and provides an intensive in-person and online business training program for women worldwide. AWE has expanded from an initial 26 countries to 56 countries, including 16 in Africa.
"According to the United Nations, sub-Saharan Africa boasts the world’s highest rate of women entrepreneurs. However, to ensure that they succeed, it is essential that they have all the tools and resources needed to thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors," said Acting USADF President and CEO Liz Feleke. "USADF's work with AWE is about connecting African women looking to start or scale businesses with the capital, capacity building, and convening opportunities they need for success."
USADF has committed to providing catalytic seed funding and technical support to select African AWE graduates between 2020 and 2025 to help them succeed as entrepreneurs. For the 2nd cohort of AWE grantees, USADF awarded nearly US$870K to 82 women entrepreneurs from 12 African countries: Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
This adds to the 35 African women selected under the 1st cohort who received a cumulative $US810K in funding, which brings USADF’s total investment in AWE African graduates to $US1.68 million to date.
“The partnership between the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs and the U.S. African Development Foundation spurs innovation and growth in women-owned small businesses across sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to raising employment rates and the economic hopes of many people across the continent,” said Matthew Lussenhop, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Cultural and Educational Affairs. “ECA remains committed to women's economic empowerment, and we value our relationship with USADF.”
The 2nd cohort of USADF AWE grantee enterprises represent various industries and professions, from healthcare and agri-business to education and fashion. The cohort includes the following African women entrepreneurs:
Benin: Harmoniks Infusions, INAPEC, Jardin d’Afrique, Bademe Natural Foods, and Assiba Fee Sarl
Ethiopia: Tonjolie Trading PLC, Take ET Trading PLC, Dengel Orthopedics Instruments Manufacturing PLC, and Lolite Jewel and Gemstone
Ghana: Maduke Garments, E90 Ghana Limited, AfriDiamond Enterprise, LaReine Ventures, Ajay Sajays Enterprise, Caris Gold Services Limited, Natural Treats Industries, Medoba Enterprise, Eya Naturals Ltd.
Cote d'Ivoire: Wise Content Creators (WCC) Studios, ORIMO Plus (Oriente Moi Plus), Baaba Enterprise, Africa Business Group, and Green Skill Africa
Kenya: Nutritious Agriculture Network Nutritious Agriculture Network and Consultancy Limited (NAN), Phina Ventures Limited, Dial A Pad, Garments of Love, Awesome Scribers, Nyungu Afrika, Blossom Health Essentials, and HOCO Dynamics
Malawi: Greencare Waste Solutions Green Care Waste Solutions, Uchembere Wabwino Maternity Limited, Kwacha Creative Studio, Chiza Clothing Line, Karonga Eye Care Centre, and -Farm Fresh Products
Nigeria: Ady’s Food Mart Enterprise, AutoEase Services, Ajayi Beauty Martins, Omidan Makeovers Africa, Moba Designs, Cotton Loops, All-Grow Agro Allied Ltd., UdyFoods, Jordan Agro Services Ltd., Ashdam Solar Homes Systems Ashdam Solar Company Ltd., African Creative Sustainable Synergy Hub
Senegal: SN APPRO, Dekali Organics, CrowdEdu Africa, Tamriin-Office, Eco-Friendly Buildings, Soxna Cosmetics, Trésor de Nature, Dougoub Snack, and Success Cuisine Trading Company
South Africa: FemConnect Women's Health Platforms, HairGoals Organic Manufacturing and Marketing, Buttercup Farmhouse Coffee Production Capacity Building, Buttercup Farmhouse, The Bread Shack Bakery, Nepoworx, Rea Jala Veggies, HelloBasa, and InspiraXion Developments , NKAELA TSELA Pty (Ltd), FemConnect Pty (Ltd)
Tanzania: AIM Enterprises Company Limited, SKY’s Food Products, Vikapu Bomba Company Limited, Speed Printing, Ifanda Designer, and M&M Products
Zambia: Creative Touch Branding Limited, Kreate Interiors, Dielenka Schools, Fay Designs, Nakanda Tenga Farms Limited, and Springfield Agro
Zimbabwe: VAAL’S Cleaning Services, FORTRD Resources Africa Pty (Ltd), Inforinnov Consulting Pty (Ltd), Dakur Fashions, Raincemba Publishing Ltd.
For more information on USADF, visit: www.usadf.gov. For more information on AWE, visit: eca.state.gov/awe