Deadline: February 2, 2026.

AWEC is a program operated through the Center for Global Enterprise (CGE). CGE is a nonprofit research institution devoted to the study of global management best practices, the contemporary corporation, and their impact on society. 

In 2015, the CGE launched its Global Scholars programs, an innovative approach to collaborative and applied online learning in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation and Goldman Sachs Foundation. Learnings from these experiences formed the foundation upon which AWEC was built.

The core components of AWEC are:

• Online and in-person learning opportunities led by world-class business practitioners and academics
• One-on-one mentoring by senior business professionals
• Individual applied learning assignments and collaborative team projects
• Online and offline peer networking and feedback

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Women who are:

• Founders of businesses that have been in operation for at least two years in any industry and have at least two employees (either full time or part time). Aspiring entrepreneurs are not eligible
• Citizens of any African country, currently living on the continent or in the diaspora. For those living in the diaspora, your business must clearly impact Africa through the creation or delivery of its products or services, or based on where its customers reside.
• Comfortable with remote teamwork and collaboration, especially using digital tools
• Proficient in verbal and written English
• Able to regularly (at least weekly) access the Internet through a computer or tablet.

BENEFITS

Upon successful completion of the 12-month program, Fellows will:

• Form connections with a diverse network of African women entrepreneurs
• Establish a relationship with a senior business mentor
• Strengthen strategy, leadership and business management skills
• Gain skills in finance, marketing, and strategy needed to grow and scale their enterprise
• Develop a toolkit of soft skills, including self-confidence, resilience, collaboration, and cross-cultural communications.

Find more information on the OFFICIAL WEBSITE