This archive report was first published on 15 July 2020.
On July 15, 2020, the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) launched a new initiative to support women-owned ventures in green energy, with a call for applications for a Startup Incubator in Malawi and Nigeria.
The 12-month programme, funded by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), aims to support 70 women involved in renewable and green energy production in the two African countries.
The programme offers two components: a Startup Incubator and an Accelerator. The Startup Incubator will support 30 women in each country (60 in total) in designing, refining, and launching their renewable and green energy business ideas. The Accelerator will provide entrepreneurial training and preparation for investment-readiness to 10 established renewable and green energy women-owned/led ventures (5 from each country).
The Startup Incubator is open to individuals or teams from Malawi and Nigeria who have an idea for renewable and green energy business solutions to one of the key social and environmental challenges. The programme aims to help women turn their renewable and green energy enterprise idea into a product or service that customers want to buy.
Successful participants will receive training and support on turning their ideas into reality, including incubator modules, mentorship, expert guidance, and tailored support. They will also have the opportunity to network and learn from like-minded entrepreneurs.
The best pitches will receive an opportunity to pitch their business idea at the AWIEF Annual Conference (Dec 2-3, 2020) in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Eligible applicants must be women over 18 years of age resident in Malawi or Nigeria, fluent in English, and committed to working 20+ hours a week on their venture during the programme. Applicants can apply as individuals or a team with a maximum of 3 members.
Applications for the Startup Incubator can be submitted through this link: https://bit.ly/3j0T4Az
