Though it has become easier for women entrepreneurs to do
business in Africa, gender equality remains a challenge. However, according to
the World Bank, 50% of all enterprises in Africa are now women owned, and 25%
of Africa’s women have set up their own businesses from scratch. (Read more
about this on the Lionesses
of Africa website.)
Perhaps much of this success is down to the way feminist
entrepreneurs support one another on the continent. In this post, I’ll share networks
that seek to empower and connect women entrepreneurs in Africa.
Alchemy Women in
Leadership (A. WiL), Zambia
Alchemy Women in Leadership (A. WiL) is committed to
supporting a higher representation of female leadership in Zambia through
capacity development, advocacy and partnerships. The initiative supports both
current and future Zambian female leaders by offering training, mentoring,
scholarship, and networking opportunities. Its Leadership Academy courses
include Women on Board (Board
of Directors training tailored for women), Women in Business (training
and support for women who are starting/have started out in business), the Alchemy Mentorship
Program, and the Advanced Leadership
Program – Women, Power and Change. A. WiL also publishes the Women in Leadership Magazine.
Comments from Members:
“With you ladies, it has taken a beautiful chapter of life
to complete our dreams together.... What started as motivational class[es] are
now the creation[s] of think tanks, leaders, a work force of amazing women…” Rutendo
Chilengi on the A.WiL
Facebook page
The South African
Women’s Entrepreneurs’ Network (SAWEN)
The Western Cape Government-run South African Women’s Entrepreneurs’ Network
(SAWEN) is a networking forum for the promotion and socio-economic advancement
of women’s entrepreneurship in South Africa. SAWEN offers a range of training
to its members, as well as access to monthly meetings, international trade
fairs and initiatives, legal advice, business information, and a number of
other market access opportunities.
Comments from Members:
“As a member [of the South African Women’s Entrepreneurs’
Network],” says Devlathal Ramthal-Geswindt at Small
Business Connect, “I now have access to people in the industry, especially
those people in government (Western Cape Department of Economic Development and
Tourism) who are already in the process of assisting me to access business
opportunities.” Ramthal-Geswindt goes on to say that after a talk she gave at a
SEWAL event, she was asked to give a similar talk to members of parliament.
The African
Businesswomen’s Network (ABWN):
The African
Businesswomen’s Network is a partnership between women business leaders in
Africa and local partners, which seeks to accelerate economic growth for women
in Africa. The network provides programs and services to businesswomen, such as
local and international workshops, mentoring, networking, training, and market
access opportunities. Arranged around six hubs, the ABWN includes the Cameroon
Businesswomen’s Network; the Eagle Women’s Empowerment Club (Ghana); the Kenya
Association of Women Business Owners; Women in Management and Business and
Public Service of Nigeria; the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited;
and the Businesswomen’s Association of South Africa.
Comments from Members:
Yvonne at United
Success writes that attending the ABWN Annual Leadership Meeting in
Johannesburg was a “deeply enlightening experience” that involved the chance to
connect with “the dynamic women that form an integral part of the network share
their views and also meet some future UnitedSucces members.” Read more of
Yvonne’s comments here.
Other organizations
to check out include:
The African
Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (from the U.S. Department of State)
The Diaspora Africa Women’s
Network (DAWN)
Fine Women Business
Network in South Africa
Also, for younger female entrepreneurs, take a look at tomorrow's post: “Support Networks for Young Women Entrepreneurs Doing Business inAfrica.”
Also, for younger female entrepreneurs, take a look at tomorrow's post: “Support Networks for Young Women Entrepreneurs Doing Business inAfrica.”
--Chimuka Moore
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