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Helpful Networks for Women Entrepreneurs Doing Business in Africa

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:
Women Entrepreneurs Development Association of Zambia
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.”

--Chimuka Moore
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