Academy for Women Entrepreneurs DR Congo (AWE DRC) Program 2024

This is the second cohort of the AWE program in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is a U.S. Department of State program operating in over 100 countries. AWE DRC is the DRC Chapter implemented by Groupe Utalii Kwetu, a non-profit organization.

Program Goals 

• Provide resources for women to engage in U.S-style online education with guided facilitation and localization from local women business leaders.
• Foster networks that support participants’ access to peer-to-peer mentorship, business partners, and scaling opportunities with businesses in the region and in the United States.
• Provide access to a wide range of opportunities tailored to women’s economic empowerment to expand the effects of participation.

Program Highlights

• Comprehensive training: Six months of guided formal training and mentorship.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with like-minded women entrepreneurs.
• Pitch competition: Showcase your business idea and win grant funding.
• Global exposure: Potential to travel to Harvard University for advanced training.

Training Details

• Hybrid format: Online and in-person at American Spaces in participating cities.
• Dates: Late November 2024 – late April 2025.

Eligibility Requirements

• Established Congolese female entrepreneurs aged 25-45 with post-revenue businesses.
• Intermediate understanding of English.
• Resident of Kinshasa, Kisangani, Lubumbashi, Bukavu, or Goma.
• Commitment of six hours per week for six months (December 2024 – May 2025).
• Basic computer skills and access to internet and email.

For more information, visit AWE.