The U.S. Embassy Kinshasa invites established female entrepreneurs aged 25-45 years living in Kinshasa, Kisangani, Lubumbashi, Goma, and Bukavu to apply for the 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.
The AWE DRC training will take place over a period of six months, including three months of guided formal training and three months of mentorship and business linkages, culminating in a graduation ceremony and pitch session.
Top participants will have the opportunity to attend a pitch competition in Kinshasa, receive grant funding and potentially earn a spot to travel to Harvard University in the United States for advanced training should AWE DRC partnership with the Harvard Center for African Studies be extended to Cohort 2.
Participants will increase their knowledge and understanding of business, marketing, finance, and operations. They will meet and network with like-minded women to share best practices, with the support of a team of qualified program staff facilitators and mentors.
Eligibility
Open to established Congolese female entrepreneurs, aged 25-45 years with a post revenue business.
• Participants must have good English proficiency (speaking and writing).
• AWE RDC is open to residents of Kinshasa, Kisangani, Lubumbashi, Bukavu, and Goma in the DR Congo.
• Participants must commit six hours per week to the program for a period of six months (December 2024 – May 2025).
• Participants should have basic computer skills and access to the internet and email.
All qualified applicants are welcome to apply.
Training Details
The training will be held both online and physically at the American Spaces in Kinshasa, Kisangani, Lubumbashi, Bukavu, and Goma from late November 2024 until the end of April 2025.
