The U.S. Mission in Nigeria says it has selected 250 female entrepreneurs for its Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme.
The successful 250 are from a pool of 15,700 applicants and representing a cross-section of industries, including fashion, textiles, health, and agriculture-business.
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires in Nigeria, Kathleen FitzGibbon, said in a statement on Tuesday following the consulate’s virtual event to launch the third phase of the programme, saying that it was designed to empower female entrepreneurs to fulfill their economic potentials, creating conditions for increased stability, security, and prosperity.
She added that the U.S. government was committed to supporting women to break barriers, gain economic and financial independence, and create pathways to prosperity.
“When women are economically empowered, they re-invest in their families and communities, strengthening the social fabric of society, education and skill levels of the workforce. This multiplier effect spurs economic growth and enhances stability,” FitzGibbon said.
According to FitzGibbon, participants will have access to the DreamBuilder platform over the next three months.
She explained that this was a blended business training course developed through a partnership between Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management and global copper mining company, Freeport-McMoRan.
“Participants will connect with networks of business leaders, women entrepreneurs and mentors who will facilitate lessons related to business management, including preparing business plans and raising capital.
“Beyond learning in the academy, they will continue to be mentored and encouraged to share, learn, and network with AWE alumnae and members of their cohort,” FitzGibbon said.
Sharing her success story with participants, Jumoke Olowookere, a 2019 graduate of the programme, said that the AWE programme connected her to the right networks and resources.
“The programme helped my dreams grow bigger.
“Today, as an upcycling entrepreneur, I am the founder of Nigeria’s first waste museum,” she said.
The AWE is a U.S. government initiative that supports female entrepreneurs around the world and is designed to teach them ways to become successful in their businesses.