She Wins Africa Project Targets 1,000 Women Entrepreneurs Across the Continent

The She Wins Africa program led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in partnership with the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), has declared a major expansion from 100 to 1,000 women entrepreneurs across sub-Saharan Africa. This scale-up follows the success of the program’s first cohort, which supported 100 women-led startups and mobilized over $4 million in financing.

This program aims to help women-led small and expanding enterprises with the provision of networking opportunities, mentoring and training on investment planning. In order to improve the quality of their businesses in Africa's tough startup ecosystem, participants will have access to markets, funding, and specific assistance.

IFC believes that the pilot program’s major impact was the main factor which led to the decision to expand. The first cohort of female entrepreneurs previously held reported better financial availability, better company plans, and increased industry knowledge. Now scaling up to 1,000 participants, ASR Africa emphasizes the pressing need to assist women founders, who are still underrepresented in Africa’s entrepreneurial sector. 

It is believed that initiatives like She Wins Africa are crucial for closing those inequalities, promoting fair development, and releasing the continent's creative potential.

Beneficiaries highlighted how the program changed their businesses at the conclusion ceremony in Lagos. The initial cohort exceeded early expectations, with 17 women-led enterprises securing external financing. Others also positioned themselves for greater growth opportunities. Money Africa & Ladda's founder, Oluwatosin Olaseinde, commended the program for helping her business grow more successfully by offering both financial support and strategic mentorship.