AWIEF Growth Accelerator Programme invites applications from female-founded Nigerian startups

In order to promote greater access to capital and markets for women-owned and women-led small and medium-sized businesses (WSMEs) in Nigeria, the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has teamed up with the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) and FSDH Merchant Bank Limited to open applications for its flagship AWIEF Growth Accelerator Program.

By reducing gender disparities and encouraging business leadership and entrepreneurship throughout the continent, AWIEF is a pan-African organization committed to empowering women economically.

The African Development Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) program, which seeks to unlock up to US$3 billion in financing for WSMEs throughout the continent, is leveraged by the Growth Accelerator Program.

The AFAWA initiative’s implementing partner is AGF, a preeminent non-bank financial organization whose mission is to foster economic growth, create jobs, and combat poverty in Africa. FSDH Merchant will lend money to WSMEs in Nigeria. The purpose of the tri-party partnership between AWIEF, AGF, and FSDH Merchant Bank Limited is to expand financial access for WSMEs in Nigeria that are spearheading solutions in various catalytic industries.

Applications are open until March 31.