We are thrilled to share that AKFC is launching a new initiative to support women entrepreneurs working towards a greener future, in partnership with the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) and World University Service of Canada, and with the support of Global Affairs Canada. The Accelerating Women Climate Entrepreneurs (AWCE) initiative will support women entrepreneurs to start and grow climate-related businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa.  

AWCE is a $2.1 million, two-year initiative. It will contribute to poverty reduction by identifying and promoting good practices to support women entrepreneurs in climate-related value chains. It will also develop a road map for governments, civil society, and the private sector to provide further support to women climate entrepreneurs and the institutions that will support them over the long term. 

This program was first announced by Richenda Van Leeuwen, Executive Director of ANDE, at the GenderSmart Summit last Thursday. 

She said, “Women entrepreneurs are leaders in addressing climate change. Together we can help break down barriers they still face in growing green businesses and increasing the capital available to them to succeed in bringing innovative climate-smart products and services to market.”  

See the program page for Accelerating Women Climate Entrepreneurs (AWCE) here.