Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program launched in Namibia by US Ambassador

US Ambassador to Namibia, Lisa Johnson, launched Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Program in Namibia on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. The program was established in 2019 but is officially launched now. The platform provides women with all the support and tools they require for creating and growing their businesses, raise fund and capital and also establish a strong network with fellow entrepreneurs and other successful business owners.

Amb Johnson officially launched the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (#AWE) program in #Namibia. AWE seeks to promote economic prosperity by creating opportunities for women with brilliant ideas to become successful entrepreneurs. #AWEnergized #AWEinNamibia #GEW2020 @ECAatState pic.twitter.com/9ZkYC6zDGF

— U.S. Embassy Namibia (@USEmbNamibia) November 19, 2020

During the official virtual launch, US Ambassador Johnson said, “Women in Namibia have made outstanding achievements in the private sector, starting businesses in fields as diverse as software development, skin products, agriculture, hospitality, and business consulting. These businesses employ people and provide meaningful services that strengthen their communities, regions, and Namibia as a whole. The Academy of Women Entrepreneurs program will empower Namibian women to continue launching and growing successful businesses.”

28 participants from Windhoek will be in the first cohort for 2020. Due to Covid-19, the participants are set to receive virtual training. Additional training courses will be offered by AWE program in 2021 to Walvis Bay, Ongwediva, and Keetmanshoop cohorts.

The final goal of U.S. Embassy is to extend the program to reach and train over 100 Namibian women and future entrepreneurs per year.

The Academy of Women Entrepreneurs is a US Department of State run global program empowering women across 50 countries. The program was developed to support White House’s initiative, Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP). This initiative is aimed to support women reach their maximum potential and gain financial stability and independence globally.

Locally the program will be enabled by US exchange program alumni Claudine Mouton (co-founder SME Compete), Elzaan de Wee (co-founder Theatre Nights) and David Sebulon (founder Glowdom Foundation).