The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has launched a new initiative “Enterprise Development for Women-Owned Ventures in Green Energy” and is pleased to announce the call for applications for a Startup Incubator in Malawi and Nigeria. The 12-month programme is funded by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), and will support 70 women involved in renewable and green energy production in two African countries – Malawi and Nigeria.

The programme offers two components to be implemented in two phases one after another:

1. Startup Incubator: 30 women in each country (60 in total) supported in designing, refining and launching their renewable and green energy business ideas.

2. Accelerator: 10 established renewable and green energy women-owned/led ventures (5 from each country) will receive entrepreneurial training and preparation for investment-readiness. The programme offers opportunity of accessing venture finance.

AWIEF has partnered with Equip Consulting Group for the implementation of the programme in Malawi.

WHAT IS THE STARTUP INCUBATOR?

The Startup Incubator is for individuals or teams from Malawi and Nigeria who have an idea for
renewable and green energy business solutions to one of the key social and environmental
challenges. The Startup Incubator programme is aimed at helping women turn their renewable and green energy enterprise idea into a product or service that customers want to buy. The winning individuals or teams will receive training and support on turning their ideas into reality.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Selected individuals or teams will receive Free Entry to the Incubator which includes:
Incubator Modules incl. Pitch Training.
Mentorship support during the test phase of your business idea.
Expert Guidance & Tailored Support to make your business idea a reality.
Networking & Peer Learning opportunity with like-minded entrepreneurs.

The best pitches will receive an opportunity to pitch their business idea at the AWIEF Annual Conference (Dec 2-3, 2020; virtual) – Africa’s number 1 women entrepreneurship conference for dialogue on issues of business.

APPLICATION ELIGIBILITY

– Women over 18 years of age resident in Malawi or Nigeria, and fluent in English
– Business Venture Sector Focus in Renewable & Green Energy Sector including: Solar, wind, water (hydro), hybrid,
biomass, biogas, biofuel and other green energy solutions including concepts for sustainable clean energy-
technologies for cooking
– Business venture to be incorporated and operated in Malawi or Nigeria
– Programme participants committed to working 20+ hours a week on their venture
– Applicants can apply as individuals or a team with a maximum of 3 members.

INCUBATOR CALENDAR

Applications open – 10 July 2020
Applications close – 15 August 2020
Notification – 31 August 2020
Programme starts – September 2020
Programme ends – November 2020

APPLICATIONS CLOSED ON 15TH OF AUGUST, 2020.