The Girlpreneur Africa is a free, hands-on entrepreneurship program designed for young women in university who want to start real businesses, develop practical skills, and explore entrepreneurship as a future career path.
You have ideas.
You see problems around you.
You want to create solutions, earn income, and build something meaningful, but you may not know where to start or how to turn an idea into a real business.
Girlpreneur Africa exists to bridge that gap.
This program equips you with the competence, confidence, and connections to move from curiosity to action. Through hands-on learning, you will test ideas, learn by doing, and build real businesses while you are still in school.
The Girlpreneur Africa Program is a free, cohort-based entrepreneurship pathway created specifically for young women in African universities. The program supports participants to develop business ideas, build simple and viable business models, and take the first steps towards launching a venture.
Through interactive learning, mentorship, and practical assignments, participants gain real-world entrepreneurial experience, not just theory. The program culminates in a pitch competition where participants present their business ideas and receive feedback, recognition, and support.
The ability to identify opportunities, validate ideas, and build simple, real-world business models .
Developed through guided learning, hands-on assignments, and peer feedback.
The skill to communicate your ideas clearly and articulate the value of your business.
Access to a network of young entrepreneurs, mentors, and peers who continue to support your growth beyond the programme.
Interactive sessions covering entrepreneurship fundamentals, idea generation, and business building.
Practical assignments that help participants shape, test, and refine their business idea.
Dedicated coaching weeks where participants are matched with experienced coaches to provide. real-world insight and advice.
Ongoing engagement with a Pan African cohort of young women across Africa to share insights, challenges, and progress.
A final showcase where participants pitch their business ideas and receive feedback and recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The program is completely free for eligible participants, although selection is competitive .
The program is delivered fully online, allowing students from across Africa to participate.
No. You can apply with an idea or simply an interest in entrepreneurship.
Participants should expect to commit four – six hours each week to live sessions, assignments, and collaborative activities.
You will graduate with a developed business idea, practiced skills, increased confidence, and access to a supportive community. You will also join the PAWEN alumni network and receive ongoing resources; including information on funding and growth opportunities.
Behind every number is a woman, a story, and a future transformed. Hear directly from our alumnae.
