Empowering women build and grow successful, sustainable, and investment-ready businesses
At PAWEN, we recognise entrepreneurship as one of the most effective tools for reducing poverty and driving inclusive economic development across Africa. Evidence shows that when women are equipped to build and grow businesses, the impact extends beyond individual livelihoods to job creation, household resilience, and community transformation. Although women own over one third of businesses on the continent, they remain significantly underserved in access to finance, skills, and markets, limiting both enterprise growth and broader economic progress.
For this reason, PAWEN has made a deliberate, value-driven commitment to keep our entrepreneurship Programs free for beneficiaries. They are designed as practical, action-oriented pathways that equip women with the competence, confidence, and connections to build resilient businesses, create decent jobs, and participate meaningfully in local and regional markets. This approach aligns directly with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly poverty reduction, gender equality, and decent work and economic growth, ensuring that access to opportunity is determined by potential and ambition, not resources.
Are you a university student ready to start your own business and build real-world entrepreneurial skills?
The Girlpreneur Africa Program is a free, cohort-based entrepreneurship program that empowers university students to launch viable businesses while still in school.
The Aspiring Entrepreneurs Program is a free, intensive course designed to equip participants with the practical skills, guidance, and confidence needed to build and grow resilient enterprises.
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur ready to turn your idea into a viable and sustainable business?
The ScaleUp Africa Program is a targeted growth acceleration pathway designed to support women- led SMEs with the capability, capital readiness, and ecosystem access required to scale sustainably. The program equips growth-stage entrepreneurs with strategic insight, practical tools, and meaningful connections needed to expand operations, access new markets, and engage confidently with capital providers.
Are you a woman entrepreneur ready to move from growth to scale?
Whether you’re starting from scratch or ready to scale, there’s a place for you at PAWEN. All programs are free for selected beneficiaries.
Behind every number is a woman, a story, and a future transformed. Hear directly from our alumnae.
