AWIEF Growth Accelerator Programme 2025 For Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs

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Applications are open for AWIEF Growth Accelerator Programme 2025. AWIEF has partnered with African Guarantee Fund (AGF) and FSDH Merchant Bank Limited to implement its flagship AWIEF Growth Accelerator programme in Nigeria and is excited to announce the call for applications.

The programme will attract and select a cohort of 100 beneficiaries of women entrepreneurs and founders with businesses registered and operating in Nigeria who will participate in the 12-month Growth Accelerator and will benefit from a wide range of tailored and refined business development mentorship, training, and advisory services.

AWIEF Growth Accelerator Programme Background

Limited access to finance remains a significant barrier for women entrepreneurs in Africa, with a staggering financing gap estimated at USD 49 billion. To address this challenge, the Growth Accelerator Programme leverages the African Development Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative, which aims to unlock up to USD 3 billion in financing for women-owned/led Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (WSMEs) across the continent.

AGF, a leading non-bank financial institution whose objective is to promote economic development, increase employment and reduce poverty in Africa, serves as the implementing partner for AFAWA. AGF’s commitment extends into providing technical assistance to partner financial institutions, enhancing their capacity to serve women-owned businesses effectively. By addressing both supply and demand-side constraints, AGF and AFAWA work in tandem to create a more equitable landscape for women entrepreneurs in Africa.

FSDH Merchant Bank Limited partnership with AGF is backed by AFAWA to enable the Partner Financial Institution (PFI) provide loans to WSMEs in Nigeria. FSDH Merchant Bank Limited is dedicated to empowering women in business across Nigeria and drives its gender strategy through its Women in Business Initiative (WIBI).

The tri-party collaboration between AWIEF, AGF, and FSDH Merchant Bank Limited was created with the aim to increase access to finance for WSMEs who are driving solutions in different catalytic sectors in Nigeria. This will be achieved by making the WSMEs credit and investment-ready and eligible to access business loans and financing from FSDH Merchant Bank Limited. The programme will provide a stream of businesses that are adequately prepared to meet the FSDH Merchant Bank’s credit requirements.

Programme Objectives

The AWIEF Growth Accelerator Programme aims to achieve the following key objectives:

Business Development Training: Provide WSMEs with access to high-level business development training.
Mentorship & Guidance: Connect WSMEs with experienced mentors for guidance and support.
Financial Access: Support WSMEs in accessing credit from FSDH Merchant Bank.
Increased Utilization: Promote the use of the AGF AFAWA Guarantee for financial growth.
Job Creation: Increase the number of jobs supported by WSMEs.

AWIEF Growth Accelerator Programme Benefits

Participating businesses will receive **exclusive benefits** designed to accelerate their growth and improve their financial standing:

Comprehensive Training & Mentorship: Gain access to high-level training, expert mentorship, and tailored business advisory.
Enhanced Business Skills: Improve technical, managerial, leadership, and interpersonal skills aligned with the specific needs of your business.
Stronger Financial Standing: Increase creditworthiness and build capacity to meet AGF PFI’s financing requirements.
Ongoing Support: Receive post-capacity building assistance and dedicated support for loan applications.
Expanded Funding Opportunities: Get access to additional financing options and funding networks.

Eligibility Criteria for AWIEF Growth Accelerator Programme

To qualify for the AWIEF Growth Accelerator Programme, businesses must meet at least ONE of the following criteria:

Ownership: 51% share of women ownership OR business founded by a woman.
Leadership: At least 20% share of women in senior management OR 10% share of women on the Board.
Products & Services: Product(s) or service(s) enhance well-being of women/girls and/or drive gender equity.

Additional Requirements