WEAC offers diverse programs empowering women entrepreneurs and MSMEs with skills, mentorship, and access to financing. Through training, networking, and market opportunities, WEAC supports sustainable business growth across sectors, fostering innovation, competitiveness, and economic inclusion to drive positive social and economic impact in Zambia and beyond.
CURRENT AND PAST PROGRAMS
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)
An initiative launched in 2019 to provide women with the knowledge, networks, and resources needed to start and grow successful businesses. The program operates in nearly 100 countries and aims to empower women to achieve their economic potential
Africa Food 360 Accelerator
An inclusive innovation program empowering female agro-processors to scale solutions, boost efficiency, and improve delivery, while benefiting rural out-grower communities and advancing Africa’s food, nutrition, climate, and markets through transformative contract farming and inclusive out-grower schemes.
Biodiversity Finance Accelerator (BioFA)
This program supports green MSMEs positively impacting biodiversity. It scales market-based nature conservation solutions by empowering entrepreneurs and businesses with access to financing and skills, enabling sustainable growth that benefits both the environment and local economies.
WEInvest
This investment readiness program empowers women-led businesses across the entire investment journey, guiding them from capital raising to achieving a profitable exit. It equips entrepreneurs with the skills, networks, and resources needed to succeed and scale sustainably.
StartUp
Academy
StartUp Academy is a 15-week program accelerating women entrepreneurs through essential startup steps. Weekly experiential sessions, led by seasoned mentors and coaches, guide participants hands-on to build and successfully launch their businesses with confidence and practical skills.
WEAC Level Up Accelerator
This business development services (BDS) accelerator enhances the competitiveness and fast-tracks the growth of MSMEs in Zambia. It provides targeted support, resources, and expert guidance to empower small and medium enterprises to thrive in dynamic markets.
Barrick 10X
Accelerator
This program enhances the capacity of local mining suppliers and SMEs, enabling them to become independent, competitive, and sustainable. It provides tailored support and resources to strengthen their skills, market access, and long-term business viability.
Business Solutions
Series
Our monthly events calendar offers entrepreneurs access to essential knowledge, tools, and connections. It supports business growth by addressing challenges and providing networking opportunities with the right people to help advance and expand any type of business.
Build-A-Business Workshops
Expand your business idea, master business model design, and accelerate revenue growth with the Build-A-Business workshop. This mentor-driven, hands-on program guides entrepreneurs through every step to design, test, and build a viable, scalable, and successful business.
Pitch-O-Rama
Are you an early-stage company ready to test your investment potential? Pitch-O-Rama selects ten women-owned businesses to present two-minute pitches to expert judges and a live audience, offering valuable feedback and a chance to win a cash prize.
FemBioBiz Programme
This accelerator program supported women entrepreneurs in biosciences, agri-food, health, and nutrition across the SADC region. Launched by NEPAD SANBio and partners, it empowered women with business skills, mentorship, and networks to grow and scale their enterprises.
Innovation Factory
This program trains young university students and entrepreneurs, including MSMEs, with essential digital economy skills. Focusing on practical digital tools, it equips participants to thrive in freelancing and other digital-driven business opportunities for sustainable success.
Digital Freelancers Accelerator program
This program empowers talented individuals by providing the skills, knowledge, and access needed to excel in today’s digital world, enabling them to confidently navigate technology, seize opportunities, and drive success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
FAO Youth Agripreneur Incubation Project
This collaborative initiative empowers young people to become successful agricultural entrepreneurs. Partnered by FAO, UNIDO, WEAC, and the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, it provides skills, resources, and support to foster youth-led growth in the sector.
EcomConnec
This program and online community empower MSMEs in developing and least developed countries to successfully sell their products and services online. It provides essential tools, training, and support to help businesses expand digital sales and reach wider markets.
Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA)
This global program, funded by the Citi Foundation, celebrates outstanding micro-entrepreneurs and their vital contributions to local economies. It aims to recognize their impact, inspire communities, and promote entrepreneurship as a driver of inclusive economic growth worldwide.
Greenovations project
This initiative fosters green innovation and entrepreneurship among women and youth in Africa. It builds a supportive ecosystem for eco-friendly businesses, empowering them to develop sustainable solutions that tackle environmental and climate challenges across the continent.
Farmers Business Simulation Program
This interactive training helps smallholder and emerging farmers enhance their farm management and financial literacy skills. It equips participants with practical knowledge to improve productivity, make informed decisions, and achieve greater financial sustainability in their farming operations.