Calling African Women Entrepreneurs: Join the Graca Machel WCW-I Program to Scale Your Business. Are you a woman entrepreneur with a vision but no clear roadmap? You’re not alone, and you’re not without support. The Graça Machel Trust’s Women Creating Wealth-Intergenerational (WCW-I) edition, in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation, is designed to build women entrepreneurs’ confidence, skills, and networks to scale their businesses and transition from income generation to wealth creation.
This is more than a program. It’s a movement that aims to transform Africa’s economies through meaningful support to women entrepreneurs. And you belong here.
Join a powerful program of changemakers. Apply today – and let’s build the business of your dreams.
Who should apply? – Eligibility Criteria
Young and established women who are operating a business in at least one of the following countries at the date of application:
Kenya
Malawi
Senegal
South Africa
Tanzania
Zambia
Age: 18-years old and above.
Must have completed secondary school education.
Have an annual business turnover of between USD 10,000 to USD 500,000 or the equivalent of the local currency.
Have business experience of at least 2 years of operating any form of business.
You are not presently engaged in another entrepreneurship support program lasting longer than a week.
Your business currently employs a minimum of 5 young people and demonstrates the potential to expand further, creating additional job opportunities for the youth.
Have an operational business or a product/service that can be tested in the market with the potential for growth and impact.
Businesses can be sole proprietorships, partnerships, companies, cooperatives, or groups.
Business must fall within any of the following sectors:
Agriculture
Tourism
Manufacturing and Value addition
Transport and Infrastructure
Information & Communications Technology (ICT)
Building & Construction
Trade and services
Renewable Energy/Green Energy.
Also Read: Power Learn Project Software Development Scholarship 2025 for Young Africans (June Intake)
Benefits of the program
As a Women Creating Wealth (WCW) entrepreneur, you gain access to:
Practical Business Skills
Build strong foundations in business readiness, market access, and financial management.Powerful Toolkits
Work through structured toolkits that help you apply learning directly to your business.Growth Strategy Development
Develop a clear 3-Year Growth Plan and a compelling Pitch Deck to map out your next level.Technical Coaching
Receive expert coaching to strengthen your business model, improve systems, and scale sustainably.Supportive Entrepreneurial Network
Connect with a community of like-minded women entrepreneurs across the continent.Visibility and Recognition
Gain the opportunity to graduate and be certified at our prestigious WCW Country Forums.Sustainable Business Building
Shift from survival mode to long-term growth – building businesses that create wealth, impact, and jobs.
Important date to note:
Deadline to apply: 24 June 2025
Ignite Program duration: 30 June – 11 August 2025 (online)
Technical coaching duration: 11 August – 10 November 2025.
Applicants will receive:
Just 6 – 8 hours per week to commit to your growth, with dedicated support through customized coaching, mentoring and technical advice.
Support to develop your toolbox of resources for growth.
Access to a vibrant and supportive Business Community.
Invitation to regular entrepreneurship networking events and round tables to build social capital.
Access to a pool of rated service providers to support growth, access to markets and finance.
Certification and a spotlight at our prestigious Country Forum & Certification event.
Complete your journey and stand a chance to win free tickets to the WCW Summit 2025.
For more Information: Visit the website for Graca Machel WCW-I Program to Scale Your Business
