About us
With a core mission of bridging the gender gap in access to finance and resources,
AWE is
a groundbreaking endeavour designed to provide women entrepreneurs in
Africa with the essential
skills, knowledge, and support necessary for establishing
and scaling profitable businesses.
Empowerment
Creating more opportunities for women
Inclusivity
Serving underrepresented groups
Collaborating to Build a Vibrant
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
AWE’s goal is to empower women entrepreneurs to become influential leaders and drivers of economic progress. The expected benefits encompass individual business growth, community development, gender equality advancement, and ultimately, the realization of a more equitable and prosperous Africa. Through its mission and anticipated benefits, AWE aims to spark a transformative shift that reverberates throughout the African continent.
AWE’s impact extends beyond individual businesses. As empowered women entrepreneurs contribute to job creation and economic growth, local communities and economies will experience positive socio-economic ripple effects. By fostering an environment where women lead and innovate, AWE aims to dismantle gender disparities within the entrepreneurial sphere, promoting gender equality and creating a more inclusive business ecosystem.
Excellence in leadership
AWE’s focus on financial literacy and access to finance resonates with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), as it supports the creation of decent jobs and resilient enterprises. By empowering women to lead and excel in various industries, AWE aligns with the broader aspirations of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Dr Amanobea Boateng
Founder and CEO: Women's DNA Fund
Amanobea Boateng is the founder and CEO of Women’s DNA Fund and its non-profit, Women’s DNA Foundation. ‘DNA’ encapsulates the passion to develop, nurture and advance successful African female entrepreneurs by providing capacity building, mentorship and eventually funding. Since 2019 Women’s DNA has provided business skills, coaching, and mentorship to over 300 Ghanaian entrepreneurs from different sectors. Amanobea is the author of a book entitled “African Female Entrepreneurship: Merging Profit and Social Motives for the Greater Good” (Palgrave Macmillan, 2018). She holds a doctorate in business administration (DBA) from the Grenoble École de Management, France; an MBA (Finance) from Stirling University, Scotland; and a BA (Hons) in French and Spanish from Cardiff University, Wales.
Elaine Bannerman
Founder Pan-African Tech Foundation and Athena SGB Ventures
Elaine has over 20 years’ experience as a lawyer in capital markets with expertise in structured credit and investment funds. Elaine has a passion for youth empowerment and runs programmes in Emerging Technologies for Africa’s youth at Pan -African Tech Foundation. Elaine set up Athena SGB ventures to strengthen the capacity of women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, improving their economic opportunities and working conditions, amplifying women’s voices as business leaders. Elaine is a member of the boards of Global Blockchain Women Alliance, the International Advisory Council of African Women in Business (previously SADC-WIB). Elaine has an LLM from University College, London and she was called to the Bar at the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. Elaine’s executive education is from London Business School and Oxford University.
