Launching Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in Somalia

By Aliza Abdullahi

Last week, iRise Hub, in partnership with US Embassy in Mogadishu, co-launched the Academy for Women Entrepreneurship (AWE) program, a highly regarded program that would unleash the potential thirty young, promising an inspiring woman who are pioneering and trailblazers in tech, innovation entrepreneurship. The program will offer women-led entrepreneurs different set of skills, training, mentorships, networking and, more importantly, opportunity to scale up their business idea.

This includes, but not limited to, a networking space with likeminded businesswomen in overseas, particularly Somali businesswomen in the US and North America. Moreover, the program increases women participation in financial access and the opportunity to gain extensive knowledge and connection from private sector companies.

AWE employs a hybrid approach that combines online, using the highly acclaimed Dream Builder, which was created through collaboration between Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University and other universities.

Through AWE participants would earn a solid understanding of fundamental business concepts before coming together as a class to discuss the material with knowledgeable implementers, local mentors and join a thriving U.S. Exchange Alumni. Furthermore, women can enhance their newly acquired business skills and network with other businesspeople through speed mentoring, pitch competitions, and entrepreneurship capabilities.

As it stands, the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is empowering thousands of women around and active more than 80 countries around the world. This a unique opportunity for Somalia women who are aspiring to become successful business role models. The AWE program in Somalia will give women the hands-on knowledge they need to launch successful enterprises. They will be also able to link up with other successful Somali women in US to explore partnerships and collaboration.

We look forward to working with you on this exciting journey – and help you realize your dreams.