AWIEF Extends Growth Accelerator Application Deadline with African Guarantee Fund & FSDH Merchant Bank

The AWIEF Growth Accelerator Programme application deadline has been extended to Monday, 7 April 2025, at 11:59 pm West Africa Time (WAT). Women-owned and women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (WSMEs) in Nigeria with an annual turnover of NGN 10–500 million are invited to apply for this transformative programme designed to facilitate access to vital business finance.

About the Programme

With support from the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) and FSDH Merchant Bank, AWIEF is implementing this flagship programme to address the critical funding gap faced by women entrepreneurs in Africa. The Growth Accelerator Programme is aligned with 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 WSMEs across the continent.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible businesses must meet one of the following criteria:

• Women Ownership: At least 51% share owned by a woman or founded by a woman.
• Leadership: At least 20% women in senior management or 10% women on the Board.
• Products & Services: Offer products or services that enhance the well-being of women/girls or drive gender equality.

Additionally, businesses must be registered and operating in Nigeria with an annual turnover between NGN 10–500 million.

Application Deadline

Applications are now being accepted, with the new deadline set for Monday, 7 April 2025, at 11:59 pm West Africa Time (WAT). Ensure your application is submitted before this date to take advantage of this opportunity.

For enquiries, email: info@awieforum.org.