Africa Female Founder Xchange

Launched this summer at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Nairobi, the Women’s Venture Xchange Africa initiative is a mentorship and exchange program for high-potential African women entrepreneurs. The initial East Africa pilot program gives four entrepreneurs the opportunity to spend between two and four weeks in Nairobi, Kenya. Starting during Global Entrepreneurship Week (Nov. 16-22), the Xchange is designed to help women-owned businesses develop a support system that will give them local knowledge and connections that will greatly increase their chances of developing new business partnerships. If successful, the East African pilot initiative will scale across the continent.

The program is being run by the Global Entrepreneurship Network in partnership with the Case Foundation, the Mara Foundation and the U.S. Department of State.

The four selected East Africa-based entrepreneurs will be matched with mentors active in their industry in Nairobi through the Mara Foundation’s Mara Mentors program.

The Xchange is geared towards entrepreneurs with established businesses ready for cross-border expansion in East Africa. Applications will be judged based on the company’s likelihood of successful regional expansion, the stage of growth of the entrepreneur’s company, the uniqueness of their concept and their ambitions for their time in Nairobi.

To apply, go to gew.co/wvxa. Applications will be accepted until Friday, October 23. Selected participants will be notified by October 30.