Background
#HerFutureAfrica is an initiative aimed at empowering young African women with essential skills, mentorship and support to build tech-enabled businesses that address the needs of women and girls.
The #HerFutureAfrica program was established by ATBN in partnership with Women in Tech Africa, a leading network of female tech entrepreneurs across Africa. A pilot programme was launched in Ghana in 2017 and implemented until 2018.
Project overview
The primary objectives of the programme were to empower young African women to leverage technology to advance their business ideas, boost their skills and confidence in presenting their ideas and support them to develop solutions that positively impact the lives of women and girls in Africa.
To achieve these objectives, #HerFutureAfrica provided participants with a comprehensive curriculum that emphasized ideation, market research, presentation skills and mentorship.
• Innovation Bootcamp
Over 2 – 3 days, participants were equipped with business skills and digital tools to develop their innovative ideas into real solutions. Watch the video from our Accra bootcamp!
• Market Research
Participants were tasked with applying the tools they had learnt to collect feedback from potential customers and stakeholders. At the end of this process, participants developed a more refined business proposal and pitch deck that they could use to present their businesses to potential funders or partners.
• Mentorship
Participants were matched with experienced mentors to guide them through the process of refining and implementing their business ideas.
Selected participants were given the opportunity to present their business ideas at our demo day. This was a great opportunity for participants to gain valuable feedback on their ideas as well as gain exposure and build connections to help them launch their businesses.
Our Impact
The #HerFutureAfrica pilot programme empowered 32 female entrepreneurs in Ghana with vital business and digital skills, boosted their confidence and broadened their networks by connecting them with mentors from 11 countries. Programme participants went on to raise over $35,000 in funding to launch their ventures, which have impacted the lives of over 300 women and girls.
Read our impact report
• Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
#HerFutureAfrica successfully empowered a diverse group of 32 women to participate in the Ghanaian tech ecosystem. Many participants, who had little to no prior exposure to the tech or social enterprise sectors, were able to transition from ideation to implementation, with a newfound confidence in their ability to succeed as entrepreneurs.
• Diversifying the Tech Ecosystem
The program contributed to the Ghanaian tech ecosystem by attracting a new demographic of female entrepreneurs. These women brought fresh perspectives and a commitment to addressing societal challenges, particularly those affecting women and girls. By supporting these entrepreneurs, #HerFutureAfrica played a role in nurturing a more inclusive and diverse tech sector in Ghana.
• Mentorship and Networking
Participants benefited significantly from the mentorship and networking opportunities provided by the program. The connections made during the program helped participants access additional resources, such as customer bases, business registration support, and industry events. The exposure to like-minded peers and industry experts further reinforced their entrepreneurial potential and confidence.
• Broader Impact on Women and Girls
The program’s impact extended beyond its participants. The businesses developed during #HerFutureAfrica had the potential to positively affect the lives of women and girls in Ghana, both through the products and services offered and by serving as role models within their communities.
Testimonials
I really loved the teamwork at the boot camp. Sharing my ideas with colleagues gave me more ideas to improve on what I already had. I also learnt that I need to test the market and get feedback first before starting the business.”
Edna Mate-Kole, #HerFutureAfrica participant, Ghana, 2017
I can now use the Business Model Canvas to continually refine my business idea and develop a more effective and efficient game plan to solve the problem for my target market.”
Wilma Amoo-Osae, #HerFutureAfrica participant, Ghana, 2017
My mentor went over my assignments and gave me feedback on every one of them. He recommended some references and gave me useful insight as well as a global perspective with regard to my problem and the solution.”
Charlotte Obeng, #HerFutureAfrica participant, Ghana, 2017