According to She Leads Africa :
Female Entrepreneurs Face 4 Key Barriers
to full participation in Africa’s growth story:
1. Unequal access to education
Women in Africa have unequal access to education from the primary to tertiary level. The resulting lack of qualifications is a critical barrier to the valuable work experience that is needed to create a successful business
2. Constraining cultural stereotypes
Though women in Africa are prominent among small business owners, African societies frown on more ambitious entrepreneurial aspirations which take women away from their traditional roles as home-makers and child bearers.
3. Limited opportunities to develop useful networks
The most lucrative business deals and allegiances are often formed in male-dominated social spaces such as bars and exclusively male members’ clubs. Women’s interacting with men in these settings, in the absence of designated male companions, is often considered taboo.
4. Limited access to financing
Surveys have shown that terms of borrowing across the continent are less favorable to women than men.
But all that is about to change for some lucky persons as the organization introduces a Pitch competition where early stage startups that want to meet investors, gain access to new mentors, and grow across Africa.
The top 10 applicants will be invited to pitch their business ideas in front of a panel of notable business personalities for the chance to win a cash prize of $10, 000 as well as other non-financial prizes please visit
Application Criteria:
Entrepreneur:
- Have a woman on the founding team who will present at the pitch day
- Female founder between 18-35 years old
- Focused on the African market (Diaspora entrepreneurs are welcome)
Company:
- Received less than $50K USD in funding
- Been in operation for less than 3 years
- Have a live product in the market
Please fill the FORM and start the process to a bright career path. Application Deadline is July 30th so you want to get on it right away. Do share to people who may need this.