ShowcaseHER is a zero fees program aimed to empower women business owners in Africa with requisite skills to prepare them for the export market. The program, set to commence on September 15th, 2023, is an inititaive sponsored by Afreximbank and powered by ImpactHER.
The goal of ShowcaseHER is to provide African Women-led Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (“WSMEs”) with the capacity to effectively participate in cross-border trade and position them to be seamlessly integrated into the international export value chains while harnessing the opportunities presented by the African Free Continental Trade Area (AfCFTA). The ShowcaseHER program, targeting Women-led Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (“WSMEs”) in Africa, is a 3-month incubation program that aims to provide the participants with export readiness and business digitilization trainings, access to trade finance as well as mentorship support to help the participants increase their capacity to engage in intra-African trade.
Awarded as the best support organization for African women-led small businesses at the African Union 2022 SME Summit, and distinguished as one of two finalists in the United Nations’ 2023 SDG Awards, ImpactHER is an impact-driven non-profit organization that empowers African women and girls by providing them with relevant hands-on entrepreneurship training, capacity building training, and access to business financing.
About Afreximbank
Afreximbank is a pan-African supranational multilateral financial institution whose mission is to stimulate a consistent expansion, diversification and development of African trade, while operating as a first class, profit-oriented, socially responsible financial institution and a center of excellence in African trade matters.
The ShowcaseHER 3-month incubator program will be implemented as an online training.
Requirements
The ShowcaseHER incubator program is for you if:
- You are an SME registered and operating in any of the African countries (special consideration will be given to those in: Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya and Egypt).
- You are either exporting or interested in exporting your products.
- You are seeking to raise capital for business expansion and international trade.
Benefits of the Program
Participants will gain more than knowledge. The program provides:
- Six months of structured export training with experts in trade and finance
- $1,000 grant for selected participants to support their export-readiness plans
- Fully funded trip to a trade fair or conference for exposure and networking
- Business visibility across Afreximbank platforms and networks
- Access to mentorship from leading African trade experts
- Practical export strategies to expand into new markets
The Afreximbank Export Training for Women Entrepreneurs is more than a course, it is a growth platform for ambitious women leaders.
Also Read: African Union Internship Program 2025 | Monthly Stipends, Training & How to Apply
Selection Criteria and Process
Selection is competitive and based on:
- Strong business model with growth potential
- Clear interest and commitment to export
- Active leadership role of the applicant in the business
- Potential for job creation and community impact
The process includes:
- Online application submission
- Screening and review of applications by Afreximbank experts
- Shortlisting based on eligibility and merit
- Final selection of participants and notification
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official Afreximbank application portal
- Fill in the online application form accurately
- Submit before the deadline (early applications are encouraged)
- Wait for confirmation email if shortlisted
Please fill this form with your correct details to apply for the ShowcaseHER program.
Deadline for application is August 30th, 2023.
