35 Bulawayo Women Graduate from the US Embassy Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)

Bekezela Dube

Thirty-five Bulawayo women graduated from the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program on Tuesday. They were capped by US Embassy Public Diplomacy Officer Rebecca Archer-Knepper at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.

The Academy aims to equip women entrepreneurs with the practical skills, expertise, and networks needed to establish and sustain businesses that positively impact communities through employment creation and economic growth.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Rebecca Archer-Knepper encouraged the graduates to continue working hard and utilise the skills they attained in the AWE program.

“As you move forward, remember that Zimbabwe’s business community needs your creativity, leadership, and vision. You will not only improve the economic outlook for your families and communities, but also inspire others to pursue their dreams,” Archer – Knepper encouraged the graduates.

Thubelihle Ndlovu, director of Purse on Point and national coordinator for the program, outlined the selection criteria for candidates. According to Ndlovu, the program prioritizes growth-oriented projects with the potential to positively impact communities.

“AWE was initially introduced in Zimbabwe in 2019. Bulawayo women are self-driven and goal-oriented. I encourage women to seize such opportunities as they mold and shape them into exceptional businesswomen,” she said.

Four graduates were awarded seed funding of US$ 1,000 each for excelling in the annual AWE pitch fund competition. The recipients of the seed funding were Martinagema Moyo, Elizabeth Chimuti, Faith Mutete, and Sibhekinkosi Sigola.

One of the graduates, Sebeletso Ngwenya of Sely’s Cosmetics, said the learning phase emphasized the importance of formalizing one’s business.

“I am grateful for the opportunity given to me as I learned that without one formalizing their business ventures, they are not yet into business. Formalizing our businesses is key, and that was the most important takeaway for me. Being tax-complaint, fully-registered, and having good record-keeping skills makes it a formal and reputable business,” she said.

In 2024, a total of 105 women entrepreneurs graduated from the AWE program. The next intake of the program is expected to resume in June 2025.