In October 2022, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Agrifood Network (IAFN) launched the Accelerator Mentorship Program to support women entrepreneurs in addressing the key challenges and constraints they face in their businesses. Each year, a cohort of 50 female entrepreneurs operating in the agrifood sector in the Sub-Saharan Africa region is selected to participate in the program. To date, 5 cohorts of 250 female entrepreneurs have participated in the program. The 250 women represent over 35 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Participants are selected from VALUE4HER Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) top 100 finalists.
The 50 women entrepreneurs are paired with 50 global women leaders in the agriculture sector as mentors. The mentees also participate in 3 tailor-made workshops where they are coached on various aspects of running their business. The program also includes dedicated capacity development and short training sessions offered on the FAO eLearning Academy. At the end of the program, the mentees receive certification that has many benefits for their businesses.
The main objective of the jointly-led Accelerator Mentorship Programme is to foster a selected number of women entrepreneurs in Africa with one-to-one mentorship with a panel of experts who are leading women entrepreneurs from around the globe, using a structure through which participants can interact and learn from the expert panel, as well as to provide them with access to knowledge and tools necessary to grow their enterprises and adapt to an ever-changing marketplace.
Each mentee is paired with a mentor through a matchmaking programme. This mentor is a leader/expert in their area of action and provides personal guidance and consultation for the duration of the programme.
Tailor-made training to enhance hard skills. Each participant is expected to complete 2 mandatory courses and select at least 2 of the optional courses, according to their interests, needs and priorities. In addition, participants have access to a wide range of knowledge products and tools.
Through joint workshop sessions with experts in the field, participants have access to knowledge exchange sessions, peer learning and networking with each other as well as with invited experts allowing for interactive moments. FAO and IAH also provide guidance and dedicated workshops on how to access finance, such as on the development of business plans and/or bankable proposals.
These workshop sessions are recorded and made available to participants if they have missed a session and/or would like to refer to them subsequently. At the end of each workshop, there is an interactive time with business leaders and mentors.
Explore the FAO Women’s Accelerator Programme and discover how it is supporting women entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, and opportunities needed to scale impact within agrifood systems.
