By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Applicants have been invited for this year’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a scheme of the United States government that supports women entrepreneurs around the world.
This is the third initiative by the US in 2021 alone to help upgrade the skills of Nigerian women and youths to make them productive, earn a living, and, in the process, appreciate and spread America’s goodwill.
Earlier this year, the US consulate taught 30 Nigerian youth entrepreneurs how to use a drone for business and opened in Lagos a Window on America centre where youths are trained to develop ideas and entrepreneurship and leadership skills.
As many as “200 participants will be selected from the 17 states of Southern Nigeria for the 2021 cohort [AWE].
“To support the comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration of returned migrants, 50 female returnees will also take part in the program,” the consulate said in a statement.
Graduates of AWE gain automatic membership of the US government exchange alumni community which provides “access to a vast network of like-minded and highly regarded professionals across the country.”
The programme says women’s meaningful economic participation is integral to achieving greater security and stability around the world, per Nairametrics.
“The AWE initiative is a great opportunity for Nigerian women entrepreneurs to gain university-level business and management training, strengthen their networks, and grow sustainable businesses,” said Stephen Ibelli, US Consulate Public Affairs Officer.
“Women have a key role to play in Nigeria’s future prosperity. As we have seen time and time again when women do better, countries do better, communities do better, and families do better.”
Transformative initiative
Leading local business leaders will help facilitate the intensive programme scheduled to run from July to September 2021.
Participants will receive access to DreamBuilder, a blended business training course developed through a partnership between Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona State University and Freeport-McMoRan, a global copper mining company.
“We are delighted that the US consulate general in Lagos has partnered with us to implement this program, the largest yet,” ASF Chief Executive Officer Inya Lawal said:
“AWE is a transformative initiative that is helping women in Nigeria build and sustain their businesses; the opportunities that come from this program are immense.”
Female entrepreneurs interested in AWE are expected to apply at no cost by filling out the application form.
US partners NCAA to teach drone use for business
In January, the US consulate in Lagos taught 30 youth entrepreneurs how to use a drone for business, in collaboration with Global Air Drone Academy (GADA) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The competition was open to all Nigerian citizens and residents aged 16-30.
Applicants were selected to learn from experienced drone professionals at GADA, a drone services company based in Maryland and licensed by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), per reporting by Nairametrics.
The top three applicants received professional grade drones to help launch their business, as a way to nurture creativity and hone entrepreneurial skills among early-stage youth technology entrepreneurs based in Nigeria.
The virtual boot camp taught participants how to relate emerging drone technology to real-world practical solutions, as well as the expertise for safely operating and flying a drone.
They learnt practical skills required to create, run, and market their startups in 2021 and beyond, after their confidence was boosted by a panel of judges who assessed their business plans.
Providing tech access
Ibelli explained that “The U.S. Mission in Nigeria is committed to supporting programs that provide youth with access to quality technological learning opportunities.
“The United States Consulate General is pleased to support the Nigerian Drone Business Competition. This program advances the U.S. Mission’s goal of promoting STEM education in Nigeria as a driver of sustainable economic growth.”
US opens Lagos centre to upgrade youth entrepreneurial skills
In March, US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard, opened in Lagos a centre called Window on America in Nigeria, the first of its kind.
It is a community centre where young people develop ideas as well as leadership and entrepreneurship skills through programmes and workshops designed especially for them.
This was explained in a statement issued by Temitayo Famutimi, Information Specialist, Public Affairs Section (PAS) at the US consulate general, as reported by Nairametrics.
The centre, hosted at Lekki Slum2School Innovation Hub in Lagos, is a partnership between the US consulate general in Lagos and Slum2School Africa, founded by Otto Orondaam, a 2016 alumnus of US government’s Mandela Washington Fellowship.
Leonard said Window on America is open to everyone in the community, offering its services, programmes, and resources to the public at no cost.
“We are happy to open the very first Window on America space in Nigeria here in Lekki. In the next few months, we will follow with six additional new Windows on America in the South and 12 across the country.
“We want our Windows on America to promote mutual understanding between the United States and the people of Nigeria,” she explained.
Core programmes
Window on America supports five core programmes: English language learning, educational advising, alumni activities, cultural programmes, and information about the US.
Visitors to the centre include students, teachers, entrepreneurs, academics, journalists, civic organisations, government officials, and community leaders.
They learn about the US, its government, history, culture, and educational system through programmes, lectures, books, and electronic resources provided by Washington.
Other Nigerian cities billed to host Window on America include Abeokuta, Awka, Benin City, Enugu, Osogbo, Uyo, Zaria, Minna, Dutse, Makurdi, Gombe, and Lafia.