Walvis Bay entrepreneur joins African women’s network

THE owner of Sage by Dee Entrepreneurs Academy, Diana Namases, recently received an opportunity to be part of an African womens network that promotes entrepreneurship in Africa.

Women in Africa (WIA) 54 was started in 2017 and endorses African women entrepreneurs from all African countries.

The chosen women are awarded a comprehensive support package consisting of financing, training, communication, mentoring and networking that will help them to empower themselves and others in their communities.

This year, the network rolled out its 2030 plan, which multiplies the number of beneficiaries of the programme by 10.

The jury made an initial selection of 10 finalists per region.

In total, 540 women candidates will thus benefit from the training and coaching.

From this strengthened pool of entrepreneurs, 54 country laureates will be selected, of which nine sectorial prize winners will receive a comprehensive package of support to further boost their success

WIA54 aims to support more than 10 000 women entrepreneurs, indirectly contributing to the creation of 100 000 jobs, by 2030 through this new initiative.

“Women entrepreneurs have decided to be a strong part of the redefinition of this new world in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis. This crisis has shown them the fragility of the gains of decades of struggle. Their resilience has been tested, but it is the same resilience that has allowed them to hold their communities at arms length.

“At WIA54, we are aware of the opportunity that women represent for the African continent. Our ambition must be more than ever to match the extraordinary potential of women entrepreneurs in Africa,” says WIA54 manager Seynabou Thiam.

The programme is based on five pillars including training, mentoring, coaching visibility and networking sessions.

The selected members will receive scholarships from Honoris United University, where they can choose training, ranging from a licence to an MBA. They will also enjoy networking sessions with prominent businesswomen in Africa, among other benefits.

Over 4 000 applications were received from women entrepreneurs across Africa.

Namases says she is already impressed and excited to work with the many women in business that are doing marvellous things in Africa.

“I am particularly impressed with a woman from Tanzania who manufactures syrup from dates from her house. We also have dates here. Another woman from Cameroon is helping purpose-driven entrepreneurs and professionals to start and grow brands and businesses. She manufactures interesting fashion products,” she says.

Sage by Dee Entrepreneurs Academy was established in 2018. It provides competence-based training, skills, mentorship, entrepreneurial courses and subsidised space to work in.