https://www.awpnetwork.com/_nuxt/9zoM_ibS.js

1const e={rss:{channel:{title:"AWP Network",link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com",description:"Making a Difference in the Lives of African Entrepreneurs",pubDate:"Wed, 27 Nov 2024 04:41:48 +0000",language:"en",wxr_version:1.2,base_site_url:"http://wordpress.com/",base_blog_url:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com",author:{author_id:28970466,author_login:"awpnetwork",author_email:"[email protected]",author_display_name:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},author_first_name:{__cdata:""},author_last_name:{__cdata:""}},term:[{term_id:255274855,term_taxonomy:"nav_menu",term_slug:"business-3",term_name:{__cdata:"Business"}},{term_id:400,term_taxonomy:"nav_menu",term_slug:"menu",term_name:{__cdata:"Menu"}}],generator:"http://wordpress.com/",image:{url:"http://0.gravatar.com/blavatar/ab06b9d0bca4fb0ee068623f587f29e5564c1e0125fd73d0a19bb2359eba86b1?s=96&d=http%3A%2F%2Fs0.wp.com%2Fi%2Fbuttonw-com.png",title:"AWP Network",link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com"},item:[{title:{__cdata:"Facilitator of Business Resources"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/01/01/awp/",pubDate:"Sun, 01 Jan 2012 11:00:48 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.wordpress.com/?p=17",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The AWP Network helps women and young entrepreneurs leverage available resources to create economic opportunities for themselves and local community residents. We take a hands-on approach to helping you grow your business.
2
3We offer the following services:
4<ul>
5	<li><strong>Business plan review and enhancement </strong></li>
6	<li><strong>Customer service skills training for your employees</strong></li>
7	<li><strong>Pitch coaching</strong></li>
8	<li><strong>Business workshops and seminars </strong></li>
9	<li><strong>Website development </strong></li>
10	<li><strong>Business Advisory</strong></li>
11	<li><strong>Social Media training</strong></li>
12	<li><strong>Networking opportunities </strong></li>
13	<li><strong>Professional services referrals</strong></li>
14</ul>
15Hire us to help you move your business forward.  We can get you connected.
16
17Our goal is to drive economic success and increase the participation of women and young entrepreneurs in the global marketplace.
18
19We are committed to providing resources that allow you  to develop and grow your micro-enterprises into sustainable businesses that create jobs, and generate sustainable revenue growth.
20
21Are these services that you could use?  Share your thoughts with us.`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:17,post_date:"2012-01-01 12:00:48",post_date_gmt:"2012-01-01 11:00:48",post_modified:"2015-05-11 15:54:17",post_modified_gmt:"2015-05-11 14:54:17",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"awp",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"Education"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wp_old_slug",meta_value:{__cdata:"the-african-women-power-network"}}],comment:{comment_id:10,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"67.86.63.240",comment_date:"2012-02-28 13:36:57",comment_date_gmt:"2012-02-28 12:36:57",comment_content:{__cdata:'Reblogged this on <a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/02/28/151/" rel="nofollow">The  AWP  Network !</a>.'},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1330432618"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1330432618.8938";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"reblog_ping",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-02-28 12:36:57"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Six Action Steps For Entrepreneurs"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/01/08/six-action-steps-for-entrepreneurs/",pubDate:"Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:56:24 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.wordpress.com/?p=34",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`1. Have a good support system
22
232. Do not listen to naysayers
24
253. Have a clear vision
26
274. Be consistent
28
295. Never give up
30
316. Find a mentor
32
33Follow these steps and you are on the right path to owning a successful and sustainable business.
34
35Have you mastered any of these steps ? Tell us.`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:34,post_date:"2012-01-08 20:56:24",post_date_gmt:"2012-01-08 19:56:24",post_modified:"2013-01-25 13:59

35:36",post_modified_gmt:"2013-01-25 12:59:36",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"six-action-steps-for-entrepreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"action steps"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"clear vision"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"forward"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mentor"},{__cdata:"naysayers"},{__cdata:"sustainable business"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/01/15/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs/",pubDate:"Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:56:25 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.wordpress.com/?p=38",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_88" align="alignnone" width="490"]<a href="www.awpnetwork.com"><img class="size-full wp-image-88   " title="AWP (5)" alt="" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/awp-53.jpg" width="490" height="326" /></a> Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu, Founder, MUI|PR[/caption]
36
37&nbsp;
38
39The African Women Power (AWP) Network sat down with the Chief Executive Officer of  MUI|PR, Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu. We asked her a series of insightful questions that we would like to share with you. Our aim is to inspire upcoming and existing women business owners as they move along in their entrepreneurial journey.
40
41<strong>What inspired you to start your company ? </strong>
42
43Three things inspired me to start my business. First - the need to be re-connected with the Nigerian culture.  I had been away from Nigeria for a long time and could no longer speak my tribal language, Igbo.  Starting this business was my way to re-connect with my culture and my roots.  Second - the need to survive. I lost my father at a young age and as the first-born of my family,  I had the responsibility of being a provider. Starting my business gave me a stable source of income during this difficult time. Lastly - my company fills a need.  MUI | PR serves as a platform to celebrate and showcase African products, goods, and services in a positive way.
44
45<strong>What is the goal of your business  ?</strong>
46
47Our goal is to get African business owners publicity, connect them to the right press channels, and serve as an information highway.  My company is about good publicity for African businesses.
48
49<strong>How did you come up with the name of your business ? </strong>
50
51The name of my company is French. My mother speaks the language and I wanted the name of my company to be inclusive of French-speaking Africans. I am also working on re-branding MUI | PR by giving it an identity face-lift. Thus, in the new year, the company will be touted publicly as MUI-The PR Company. Very soon, we will unveil our new website.
52
53<strong>What is your competitive advantage ? </strong>
54
55My ability to offer PR solutions and results for my clients - I am able to leverage and pull together resources in the entertainment, music, and fashion  arenas.
56
57<strong>How did you finance your business ? </strong>
58
59Bootstrapping - as we grow and expand, we will seek other forms of financing.
60
61<strong>What advice do you have for people looking to start their own business ? </strong>
62
63You can not be afraid to fail. You learn more from your failures.  Just go for it!   The journey will not be easy but it is certainly worth it.
64
65<strong>Who is your target market ? </strong>
66
67U.S based African businesses in the fashion and music industry - they include photographers, clothing designers, music artists, and DJs.
68
69<strong>Where do you see your company five years from now ? </strong>
70
71I see MUI | PR going global by expanding our reach to include all Africans in the diaspora. I also look forward to working with high-end magazines.  MUI | PR will continue to promote African brands and serve as the  PR group that represents the best interest of African businesses.
72
73Connect with Ijeoma here:
74
75<em>Website</em>: <a href="http://www.muipr.com/about.html">http://www.muipr.com/</a>
76
77<em>Twitter</em>: <a href="http://twitter.com/MUIPR" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/MUIPR</a>
78
79&nbsp;
80
81&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:38,post_date:"2012-01-15 23:56:25",post_date_gmt:"2012-01-15 22:56:25",post_modified:"2013-10-14 00:54:37",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-13 23:54:37",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"connect"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"failure"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu"},{__cdata:"Inspire"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mentor"},{__cdata:"MUI-The PR Company"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"voice"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"88"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_226b297f49dd1731cdc7f37753f352e2",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_b6eb853494aec8bf4621e00547281e8c",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:35,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"67.86.60.161",comment_date:"2012-04-18 17:59:51",comment_date_gmt:"2012-04-18 16:59:51",comment_content:{__cdata:"Thank y

81ou for the feedback. Regards!"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1334768393"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:14:"1334768394.184";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-04-18 16:59:51"}}]},{comment_id:4315,comment_author:{__cdata:"Employee by Day, Startup CEO By Night: Meet the Speakers &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/08/20/employee-by-day-startup-ceo-by-night-meet-the-speakers/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.9.155",comment_date:"2014-08-20 18:00:04",comment_date_gmt:"2014-08-20 17:00:04",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] years of data, analytics and communications experience, Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu co-founded MUI-The PR Company (MUIPR) to strategically advise clients on  how they can be successful within their distinct [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1408554004.81756496429443359375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-08-20 17:00:05"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1408999989"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1408999989.2514760494232177734375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:5848,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2014 AWP Network Power List &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.86.62",comment_date:"2014-12-08 23:27:29",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-08 22:27:29",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Ijeoma Mbamalu (New York/Nigeria): is co-founder of MUI-The PR Company (MUIPR) a company representing multiple [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077650.021955966949462890625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1418077924"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077925.2556629180908203125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Five Useful Tips to Survive the Strike"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/01/22/five-tips-to-survive-the-strike/",pubDate:"Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:41:45 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.wordpress.com/?p=62",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_63" align="alignleft" width="362"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/anakle.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-63" title="anakle" alt="" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/anakle.jpg" width="362" height="313" /></a> Founder and CEO, Anakle.com[/caption]
82
83Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Anakle Intelligent Media Solutions, <strong>Editi Effiong</strong>, gives useful tips to entrepreneurs and businesses in Nigeria to survive the strike.
84
85Editi provides the following solutions - keep in mind that what works for his business, an online advertising/social media marketing company may not work for others.
86
87I.  <strong>Set up Internet Banking</strong>:  by moving to internet platforms, small businesses can cut off critical financial downtime when banks are closed.
88
89II. <strong>Use cloud computing</strong>: last year, we invested in centralized server systems and moved many operations online - email, file storage, and sharing facilities were hooked to online servers. We have also set up third-party file sharing resources so teams could work together. Even if companies cannot afford these expensive systems, free services like <strong><em>Drop Box</em></strong> would be very helpful.
90
91III. <strong>Empower employees</strong>: A company can set up fancy cloud services but if team members are not empowered to use them, the whole process fails. What we did was to set staff up with blackberry phones and data plans, as well as USB Internet modems, so that they can work from home.
92
93IV. <strong>Motivate employees</strong> to work from home and<em> provide strategic direction</em>: If employees are not motivated and given a direction, the strike would be seen as just another holiday. We try to get employees to voluntarily put in the necessary hours on ongoing projects, as well as on self improvement and skill building activities.
94
95V. <strong>Keep open conversation lines with clients</strong>

95: If the above steps are taken, then there is really no reason why client projects cannot be handled as required. Throughout the strike, we communicated with clients and delivered on critical project elements. We also kept them updated on what is possible given the current circumstances - this helps us build stronger relationships and confidence with our clients.
96
97<strong>Connect with Editi</strong> here:
98
99<strong>Website</strong>:<a href="http://www.anakle.com/"> http://www.anakle.com</a>
100
101<strong>Twitte</strong>r: <a href="http://twitter.com/EditiEffiong">http://twitter.com/EditiEffiong</a>
102
103&nbsp;
104
105&nbsp;
106
107&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:62,post_date:"2012-01-22 18:41:45",post_date_gmt:"2012-01-22 17:41:45",post_modified:"2013-10-14 00:57:03",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-13 23:57:03",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"five-tips-to-survive-the-strike",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Anakle.com"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business development"},{__cdata:"customer"},{__cdata:"customer service"},{__cdata:"Editi Effiong"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"employees"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"ideas"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"motivate"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategic"},{__cdata:"strike"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"63"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Move from Idea to Execution"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/02/05/move-from-idea-to-execution/",pubDate:"Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:51:21 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.wordpress.com/?p=68",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>Mary Olushoga gives Seven Tips</strong> that can guide you, as you move from idea to execution.
108
109It takes a lot to launch, build, and operate a business. It takes hard work to transform an idea into a business. For many of you looking to start, here are some of what you need to know to gear you in the right direction this New Year.
110
1111. <strong>Attend:</strong> a workshop at a small business development center at a university near you.
112
1132.  <strong>Register your business: </strong>you may need to register your company as a form of corporation. This may include: c-corporation, s-corporation, LLC, LLP, a B-corporation, or even as a nonprofit.
114
1153.  <strong>Apply: </strong> for the necessary licenses or permits.
116
1174.  <strong>Find financing</strong>:  look at your credit worthiness by pulling up a free copy of your credit report.  Do you have assets that you can use as collateral?  Do you need to find investors?  Do not be afraid. Make sure that you have a reputable score, and if you don’t, start working on building your credit back up.
118
1195.<strong> Write a business plan</strong>: Yes, you do not need a business plan to start a business, but a plan serves as a guide and road map to help move you forward. To those of you seeking financing, a business plan may be  compulsory.
120
1216. <strong>Seek government contracting and opportunitie</strong>s: Once operating, get certified! You may need a Locally Based Enterprise (LBE),  M/WBE, Emerging Business Enterprise (EBE) certification- with the right certification, you can sell your products or services to the government.
122
1237. <strong>Know your customers and your market</strong>: this is accomplished through thorough research - continue to evolve by listening to your customers and attending business education seminars.`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:68,post_date:"2012-02-05 19:51:21",post_date_gmt:"2012-02-05 18:51:21",post_modified:"2013-01-25 14:00:23",post_modified_gmt:"2013-01-25 13:00:23",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"move-from-idea-to-execution",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"execution"},{__cdata:"forward"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"powerful"},{__cdata:"pre-start up"},{__cdata:"start up"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Its 2012, Time to Dream Big"}

123,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/02/12/its-2012-time-to-dream-big/",pubDate:"Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:20:26 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.wordpress.com/?p=71",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Coming off a double recession, here are <strong>five tips</strong> to help your business:
124
1251. <strong>Deliver</strong> great products
126
1272. <strong>Provide</strong> excellent customer service
128
1293. <strong>Tweak </strong>your product offerings so that it is narrow and deep
130
1314. Despite budget restraints, continue to <strong>market, promote, and advertise</strong>
132
1335. <strong>Continue to push</strong> even when business feels really slow
134
135Are you following our blog? Keep us posted and updated on how your business is doing. Cheers to a successful 2012 and as always, dream big.`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:71,post_date:"2012-02-12 18:20:26",post_date_gmt:"2012-02-12 17:20:26",post_modified:"2013-01-25 14:02:12",post_modified_gmt:"2013-01-25 13:02:12",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"its-2012-time-to-dream-big",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"customer"},{__cdata:"dreams"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"products"},{__cdata:"services"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:34,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"67.86.60.161",comment_date:"2012-04-18 17:58:11",comment_date_gmt:"2012-04-18 16:58:11",comment_content:{__cdata:"Thank you!"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1334768292"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:14:"1334768293.517";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-04-18 16:58:11"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/02/19/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-2/",pubDate:"Sun, 19 Feb 2012 14:53:07 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=84",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_86" align="alignnone" width="490"]<a href="www.awpnetwork.com"><img class="size-full wp-image-86  " alt="" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/princess1.jpg" width="490" height="326" /></a> Princess Jenkins, Owner and Chief Fashion Director[/caption]
136
137&nbsp;
138
139<strong>The Power in Femininity!</strong>
140
141The African Women Power (AWP) Network  sat down with <strong>Princess Jenkins</strong>, Owner and Chief Fashion Director of the Brownstone Woman Clothing Boutique in Harlem, New York. It was an absolute pleasure to speak with Princess. She is a warm and extremely knowledgeable person. Princess shared many powerful stories and wonderful insight, which we would like to share with you.
142
143<strong>What inspired you to start your business?</strong>
144
145I have always wanted to start my own business and what inspires me I think, is what inspires most entrepreneurs - the willingness to depend on your own talent to make a way for yourself in the universe, the desire for freedom, and a way to create your own source of income. Entrepreneurship for me is believing that the talent God has given you, is adequate to provide you with everything that you will need to be successful in your work.  My work in fashion is my passion. I enjoy working with and helping women to understand their own personal beauty, and create their own sense of style. I strongly believe that we do that well at the Brownstone.
146
147<strong>What are the key things that you have learned since starting your business?</strong>
148
149I have learned that people will appreciate your work if you are at your best. I have also learned that it is okay to fail. You cannot be afraid to fail - the more risks you take, the better.
150
151<strong>What is the goal of your business?</strong>
152
153Our goal is to make sure that every amazing woman who comes to my store has a wonderful experience. My company targets women who want to look like the queens that they are. I also focus on image consulting. Overall, it is my goal to make sure that all of my customers are happy and satisfied. I really do enjoy working for myself hence, my reputation is everything.
154
155<strong>What advice do you have for women looking to start their business?</strong>
156
157I will tell women to invest in their appearance,  especially if you are a start-up entrepreneur. When you first start, nobody knows you and n

157obody cares unless you have a presence that makes people stop long enough to hear you talk - then they will get to know you. Image is very important and you should build one as you move. Make sure that you are not stuck in time with your image. Stop and take care of yourself no matter how budget restricted you are. Get your nails, hair, and makeup done. It is the whole package. Also, have a power suit – even if it is only one.
158
159Build on a wardrobe, find a signature style that is comfortable to you, and always be a woman. <em>Do not be afraid to be a girl</em>. Use your girl power to your advantage, allow yourself to explore different styles, and be sure that you are true to yourself in your exploration. <strong>There is so much power in femininity, you cannot be a mock version of that.</strong>
160<strong></strong>
161
162&nbsp;
163
164<strong>What sorts of challenges do you face?</strong>
165
166· Meeting payroll - I need to make sure that there is enough money to go around as I am responsible to my employees.
167
168· Making my customers happy - I need to always make sure that I have the right merchandise at my stores.
169
170· Lastly, making life happen - I am a wife, I am a mother, I am a sister, I am a sibling, and I am a child. Despite being a successful businesswoman, I have to fulfill and juggle all of these roles. My wonderful husband is extremely supportive and my daughter understands. I am grateful to my family and my support system.
171
172<strong>What are your plans for your business ?</strong>
173
174(My) immediate plan is to open a storefront in Brooklyn. My long-term goal is to continue to grow and expand the Brownstone Woman brand across the U.S.  Another long-term goal is to travel across the world teaching everything that I have learned in my entrepreneurial journey to women and young people in the developing world.
175
176<strong>How can women continue to support each other?</strong>
177
178Women have to create their own support clubs and networks and these groups need to be inclusive. Men have created these clubs and that is how they climb up the ladder. Also, we need to learn how to function and connect with people outside of our networks and comfort zone because people who don’t look like you also want to be helpful.
179
180&nbsp;
181
182This summer, my daughter opens a lemonade stand called <strong>Lou Lou’s Lemonade Stand</strong> – named after her grandmother.  It is important that young girls start their entrepreneurial journey at a young age. It teaches them to be financially responsible - the earlier, the better.
183
184Princess is my mentor and dear friend. I have shopped at <strong>The Brownstone Woman</strong> several times and I can personally vouch for the phenomenal shopping experience – words cannot describe. I recommend her store.
185
186Princess owns two stores in Harlem at the following locations:
187
188The Brownstone
18924 East 125th Street
190New York, NY 10035
191
192The Brownstone
193633 Lenox Avenue
194Between 141 and 142 street
195New York, NY 10037
196
197Shop online or connect with Princess here: <a href="http://thebrownstonewoman.com/">http://thebrownstonewoman.com/</a>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:84,post_date:"2012-02-19 15:53:07",post_date_gmt:"2012-02-19 14:53:07",post_modified:"2013-10-14 01:02:00",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 00:02:00",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-2",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"customer service"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"femininity"},{__cdata:"Harlem"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"powerful"},{__cdata:"Princess Jenkins"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"voices"},{__cdata:"women"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"86"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_f64e91604d184998b2a1590541d921b3",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:2,comment_author:{__cdata:"Nancy"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"68.198.236.203",comment_date:"2012-01-19 15:41:35",comment_date_gmt:"2012-01-19 14:41:35",comment_content:{__cdata:"Awesome interview. I learned a great deal."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:14:"1326984096.111";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1326984137"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1326984138.1177";s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-01-19 14:41:35"}}]},{comment_id:33,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"67.86.60.161",comment_date:"2012-04-18 17:57:38",comment_date_gmt:"2012-04-18 16:57:38",comment_content:{__cdata:"Thank y

197ou for the wonderful feedback. We are glad that you find the information that we provide helpful."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:2,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1334768259"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1334768260.6273";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-04-18 16:57:38"}}]},{comment_id:3814,comment_author:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs | Women i..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/women-in-business-2/p/4025501687/2014/07/30/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs",comment_author_IP:"89.30.118.151",comment_date:"2014-07-30 15:28:41",comment_date_gmt:"2014-07-30 14:28:41",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] The Power in Femininity! The African Women Power (AWP) Network sat down with Princess Jenkins, Owner and Chief Fashion Director of the Brownstone Woman Clothing Boutique in Harlem, New York...&nbsp; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-07-30 14:28:43"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1406850369"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1406850369.22616291046142578125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1406730521.8319680690765380859375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]},{comment_id:3845,comment_author:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs | Secrets..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/secrets-of-success-for-women-entrerpreneurs/p/4025565577/2014/07/31/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs",comment_author_IP:"89.30.118.151",comment_date:"2014-07-31 17:51:20",comment_date_gmt:"2014-07-31 16:51:20",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] The Power in Femininity! The African Women Power (AWP) Network sat down with Princess Jenkins, Owner and Chief Fashion Director of the Brownstone Woman Clothing Boutique in Harlem, New York...&nbsp; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1406850367"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1406850368.17523193359375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-07-31 16:51:21"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1406825480.564775943756103515625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network on BBC World News"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/02/26/maryonbbc/",pubDate:"Sat, 25 Feb 2012 23:00:19 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=111",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_128" align="alignnone" width="418"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/awp-bbc.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-128" title="The AWP Network on BBC World News! " alt="The AWP Network on BBC World News!" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/awp-bbc.jpg" width="418" height="456" /></a>  [/caption]
198
199<strong>Mary speaks on Nigeria - which way forward ?</strong>
200
201[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=W41fGqAI8ZE#t=1133s]
202
203&nbsp;
204
205&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:111,post_date:"2012-02-26 00:00:19",post_date_gmt:"2012-02-25 23:00:19",post_modified:"2013-10-14 01:04:31",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 00:04:31",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"maryonbbc",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"action"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"fuel subsidy"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"128"}},{meta_key:"twitter_cards_summary_img_size",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{i:0;i:418;i:1;i:456;i:2;i:2;i:3;s:24:"width="418" height="456"";s:4:"bits";i:8;s:8:"channels";i:3;s:4:"mime";s:10:"image/jpeg";}'}}],comment:[{comment_id:1919,comment_author:{__cdata:"AWP Lagos Event: Meet the Panelists | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/01/13/awp-lagos-event-meet-the-panelists/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.10.51",comment_date:"2014-01-13 00:13:59",comment_date_gmt:"2014-01-12 23:13:59",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

2050;] has featured on BBC World News, Black Enterprise, iwantherjob.com, AFK Insider, Applause Africa, BET Networks, and has presented […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1390769226"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1390769226.09636402130126953125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-01-12 23:13:59"}}]},{comment_id:2461,comment_author:{__cdata:"This Year, Plan to Create Your Own Reality | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/03/24/this-year-plan-to-create-your-own-reality/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.9.45",comment_date:"2014-03-24 16:30:33",comment_date_gmt:"2014-03-24 15:30:33",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] educational tools, and community support. After I went live with the idea, I was invited to speak on the BBC program ’World Have Your Say’. This experience was a realization of one of my dreams and I […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1395675116.5470468997955322265625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1395675116"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-03-24 15:30:33"}}]},{comment_id:2239,comment_author:{__cdata:"Like Abs | This Year, Plan to Create Your Own Reality"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://likeabs.com/this-year-plan-to-create-your-own-reality/",comment_author_IP:"97.74.24.7",comment_date:"2014-02-20 16:50:59",comment_date_gmt:"2014-02-20 15:50:59",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] educational tools, and community support. After I went live with the idea, I was invited to speak on the BBC program ‘World Have Your Say’. This experience was a realization of one of my dreams and I […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1392936038"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1392936038.5749189853668212890625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1392911459.467606067657470703125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-02-20 15:50:59"}}]},{comment_id:2240,comment_author:{__cdata:"The Blow Magazine | This Year, Plan to Create Your Own Reality"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://scadasymbols.net/this-year-plan-to-create-your-own-reality/",comment_author_IP:"50.63.197.216",comment_date:"2014-02-20 19:39:45",comment_date_gmt:"2014-02-20 18:39:45",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] educational tools, and community support. After I went live with the idea, I was invited to speak on the BBC program ‘World Have Your Say’. This experience was a realization of one of my dreams and I […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1392936040.53022003173828125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1392921586.010974884033203125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1392936040"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-02-20 18:39:45"}}]},{comment_id:9028,comment_author:{__cdata:"Gradient Global™ Collective Celebrates Women’s History Month: Mary Olushoga – Gradient Global™ Collective"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.gradientglobalcollective.com/gradient-global-collective-celebrates-womens-history-month-mary-olushoga/",comment_author_IP:"108.167.133.26",comment_date:"2017-03-17 01:56:41",comment_date_gmt:"2017-03-17 00:56:41",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

2050;] in the Sub-Saharan African Women In Public Service Fall Institute. Olushoga has featured on BBC World News, Black Enterprise, iwantherjob.com, AFK Insider, Applause Africa, BET Networks, and has presented [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1490288390.971527099609375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1490288389.5198700428009033203125;s:5:"event";s:17:"status-unapproved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1490288388.2296431064605712890625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1490288387"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1489712202.0515420436859130859375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1489717511.350305080413818359375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Facilitator of Business Resources"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/02/28/151/",pubDate:"Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:36:55 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/2012/02/28/151/",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:" "},{__cdata:""}],post_id:151,post_date:"2012-02-28 13:36:55",post_date_gmt:"2012-02-28 12:36:55",post_modified:"2013-01-25 14:05:26",post_modified_gmt:"2013-01-25 13:05:26",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:151,status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"Education"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"is_reblog",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"post_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"17"}},{meta_key:"blog_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"29388220"}},{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Be Innovative! Halima tells African Women Entrepreneurs"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/03/01/try-new-ways-of-doing-things-be-innovative-halima-tells-african-women-entrepreneurs/",pubDate:"Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:17:36 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=172",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/hilma.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-179" title="The AWP Network " alt="" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/hilma.jpg" width="490" height="326" /></a>
206
207Founded on a passionate mission to not just move Nigeria forward but to provide women with an innovative method of providing excellent customer service, <strong>Halima Gidado-Mijindadi</strong>, Founder and Creative Director of <strong>Brides &amp; Babies Inc.</strong>, sits down with the African Women Power Network to discuss her experience and reasons why she started her business.
208
209Halima is a well-accomplished wife, mother, trailblazer, and entrepreneur. She has the unique distinction of being the youngest woman to graduate from the University of Houston with a Doctorate degree in Pharmacy. With an extremely supportive husband, Halima is determined to make her entrepreneurial experience work.
210
211Our interview with Halima takes place on a warm and busy Saturday afternoon. Customers are leaving and entering her store,  some browsing and others shopping. Her well-trained staff handles the customers and this gives us the time needed to complete this interview.
212
213<strong>This interview is especially beneficial as it demonstrates the significant role that African women entrepreneurs play in hiring the jobless and helping to reduce the unemployment rate.</strong>
214
215&nbsp;
216
217<strong>What is Brides &amp; Babies Inc., all about?</strong>
218
219<strong></strong>The name Brides &amp; Babies Inc., I believe is God sent. Everything about my business thus far, has fallen into place effortlessly. Brides &amp; Babies Inc. is a one-stop shop for women as they experience important stages in their lives. From the big day (wedding) through pregnancy, and child-birth - Brides &amp; Babies Inc. is the place to visit. I have always been fascinated with the bridal industry and I enjoy shopping for baby products, so I thought to myself, why not start a business that combines all of my interests.
220
221Most brides in Nigeria want to be mothers so they can kill two birds with one stone by coming to a store, which adequately captures the experience from wedding through pregnancy, and child-birth. We have a holistic view on the woman experience. I sell products like custom-made wedding dresses, brand name baby wears, American branded pediatric and women's health products with free consultation by yours truly.
222
223<strong>What are four key things you have learned since starting your business?</strong>
224
225I have learned so much that I cannot begin to say how much I have grown.
226
2271. <strong>Be Innovative!</strong> Be Patient! Be Consistent! Be Persistent!
228
229Brides &amp; Babies Inc. opened a month ago and in developing the concept for the store, it was difficult explaining my vision to Abuja-based Nigerian architects. Sorry to say, but most people in Nigeria are not used to developing new ways of doing things. So when I had to develop the concept for the store, not only did I have to explain my vision, I spent lots of time handholding these various vend

229ors throughout the process. It was very time-consuming, but I exercised patience and I am glad that everything worked out.
230
231Yes, finding the right architect to bring my vision to life was tough. People kept doing the wrong things, so I needed to be extremely patient, consistent, and persistent. Entrepreneurs in Nigeria should not be afraid to say NO! or push vendors to go beyond, so that you are not stuck with mediocre results but excellent work and end products.
232
2332. <strong>Do not be afraid to ask questions</strong>. When looking for a space to rent, I asked around for a list of credible landlords to rent from. I spoke with friends, colleagues, and family members. Once I got a referral, I went directly to the landlord and negotiated for a good deal.
234
2353. <strong>Speak to the right people. Network and get connected</strong>. It is important to be connected to the right people.
236
2374. <strong>Have personal integrity</strong> – it goes a long way.
238
239&nbsp;
240
241<strong>What or who inspired you to start your business?</strong>
242
243My husband inspired me. He felt really bad that I had to leave a career that had spanned over seven (7) years to go with him on his move to Nigeria. The passion for what I do, the vision, and the dream that I had, to create a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with a western touch in Nigeria also inspired me. Lastly, the opportunity to create a solid financial future for my children and family.
244
245<strong>How many people have you hired so far?</strong>
246
247I don’t just have staff persons, I have properly trained staff members. I want my staff to portray my vision and render exquisite customer service to all of my clients, especially when I am not there. I want the right team selling my brand and I tell my staff not to judge anyone who comes into the store based on looks. I also tell them not to be partial towards a particular client because of who they are – everyone that comes  in to my store matters.
248
249Having employees can help you to grow your business to the next level but having bad employees is the worst thing that can happen to a small business owner.  I make an effort to serve as a mentor to my employees but business owners should not be afraid to let go of bad employees. Bad employees can make or break your business. Bad news gets around quickly - your reputation is everything.
250<strong></strong>
251
252<strong>What is your five-year plan?</strong>
253
254We have a plan to expand into various cities across Nigeria but currently, we are focused on establishing a solid brand that provides excellent customer service.
255
256<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
257
258I sell unique products at a good price. We provide value and excellent customer service. Things in Abuja are very expensive so I make sure that my clients have the highest quality products for the best price. I go to great lengths to make all of my customers happy and it doesn’t matter who they are.
259
260<strong>Nigerian women do not need to go abroad to shop for a wedding dress</strong>, they can come to my store.  I handpick all the items and everything is personally approved. We encourage women to think ahead especially on how to accommodate children into their lives.  You need to come to my store to experience what I am talking about. We certainly look forward to having you. We provide healthcare consultation and sell American branded healthcare products – we are a holistic retail store.
261
262&nbsp;
263
264<strong>How have you financed your business?</strong>
265
266Real estate in Nigeria is very expensive so we bootstrapped to start this business. My husband and I saved our money. My advice to those looking to start a business, is to plan ahead, save up, or perhaps get a loan with stable rates and have a top-notch marketing strategy.
267
268<strong>How do you balance all of your roles?</strong>
269
270It is quite difficult trying to balance and manage my roles as a mother, wife, employer, friend, and mentor. However, l love and enjoy what I do – so I try to be the best wife, mother, and entrepreneur that I can be with an appreciation towards serving God - It feels like my purpose. I take a break when I need to and make sure that it is a relaxed work atmosphere for my workers and my customers.
271<strong></strong>
272
273<strong>What issues do you face as a female entrepreneur?</strong>
274
275Security is a major issue. As you promote your business, more people will get to know y

275our face and your name. So please pick a safe location and be willing to pay for good security. I am security conscious, sometimes I would like my staff and I to stay late at work but I cannot risk it.
276
277<strong>How can women entrepreneurs support each other?</strong>
278
279Yes! More women entrepreneurs need to support one another. Understanding that we all have something in common is very important. We need more conferences and round tables – we need to be connected.
280
281&nbsp;
282
283<strong>Brides &amp; Babies Inc. is located here:</strong>
284
285130 Aminu Kano Crescent
286(Adjacent to Glo, before Assorted)
287Wuse 2 (II), Nigeria Abuja, FCT
288
289<strong>Connect here on Facebook:  </strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/BridesandBabies">https://www.facebook.com/BridesandBabies</a>
290
291<strong>Twitter</strong>: <a href="https://twitter.com/BridesandBabies">https://twitter.com/BridesandBabies</a>
292
293<strong> </strong>
294
295&nbsp;
296
297&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:172,post_date:"2012-03-01 22:17:36",post_date_gmt:"2012-03-01 21:17:36",post_modified:"2013-10-14 01:12:08",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 00:12:08",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"try-new-ways-of-doing-things-be-innovative-halima-tells-african-women-entrepreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Abuja"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"real estate"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"successful"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"179"}}],comment:[{comment_id:12,comment_author:{__cdata:"Cynthya Y"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"93.186.30.245",comment_date:"2012-03-02 15:54:30",comment_date_gmt:"2012-03-02 14:54:30",comment_content:{__cdata:"Interesting piece, very stimulating! You inspire me Halima! I wish you well"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1330700070.8278";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1330700721"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1330700721.8904";s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-03-02 14:54:30"}}]},{comment_id:13,comment_author:{__cdata:"N-U-R-I"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"93.186.31.81",comment_date:"2012-03-02 17:40:26",comment_date_gmt:"2012-03-02 16:40:26",comment_content:{__cdata:"Awww, yeye, this is a great inspiration to me. Ure such an intelligent mom, wife and enterpreneur. Thumbs up. With God as ur solid rock, the sky is ur stepping stone! #bighug#"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:14:"1330706427.558";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1330706821"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1330706822.0362";s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-03-02 16:40:26"}}]},{comment_id:14,comment_author:{__cdata:"francesther"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://francesthersplace.com",comment_author_IP:"93.186.31.81",comment_date:"2012-03-11 09:11:18",comment_date_gmt:"2012-03-11 08:11:18",comment_content:{__cdata:`Halima, nice piece dear. I've been to B &amp; B and I agreed with what you said about your store, services and products. Quality products at affordable rates.
298
299Go B &amp; B.`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1331453479.2997";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1331508547"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1331508548.0243";s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-03-11 08:11:18"}}]},{comment_id:11,comment_author:{__cdata:"bee"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"148.177.1.215",comment_date:"2012-03-02 15:33:31",comment_date_gmt:"2012-03-02 14:33:31",comment_content:{__cdata:"Great interview yeye......truly an amazing woman you are. May God continue to prosper your business abundantly :)"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:14:"1330698811.727";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1330699319"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1330699319.1755";s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-03-02 14:33:31"}}]},{comment_id:15,comment_author:{__cdata:"tamura"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"93.186.20.148",comment_date:"2012-03-11 13:14:33",comment_date_gmt:"2012-03-11 12:14:33",comment_content:{__cdata:"Quite very insprirational. Let's embrace our own!"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1331468074.0847";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1331508543"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1331508543.9765";s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-03-11 12:14:33"}}]},{comment_id:29,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"67.86.60.161",comment_date:"2012-04-18 17:53:46",comment_date_gmt:"2012-04-18 16:53:46",comment_content:{__cdata:"Thank y

299ou for the great feedback. It is our goal to continue to provide information that inspires."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:12,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1334768028"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1334768029.0826";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-04-18 16:53:46"}}]},{comment_id:30,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"67.86.60.161",comment_date:"2012-04-18 17:54:29",comment_date_gmt:"2012-04-18 16:54:29",comment_content:{__cdata:"Yes, we must."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:15,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1334768070"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1334768071.6908";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-04-18 16:54:29"}}]},{comment_id:8936,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2016 AWP Network Power List « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/12/27/the-2016-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.100.250",comment_date:"2016-12-27 21:31:07",comment_date_gmt:"2016-12-27 20:31:07",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Halima Gidado-Mijindadi (Nigeria) is the founder of Brides & Babies, a one-stop shop for women as they experience […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1482870668.595035076141357421875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1482871017"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1482871017.7566359043121337890625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Buy Art & Fashion, Inspired by Africa"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/03/06/buy-art-fashion-inspired-by-africa/",pubDate:"Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:16:54 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=192",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`African High Street is the home of African designers and African inspired designs. A typical high street in Africa is very vibrant and diverse and we have done our utmost to capture this on our website. We focus on real inspiration from Africa, in order to bring you a diverse product range sourced mainly from Africa but also globally.
300
301Products fall under 5 main categories;
302
303Clothing
304Bags & Purses
305Accessories
306Arts & Design
307Books & Music
308
309All of the showcased products have one thing in common, that is they are from and inspired by Africa ‘s culture and art.
310
311The journey to African High Street started almost a year ago when we decided that as Africans, we had a duty to portray Africa in a positive light; one which is far removed from the typically negative view of poverty and starvation that the media portrays all too often. We set out to find talented designers, authors and artists from Africa and inspired by Africa. We were immensely impressed and proud of the amazing talent we found on the continent.
312
313 
314
315Click here to learn more:<a href="http://www.africanhighstreet.com/"> http://www.africanhighstreet.com/</a>
316
317&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:192,post_date:"2012-03-06 15:16:54",post_date_gmt:"2012-03-06 14:16:54",post_modified:"2013-01-25 14:05:58",post_modified_gmt:"2013-01-25 13:05:58",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"buy-art-fashion-inspired-by-africa",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:{__cdata:"Events"},postmeta:{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}}},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network nominated for the International Women's Day Challenge"}

317,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/03/22/the-awp-network-nominated-for-oxfam-womens-challenge/",pubDate:"Thu, 22 Mar 2012 22:17:22 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=194",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>Mary Olushoga</strong> was recently nominated for the  GOOD Maker/Oxfam America International Women's Day challenge.
318
319The project entails creating a curriculum that will enable  African women to enhance their business and technological skills, so that they can continue to solve various entrepreneurial challenges.
320
321Mary also plans to launch an online curriculum using webinar platforms to help African youths, especially girls, launch and grow their e-commerce businesses.
322
323Click here to VOTE, comment, or learn more about the project:
324
325<a href="http://oxfamamerica.maker.good.is/projects/awpnetwork123#">http://oxfamamerica.maker.good.is/projects/awpnetwork123#</a>
326
327We count on your support and feedback.`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:194,post_date:"2012-03-22 23:17:22",post_date_gmt:"2012-03-22 22:17:22",post_modified:"2013-01-25 14:06:10",post_modified_gmt:"2013-01-25 13:06:10",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-nominated-for-oxfam-womens-challenge",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:{__cdata:"Events"},postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_bb89ce4054d2c87817a94e6127b02d61",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:22,comment_author:{__cdata:"Victoria"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://twitter.com/torimarzilli",comment_author_IP:"173.14.160.49",comment_date:"2012-04-04 16:05:43",comment_date_gmt:"2012-04-04 15:05:43",comment_content:{__cdata:"Congratulations to Mary for WINNING this challenge! Very well deserved. - Victoria, Oxfam America, New Media Specialist"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1333551943.5707";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1333556819"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1333556819.5488";s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-04-04 15:05:43"}}]},{comment_id:18,comment_author:{__cdata:"Lucky Ehizojie"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.139.69.48",comment_date:"2012-03-23 16:03:23",comment_date_gmt:"2012-03-23 15:03:23",comment_content:{__cdata:"It's worth it nominating Mary Olushoga because she's proactive and a true rising star the is waiting to celebrate not just the Africa."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1332515003.2683";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1333387428"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1333387428.6676";s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-03-23 15:03:23"}}]},{comment_id:19,comment_author:{__cdata:"Lucky Ehizojie"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.139.69.48",comment_date:"2012-03-23 16:03:49",comment_date_gmt:"2012-03-23 15:03:49",comment_content:{__cdata:"I give her my vote"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1332515029.3673";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1333387429"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:14:"1333387430.208";s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-03-23 15:03:49"}}]},{comment_id:31,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"67.86.60.161",comment_date:"2012-04-18 17:55:09",comment_date_gmt:"2012-04-18 16:55:09",comment_content:{__cdata:"Thank y

327ou for your vote."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:19,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1334768110"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1334768111.3041";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-04-18 16:55:09"}}]},{comment_id:32,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"67.86.60.161",comment_date:"2012-04-18 17:55:56",comment_date_gmt:"2012-04-18 16:55:56",comment_content:{__cdata:"Thank you Victoria. We look forward to future collaborations with Oxfam America. Kind Regards!"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:22,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1334768158"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1334768158.9975";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-04-18 16:55:56"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Voices of Young African Entrepreneurs:  The Drive to Create Jobs"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/04/02/the-drive-to-create-jobs/",pubDate:"Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:06:01 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=200",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_202" align="alignnone" width="490"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/zaguru11.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-202 " alt="" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/zaguru11.jpg" width="490" height="275" /></a> Hussain Zaguru, Co-Founder and CEO of New Qamar Media Ltd[/caption]
328
329&nbsp;
330
331<strong>The Nigerian Government on the Right Track! </strong>
332
333<strong>The AWP Network</strong> sat down with YouWin! Award Winner, <strong>Abdulqadir Hussain Zaguru</strong>, Co-Founder and CEO of <strong>New Qamar Media Ltd</strong>, located in Northwest Nigeria. The Nigeria Ministry of Youth Development documents 68 million jobless youths and in response to the high unemployment rate, the government launched the YouWin! program.
334
335For many of my readers who are not aware, the Youth Enterprise With Innovation in Nigeria (YouWiN) program is a collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communication Technology, and the Ministry of Youth Development. These ministries launched an annual business plan competition for young entrepreneurs to help with startup capital or expansion. The program is in line with the federal government’s drive to create jobs.  Zaguru has taken a very proactive approach to his future by starting his own business - with the YouWin! grant, he plans to create 10 to 15 new jobs.
336
337Zaguru graduated from Ahmadu Bello University with an honors degree in Geology. He will c

337omplete his Master's degree program this year. Zaguru can be described as a jovial, passionate, knowledgeable young entrepreneur with unlimited potential and goals for his business.   He describes a hectic day as we sat down for the interview - he is happy to be among the 1200 chosen YouWin! award winners.  Winners will receive one  to ten million naira in equity contribution.
338
339<strong>What does your company do?</strong>
340
341New Qamar Media Ltd. develops and packages media products, which include reality TV shows, short films, and educational programs for youths in Northwest, Nigeria.
342
343<strong>What are your thoughts on the YouWin program?</strong>
344
345The entire program was properly executed and I feel like even if I did not become an award winner, the training that I received was worth it. This is the first time that the federal government has come up with such an innovative idea along with a strong implementation plan. The three-day program took place at the Arewa house - a formal center based in the North. 510 other competitors were part of this training and the experience was enlightening. The instructors were well trained and knowledgeable.
346
347The breakdown of the program went as follows:
348Day 1 – Validation and registration of YouWin! participants,
349Day 2 – Training on the various aspects of operating a business,
350Day 3 – Instructors told us that success is attainable and that we youths, can achieve anything that we put our minds to.
351
352Like I said before, there has been nothing like this from the federal government that has involved youths to this extent. The youths have lost so much faith in the government because for a very long time, the government has refused to cater to them but I believe that things are changing. In fact,  many youths still do not believe in the sincerity of the program -  they will just have to wait and see what the federal government is up to.
353<strong></strong>
354
355&nbsp;
356
357<strong>What is the one thing you learned at training?</strong>
358
359I learned that <strong>change is possible</strong> when you meet with like-minds who have a common goal. In this case, the common goal is to create jobs. This program has created an avenue for entrepreneurial individuals to meet.
360
361<strong>What role do you play at your company?</strong>
362
363I am the writer, producer, and director.
364
365<strong>What key things have you have learned since starting your business?</strong>
366
367I can summarize key things in seven (7) parts:
368
3691. Start small to get big - do the most with the little resources that you have access to.
3702. Do not mix business finances with your personal finances – separate the two.
3713. Conduct your business with all sincerity and integrity.
3724. Do NOT assume what you do not know.
3735. Give yourself room to learn from others - even though you are an entrepreneur, you do not know it all.
3746. Be very patient – let that quality be part of your character.
3757. My business depends on me - therefore it is important that I properly represent my brand and business to clients.
376
377&nbsp;
378
379<strong>Who inspires you?</strong>
380
381The first person that comes to mind is James Cameron.  I am fascinated by his work. He is  innovative and does not give up just because he has these “crazy” or different ideas, he follows through. I consider Mr. Cameron, my hero. He is an icon to be reckoned with.   Another person that inspires me is my mentor:  television presenter and MTN Ambassador Abbas Sadiq.
382
383<strong>F</strong><strong>ive years from now, where do you see yourself?</strong>
384
385I hope to expand to different states across Northern Nigeria. I plan to increase our media products and productions. I would also like to create a 15 minutes documentary that wins several international awards.
386<strong></strong>
387
388<strong>What business challenges do you face?</strong>
389
390One of the challenges that I face is not having state of the art equipments. It is challenging because technology changes  and I need to keep up to provide quality content. Another challenge is market research - taking the time to know and understand the niche and target customers. We  have to know what our customers want. Following trends can be risky and expensive but it is something that we have to do to please our customers. As content providers, we have to listen to the customers needs.
391<strong></strong>
392
393<strong>What are your plans for hiring?</strong>
394
395With the grant, <strong>I plan to hire 10 to 15 people - </strong>each person will have respective duties and responsibilities.  I also plan to provide my employees with access to several leadership and personal development workshops, seminars, and  customer service trainings.
396
397<strong>How did you finance your business prior to this program?</strong>
398
399I held various part-time consulting jobs.
400<strong></strong>
401
402<strong>How did you meet your business partner?</strong>
403
404I met him while submitting a project proposal at a non-profit organization.
405<strong></strong>
406
407<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
408
409My ability to speak my native language Hausa - I translate our shows into Haus

409a and English, hence we can attract both English and Hausa speaking audiences to our work.
410<strong></strong>
411
412<strong>Could you give an example of a project that you recently worked on?</strong>
413
414I produced and directed an European Union Inside Project on Water and Sanitation under the auspices of the Global Initiative for Women and Children-GIWAC, WRAPA . It was a TV series titled <em>Wash Challenge for Kids - </em>the challenge aired in 2011 on various local television and radio stations. We produced a nine episode series to include sections on songs, drama, and quizzes for children. We asked local schools to participate and asked students from selected schools to write and sing a song in their native language.
415
416In Nigeria, it is reported that 103 million of the country’s 140 million population lack access to sanitation facilities and 69 million also lack access to adequate water, the challenge is great.  Using media platforms helps to engage a wide audience in learning about public health initiatives.  In addition,  I developed a TV Series on Polio tagged <em>Tun Ran Gini</em>  (Hausa) that featured prominent actors from the North. It was a UNICEF and Kaduna State Ministry of Health Project.
417
418<strong>What parting words do you have for youths reading this interview?</strong>
419
4201. Do not claim to know everything - leave room to<strong> listen</strong> to others.

4212. Save your money towards supporting your goals. Having <strong>capital matters</strong> - everyone has ideas but without money you cannot execute the idea.
4223. Find <strong>mentors</strong> - they help you move forward and serve as a guide.
4234. Your <strong>personal development matters -</strong> I now realize that I have to focus on my image. I am my brand.
424
425&nbsp;
426
427<strong>Contact Zaguru here</strong>:
428
429Phone:   (234) 803-658-1430
430
431Email:     zaguru80 (at) gmail.com
432
433Website:  <a href="http://dzaguru.blogspot.com/">http://dzaguru.blogspot.com/</a>
434
435Website: <a href="http://dzaguru.wordpress.com">http://dzaguru.wordpress.com</a>
436
437Wash Challenge: <a href="http://www.washchallenge.blogspot.com/">http://www.washchallenge.blogspot.com/</a>
438
439To learn more about the YouWIN! program, click here: <a href="https://www.youwin.org.ng/whatisyouwin.php">https://www.youwin.org.ng/whatisyouwin.php</a>
440
441&nbsp;
442
443&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:200,post_date:"2012-04-02 19:06:01",post_date_gmt:"2012-04-02 18:06:01",post_modified:"2013-10-14 01:17:52",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 00:17:52",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-drive-to-create-jobs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Don Zaguru"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Jobs"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Media"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"202"}},{meta_key:"twitter_cards_summary_img_size",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{i:0;i:640;i:1;i:360;i:2;i:2;i:3;s:24:"width="640" height="360"";s:4:"bits";i:8;s:8:"channels";i:3;s:4:"mime";s:10:"image/jpeg";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_1f1e5cc6e6e7742f4aec580c277427c1",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_8416866681c17151acd143a04d35185c",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_4308c943584def059302f1914beac4bd",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_501b9ff336adf9d5f569c89acd48f1a7",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_9856c16ef3fd480a9e23d09027d27453",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_1fb3db4caab6e2fcee0a50d3b3bf2581",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_a9259a1ed990c9f4a42fbb7aac6b29ab",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_a095098b579ee8c9d0b7ca062dad8a30",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_b7f2ebcfa24be0fa3fcbd7fb8170bd4d",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_9b8c662941c91ed514db2313cc9c9233",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_eb1ac8476f017c95f2b3d2f0123c94bf",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:23,comment_author:{__cdata:"Husayn Zaguru"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.dzaguru.blogspot.com",comment_author_IP:"41.203.64.130",comment_date:"2012-04-04 16:19:10",comment_date_gmt:"2012-04-04 15:19:10",comment_content:{__cdata:"I have been engaged in exams since 4 days ago.and we had a bad network.This is marvellous! Mary, I think this is the best interview I have ever had this year! Thanks so much. Will keep in touch and keep up the good work!"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1333552751.3541";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1333556823"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1333556824.4024";s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-04-04 15:19:10"}}]},{comment_id:24,comment_author:{__cdata:"Husayn Zaguru"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.dzaguru.blogspot.com",comment_author_IP:"41.203.64.130",comment_date:"2012-04-04 16:33:18",comment_date_gmt:"2012-04-04 15:33:18",comment_content:{__cdata:`More so, I just created a new blog. 

444http://dzaguru.wordpress.com/wp-admin/`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:23,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1333553599.5524";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:6:"zaguru";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1333556828"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1333556828.6038";s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-04-04 15:33:18"}}]},{comment_id:25,comment_author:{__cdata:"balogun r olalekan (AMO)"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"93.186.23.84",comment_date:"2012-04-04 17:11:34",comment_date_gmt:"2012-04-04 16:11:34",comment_content:{__cdata:"Congrats mallam, ride on."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:14:"1333555894.267";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1333556832"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1333556832.8938";s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-04-04 16:11:34"}}]},{comment_id:331,comment_author:{__cdata:"Doc Ahmed Abdulkadir"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://Amfai.blogspot.com",comment_author_IP:"141.0.8.101",comment_date:"2012-08-02 06:15:12",comment_date_gmt:"2012-08-02 05:15:12",comment_content:{__cdata:`May this success be the beginning of tomorrow's
445achievements.
446Congratulations!`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1343914315"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1343914315.7519190311431884765625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1343884512.1545200347900390625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-08-02 05:15:12"}}]},{comment_id:332,comment_author:{__cdata:"amfai"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://amfai.wordpress.com",comment_author_IP:"141.0.10.137",comment_date:"2012-08-02 06:44:17",comment_date_gmt:"2012-08-02 05:44:17",comment_content:{__cdata:"Congrats"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:38449252,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1343914329"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1343914330.114183902740478515625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1343886257.3808500766754150390625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:5:"amfai";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-08-02 05:44:17"}}]},{comment_id:1302,comment_author:{__cdata:"Photo Essay: Young Africans Tell their Entrepreneurial Stories | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2013/09/18/photo-essay-young-africans-tell-their-entrepreneurial-stories-2/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.38.68",comment_date:"2013-09-18 01:24:17",comment_date_gmt:"2013-09-18 00:24:17",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

4460;] You may also read more about Zaguru here: http://awpnetwork.com/2012/04/02/the-drive-to-create-jobs/  [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1379463933"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1379463933.7016689777374267578125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-09-18 00:24:17"}}]},{comment_id:5359,comment_author:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs: What Nigerian Women Need &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/10/21/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-what-nigerian-women-need/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.82.135",comment_date:"2014-10-21 00:18:33",comment_date_gmt:"2014-10-20 23:18:33",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Condotti, CEO at Africholiday Travels, tells young entrepreneurs to apply for grants such as the YouWin program,Cartier Women’s Award, or the Etisalat Prize for Innovation. She suggests starting with a [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1413847113.9492130279541015625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1413850945.63259792327880859375;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1413903008"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1413903008.2751140594482421875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"African Entrepreneur gets Approval from Google as a trusted Photographer"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/04/18/african-entrepreneur-gets-approval-from-google-as-a-trusted-photographer/",pubDate:"Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:34:41 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=214",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_258" align="alignleft" width="299"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/em-1-of-21.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-258" title="Maureen Erokwu, Founder, BusinessLive360" alt="" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/em-1-of-21.jpg" width="299" height="448" /></a> Maureen Erokwu, Founder, BusinessLive360[/caption]
447
448<strong>Maureen Erokwu</strong> started her business under the Emmy Chinelo photography brand, but with a current certification from Google as a trusted photographer,  she has since rebranded her business and expanded her services.
449
450<em>I lost my job in May 2010 and since then, it has been difficult to find work.  In this economy, when you lose your job, you are forced to create your own opportunities, which is what I decided to do.  I applied for jobs at various companies and became discouraged when I never heard back from them.  I understand that it is a competitive market and although many jobs are advertised, the reality is that most companies are not hiring. After making money for other companies all these years, I felt like I could do the same for myself.  I know that the journey will not be easy but it will be worth it.</em>
451
452&nbsp;
453
454<strong>What is the name of your business? </strong>
455
456<strong></strong>Businesslive360
457
458<strong>How did you come up with this name ?</strong>
459
460It came as a random thought - I wanted to come up with a name that best describes what I do.
461
462<strong>What does your company do?</strong>
463
464We are an online visual solutions company that provides 360 panoramic views for small businesses. Our service allows companies to engage their clients online as well as showcase their brand or store.
465
466<strong>What is your role in the company?</strong>
467
468For now, I am the jack-of-all-trades.  I am the creative director and I handle all aspects of my business - It is challenging but not impossible.
469
470<strong>Five years from now, where do you see your company?</strong>
471
472We have an expansion plan and I see my business as the leading visual solutions company in New York and New Jersey.
473
474<strong>What are your plans for hiring?</strong>
475
476I currently have a marketing assistant and a project manager. One thing that I would love to do is continually reach out and give opportunities to recent graduates. I want to give young people jobs and show them that they can be useful in the job market – contrary to popular and negative opinions regarding us, as inexperienced.
477
478<strong>What key things have you learned since starting your business?</strong>
479
4801. <strong><em>Your customer matters</em></strong>. How you treat customers speaks volume about your business. Customer satisfaction is important and if you treat your customers without regard, then no business for you - it is as simple as that.
4812. <strong><em>Build a referral system</em></strong> – I have learned to not just establish relationships with key individuals but to also have a referral system that works.
4823. <strong><em>Create a strong network</em></strong>.
4834. <em><strong>Have a marketing strategy</strong></em> - do your research and know how to market your business.
4845. <em><strong>Be persistent.</strong></em>
485
486&nbsp;
487
488<strong>Who inspires you?</strong>
489
490I inspire myself. When I focus and set my mind to something, the results are favorable. I set goals that I can meet and I am my biggest fan. It is also not an issue about who inspires me but what. Giving people a voice inspires me – I want to give people who have no voice a voice.
491
492<strong>What business challenges do you face?</strong>
493
4941. Having the right contacts
4952. Building my networks – constantly asking myself the question: how do we gain access to key players ?
4963. Learning to deal with rejection - I get a lot of nos and I have to deal with that
4974. Lack of adequate funding
498
499<strong>How have you financed your business?</strong>
500
501I am self- funded and I used my savings. The business is growing, which is a good thing. Bootstrapping is necessary because banks hardly work with startup companies less than two years old. I also enter business plan competitions. The most recent one that I participated in, was sponsored by<em><strong> Capital One Bank</strong></em> and that has given me some cushion to fund my business. One also cannot undermine support from family members and friends.
502
503<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
504
505I am a Google approved and trusted photographer, which is an exclusive contract to photograph businesses based in New York and New Jersey. For those who do not know, Google recently launched a free platform for small businesses to engage with clients by showcasing their stores and brand online. It is a great interactive tool for small businesses.
506
507<strong>What tips do you have for young people reading this interview?</strong>
508
5091. Have a <strong><em>genuine interest</em></strong> in what you are doing.
5102. <strong><em>Do not give up</em></strong> on your goals or dreams.
5113. <strong><em>Be willing to fail</em></strong> - change the way you think about failure and plan to do better next time.
5124. Do not let <strong><em>money</em></strong> be a hindrance to your dreams.
5135. Properly <strong><em>represent yourself</em> </strong>and your brand.
514
515<strong>Are there any particular issues that you face as a woman entrepreneur?</strong>
516
517I see women entrepreneurs as game changers. We produce results.
518
519&nbsp;
520
521<strong>Contact Maureen Erokwu</strong> here:
522
523<strong>Phone</strong>: 917. 243. 0909
524
525<strong>Email</strong>: <a href="[email protected]">[email protected]</a>
526
527<strong>Website</strong>: <a href="www.businesslive360.com">www.businesslive360.com</a>
528
529<strong>Twitter</strong>: <a href="@businesslive360">@businesslive360</a>
530
531&nbsp;
532
533&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:214,post_date:"2012-04-18 12:34:41",post_date_gmt:"2012-04-18 11:34:41",post_modified:"2013-10-14 01:28:11",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 00:28:11",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"african-entrepreneur-gets-approval-from-google-as-a-trusted-photographer",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"capacity"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"change agent"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Google"},{__cdata:"hiring"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Maureen Erokwu"},{__cdata:"Photography"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:59:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/em-1-of-2.jpg";s:6:"images";a:1:{s:59:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/em-1-of-2.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:59:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/em-1-of-2.jpg";s:5:"width";s:3:"299";s:6:"height";s:3:"448";s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";s:6:"133952";s:9:"file_path";s:0:"";}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";s:1:"1";s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-04-18 16:49:28";}'}}],comment:{comment_id:60,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"67.86.60.131",comment_date:"2012-05-07 13:28:51",comment_date_gmt:"2012-05-07 12:28:51",comment_content:{__cdata:"Thank y

533ou for sharing and posting this Laurel."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1336393733"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1336393734.5308";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-05-07 12:28:51"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network at Columbia University's 9th Annual African Economic Forum"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/04/22/the-awp-network-at-columbia-universitys-9th-african-economic-forum/",pubDate:"Sat, 21 Apr 2012 23:21:02 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=229",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>Mary Olushoga</strong> represented the African Women Power (AWP) Network by providing stories and examples on how women can continue to play an important role in Africa's economic transformation.
534
535[slideshow]
536
537&nbsp;
538
539&nbsp;
540
541&nbsp;
542
543&nbsp;
544
545View pictures here:
546
547<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/img_1207.jpg">[gallery]
548
549</a>
550
551&nbsp;
552
553<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/img_1207.jpg">
554</a>
555
556&nbsp;
557
558&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:229,post_date:"2012-04-22 00:21:02",post_date_gmt:"2012-04-21 23:21:02",post_modified:"2013-10-14 01:30:51",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 00:30:51",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-at-columbia-u

558niversitys-9th-african-economic-forum",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Columbia University"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Engagement"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Job creation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Speakers"},{__cdata:"Transformation"},{__cdata:"UN Women"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"243"}}],comment:{comment_id:2462,comment_author:{__cdata:"This Year, Plan to Create Your Own Reality | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/03/24/this-year-plan-to-create-your-own-reality/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.9.45",comment_date:"2014-03-24 16:30:36",comment_date_gmt:"2014-03-24 15:30:36",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] of elation, I received a phone call to present my work on African women entrepreneurs at the Columbia University Africa Economic Forum alongside ambassadors and longtime [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1395675117"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1395675117.9225790500640869140625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-03-24 15:30:36"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs: Maximize your Social Impact"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/05/07/philanthropy-in-africa-maximize-social-impact/",pubDate:"Mon, 07 May 2012 12:46:11 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=269",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_283" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/200791_.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-283" title="President, Cotton Tree Philanthropy Advisors, Inc." alt="" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/200791_.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="225" /></a> President, Cotton Tree Philanthropy Advisors, Inc.[/caption]
559
560Cotton Tree Philanthropy Advisors, Inc.  (CTPA) is a company looking to solve Africa’s socioeconomic problems.  Founder and President,  <strong>Desiree Younge</strong>, provides insight on what inspired her to start her business and what women can learn from male entrepreneurs.
561
562<strong>How did you come up with the name of your business?</strong>
563
564The name Cotton Tree Philanthropy Advisors, Inc. (CTPA) was inspired by a landmark tree in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The Cotton Tree stands tall in the oldest part of the city and has been there since the 1700s. The tree has a deeper meaning to me. Symbolically, it captures how I see myself and business in the world. I view CTPA as having deep roots in Africa and we serve as a vehicle that bridges resources to the West, and vice-versa.
565
566<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
567
568Actors in philanthropy - those who are interested in solving Africa’s socioeconomic problems. We provide services and work with philanthropists, businesses, NGOs, and nonprofit entities.
569
570<strong>What or who inspired you to start your business?</strong>
571
572I come from a family of entrepreneurs and I have always aspired to be one. Specifically, I started CTPA because I know there is a gap. I think more Africans should be part of the solution and that is my vision for CTPA. To educate, involve, facilitate, and inspire collaboration and participation between and across businesses, NGOs, communities, and governments.
573
574<strong>What key things have you learned since starting your business?</strong>
575
5761) It is easy to implement or deliver when you <strong><em>know your strengths and weaknesses as a leader</em> </strong>— it drives you to stay focused.
577
5782) You have to <em><strong>be flexible</strong></em> – meaning “the ideal client pipeline” takes time to develop but it should not hinder your progress to keep your business cash-positive, raise the awareness about who you are, and the work you want to do.
579
5803) I created a<strong> <em>model that works</em></strong> for me. There is no right or wrong way to do this work - you learn as you go along, <strong>but you cannot fake it until you make it!</strong>
581
582&nbsp;
583
584<strong>What are the four things start-up business entrepreneurs need to know?</strong>
585
5861) Go for it!
5872) Do your research and start slow.
5883) Do not bury yourself in debt even if you have access to credit. In this shaky economy, even mature businesses are on shaky ground.
5894) Leverage your networks to grow your business - collaborate and innovate.
590
591<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
592
593The right combination of professional and personal experiences. I drew on all my strengths and created a business out of it - It is my secret sauce.
594
595<strong>What is the goal of your business?</strong>
596
597To maximize social impact!
598
599<strong>What advice do you have for women looking to start a business?</strong>
600
601I am often not sure why “women” are a special category of entrepreneurs. In Sierra Leone, I grew up in a family of male and female entrepreneurs - I know what they have in common. They were determined to be successful so they worked hard to make that happen and that fundamental work ethic applies to all regardless of gender.
602
603<strong>What challenges do you face or have you faced thus far ?</strong>
604
605There are personal challenges that have not allowed me to spend as much time on the continent as I would like. However, I have a plan to overcome them and move on to the next phase – Year2 of CTPA.
606
607<strong>What is the 5 year plan for your business ?</strong>
608
609It is not a fully formulated plan but CTPA plans to launch and raise an investment fund - that’s all I can say for now.
610
611<strong>

611How do you think women can continue to support each other ?</strong>
612
613Tell each other about what it takes to make it, and inform each other on how to not be afraid to engage with “male entrepreneurs.”  My best advisors have been male - so I can support other women to get over their barriers or formulate the “men-lingo.”  I do know the approach is different. When I speak to women, they express the emotional side of their businesses – the end user/customer.  When I speak to men, they go directly to the core of competition. They speak about why their company or product is the best out there compared to Y . Some go as far as telling you they are IT! We all have competitors.
614
615&nbsp;
616
617<strong>Contact</strong> Cotton Tree Philanthropy Advisors, Inc:
618
619<strong>Phone</strong>: (347) 244-0666
620
621<strong>Website</strong>: <a href="http://www.ctp-advisors.com">www.ctp-advisors.com</a>
622
623<strong>Email</strong>: <a href="http://[email protected]">[email protected]</a>
624
625&nbsp;
626
627&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:269,post_date:"2012-05-07 13:46:11",post_date_gmt:"2012-05-07 12:46:11",post_modified:"2013-10-14 01:32:56",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 00:32:56",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"philanthropy-in-africa-maximize-social-impact",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Desiree Younge"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Inspire"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"motivate"},{__cdata:"philantrophy"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"283"}}],comment:[{comment_id:62,comment_author:{__cdata:"Philanthropy In And For Africa"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://loveoneblackwoman.net/philanthropy-in-and-for-africa/",comment_author_IP:"174.120.233.130",comment_date:"2012-05-08 19:38:42",comment_date_gmt:"2012-05-08 18:38:42",comment_content:{__cdata:"[...] the AWP network with the interview of the founder of CPTA How did you come up with the name of your [...]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1336704788"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1336704789.4252";s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1336502322.5175";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-05-08 18:38:42"}}]},{comment_id:965,comment_author:{__cdata:"Winfred Danner"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://",comment_author_IP:"110.55.3.36",comment_date:"2013-03-26 17:20:30",comment_date_gmt:"2013-03-26 16:20:30",comment_content:{__cdata:`Everyone loves to read other peoples success stories. It provides us with evidence that amazing things do happen to normal people. By learning what they did to succeed we come one step closer to success ourselves. Such is the case with the ten stories told in Net Entrepreneurs Only – 10 Entrepreneurs Tell the Stories of their Success by Gregory K. Ericksen and Ernst &amp; Young.:
628
629Remember to visit our new web blog
630&lt;.http://www.caramoanpackage.com/`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1364559357.9135799407958984375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1364559357"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1364314831.2807219028472900390625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-03-26 16:20:30"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network at ECOSOC"}

630,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/05/16/the-awp-network-at-ecosoc/",pubDate:"Tue, 15 May 2012 23:00:18 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=286",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The African Women Power (AWP) network attended the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) youth forum to discuss ideas on how to solve the youth employment crisis. "Young people are three times more likely to be unemployed than adults and over 75 million youths worldwide are looking for work."  In Nigeria alone, there are  68 million jobless youths. This conference was attended by many youth leaders from various parts of the world.
631
632 
633
634[slideshow]
635
636Conversations focused on:
637
638(1) public - private partnerships: <strong>advocacy and collaboration</strong> with government and civil society leaders that can work together to create the right set of policies and get the ball rolling in the right direction.
639
640(2) <strong>Accessibility</strong> to entrepreneurial and<strong> </strong>vocational training, apprenticeships, and formal education.
641
642(3) <strong>Green and Sustainable development: </strong>how do we create "green jobs?"  and what does "clean energy" mean for the developing world.
643
644We can only hope that through the sharing of ideas,  a credible global network, and coordinated interventions, we will create solutions.
645
646&nbsp;
647
648&nbsp;
649
650[gallery]
651
652&nbsp;
653
654&nbsp;
655
656&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:286,post_date:"2012-05-16 00:00:18",post_date_gmt:"2012-05-15 23:00:18",post_modified:"2013-10-14 01:35:25",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 00:35:25",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-at-ecosoc",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"accessibility"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"ECOSOC"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Jobs"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"UN"},{__cdata:"Unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"290"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Will Your Idea Outlive the Next Generation?"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/05/29/will-your-idea-outlive-the-next-generation/",pubDate:"Tue, 29 May 2012 00:39:04 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=301",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>Enter the Sustainable Solutions Challenge!</strong>
657
658As part of the 2012 Africa CEO Round-table &amp; Conference on Corporate Sustainability &amp; Responsibility (AR-CSR™) activities and in partnership with Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI); <strong>ThistlePraxis Consulting</strong> is pleased to announce the <strong>Sustainable Solutions Showcase</strong>, an initiative that seeks to promote, expose and connect innovations and inventions of social entrepreneurs with potential investors, partners, clients, customers and collaborators.
659
660This exhibition will showcase ideas, goods, services and inventions of various types that are original and creative, ecologically friendly, capable of meeting specific social and economic needs and having potential for enterprise and return on investment.
661
662The best three entries will be selected to participate at the 2012 AR-CSR™ at the Tinapa Business Resort in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria and will present their initiatives at the CEO Round-table to leading business leaders, captains of industries, CEOs and C-suite professionals in the private and public sector.
663
664If your innovation or business fits these descriptions and can readily be presented to business leaders for possible investment opportunities and collaborations, then enter for the challenge immediately:
665
666<strong>CRITERIA</strong>
667
668For your product, idea or innovation to be selected for this challenge, it must:
669
6701. Be original and creative.
671
6722. Meet a social, economic or environmental need.
673
6743. Be practical, environmentally safe and benefitting to any community.
675
6764. Show potential for enterprise and return on investment.
677
678&nbsp;
679
680<strong>APPLICATION PROCESS</strong>
681
682Interested individuals are required to submit their entries before Midnight, Central African Time, June 1, 2012 to<a href="http:// sss [at] ar-csr.com"> sss [at] ar-csr.com</a>.    The entries will be screened by a Project team of experts from ThistlePraxis Consulting, CAPPS Consult, Friends Africa and Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI). Only successful c

682andidates will be notified by June 15, 2012.
683
684<strong>FORMAT</strong>
685
686The entries should contain:
687
6881. Product description: Please submit a detailed description of your product and explaining how it meets the criteria stated above.
6892. Company description: Please submit a brief profile of your company, detailing the structure and size.
6903. Video: Please submit a short video (5 minutes MAX.) of the process of creating your product.
691
692NB: Details of applicants’ intellectual property will be treated with utmost confidentiality and respect for any legal implications. However, organizers are not liable for consequences which may arise after the presentations, exhibition and subsequent interaction with potential funders and/or partners.
693
694<strong>Interested individuals</strong> are encouraged to enter for the challenge by registering at the event website:
695
696<a href="http://www.ar-csr.com">http://www.ar-csr.com</a> or send an email to: <a href="[email protected]">sss{at} ar-csr.com</a>.`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:301,post_date:"2012-05-29 01:39:04",post_date_gmt:"2012-05-29 00:39:04",post_modified:"2013-01-25 14:06:57",post_modified_gmt:"2013-01-25 13:06:57",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"will-your-idea-outlive-the-next-generation",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Nigeria Leadership Initiative"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"sustainable change"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_6b800ef70a38ff3a11831c38275cc26d",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Problem - Please Help"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/05/31/small-business-problem-please-help/",pubDate:"Thu, 31 May 2012 17:02:55 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=307",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Has anyone fired their entire (or almost entire) staff and started over again with hiring?  A company lost a core employee in April and things have not been the same since then.
697
698Can anybody relate?  Do you have suggestions for this small business owner? Please share your ideas and experiences.
699
700Have small business issues that you would like to share? Email us:  theawpnetwork [at] gmail.com.`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:307,post_date:"2012-05-31 18:02:55",post_date_gmt:"2012-05-31 17:02:55",post_modified:"2013-01-25 14:07:11",post_modified_gmt:"2013-01-25 13:07:11",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"small-business-problem-please-help",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"advice"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"help"},{__cdata:"problems"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"suggestions"},{__cdata:"support"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:81,comment_author:{__cdata:"Nina Pilar"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"96.234.77.69",comment_date:"2012-05-31 18:14:39",comment_date_gmt:"2012-05-31 17:14:39",comment_content:{__cdata:"Take baby steps - consider getting a contractor for specific tasks instead of FT / permanent employees. This way you will relieve some of the pressure while having some flexibility to redefine the roles/staff needed in your organization."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1338484535"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1338484535.6225";s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1338484479.3484";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-05-31 17:14:39"}}]},{comment_id:86,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"68.198.239.89",comment_date:"2012-06-11 16:30:25",comment_date_gmt:"2012-06-11 15:30:25",comment_content:{__cdata:"Thank y

700ou for your feedback Nina. Very helpful."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1339428627.9707";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1339428627"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-06-11 15:30:25"}}]},{comment_id:219,comment_author:{__cdata:"Choika"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"129.174.39.147",comment_date:"2012-07-11 16:29:29",comment_date_gmt:"2012-07-11 15:29:29",comment_content:{__cdata:`I'd suggest examining why you lost that core employee in the first place. Sometimes employees leave because they've found a better opportunity, but are you making an effort to retain valuable employees? Were you paying below market rate for that employee? Were you making an effort to achieve a good work/life balance for your staff? Do you try to find ways to challenge and excite your staff? Do you make an effort to find out what your staff members' strengths are and then leverage those strengths? Does your staff feel appreciated, listened to, and valued?
701Even if you fire all of your staff and start over, if you're not doing the above, the problem will persist and you'll find yourself in the same position. And, if I were a job seeker, I would be extremely leery of taking a position at a company that had just fired everyone.`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1342702373"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1342702373.1476";s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1342020569.6643";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-07-11 15:29:29"}}]},{comment_id:269,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"67.86.249.55",comment_date:"2012-07-19 13:53:10",comment_date_gmt:"2012-07-19 12:53:10",comment_content:{__cdata:"well stated Choika...very well stated"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:219,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1342702390"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:14:"1342702390.576";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-07-19 12:53:10"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Women In The Black Conference"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/06/11/women-in-the-black-conference/",pubDate:"Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:58:51 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=318",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Women In The Black (WITB)  hosted the 14th Annual “Who’s the Boss” Women’s Business Conference on Saturday, June 9th.   The African Women Power (AWP) Network along with over 100 women business owners, attended the event.
702
703 
704
705[slideshow]
706
707 
708
709Speakers discussed topics on marketing, financials, strategy, technology, and social media.  <strong>Sandi Webster</strong> - Author and Principal of Consultants 2 Go,  <strong>Vicki Fuller</strong> - VLF Development LLC,  <strong>Kim Bourne</strong> - CEO of Playfair Planning Services,  <strong>Sheena Foster</strong> - CEO at CuriousTea,  <strong>Harriet Rosebud</strong>

709 - Designer and Owner, Rosebud Hats,  <strong>Sophia Davis</strong> - Reporter at BTE-TV,  <strong>Donna Peterson</strong> - President and Owner at Classy Lady,  <strong>Marsha Haygood</strong> - Founder and President of StepWise Associates, were some of the speakers in attendance.
710
711<strong>Princess Jenkins </strong>is president of Women In The Black and founder of The BrownStone.  She is a successful entrepreneur who owns two stores in Harlem and has featured on the <strong>AWP Network</strong> blog.  Princess uses the incredible platform that she has been given to promote entrepreneurship, mentor women, and inspire change in the Harlem community and beyond. She is a mentor to many women entrepreneurs and my dear friend.
712
713This year, the Women In The Black team launched a scholarship program with a generous contribution from FIT, <strong>Fashion Institute of Technology</strong>, which will empower young women to become future entrepreneurs in the area of fashion and design.
714
715What makes this event great is the  successful businesswomen that you network with and meet.  Also, the non-judgmental atmosphere allows women who have not yet started their entrepreneurial ventures, an opportunity to learn from amazing speakers, and listen to personal stories of perseverance.  This is my second year attending the conference,  the first time was as a staff member with my previous employer. My role then, was to provide feedback to women who gave their business pitch.
716
717This time, participants practiced and received feedback on how to give a good business pitch from<strong> Sandi Webster</strong> and <strong>Isisara Bey</strong>. <strong> </strong>Princess Jenkins and her team make this event a success every year and I hope that you will join me next year.
718
719&nbsp;
720
721View pictures from the event here:
722
723[gallery]
724
725&nbsp;
726
727&nbsp;
728
729&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:318,post_date:"2012-06-11 17:58:51",post_date_gmt:"2012-06-11 16:58:51",post_modified:"2013-10-14 01:39:51",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 00:39:51",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"women-in-the-black-conference",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"conference"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Fashion Institute of Technology"},{__cdata:"financials"},{__cdata:"future entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"pitch"},{__cdata:"Princess Jenkins"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"social media"},{__cdata:"Stacie NC Grant"},{__cdata:"stategy"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Women in the Black"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";s:1:"0";s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-06-11 16:58:51";}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"334"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Win $20,000 from Google"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/06/19/wins-20000-from-google/",pubDate:"Tue, 19 Jun 2012 14:36:36 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=389",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>Google</strong> is  committed to nurturing the next generation of computer scientists as well as encouraging more <strong>women</strong> to get into coding, so we have special prizes for all-student or all-female teams that make the second round — $1,000 dollars.
730
731If your application is the best within one of the three categories defined below in your region, you could <strong>win a prize of $20,000 dollars!</strong>
732
733The first round of submissions will start on the <strong>24th of August 2012</strong>.
734
735The categories are:
736<ul>
737	<li>Enterprise / Small Business Solutions e.g., Accounting, Sales, Workflow, Collaboration</li>
738	<li>Social / Personal Productivity / Games / Fun</li>
739	<li>Education / Not for Profit / Water / Food &amp; Hunger / Health</li>
740</ul>
741Make sure you read all the details about the competition on the Google Apps Developer Challenge page and follow the hashtag  #gappschallenge on  Google+  for any additional updates.
742
743What are you waiting for? Get coding!
744
745Click here to learn more about the challenge:
746
747<a href="http://google-africa.blogspot.de/2012/06/fire-up-your-computer-2012-google-apps.html">http://google-africa.blogspot.de/2012/06/fire-up-your-computer-2012-google-apps.html</a>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:389,post_date:"2012-06-19 15:36:36",post_date_gmt:"2012-06-19 14:36:36",post_modified:"2012-08-09 14:33:57",post_modified_gmt:"2012-08-09 13:33:57",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"wins-20000-from-google",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"Google"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"FREE Business Education Webinar to Benefit Youths"}

747,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/06/26/free-business-education-webinars-to-benefit-african-youths/",pubDate:"Tue, 26 Jun 2012 14:32:56 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=398",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The African Women Power (AWP) Network (www.awpnetwork.com), announced today that it will develop and stage a series of FREE business education webinars developed exclusively for African women and youths who want to be entrepreneurs. AWP touted for its unique ability to turn dreams into reality, carries out its mission via a blog that provides inspirational entrepreneurial stories of African women and youths, and promotes the “I can do” mentality.
748
749On Saturday, <strong>July 21, 2012, from 1pm to 2pm (West African Time), or 8am – 9am (EST)</strong>
750
751AWP will kick off its first business education webinar with<strong><em> Nokia West Africa Account Manager</em></strong>, <em><strong>Kola Osinowo</strong></em>.
752
753The webinar entitled '<em>Learn how your Mobile Phone can turn you into the next BIG entrepreneur</em>’ will teach entrepreneurs how mobile technology can help them move their business ideas forward.
754
755Do you have a cellphone but have not yet figured out how it can enhance your business idea? Well, this webinar is for YOU.
756
757During the webinar, participants will learn how mobile technology can move business ideas forward and how African youths can utilize mobile technology in their entrepreneurial journey. Kolawole Osinowo will also discuss opportunities, social development, innovations, and share lessons learned at Silicon Valley.
758
759Get your computer and your phones ready. You do NOT want to miss the opportunity to learn how your mobile phone can help you become the next big entrepreneur.
760
761<strong>REGISTER TODAY</strong> via <a href="https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/5831z/register/6183805470332895488">https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/5831z/register/6183805470332895488</a>
762
763and enter webinar ID number: 143-040-835
764
765[caption id="attachment_400" align="alignnone" width="200"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/kola-3.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-400" title="AWP Webinar Speaker " src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/kola-3.jpg?w=200" alt="Kola Osinowo" width="200" height="300" /></a> Kola Osinowo[/caption]
766
767<strong>About Kolawole Osinowo</strong>:  Kolawole Osinowo is an IT Professional with over eight (8) years of experience in Software Engineering, Web Development, Mobile Technology, Service Management, Digital Marketing, Retail Sales, Strategic Account , Management Consultancy and Training. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Computer Engineering.  He is currently in a senior account management role at Nokia and is responsible for co-creating disruptive initiatives with the Biggest Mobile Operator in Africa.  Kola has been recognized by JCI with the International Training Fellow award. He is a Certified World Bank Institute Social Innovator and was recently selected as a Crans Montana New Leader. In 2008 and 2010 he was nominated as “Professional of the Year” at the Future Nigeria Awards.
768
769&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:398,post_date:"2012-06-26 15:32:56",post_date_gmt:"2012-06-26 14:32:56",post_modified:"2013-01-25 14:07:24",post_modified_gmt:"2013-01-25 13:07:24",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"free-business-education-webinars-to-benefit-african-youths",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business content"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nokia"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"webinar"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:56:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/kola-3.jpg";s:6:"images";a:1:{s:56:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/kola-3.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:56:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/kola-3.jpg";s:5:"width";s:3:"482";s:6:"height";s:3:"721";s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";s:6:"347522";s:9:"file_path";s:0:"";}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";s:1:"1";s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-06-26 14:37:04";}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_564508cbff72aee380c42b29956638a0",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_95051716104bfc984e7d6a2ccf586d23",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:357,comment_author:{__cdata:"Patricia"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"196.46.246.50",comment_date:"2012-08-05 17:27:32",comment_date_gmt:"2012-08-05 16:27:32",comment_content:{__cdata:"i guess i got to know of this too late. When is the next training?"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1344184052.323666095733642578125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1344462959"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1344462959.20396900177001953125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-08-05 16:27:32"}}]},{comment_id:385,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"67.86.248.162",comment_date:"2012-08-09 00:28:47",comment_date_gmt:"2012-08-08 23:28:47",comment_content:{__cdata:"We plan to have the next training in September. Hope that you join us then. Thank y

769ou."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:357,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1344468528"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1344468528.994121074676513671875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-08-08 23:28:47"}}]},{comment_id:189,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"68.198.237.79",comment_date:"2012-07-03 15:48:48",comment_date_gmt:"2012-07-03 14:48:48",comment_content:{__cdata:"Thank you for your email Jude. This is accessible to you anywhere if you have access to a computer, a phone, and internet. Let us know how we can help and support you. We look forward to having you on the webinar."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:187,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1341326929"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1341326930.1977";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-07-03 14:48:48"}}]},{comment_id:280,comment_author:{__cdata:"FREE Business Education Webinars to Benefit African Youths!!! | African Higher Education | Scoop.it"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/african-higher-education/p/2202404743/free-business-education-webinars-to-benefit-african-youths",comment_author_IP:"89.30.105.121",comment_date:"2012-07-20 15:55:12",comment_date_gmt:"2012-07-20 14:55:12",comment_content:{__cdata:"[...] The African Women Power (AWP) Network (www.awpnetwork.com), announced today that it will develop and stage a series of FREE business education webinars developed exclusively for African women and y...  [...]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"true"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:14:"1342796112.655";s:7:"message";s:35:"Akismet caught this comment as spam";s:5:"event";s:10:"check-spam";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:14:"1343058465.533";s:7:"message";s:44:"awpnetwork reported this comment as not spam";s:5:"event";s:10:"report-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_user_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1343058525"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1343058525.1748";s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-07-20 14:55:12"}}]},{comment_id:187,comment_author:{__cdata:"Jude Ibe"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.206.11.4",comment_date:"2012-07-03 15:33:39",comment_date_gmt:"2012-07-03 14:33:39",comment_content:{__cdata:"were is this training goin to hold. I will like to attend if it hold around rivers state nigeria"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1341326885"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1341326885.5295";s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";s:15:"1341326019.3436";s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-07-03 14:33:39"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network on GOOD"}

769,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/07/03/the-awp-network-on-good/",pubDate:"Tue, 03 Jul 2012 07:57:53 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=411",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>A Businesswoman's Best Friend: An Online Network Supports African Entrepreneurs</strong>
770
771&nbsp;
772
773The African Women Power (AWP) Network is literally a product of the digital age: It was born from a tweet and now is housed at a Wordpress blog. Today, the network is dedicated to providing budding African businesswomen support in the form of an online space to share entrepreneurial stories and business challenges.
774
775"I’m fascinated by young women entrepreneurs who are different and working in science, technology, and manufacturing," says AWP founder Mary Olushoga, who recently won the International Women’s Day challenge sponsored by GOOD Maker and Oxfam America. In Nigeria, women are normally married even if they’re in their 20s, and are also starting their own businesses. I’m interested in how they balance their time, being a mother, wife, mentor to staff, entrepreneur—the burden of being a woman.”
776
777For Olushoga, the prospect of helping entrepreneurs was a no-brainer. After watching her father struggle with his own startup in Nigeria and working in small business services after graduating from college, she noticed a gaping void in support for immigrant entrepreneurs. Unlike in the United States, where financial support for entrepreneurship abounds (GOOD Maker, Kickstarter, and Betaspring are just a few outlets dedicated to helping the underdog succeed), Nigeria has few opportunities for help. To help bridge the gap she launched AWP, which helps prepare aspiring business owners to qualify for the wealth of financial opportunities to bring their dreams to fruition.
778
779Click here to read more: <a href="http://www.good.is/post/a-businesswoman-s-best-friend-an-online-network-supports-african-entrepreneurs/">http://www.good.is/post/a-businesswoman-s-best-friend-an-online-network-supports-african-entrepreneurs/</a>
780
781&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:411,post_date:"2012-07-03 08:57:53",post_date_gmt:"2012-07-03 07:57:53",post_modified:"2012-08-09 14:35:14",post_modified_gmt:"2012-08-09 13:35:14",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-on-good",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"African"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"GOOD"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"online network"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"women"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_e457d4042d4ff08501d5f516f036cae6",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"YES, I Started my Business With my Mobile Phone"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/07/09/yes-i-started-my-business-with-my-mobile-phone/",pubDate:"Mon, 09 Jul 2012 08:55:52 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=417",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>Mobile Technology and Business</strong>: In May 2011, I started my business with my mobile phone – says Founder of Africholidays Travel Agency.
782
783[caption id="attachment_418" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/hgy.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-418" title="Ayomide Condotti, Africholiday Travels" alt="" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/hgy.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="300" /></a> Ayomide Condotti, Founder, Africholidays Travel[/caption]
784
785&nbsp;
786
787A growing number of African women entrepreneurs start their dream businesses with a mobile phone - Ayomide Condotti is the perfect example.
788
789Emerging entrepreneurs in the developing world use various technological tools and resources to start, expand, or grow their businesses. The <strong>African Women Power</strong> (AWP) network interviewed Condotti, Founder and Creative Travel Agent at <strong>Africholidays Travel</strong>. Ayomide’s story shows that by being job creators, African women have a key role to play in Africa’s economic transformation.
790
791Prior to starting the business, Ayomide worked as a banker and investment manager at the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Treasury Unit.  She holds a Masters degree in Investment Management from the Sir John Cass Business Sc

791hool in London. After she got married, Ayomide moved to Accra and began working but she could only dream of doing more with her life and degree. Hence, she decided to combine her passion for travelling with her love for business.
792
793[caption id="attachment_419" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/slide1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-419" title="Africholidays Travel! " alt="Africholidays Travel!" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/slide1.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="225" /></a> Africholidays Travel![/caption]
794
795When many people think of Africa, they hardly think ‘exotic vacation places,’ Africholidays Travel hopes to change this perception.
796
797<strong>What does your company do?</strong>
798
799My company provides low-cost travel to exotic places in and outside Africa. We offer holiday packages to Africans anywhere in the world. We help demystify traveling for people. We simplify the process so that it is not stressful for our clients. Packages include trips to Gambia, Accra, Zanzibar, Mombasa, Maldives, Seychelles, Cape Town, Dubai, and exotic cruises.
800
801<strong>How have you financed your business?</strong>
802
803When I started my business, people constantly told me that my idea would not work and that I would not make it, but my client list keeps growing. I started my business with my savings - now the company finances itself. Private investors have come knocking on our door and we are very excited about the opportunity and the future of the business. It is nice to get the attention of private investors.
804
805<strong>How many jobs have you created?</strong>
806
807Currently, we have six (6) staff members in Lagos and I just concluded the Africholidays TravelBook training in Abuja. We now have nine (9) fully trained staff members in Abuja. By next month, we will expand the Africholidays TravelBook training to include stay-at-home mums or people who need the extra income.
808
809<strong>We will continue to expand and plan to create more jobs.</strong> Roles needed include sales reps, assistants, and marketers. My long-term goal is to hire National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as leg soldiers in 36 states across Nigeria. I will provide the necessary staff training and fully equip these young people with the materials needed to sell my product.
810
811<strong>What is the Africholidays TravelBook training program?</strong>
812
813It is a training program that properly informs staff members to market Africholidays Travel Packages. In the training, participants are equipped with both travel structure and marketing tools to aid sales.
814
815<strong>What is the five-year plan for your business?</strong>
816
817(a) To become the premiere travel agency in Nigeria,
818(b) To develop and build a community that actively promotes tourism throughout Africa,
819(c) To show the world that Africa remains one of the best places to take a vacation.
820
821<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
822
823Providing low-cost exquisite vacation destinations for our clients, - we are not the typical travel agency. We focus extensively on research and development. We know of the newest hotels in various parts of Africa and inform our clients. We make it our business to update our database with newly built hotels, tours, and activities. We also constantly review the old ones to maintain quality service delivery.
824
825<strong>In what ways has your business expanded?</strong>
826
827(1) We have increased the number of products and  services that we offer;
828(2) We have gone from just using mobile phones to making use of social media platforms (twitter, facebook, instagram, Blackberry Messenger), and now have a new website.
829(3) We have just hired newly trained staff members.
830
831<strong>How do you manage all of your roles?</strong>
832
833Spending time with my family and keeping my business are important to me. These tools, relaxation and time management skills are important when balancing my role as a wife, mother, friend, mentor, employer, and business owner. Balancing these roles are a challenge, but not impossible. I have adopted several relaxation methods - I wat

833ch reality TV shows and read Agatha Christie books on my Ipad (I love Monsieur Hercule Poirot!!).  I also take good care of my health and properly manage my time. To remain successful, it is what I need to do to make money.
834
835<strong>What challenges do you face as a business owner in Nigeria?</strong>
836
8371. <strong>Power</strong>: the lack of adequate electricity – I spend so much money on fuel.
8382. <strong>Marketing</strong>: I need the additional support– we are currently working on this.
8393. <strong>Workforce training and development</strong>: many university graduates lack the skills necessary to transition into the workforce so staff members need extensive guidance, training, and professional development support.
8404. <strong>Infrastructure</strong> (e.g. security).
841
842&nbsp;
843
844<strong>What advice do you have for youths reading this interview?</strong>
845
846I want them to know that business has changed my life.
847
8481. Do not be afraid to take the first step: Go for it!
8492. Do not be afraid to ask questions – I used to be afraid.
8503. Know your market and do your research.
8514. Know what is going on in your business especially with your finances – keep your eyes and ears open.
8525. Do not let people curb your dreams – people constantly told me that my business idea would not work and that I would not make it, but my client list keeps growing.
8536. Do what you love.
854
855I believe that if you are good at what you do, good things will find you. Have integrity and make sure that the quality of your work speaks for itself. Find your passion and do what you love. Always remain focused and do not be distracted by the noise. Spirituality is also very important to my success – my spirituality is what keeps me going and grounded.
856
857&nbsp;
858
859<strong>Book your holidays, flights, hotels, and tours with Africholidays</strong>!
860
861Contact Africholidays Travel here:
862
863<strong>Website</strong>: <a href="http://www.africholidays.com.ng/">http://www.africholidays.com.ng/</a>
864
865<strong>Twitter</strong>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/africholidays">www.twitter.com/africholidays</a>
866
867<strong>Facebook</strong>: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Africholidays.Group">http://www.facebook.com/Africholidays.Group</a>
868
869<strong>Email</strong>: Info [at] Africholidays.com
870
871<strong> </strong>
872
873&nbsp;
874
875&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:417,post_date:"2012-07-09 09:55:52",post_date_gmt:"2012-07-09 08:55:52",post_modified:"2013-10-14 01:45:53",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 00:45:53",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"yes-i-started-my-business-with-my-mobile-phone",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African women"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"Travel"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:56:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/slide1.jpg";s:6:"images";a:2:{s:53:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/hgy.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:53:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/hgy.jpg";s:5:"width";s:3:"333";s:6:"height";s:3:"333";s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";s:6:"110889";s:9:"file_path";s:0:"";}s:56:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/slide1.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:56:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/slide1.jpg";s:5:"width";s:3:"960";s:6:"height";s:3:"720";s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";s:6:"691200";s:9:"file_path";s:0:"";}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";s:1:"2";s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-07-09 09:08:03";}'}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"418"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_fb12aad4fd1316b2f3604c820fda7f24",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_909401f0f1b86e3b0c136b748e32335f",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:1916,comment_author:{__cdata:"AWP Lagos Event: Meet the Panelists | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/01/13/awp-lagos-event-meet-the-panelists/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.10.51",comment_date:"2014-01-13 00:13:40",comment_date_gmt:"2014-01-12 23:13:40",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

8750;] Ayomide Condotti is CEO of Africholidays Travel. Prior to starting the business, Condotti worked as a banker and investment manager at the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Treasury Unit. She holds a Master’s degree in Investment Management from the Sir John Cass Business School in London. She has done a wonderful job combining her passion for travelling with her love for business. Africholidays provides low-cost travel to exotic places in and outside Africa. Packages include trips to Gambia, Accra, Zanzibar, Mombasa, Maldives, Seychelles, Cape Town, Dubai, and exotic cruises. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1390769237"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1390769237.2150089740753173828125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-01-12 23:13:40"}}]},{comment_id:8544,comment_author:{__cdata:"How Technology is Transforming Women-Owned Businesses in Africa – Huffington Post – 10 Tech"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://10techno.com/2016/04/02/how-technology-is-transforming-women-owned-businesses-in-africa-huffington-post/",comment_author_IP:"188.166.177.100",comment_date:"2016-04-02 07:06:27",comment_date_gmt:"2016-04-02 06:06:27",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] in Africa are starting their businesses along with low-cost machines such as mobile phones. 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8750;] entrepreneurs in Africa are starting their businesses with low-cost devices such as mobile phones. Ayomide Condotti exemplifies this model as she started her business with a Blackberry phone using the messenger [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1459545652.9322719573974609375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1459550080.74559307098388671875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1459784161"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1459784162.133307933807373046875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:8543,comment_author:{__cdata:"How Technology is Transforming Women-Owned Businesses in Africa"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://bawire.com/how-technology-is-transforming-women-owned-businesses-in-africa/",comment_author_IP:"198.11.211.200",comment_date:"2016-04-02 05:29:16",comment_date_gmt:"2016-04-02 04:29:16",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] entrepreneurs in Africa are starting their businesses with low-cost devices such as mobile phones. Ayomide Condotti exemplifies this model as she started her business with a Blackberry phone using the messenger [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1459571357.090815067291259765625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1459575669.548736095428466796875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1459784151.087253093719482421875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1459784150"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Webinar: Learn how Mobile Technology can help YOU"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/07/23/webinar-learn-how-mobile-technology-can-help-you/",pubDate:"Mon, 23 Jul 2012 15:45:12 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=459",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_400" align="alignleft" width="200"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/kola-3.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-400" title="AWP Webinar Speaker " alt="Kola Osinowo" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/kola-3.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="300" /></a> Kola Osinowo[/caption]
876
877In this webinar, Kola Osinowo - Nokia West Africa Account Manager, discusses how mobile technology can help YOU to move your business ideas forward.
878
879Click <strong><a title="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/2012-07-20-11-46-how-mobile-technology-can-help-you-to-move-your-business-ideas-forward5.wmv" href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/2012-07-20-11-46-how-mobile-technology-can-help-you-to-move-your-business-ideas-forward5.wmv">here</a></strong> to listen in:
880
881<strong><a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/2012-07-20-11-46-how-mobile-technology-can-help-you-to-move-your-business-ideas-forward5.wmv">http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/2012-07-20-11-46-how-mobile-technology-can-help-you-to-move-your-business-ideas-forward5.wmv</a></strong>
882
883&nbsp;
884
885<strong><a title="http://videos.videopress.com/oBaDo0ec/2012-07-20-11-46-how-mobile-technology-can-help-you-to-move-your-business-ideas-forward5_fmt1.ogv" href="http://videos.videopress.com/oBaDo0ec/2012-07-20-11-46-how-mobile-technology-can-help-you-to-move-your-business-ideas-forward5_fmt1.ogv">http://videos.videopress.com/oBaDo0ec/2012-07-20-11-46-how-mobile-technology-can-help-you-to-move-your-business-ideas-forward5_fmt1.ogv</a></strong>
886
887&nbsp;
888
889&nbsp;
890
891&nbsp;
892
893&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:459,post_date:"2012-07-23 16:45:12",post_date_gmt:"2012-07-23 15:45:12",post_modified:"2013-10-14 01:48:38",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 00:48:38",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"webinar-learn-how-mobile-technology-can-help-you",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Free Webinar"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Nokia"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"enclosure",meta_value:{__cdata:`http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/2012-07-20-11-46-how-mobile-technology-can-help-you-to-move-your-business-ideas-forward5.wmv
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896`}},{meta_key:"enclosure",meta_value:{__cdata:`http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/2012-07-20-11-46-how-mobile-technology-can-help-you-to-move-your-business-ideas-forward5.wmv
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905`}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"400"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Win the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship"}

905,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/08/09/win-the-africa-awards-for-entrepreneurship/",pubDate:"Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:05:06 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=527",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Are you a high performing African entrepreneur ? Do you share our core belief that business and entrepreneurship are the key to Africa’s economic resurgence? Do you see yourself as an icon of entrepreneurial success in Africa? If so, then this year’s African Awards for Entrepreneurship may bear your name!
906
907<strong>Don't miss the opportunity to APPLY.</strong>
908<p style="text-align:left;">The objectives of the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship are:
9091. To promote the value of entrepreneurship as a driving force of today’s Africa,
9102. To celebrate the standards of business excellence within Africa,
9113. To encourage business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace the challenges
9124. To build strong networks of African entrepreneurs as a source of  sharing of best practice,
9135. To attract more venture capital inflows towards good businesses across Africa.</p>
914The deadline for entries is <strong>31 August 2012</strong>. We encourage <strong>women entrepreneurs</strong> to apply.
915
916The awards will be open to firms originating from Africa that are independent and not a subsidiary of a larger organization, and are fully registered in the home country.
917
918Click here to learn more: <strong><a href="http://africaawards.com/"> </a></strong><a href="http://africaawards.com/">http://africaawards.com/</a>
919
920&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:527,post_date:"2012-08-09 01:05:06",post_date_gmt:"2012-08-09 00:05:06",post_modified:"2013-01-25 14:07:57",post_modified_gmt:"2013-01-25 13:07:57",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"win-the-africa-awards-for-entrepreneurship",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-08-09 00:05:06";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_42f346f73077c5bc3034c5970b0b2d11",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:{comment_id:502,comment_author:{__cdata:"S. Nubia"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"24.191.200.181",comment_date:"2012-08-29 17:42:05",comment_date_gmt:"2012-08-29 16:42:05",comment_content:{__cdata:`African Sisters &amp; Brothers in America wish that we could get access to these opportunities in Africa. Contrary to common beliefs African Americans face the similar disadvantages as our Brother &amp; Sisters on the continent. 
921
922All Africans o the Diasopra need to support eachother. We're separated by geography but connected by the same culture and problems`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1346324481"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1346324481.813826084136962890625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1346258525.9754230976104736328125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-08-29 16:42:05"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Win the 2012 Anzisha Prize"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/08/09/win-the-2012-anzisha-prize/",pubDate:"Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:52:16 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=557",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`On 29th August 2012, the African Leadership Academy (ALA) and The MasterCard Foundation will announce the winners of the 2012 Anzisha Prize.
923
924The <strong>Anzisha Prize</strong> is a premier award for Africa’s young entrepreneurs. The Prize – now in its second year – identifies exceptional young people between the ages 16 to 22, who have implemented innovative solutions to challenges and captured opportunities in their communities.  These Anzisha Finalists will share<strong> $75,000</strong> in prizes to propel their entrepreneurial ventures.
925
926The goal of the Anzisha Prize is to recognize entrepreneurial leadership among African y

926ouths, underscoring their ability to shape the continent. There are currently about 200 million young people between the ages of 15 and 24 in Africa. The growing youth population has the potential to transform the economic climate of the continent.  The Anzisha Prize identifies and mobilizes talented young entrepreneurs in Africa whose businesses and social ventures have a positive impact in their communities.
927
928Click here to learn more:  <a href="http://www.anzishaprize.org/">http://www.anzishaprize.org/</a>
929
930&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:557,post_date:"2012-08-09 01:52:16",post_date_gmt:"2012-08-09 00:52:16",post_modified:"2013-01-25 14:08:04",post_modified_gmt:"2013-01-25 13:08:04",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"win-the-2012-anzisha-prize",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"anzisha prize"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Mary Olusoga"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-08-09 00:52:16";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_4c007565a5ac5b255ad681b0613913ec",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Make Every Woman Count Features AWP"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/08/09/make-every-women-count-features-awp/",pubDate:"Thu, 09 Aug 2012 01:29:33 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=561",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/maryb.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-562" title="Mary Olushoga " src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/maryb.jpg?w=300" alt="Mary Olushoga" width="300" height="200" /></a>
931
932<em><strong>Make Every Woman Count</strong></em> is pleased to present to you our August highlight of the month, The African Women Power (AWP).  AWP is a network organization that showcases entrepreneurial stories including the business challenges and successes of African women and youth entrepreneurs.
933
934The African Women Power network began with the idea to provide business related content to African entrepreneurs anywhere in the world –with a particular focus on women and youths. The AWP network seeks to eradicate poverty through providing an online space, which enables a sense of community and promotes dialogue about entrepreneurship. The network is dedicated to offering business support and inspiration and seeks to promote a positive image of African women and youths.
935
936Having begun in 2011 by a single tweet, AWP continues to grow and has since achieved over 600 followers. Not long after AWP was created, the organizations founder, Mary Olushoga was invited to speak on BBC about the fuel subsidy strike in Nigeria and since then, things have really taken off. With this exposure and great confidence The AWP network expanded beyond twitter into what it is today—a blog that features African women and youth in the US and Africa (<a href="http://www. awpnetwork.com">awpnetwork.com</a>).  Mary has since spoken at Columbia University’s African Economic Forum and was awarded the <em>GOOD Maker/Oxfam America International Women’s day challenge award</em>. Mary continues to seek out opportunities to network and showcase AWP.
937
938&nbsp;
939
940<strong>Click here to read more</strong>: <a title="checkusout" href="http://www.makeeverywomancount.org/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=4075%3Aour-highlight-of-the-month-with-the-african-women-power-awp&amp;catid=58%3Aour-monthly-highlight&amp;Itemid=163">http://www.makeeverywomancount.org/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=4075%3Aour-highlight-of-the-month-with-the-african-women-power-awp&amp;catid=58%3Aour-monthly-highlight&amp;Itemid=163</a>
941
942&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:561,post_date:"2012-08-09 02:29:33",post_date_gmt:"2012-08-09 01:29:33",post_modified:"2012-08-09 06:09:59",post_modified_gmt:"2012-08-09 05:09:59",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"make-every-women-count-features-awp",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"advocacy"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African women"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Make Every Women Count"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:55:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/maryb.jpg";s:6:"images";a:1:{s:55:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/maryb.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:55:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/maryb.jpg";s:5:"width";i:720;s:6:"height";i:480;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:345600;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:1;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-08-09 05:09:59";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_e20a3c79d5b6cfe78c0eeca0285915da",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Gidi Traffic Uses Social Media for Social Good"}

942,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/08/23/gidi-traffic-uses-social-media-for-social-good/",pubDate:"Thu, 23 Aug 2012 18:02:24 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=622",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_624" align="alignleft" width="635"]<img class="size-large wp-image-624" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/gt-log.png?w=635" alt="Gidi Traffic" width="635" height="410" /> Gidi Traffic[/caption]
943
944<em>Social entrepreneur, <strong>Gidi Traffic</strong>, solves a social problem using social media.</em>
945
946Gidi Traffic is among the first in Nigeria to monetize a twitter handle. Gidi Traffic has built a successful social media brand and is now partnering with Nokia, West Africa to create a mobile application that will help commuters in Lagos with traffic updates, alternate routes, and security reports. With such high demand for useful content, Gidi Traffic plans to expand by crowd sourcing information on health, job opportunities, and events.
947
948Gidi Traffic began his social venture with a mobile phone and a free twitter account on September 23, 2011. His goal is to provide on-the-go traffic updates and ease stress for Lagos commuters. Now backed with a solid partnership with Nokia, West Africa and with over 29, 000 twitter followers – Gidi Traffic answers questions and provides information related to traffic delays, alternate routes, health, safety, and career opportunities.
949
950Gidi Traffic is an inspiration to African youths. He is the first African to be nominated for the Life-Saving Hero category at the Shorty award  - regarded as the Oscars of social media.  He is also nominated for the Best Use of Social Media at the Nigeria Future Awards. In this interview, Gidi Traffic speaks about what inspires him and he shares tips on how African youths can be inspired to become change agents in their local communities.
951
952Nigeria is a country with a very high unemployment rate. The Ministry of Youth Development documents about 68 million jobless youths. Gidi Traffic shares how he uses the available resources that he has access to, to create an employment opportunity.  Gidi Traffic has successfully established his brand and shows how to use social media as an effective tool for social change.
953
954<strong>How did you come up with the name Gidi Traffic?</strong>
955
956The name 'Gidi_Traffic' represents Lagos. I wanted something not too official and something that everyone can identify with.
957
958<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
959
960Lagos commuters who want to stay informed.
961
962<strong>What inspired you to start?</strong>
963
964The inspiration to create Gidi Traffic came one afternoon when I was bored. It came as a random thought. I have an aversion to traffic problems in Lagos so that set me on track towards finding a remedy. I guess some good comes from boredom – if our mind is positive.
965
966<strong>What is your five (5) year plan?</strong>
967
968I do not want to talk about the future in great detail but what I can say is that Gidi Traffic is the future. Be smart, connect with the future. I will probably look back and say, wow! It all started with a tweet.
969
970<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but always say there is no money?</strong>
971
972I created ‘@Gidi_Traffic' with nothing but a mobile phone and internet access. Money is not an excuse. If the idea is for social good, money should not be an hindrance. When I created Gidi Traffic, I did not plan to make a profit but now, things have taken off very well. I wanted to create a service to remedy the traffic problem in Lagos.
973
974<strong>What challenges do you face?</strong>
975
976I have a long list of challenges.  Running Gidi Traffic at its current stage is a herculean task. It is very stressful and I handle all parts of the enterprise. My sleeping and eating habits have been greatly altered since creating this business and yes there are times that I am overwhelmed by the work but my zeal comes from the countless testimonies and remarks that I get daily for the relevance and effect of my service and how it indeed makes life better for people.
977
978<strong>What five key things have you learned since starting this idea?</strong>
979
9801. <strong>Be selfless</strong>: The best way to be relevant and influential is to NOT be selfish. Do not try to become a celebrity or pursue fame but always aim to make life better for someone else and do so judiciously without expecting a reward.
981
9822. <strong>Communicate</strong>: I cannot stress the importance of communication. Without updates from my followers, Gidi Traffic will not be this successful. I find that the young women in Lagos are better at reporting traffic updates than the guys.
983
9843. <strong>Customers Matter</strong>: Always think of your customers. I will recommend to anyone looking to start a social enterprise to provide a useful service that makes people happy and comfortable. Customer satisfaction is truly the best work one can ever do.
985
9864. <strong>Be Patient</strong>: It takes a great deal of patience to serve people and to figure out what they want.
987
9885. <strong>Do Good</strong>.
989
990&nbsp;
991
992<strong>Name four things change agents need to know?</strong>
993
9941.<em> Finance: </em>Do not let money serve as a hindrance to your goals. You do not need money or large capital to start your idea. Make sure your idea is feasible and simple enough that it can be implemented.
995
9962. <em>Change starts with you</em>. You do not need to form an organization or have a large team to change the world, impact society, or your local community. Start now.
997
9983. <em>Customer service is important</em> and aim to get positive feedback from clients. Positive feedback is more important than any form of profit or reward you might envisage.
999
10004. <em>Create a solution</em>. Be inspired enough to follow through on your solution or remedy to an existing problem.
1001
1002<strong>

1002How do you think Nigerian youths can continue to support each other?</strong>
1003
1004Nigerian youths do not need to buy range rovers or expensive gifts to support each other. We can be supportive by simply using 'turn signals' when driving. I keep saying it is the little things that count.
1005
1006<strong>What policy recommendations or changes do you have to help ease traffic in Lagos?</strong>
1007
1008Apart from creating better roads and infrastructure, many changes are needed. For instance, we need to keep commuters informed of traffic updates, and it is important that the government establish lines of communication and share information with citizens. We are all in this together. The Nigerian government also needs to create more alternate routes and solve the issue of flooding.
1009
1010<strong>What tips do you have for people while in traffic?</strong>
1011
10121. Be happy or at least, try to keep a happy face.
10132. Remember a scowl will not disintegrate the cars in front of you.
10143. The only way to change lanes legitimately is by swapping keys with the other person.
1015
1016&nbsp;
1017
1018<em>Gidi Traffic saves lives. My twitter followers provide useful information.They take the time to send traffic or security updates and they always respond to inquiries. We work together to save lives, time, and money. My motto is "Lending Each Other An Eye" to make the world a better place.</em>
1019
1020<em>One time, a woman was in labor and she could not make it to the hospital. She tweeted @Gidi Traffic and was able to get help from one of my twitter followers, a mid-wife. The mid-wife explained what she needed to do and she gave birth safely right where she was and there are many stories like that. </em>
1021
1022<em>Contrary to what some people think, there are lots of good people in Nigeria. I find that people are willing and ready to support one another and the testimonies spawning from Gidi Traffic are countless. They range from university graduates to job seekers who get to their interviews on time because of traffic updates, security reports, and information about job opportunities. Many have found jobs through my tweets. Sometimes, I provide tips on how to avoid fraud and this has prevented some of my followers from getting into regrettable situations. </em>
1023
1024&nbsp;
1025
1026<strong>Contact Gidi Traffic here:</strong>
1027
1028<strong>Twitter</strong>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/@Gidi_Traffic">www.twitter.com/@Gidi_Traffic</a>
1029
1030<strong>Facebook</strong>: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GidiTraffic">www.facebook.com/GidiTraffic</a>
1031
1032Read more about <em>Lagos mystery Gidi Traffic tweeter reveals identity - Kaptin Idoko</em>  <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17560636">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17560636</a>
1033
1034&nbsp;
1035
1036&nbsp;
1037
1038&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:622,post_date:"2012-08-23 19:02:24",post_date_gmt:"2012-08-23 18:02:24",post_modified:"2014-08-08 19:44:44",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 18:44:44",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"gidi-traffic-uses-social-media-for-social-good",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Gidi Traffic"},{__cdata:"impact"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Kaptin Idoko"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"social change"},{__cdata:"social entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"social media"},{__cdata:"twitter"},{__cdata:"youth"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:56:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/gt-log.png";s:6:"images";a:1:{s:56:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/gt-log.png";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:56:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/gt-log.png";s:5:"width";i:2480;s:6:"height";i:1605;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:3980400;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:1;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-08-23 18:02:24";}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"624"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_69fdd21f48f721389f4a7e81f993798d",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:1263,comment_author:{__cdata:"Be The Change | Thoughts On Blog"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://nikethaddeus.wordpress.com/2013/09/10/be-the-change/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.38.62",comment_date:"2013-09-10 08:58:54",comment_date_gmt:"2013-09-10 07:58:54",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

10380;] Each Other An Eye.”  In his interview with Fake9jaNews, Gist ville, Rise networks, The AWP Network and many others, he said the motivation to create Gidi Traffic came from his distaste of traffic […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1378912145"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1378912146.4506890773773193359375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1378799935.0895030498504638671875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-09-10 07:58:54"}}]},{comment_id:1645,comment_author:{__cdata:"I Want to Start A Business But I Have NO Money | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2013/11/19/i-want-to-start-a-business-but-i-have-no-money/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.81.188",comment_date:"2013-11-19 14:36:39",comment_date_gmt:"2013-11-19 13:36:39",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Lagos twitter handle @GidiTraffic states, “I created @Gidi_Traffic out of nothing. The only thing I had then was a mobile phone and […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1384869826"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1384869827.477169036865234375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-11-19 13:36:39"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"FREE Business Education Webinar to Benefit Youths"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/09/01/free-business-education-webinars-to-benefit-youths/",pubDate:"Fri, 31 Aug 2012 23:00:04 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=681",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The African Women Power (AWP) Network will continue with its FREE business education webinars developed exclusively for youths who want to become entrepreneurs.  AWP touted for its unique ability to turn dreams into reality, carries out its mission through a small business blog that provides inspirational and entrepreneurial stories of African women and youths.
1039
1040On <strong>Saturday, September 15, 2012  from 6am - 7am (EST) or 11am – 12pm (West African Time) </strong>the webinar entitled “Learn how Marketing and PR Tools Can Help YOU Grow Your Business Ideas” will be presented by President and Founder of  MUI - The PR Company, Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu.  She will inform young entrepreneurs how marketing and public relations (PR) tools can help move their business ideas forward.
1041
1042In this webinar, you will learn current PR techniques and key tips on how to properly utilize available resources. Get your computer and your phones ready - you do NOT want to miss the opportunity to become the next big entrepreneur.
1043
1044<strong>REGISTER TODAY</strong> via <a href="https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6744070417933979392">https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6744070417933979392</a>
1045and enter webinar ID number: 111-439-355
1046
1047&nbsp;
1048
1049[caption id="attachment_88" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/awp-53.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-88" title="Founder, MUIPR" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/awp-53.jpg?w=300" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a> Emmy Chinelo Photography[/caption]
1050
1051<strong>About Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu</strong>
1052
1053Genevieve is an alumnus of both Columbia and Boston University. Her company, MUI - The PR Company (MUIPR) was founded to advise clients on how to be successful within their distinct markets. The company utilizes ethically driven approaches to responsibly represent brands and their interests.  MUIPR represents businesses and leaders in the entertainment, fashion, media, photography, and urban development arenas on a variety of communication activities. The company also promotes African brands, products and services through publicity, marketing, philanthropic or special event channels.`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:681,post_date:"2012-09-01 00:00:04",post_date_gmt:"2012-08-31 23:00:04",post_modified:"2013-01-25 14:08:38",post_modified_gmt:"2013-01-25 13:08:38",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"free-business-education-webinars-to-benefit-youths",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"African y

1053ouths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"FREE"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"MUI-The PR Company"},{__cdata:"webinar"},{__cdata:"women"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"88"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_00acd0a3f3e98f8a82721e4861230ba1",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_ee8786c15d62724b96a76fac2e43860a",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Win the ONE Africa Award"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/09/06/win-the-one-africa-award/",pubDate:"Wed, 05 Sep 2012 23:00:38 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=692",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The <strong>$100,000 award</strong> will bring recognition to innovative African efforts to fight poverty and will incentivize more of such efforts. The award may be split into two prizes to support two smaller organizations.
1054
1055Throughout Africa, there is amazing progress by civil society focused on ending extreme poverty and preventable diseases. These new ideas and exciting approaches are designed and implemented by Africans who understand the complexities of bringing about change and transforming lives in their communities.
1056
1057The ONE Africa Award celebrates these innovations and progress towards achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the world's blueprint to a better future, ranging from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education.
1058
1059We are proud to launch the call for applications and nominations for the 2012 ONE Africa Award. Award deadline is <strong>Sunday, September 23, 2012</strong>,  23:59 SAST / 21:59 GMT/UTC
1060
1061<strong>Click to learn more</strong>: <a href="http://one.org/c/international/hottopic/3920/">http://one.org/c/international/hottopic/3920/</a>
1062
1063&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:692,post_date:"2012-09-06 00:00:38",post_date_gmt:"2012-09-05 23:00:38",post_modified:"2012-09-05 23:07:36",post_modified_gmt:"2012-09-05 22:07:36",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"win-the-one-africa-award",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"MDG goals"},{__cdata:"ONE Africa Awards"},{__cdata:"sustainable"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-09-05 22:07:36";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_b252aa15f81804b42d47822a48e5edad",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"The Etisalat Prize for Innovation – Win up to $35,000"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/09/10/the-etisalat-prize-for-innovation-win-up-to-35000/",pubDate:"Sun, 09 Sep 2012 23:00:49 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=706",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The Etisalat Prize for Innovation seeks to highlight the facilitation and promotion of Mobile Broadband in Africa. The prize will be awarded in 2 categories; a first prize for the most innovative product or service launched in the last 12 months and a second award will go to the most innovative idea for driving or facilitating mobile broadband use in Africa.
1064
1065Entries will need to show demonstrable impact on broadband usage, and impressive uptake from customers. Etisalat believes innovation should go beyond improvements in existing products and services, and instead have real valuable social or economic impact to customers. In support of this belief, Etisalat is proud to announce the first edition of this prize encouraging and celebrating valuable innovation in the African market.
1066
1067<strong>Prizes:</strong>
1068The prize will be awarded in 2 subcategories with a prize for the most innovative product or service launched in the last 12 months and a second prize for the most innovative idea for driving or facilitating mobile broadband use in Africa.
1069
1070<strong>How to Enter:</strong>
1071The Etisalat Prize for Innovation will recognize the most innovative mobile Broadband product, service or idea that provides a significant utility to African mobile users and can demonstrate a valuable social or economic impact on customers.
1072
1073<strong>Deadline:</strong>
1074Submissions extended till September 13th 2012
1075
1076Click here to apply: <a href="http://etisalat.com.ng/innovation/pfiRegistrationForm.php">http://etisalat.com.ng/innovation/pfiRegistrationForm.php</a>
1077

1078&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:706,post_date:"2012-09-10 00:00:49",post_date_gmt:"2012-09-09 23:00:49",post_modified:"2012-09-07 22:04:23",post_modified_gmt:"2012-09-07 21:04:23",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-etisalat-prize-for-innovation-win-up-to-35000",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Etisalat"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"youth"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-09-07 21:04:23";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_5143eca3aeb196061bd01e2a307d4064",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_b39d9c52ec083e3e7819c34f0db0165f",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Webinar: Learn how Marketing and PR Tools can help YOU"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/09/17/webinar-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you/",pubDate:"Sun, 16 Sep 2012 23:00:14 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=715",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_88" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/awp-53.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-88" title="Founder, MUIPR" alt="" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/awp-53.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="200" /></a> Emmy Chinelo Photography[/caption]
1079
1080In this webinar, Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu, President and Founder of MUI –The PR Company,  gives key tips on how to properly utilize available PR and marketing resources.  Ijeoma also informs entrepreneurs on how marketing and public relations (PR) tools can help move business ideas forward.
1081
1082&nbsp;
1083
1084Click  <strong><a title="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2012-09-14-06-07-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you-grow-your-business-ideas1.wmv" href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2012-09-14-06-07-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you-grow-your-business-ideas1.wmv" target="_blank">here</a>  </strong>to listen to the webinar:
1085
1086<strong><a title="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2012-09-14-06-07-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you-grow-your-business-ideas1.wmv" href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2012-09-14-06-07-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you-grow-your-business-ideas1.wmv">http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2012-09-14-06-07-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you-grow-your-business-ideas1.wmv</a></strong>
1087
1088<strong><a title="http://videos.videopress.com/m8dw3gxW/2012-09-14-06-07-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you-grow-your-business-ideas1_fmt1.ogv" href="http://videos.videopress.com/m8dw3gxW/2012-09-14-06-07-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you-grow-your-business-ideas1_fmt1.ogv">http://videos.videopress.com/m8dw3gxW/2012-09-14-06-07-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you-grow-your-business-ideas1_fmt1.ogv</a><a title="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2012-09-14-06-07-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you-grow-your-business-ideas.wmv" href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2012-09-14-06-07-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you-grow-your-business-ideas.wmv">
1089</a></strong>
1090
1091&nbsp;
1092
1093&nbsp;
1094
1095&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:715,post_date:"2012-09-17 00:00:14",post_date_gmt:"2012-09-16 23:00:14",post_modified:"2013-10-14 02:00:55",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 01:00:55",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"webinar-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"Business education"},{__cdata:"content provider"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"MUI-The PR Company"},{__cdata:"webinar"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"enclosure",meta_value:{__cdata:`http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/2012-09-14-06-07-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you-grow-your-business-ideas1.wmv
109642779708
1097video/asf
1098`}},{meta_key:"enclosure",meta_value:{__cdata:`http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/2012-09-14-06-07-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you-grow-your-business-ideas1.wmv
109942779708
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1104`}},{meta_key:"enclosure",meta_value:{__cdata:`http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/2012-09-14-06-07-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you-grow-your-business-ideas.wmv
11050
1106video/asf
1107`}},{meta_key:"enclosure",meta_value:{__cdata:`http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/2012-09-14-06-07-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you-grow-your-business-ideas.wmv
11080
1109video/asf
1110`}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"88"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"2013 Influential Black Women in Business Awards"}

1110,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/09/24/2013-influential-black-women-in-business-awards/",pubDate:"Sun, 23 Sep 2012 23:00:52 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=749",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`In its 15th year, The Network Journal’s Annual 25 Influential Black Women in Business Awards honors Black women who have made significant contributions in their selected profession. The ideal candidate will be an accomplished professional or entrepreneur with a commitment to excellence and dedicated to their community.
1111
1112The awards are open to women who are business owners, or senior executives in the public, private, or non-profit sectors. All information provided on nominees will be kept confidential.
1113
1114<strong>Eligibility:</strong>
1115The individual must be a Black woman who exudes professionalism and is committed to providing leadership to her community. In addition, she should be:
1116
1117• An owner, partner, president, CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, Board Chair, senior or management level executive or a woman entrusted with significant decision making authority in a corporation or not-for-profit organization.
1118• Candidates must be nominated by another individual
1119• Candidates must participate in the Awards Ceremony, to be held on March 21, 2013 in New York City
1120
1121<strong>Selection Process:</strong>
1122• Awards are determined each year by the TNJ’s Awards Review Board,
1123• Initial selection involves the review of candidate’s nomination package.
1124• Selected candidates are contacted along with their nominators, additional reference letters, and supporting material may be requested if needed. Final selection is made through review of reference letters and accompanying documentation with final recommendation of TNJ’s Review Board.
1125
1126<strong>Deadline for completed nominations is Friday, October 26, 2012</strong>.
1127
1128Click here to learn more: <a title="http://www.tnj.com/25-Influential-black-women/nomination-procedures" href="http://www.tnj.com/25-Influential-black-women/nomination-procedures">http://www.tnj.com/25-Influential-black-women/nomination-procedures</a>
1129
1130&nbsp;
1131
1132&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:749,post_date:"2012-09-24 00:00:52",post_date_gmt:"2012-09-23 23:00:52",post_modified:"2012-09-18 22:08:00",post_modified_gmt:"2012-09-18 21:08:00",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"2013-influential-black-women-in-business-awards",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"women"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-09-18 21:08:00";}'}},{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_c7d0487045f8223d031f355da728c80a",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:{comment_id:613,comment_author:{__cdata:"Black Women in Business Nominations Needed &laquo; The Industry Cosign"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://theindustrycosign.wordpress.com/2012/10/10/black-women-in-business-nominations-needed/",comment_author_IP:"74.200.244.46",comment_date:"2012-10-11 02:24:59",comment_date_gmt:"2012-10-11 01:24:59",comment_content:{__cdata:"[...] 2013 Influential Black Women in Business Awards (awpnetwork.com) [...]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1349918700.4072558879852294921875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1350079809"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1350079809.46677494049072265625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-10-11 01:24:59"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"The Big Picture Goal is to Promote a Positive Image of Africa"}

1132,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/10/01/the-big-picture-goal-is-to-promote-a-positive-image-of-africa/",pubDate:"Sun, 30 Sep 2012 23:00:43 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=764",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`From food trucks bringing local fresh healthy foods to underprivileged communities in Vermont, to providing education for girls in Afghanistan, the 52 nominations for Oxfam’s first-ever International Women’s Day Challenge on GOOD Maker highlighted the power that women have to make the world a better place.
1133
1134But once the public had spoken, and the voting period was closed, the African Women Power Network (AWP), based in Nigeria, was announced as the winner. With her $1,000 winnings from Oxfam, AWP’s administrator, Mary Olushoga has started offering online business trainings geared towards women and youth.
1135
1136With her trainings officially underway, we thought we’d talk with Olushoga, hear more about how the AWP Network got started, and what her vision is for the future.
1137
1138Here’s an excerpt from our interview with her:
1139
1140<strong>What is the AWP Network and how did you come to start it?</strong>
1141
1142The African Women Power (AWP) network is a credible platform that showcases and shares the entrepreneurial stories, business challenges, and success of African women and youth entrepreneurs. The big picture goal is to promote a positive image of Africa.
1143
1144With the [money from the GOOD Maker Challenge], I plan to create business education content for entrepreneurs. I hope that this will encourage business growth and expansion. Information will be shared through Twitter, the blog, and webinar platforms. I also plan to start a YouTube channel – for information, support, and inspiration.
1145
1146<strong>If you had a message for other women who want to make a difference, what would you tell them?</strong>
1147
1148I will tell women and girls to have a plan and set goals. Do not be afraid to fail – No one is too small to make a difference. Follow your passion, find a solution to a problem, and change the world.
1149
1150Click here to read more:  <strong><a title="http://firstperson.oxfamamerica.org/2012/08/17/the-big-picture-goal-is-to-promote-a-positive-image-of-africa/" href="http://firstperson.oxfamamerica.org/2012/08/17/the-big-picture-goal-is-to-promote-a-positive-image-of-africa/">http://firstperson.oxfamamerica.org/2012/08/17/the-big-picture-goal-is-to-promote-a-positive-image-of-africa/</a></strong>
1151
1152<strong> </strong>
1153
1154&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:764,post_date:"2012-10-01 00:00:43",post_date_gmt:"2012-09-30 23:00:43",post_modified:"2013-01-25 14:09:42",post_modified_gmt:"2013-01-25 13:09:42",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-big-picture-goal-is-to-promote-a-positive-image-of-africa",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"youth"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-09-18 23:15:29";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_3669a689663d91a189ad82cf8fb059d9",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_0a08ee3532e175d808979848e4120379",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Small Business Key in Job Creation: South African Minister"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/09/27/small-business-key-in-job-creation-south-african-minister/",pubDate:"Wed, 26 Sep 2012 23:00:54 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=775",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Small businesses have a key role to play in providing opportunities and creating new jobs in emerging economies, South Africa’s Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies said. Speaking at the International Small Business Congress held at the Sandton Convention Centre, Davies said South Africa needed to develop a more symbiotic relationship between b

1154ig companies and small suppliers.
1155
1156In South Africa, small businesses had good potential when it came to job creation, as the cost to create one job in a small firm was less than it was to create a job at a big firm, as large businesses were more capital intensive. However, he said the country needed to raise the skills level of business owners so that firms didn’t simply stumble along, and that their creative ideas could be turned into job-creating enterprises.
1157
1158Davies said before 1994, the apartheid government had not only neglected black businesses, but had actively undermined and prohibited or restricted black people from starting businesses. The apartheid state had created the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) in 1980, but Davies said the organisation proved a highly politicised body which did not lead to equitable assistance of small enterprises from all groups.
1159
1160However after 1994, the new government had set up the Small Business Development Act in 1996, which led to the setting up of several institutions, including Ntsika – which in 2004 became the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and Khula Enterprise Finance.
1161
1162Click here to read more: <a title="http://sanews.gov.za/news/12/12091709051001" href="http://sanews.gov.za/news/12/12091709051001">http://sanews.gov.za/news/12/12091709051001</a>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:775,post_date:"2012-09-27 00:00:54",post_date_gmt:"2012-09-26 23:00:54",post_modified:"2013-01-25 14:09:29",post_modified_gmt:"2013-01-25 13:09:29",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"small-business-key-in-job-creation-south-african-minister",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Job creation"},{__cdata:"news"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"sustainability"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-09-22 14:48:38";}'}},{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_70ab46113f5ccdb68579eaf4067ed5ae",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_06e9d3a5f8f55648ba30a6d5b4f37ee5",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:{comment_id:658,comment_author:{__cdata:"Hope for small business | eCC &#8211; PtyInstant"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://corp.co.za/blog/hope-for-small-business/",comment_author_IP:"196.7.147.8",comment_date:"2012-10-31 14:52:25",comment_date_gmt:"2012-10-31 13:52:25",comment_content:{__cdata:"[...] Small Business Key in Job Creation: South African Minister [...]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1351691546.5035870075225830078125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1353115378"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1353115378.8609449863433837890625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-10-31 13:52:25"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Win Up to $30,000 from Dell"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/10/05/win-up-to-30000-from-dell/",pubDate:"Thu, 04 Oct 2012 23:00:40 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=782",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`DellChallenge.org  will act as an educational innovation community where university students, academia, primary/K12 educators, mentors, judges and fellow students from around the globe can network, share best practices and inspire each other to create educational change. Plus, we offer <strong>$30,000</strong> in prizes and awards to help students put their ideas into action!
1163
1164Any undergraduate or graduate student in any field of study, from any country, can enter our challenge. This is not your traditional business plan competition—students can enter a project at any stage, whether they've just thought of an idea or are already running an organization. Both nonprofit and for-profit ideas are eligible.
1165
1166<strong>How to Enter</strong>
1167
1168To enter the Dell Education Challenge, student innovators must submit their Project Idea with the minimum required fields, by October 24, 2012. You will need to register or login and complete you Student Profile to get started.
1169
1170<strong>Semi-Final Round: Virtual Pitch</strong>
1171
1172• 20 semi-finalists selected by DSIC-certified judges will receive 1:1 mentoring from a DSIC-certified mentor to perfect their pitches
1173

1174• Each semi-finalist team will be required to submit a project roadmap and video pitch.
1175
1176• DSIC will provide detailed instructions to semi-finalists.
1177
1178<strong>Final Round: Global Awards and Pitch</strong>
1179
1180The finalists will be flown to Austin in December 2012 for Dell World, a gathering of more than 4,000 Dell global customers for networking and mentoring. Plus, they'll compete live in front of our judges for these cash awards to advance their educational innovation.
1181
1182• $10,000 Grand Prize
1183
1184• $5,000 Second Prize
1185
1186• $2,500 Third Prize
1187
1188<strong>Click here to learn more</strong>: <a title="http://www.dellchallenge.org/k12" href="http://www.dellchallenge.org/k12">http://www.dellchallenge.org/k12</a>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:782,post_date:"2012-10-05 00:00:40",post_date_gmt:"2012-10-04 23:00:40",post_modified:"2012-10-02 20:00:07",post_modified_gmt:"2012-10-02 19:00:07",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"win-up-to-30000-from-dell",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Dell"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-10-02 19:00:07";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_effff78b1ff49234ffd63adb9576b223",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:{comment_id:602,comment_author:{__cdata:"Shannon"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://feelingwomanish.wordpress.com",comment_author_IP:"24.225.108.179",comment_date:"2012-10-06 03:39:05",comment_date_gmt:"2012-10-06 02:39:05",comment_content:{__cdata:`Reblogged this on <a href="http://feelingwomanish.wordpress.com/2012/10/06/1019/" rel="nofollow">Feeling Womanish</a> and commented: 
1189This would be a good opportunity . . . pass it along, please!`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:34049070,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1349491145.364121913909912109375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:15:"feelingwomanish";}'}},{meta_key:"reblog_ping",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1350079811"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1350079811.923634052276611328125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-10-06 02:39:05"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Program for Young African Leaders"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/10/11/program-for-young-african-leaders/",pubDate:"Wed, 10 Oct 2012 23:00:34 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=791",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The African Leadership Academy seeks to enroll the most outstanding young leaders from across Africa and around the world – ALA is not only looking for young people who are smart and excel in the academic environment, we are looking for young people with the potential to lead and impact the world around them through their courage, initiative and innovation.
1190
1191You may also nominate a young leader, a special young woman or man between 16-19 who has shown leadership potential in your community.
1192
1193<strong> Selection Process</strong>:
1194
1195ALA’s application and selection process is very rigorous to ensure that we select the most outstanding students from across Africa with the potential to drive change.  The process is as follows:
1196
1197<strong>First Round September - March</strong>
1198
1199The Academy receives approximately 2,500 first round applications from 44 African countries each year. These applicants come from a wide range of social, economic, cultural &amp; educational backgrounds. The application includes short questions and essays and must be submitted with academic transcripts.
1200
1201<strong>Final Round  March - April</strong>
1202
1203At this stage approximately 400 finalists are selected to attend Selection Weekends held across the continent. At these events, finalists write entrance exams, participate in group activities &amp; are interviewed one-on-one by friends of ALA who attend the event as observers. Finalists also complete a final round application which includes essays &amp; teacher recommendations.
1204
1205<strong>Selection May - June</strong>
1206
1207The hardest part of the selection process: the Academy is able to select only ~100 students from the pool of extraordinary f

1207inalists to attend the Academy. All finalists are notified of their admissions status by end of June.
1208
1209<strong>Click here to learn more</strong>:<a title=" http://www.africanleadershipacademy.org/finding-future-leaders/applying-ala/steps" href="http://www.africanleadershipacademy.org/finding-future-leaders/applying-ala/steps"> http://www.africanleadershipacademy.org/finding-future-leaders/applying-ala/steps</a>
1210
1211&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:791,post_date:"2012-10-11 00:00:34",post_date_gmt:"2012-10-10 23:00:34",post_modified:"2013-01-25 14:09:55",post_modified_gmt:"2013-01-25 13:09:55",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"program-for-young-african-leaders",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African Leadership Academy"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"future leaders"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-10-10 23:26:40";}'}}]},{title:{__cdata:"2013 Google Scholarship Program for Europe, Middle East, and Africa"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/10/16/2013-google-scholarship-program-for-europe-middle-east-and-africa/",pubDate:"Mon, 15 Oct 2012 23:00:58 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=799",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>Google Europe &amp; Israel Scholarship for Students with Disabilities</strong> is now open to students who will be enrolled in study for the 2013/2014 academic year at a university in Europe or Israel. Students must be enrolled in a computer science, computer engineering, informatics, or a closely related technical program. Students with a disability, mental health, or other long-term health conditions are eligible to apply.
1212
1213<strong>Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship: </strong>Europe, Middle East, and Africa is now open to current <strong>female students</strong> who will be enrolled in study for the 2013/2014 academic year at a university in Europe, Middle East, or Africa. Students must be enrolled in a computer science, computer engineering, informatics, or closely related technical program and maintain a record of strong academic performance.
1214
1215The deadline for both of the scholarships is <strong>February 1, 2013</strong> and the announcement will be made in May 2013. Scholarship recipients will receive a <strong>EUR 7,000 scholarship</strong>. Scholars and Finalists will be invited to attend a networking retreat in June which will be held at a Google office in Europe.
1216
1217Click here to learn more about the program: <a title="http://www.google.com/anitaborg/emea/" href="http://www.google.com/anitaborg/emea/">http://www.google.com/anitaborg/emea/</a>
1218
1219&nbsp;
1220
1221&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:799,post_date:"2012-10-16 00:00:58",post_date_gmt:"2012-10-15 23:00:58",post_modified:"2012-10-16 00:19:50",post_modified_gmt:"2012-10-15 23:19:50",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"2013-google-scholarship-program-for-europe-middle-east-and-africa",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Google"},{__cdata:"investment"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"scholarship"},{__cdata:"students"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-10-15 23:19:50";}'}}

1221,{meta_key:"_oembed_f3b2218a40162b192e0ef3da45bd2d67",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:{comment_id:23991,comment_author:{__cdata:"Francis Mary malanie"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"102.23.96.8",comment_date:"2022-02-20 19:13:35",comment_date_gmt:"2022-02-20 18:13:35",comment_content:{__cdata:`I'm interested to supply groundnuts and other things.pls help me.remains bless
1222.`},comment_approved:0,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645384991.620881;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645380815.877309;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Apply Now for the AWP Network Vendor Program"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/10/19/apply-now-for-the-black-enterprise-small-business-awards/",pubDate:"Thu, 18 Oct 2012 23:00:43 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=806",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/awp-emblem.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9714" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/awp-emblem.png" alt="" width="635" height="589" /></a>
1223
1224Apply <strong><a href="https://forms.gle/TG2ButhuSLat7pM3A" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></strong>: <a href="https://forms.gle/TG2ButhuSLat7pM3A" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>AWP Network Vendor Program</strong></a>
1225
1226The African Women Power (AWP) Network has launched a <a href="https://forms.gle/TG2ButhuSLat7pM3A" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>vendor program </strong></a>in collaboration with Shoprite Nigeria to help increase the number of women entrepreneurs who supply to Shoprite.
1227
1228The <a href="https://forms.gle/TG2ButhuSLat7pM3A" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>AWP Network Vendor program</strong></a> is a capacity building program for <strong><a href="https://forms.gle/TG2ButhuSLat7pM3A" target="_blank" rel="noopener">local vendors</a></strong> seeking professional guidance regarding best practices and guidelines to become vendor suppliers. The <a href="https://forms.gle/TG2ButhuSLat7pM3A" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>AWP Network Local Vendor Program</strong></a> in collaboration with Shoprite Limited, Nigeria will provide a real life opportunity for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria to get their products out into the <strong><a href="https://forms.gle/TG2ButhuSLat7pM3A" target="_blank" rel="noopener">marketplace</a>.</strong>
1229
1230Vendors are also provided the opportunity to pitch their products for consideration as a supplier to various program retail and institutional partners.
1231
1232“Nigeria needs more success stories, this is why AWP Network deems it important to support women entrepreneurs to support and facilitate the rise of manufacturing, innovation and entrepreneurship. This we believe will help to reduce Nigeria’s high unemployment rate. We truly believe that this program is great for Nigeria’s community and economic development.” says Mary Olushoga, Founder of The AWP Network, a social enterprise based in Lagos. For this project, Shoprite Nigeria Limited is one of our founding partners.
1233
1234Since opening its first store in Lagos in December 2005, Shoprite Nigeria has gone on to launch an additional 25 stores across 8 states in the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and employs more than 2000 people, of which 99% are Nigerian citizens.
1235
1236Shoprite Nigeria was established to provide quality products at the lowest prices. This promise has formed the very foundation of its business, and has helped the company grow into Africa’s largest food retailer. Using its massive bulk buying power, ShopRite Nigeria is able to offer a world-class shopping experience on a variety of food products, household goods and small appliances.
1237
1238Interested in becoming a vendor or supplier, <a href="https://forms.gle/TG2ButhuSLat7pM3A" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>

1238please apply for the program here: AWP Network Vendor Program</strong></a>
1239
1240<strong>Have questions or concerns, please email: mary (at) awpnetwork.com</strong>
1241
1242Follow us on twitter and instagram: <strong>@awpvendor</strong>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:806,post_date:"2012-10-19 00:00:43",post_date_gmt:"2012-10-18 23:00:43",post_modified:"2022-02-15 22:44:17",post_modified_gmt:"2022-02-15 21:44:17",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-now-for-the-black-enterprise-small-business-awards",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"recognition"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-10-18 23:07:31";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_5429be7f0817382a03fb0bb4df080dcf",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"9714"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_job_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"46790459040"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_last_editor_used_jetpack",meta_value:{__cdata:"block-editor"}}],comment:[{comment_id:20052,comment_author:{__cdata:"Gertrude Akhimien"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://Www.Getinuel%20investment.com",comment_author_IP:"169.255.125.105",comment_date:"2021-02-02 21:21:48",comment_date_gmt:"2021-02-02 20:21:48",comment_content:{__cdata:`I will like to supply the following products to your organization. They include;
1243Bedsheets, Duvets, throw pillows, table cloths and towels. Thanks`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1613407974"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1613407974"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1613407974.895676;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"54812738546"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1612297309.073916;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1612301908.305044;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:22667,comment_author:{__cdata:"Adeniji Oluwaferanmi christiana"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"197.211.61.15",comment_date:"2021-09-28 10:25:55",comment_date_gmt:"2021-09-28 09:25:55",comment_content:{__cdata:`Good morning
1244I'm interested , I sell an African snacks made in osun state, I want my product to get into market place
1245
1246I have tried to apply but , the response was , AWP is no more accepting response.....`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1632825381.639286;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1632821155.466078;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"68569654525"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1644002794"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1644002794"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1644002794.7582;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:20159,comment_author:{__cdata:"Yetunde Oserada"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"102.89.0.205",comment_date:"2021-02-15 20:04:09",comment_date_gmt:"2021-02-15 19:04:09",comment_content:{__cdata:`I produce liquid soap,toilet cleaner and liquid air freshener.They are available in 500ml bottles.Each product is packaged in carton of 12 bottles.
1247 I want to display my products in Shoprite.`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"55087499543"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1613929795"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1613929795"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1613929796.352571;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1613420420.583556;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1613415849.257688;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}}]},{comment_id:20375,comment_author:{__cdata:"Fatimah Blessing Momoh"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"197.210.76.203",comment_date:"2021-03-15 17:21:42",comment_date_gmt:"2021-03-15 16:21:42",comment_content:{__cdata:"I am interested, I produce and package pure organic powdered locust beans, package Ogbono."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1618256028"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"57086326877"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1615825302.977584;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1618256028"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1618256029.059553;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:20374,comment_author:{__cdata:"Fatimah B Momoh"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"197.210.76.14",comment_date:"2021-03-15 17:08:14",comment_date_gmt:"2021-03-15 16:08:14",comment_content:{__cdata:"I am interested to be Vendor to Shoprite"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1615824494.832084;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1615828633.323457;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"57086327853"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1618256030"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1618256030"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1618256030.799625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:20188,comment_author:{__cdata:"Ajogbo mariam"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"154.118.69.43",comment_date:"2021-02-17 12:41:24",comment_date_gmt:"2021-02-17 11:41:24",comment_content:{__cdata:"I'm interested in supplying my product I make well packaged zobo drink"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"55087498322"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1613929793"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1613929793"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1613929793.941632;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1613562085.191633;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1613566847.289897;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:18704,comment_author:{__cdata:"Umma Tofa"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.190.14.14",comment_date:"2020-08-25 09:47:23",comment_date_gmt:"2020-08-25 08:47:23",comment_content:{__cdata:"We are into spices business with many interesting local African blend product, well presented and well packed. We’ll be Interested in supplying my product to Shoprite."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1601565616"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1601565616"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1601565617.336739;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1598345243.826187;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1598349615.771356;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:18501,comment_author:{__cdata:"Ahanor Anthonia"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://pageantstudioafrica.com",comment_author_IP:"196.50.5.97",comment_date:"2020-07-23 20:44:20",comment_date_gmt:"2020-07-23 19:44:20",comment_content:{__cdata:"I am interested in supplying my products"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1595533467.658005;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1595537195.583939;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1598291986"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1598291986"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1598291987.386255;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:18504,comment_author:{__cdata:"Call for Applications: AWP Network Vendor Program in Partnership with Shoprite to empower Women Entrepreneurs - MSME Africa"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"https://msmeafricaonline.com/call-for-applications-awp-network-vendor-program-in-partnership-with-shoprite-to-empower-women-entrepreneurs/",comment_author_IP:"167.99.88.18",comment_date:"2020-07-24 08:19:50",comment_date_gmt:"2020-07-24 07:19:50",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

12470;] Get more details HERE […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1595575191.356667;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1595579967.521435;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1598291984"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1598291985.457618;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:18505,comment_author:{__cdata:"EZEIGWE MARY CHIALUKA"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"102.89.3.111",comment_date:"2020-07-24 12:46:14",comment_date_gmt:"2020-07-24 11:46:14",comment_content:{__cdata:"Nice one"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1595591174.397515;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1595596466.47907;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1598291983"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1598291983"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1598291984.227538;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:20274,comment_author:{__cdata:"Queen Jeremiah"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.190.3.209",comment_date:"2021-03-03 09:34:45",comment_date_gmt:"2021-03-03 08:34:45",comment_content:{__cdata:"This is a welcoming opportunity for a lot of us out here . I’m interested please"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1614764530.588698;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"55510667107"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1614809093"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1614809093"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1614809094.217767;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1614760485.260004;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:20086,comment_author:{__cdata:"Enerah Jennifer"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"102.89.0.237",comment_date:"2021-02-06 12:52:47",comment_date_gmt:"2021-02-06 11:52:47",comment_content:{__cdata:"Hello,am the founder of defoodstuffmartdotng would be interested in displaying my product I sell foodstuff like Crayfish, Egusi, Ogbono, Smoked fish and lot more. All products are well cleaned and packaged."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"54812730822"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1612612367.394438;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1612616744.522635;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1613407961"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1613407962"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1613407962.444111;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:18576,comment_author:{__cdata:"Blessing"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"129.18.180.5",comment_date:"2020-08-04 22:37:17",comment_date_gmt:"2020-08-04 21:37:17",comment_content:{__cdata:`We do Beekeeping and bottling of raw organic honey with nafdac approval. Our product range from , 
1248
1249Beebi hills honey 
1250Enugu opka flour ( Bambara nut flour)
1251
1252Packaged by Obudu honey jar
1253Or 
1254Obudu foods .`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1596581892.308409;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1596577037.207683;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1598291977"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1598291977"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1598291977.805146;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:18744,comment_author:{__cdata:"Kemi Badejo"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://WWW.Kemiskitchen.com",comment_author_IP:"172.58.27.77",comment_date:"2020-08-31 12:52:22",comment_date_gmt:"2020-08-31 11:52:22",comment_content:{__cdata:"I am interested in supplying pre-fryed and frozen plantain"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1601565614"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1601565614"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1601565615.216797;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1598879680.420858;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1598874744.850729;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:20075,comment_author:{__cdata:"Ofili joy"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"105.112.79.155",comment_date:"2021-02-05 11:38:23",comment_date_gmt:"2021-02-05 10:38:23",comment_content:{__cdata:"Good idea"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"54812732570"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1613407964"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1613407964"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1613407965.216541;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1612521503.357588;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1612526255.568501;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:20076,comment_author:{__cdata:"Omolara Abegunde"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"105.112.37.172",comment_date:"2021-02-05 14:43:47",comment_date_gmt:"2021-02-05 13:43:47",comment_content:{__cdata:"am interested in supplying Beans powder"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1613407963"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1613407963"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1613407963.743431;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1612532628.193971;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1612536701.321906;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"54812731654"}}]},{comment_id:20062,comment_author:{__cdata:"Mojisola Aduke Olukanmi"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"105.112.53.204",comment_date:"2021-02-04 09:07:59",comment_date_gmt:"2021-02-04 08:07:59",comment_content:{__cdata:"I'm  interested  in supplying my products ."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1613407966.974824;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"54812733757"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1613407966"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1613407966"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1612426080.178494;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1612431145.436457;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:20060,comment_author:{__cdata:"Sheelagh Odumody-Ayida"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.184.233.253",comment_date:"2021-02-04 02:17:51",comment_date_gmt:"2021-02-04 01:17:51",comment_content:{__cdata:"I am interested in supplying my products."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"54812734710"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1613407968"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1613407968"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1613407968.576773;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1612401472.541122;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1612406714.470706;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:20223,comment_author:{__cdata:"Ibe Nkeiru"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"105.112.77.81",comment_date:"2021-02-22 14:11:14",comment_date_gmt:"2021-02-22 13:11:14",comment_content:{__cdata:"I'm interested"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1614004558.490084;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}

1254,{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"55215122817"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1614184875"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1614184875"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1614184876.045166;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1613999474.674937;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:23913,comment_author:{__cdata:"Sandra ijere"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://Www.Sussyfoods.com",comment_author_IP:"105.112.51.18",comment_date:"2022-02-16 10:41:26",comment_date_gmt:"2022-02-16 09:41:26",comment_content:{__cdata:"I would like to supply baked cashew nuts, groundnut, okpa flour , cashew nut butter and groundnut butter ."},comment_approved:0,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645009866.782674;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645004487.20329;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:23914,comment_author:{__cdata:"Ijere Sandra Sochima"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://Www.Sussyfoods.com",comment_author_IP:"105.112.51.18",comment_date:"2022-02-16 10:44:40",comment_date_gmt:"2022-02-16 09:44:40",comment_content:{__cdata:"We would like to supply freshly baked cashew nuts, groundnuts, okpa flour, cashew butter and groundnut butter . We hope for a positive response . Thank you."},comment_approved:0,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645009867.083335;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645004681.008494;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:23916,comment_author:{__cdata:"Catherine Oko"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"105.112.107.72",comment_date:"2022-02-16 14:25:41",comment_date_gmt:"2022-02-16 13:25:41",comment_content:{__cdata:`This is a very huge opportunity for us, and I am interested in supplying my products to shoprite.
1255These are what we supply;
12561. Well packaged small chops
12572.Chin chin
12583. Fresh vegetables ( carrot, cabbage,green beans,green pepper etc).`},comment_approved:0,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645023180.837355;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645017942.064318;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:23920,comment_author:{__cdata:"Oyedokun latifah oluseyi"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.instagram.com/Exclusivehouseofcakes",comment_author_IP:"41.190.8.180",comment_date:"2022-02-17 08:50:28",comment_date_gmt:"2022-02-17 07:50:28",comment_content:{__cdata:`This is awesome and a great opportunities for all vendors,i have been trying to get my products to a lot of supermarket within surulere for over 9years now 
1259
1260I'm interested in supplying my products 
1261
1262
1263We are in to chin chin production,and plantain chips 
1264
1265May God bless you greatly for this information`},comment_approved:0,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645084228.864401;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645088882.929558;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:23926,comment_author:{__cdata:"Mom Favour Verashe"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"197.210.85.198",comment_date:"2022-02-17 18:34:31",comment_date_gmt:"2022-02-17 17:34:31",comment_content:{__cdata:"We make delicious snacks cakes and drinks which we supply. We also supply Original honey, beniseed and groundnut well packaged."},comment_approved:0,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645119272.786485;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645123378.619671;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:23932,comment_author:{__cdata:"Estella omere"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://Estelsorganic",comment_author_IP:"197.211.63.31",comment_date:"2022-02-18 07:35:32",comment_date_gmt:"2022-02-18 06:35:32",comment_content:{__cdata:"I'm interested in selling my bar black soaps and some essential oils.They are well Package and safe on the skin And they are registered."},comment_approved:0,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645170262.761891;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645166132.563623;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:23938,comment_author:{__cdata:"Lydia Ubi"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"102.89.32.183",comment_date:"2022-02-18 16:45:01",comment_date_gmt:"2022-02-18 15:45:01",comment_content:{__cdata:"This is very interesting I will like to supply original honey from Cross River State and mushrooms of all kinds."},comment_approved:0,comment_type:"",comment_parent:22667,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645203009.823796;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645199101.437729;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:23960,comment_author:{__cdata:"Ruqwas powder pap"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"197.210.53.189",comment_date:"2022-02-19 10:57:49",comment_date_gmt:"2022-02-19 09:57:49",comment_content:{__cdata:`I am into production of powder pap with spices and herbs for babies, nursing mothers, pregnant women,adult and toddlers
1266Its well packaged
1267I will be happy if I can supply it to shoprite`},comment_approved:0,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645269349.685178;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645264669.089562;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:23968,comment_author:{__cdata:"Francis Mary malanie"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"102.23.96.13",comment_date:"2022-02-19 20:05:48",comment_date_gmt:"2022-02-19 19:05:48",comment_content:{__cdata:"This is lovely."},comment_approved:0,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645297548.546572;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645302892.615825;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:23972,comment_author:{__cdata:"Francis Mary malanie"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"102.23.96.19",comment_date:"2022-02-19 20:28:17",comment_date_gmt:"2022-02-19 19:28:17",comment_content:{__cdata:"I'm interested to supply groundnuts and other things .I will be glad if am giving this opportunity. thanks."},comment_approved:0,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645302892.839006;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645298897.257929;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:23974,comment_author:{__cdata:"Francis Mary"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"82.145.221.111",comment_date:"2022-02-19 21:42:03",comment_date_gmt:"2022-02-19 20:42:03",comment_content:{__cdata:"I am interested please help me."},comment_approved:0,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645303324.019424;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645307756.409033;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:23998,comment_author:{__cdata:"Ereyemi medinat Abolore"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"https://ayinke-foods.business.site/",comment_author_IP:"105.112.154.209",comment_date:"2022-02-21 11:50:21",comment_date_gmt:"2022-02-21 10:50:21",comment_content:{__cdata:"Thanks so much for this great opportunity, it a very good one as I do process and package of Nigeria grown foods eg beans flour, wheat flour, poundo yam flour, plantain flour, ofada rice, spicy kuli kuli etc"},comment_approved:0,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645445003.402847;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645440621.973468;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:24003,comment_author:{__cdata:"Francis Mary"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"102.23.96.8",comment_date:"2022-02-21 21:16:50",comment_date_gmt:"2022-02-21 20:16:50",comment_content:{__cdata:"Hi"},comment_approved:0,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645474611.319771;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645479166.64667;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:24004,comment_author:{__cdata:"Francis Mary"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"102.23.96.8",comment_date:"2022-02-21 21:16:51",comment_date_gmt:"2022-02-21 20:16:51",comment_content:{__cdata:"Hi"},comment_approved:0,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645479166.711599;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645474611.526543;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:24056,comment_author:{__cdata:"Ajani Oluwatoyosi Bukola"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"197.210.76.136",comment_date:"2022-02-26 10:28:19",comment_date_gmt:"2022-02-26 09:28:19",comment_content:{__cdata:`I make handmade shoes,slides,mules and sandal.
1268I’m interested in supplying them.`},comment_approved:0,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645872271.475196;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1645867700.629418;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Voices of Young African Entrepreneurs - Farmer Shares Business Tips"}

1268,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/11/05/voices-of-young-african-entrepreneurs-farmer-shares-business-tips/",pubDate:"Sun, 04 Nov 2012 23:00:21 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=820",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_821" align="alignleft" width="253"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/myme.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-821" title="President, Farmfields Agro-Allied Services" alt="Zanau Hassan Maikasuwa" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/myme.jpg?w=253" width="253" height="300" /></a> President, Farmfields Agro-Allied Services[/caption]
1269
1270Zanau Hassan Maikasuwa, President of <strong>Farmfields Agro-Allied Services</strong> talks with the AWP Network about how he got started and the role his company plays in supporting local farmers and agricultural investors. His company deals with all aspects of farming - animals and crops. He states, “it is our goal to help farmers and agricultural investors make the right business decisions.” Maikasuwa tells his story and shares useful business tips.
1271
1272<strong>What inspired you to start?</strong>
1273I have always been interested in large-scale farming and agriculture because I was exposed to the business as a child. When it was time to attend university, the school selected Agriculture as my major even though I had applied to study Medicine. Easily, I fell in love with my courses - I became more passionate about farming and dreamt of becoming an ‘<strong><em>Agropreneur</em></strong>.’ During my time off from school, I continued to work on the farm and this gave me a clearer idea of how to implement the various theories that I learned in the classroom. Upon graduation, I wrote my business plan and I just believe that destiny made everything work in my favor.
1274
1275<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
1276My target market includes farmers who plan to expand. We support their expansion from peasant or non-commercial farming to commercial agricultural production.
1277
1278<strong>How have you financed your business?</strong>
1279I started my business with support from my family. In 2010, I sort alternative forms of financing and held various jobs. I supplied seeds to farmers in rural areas, held a job in irrigation farming, and worked as a part-time consultant. It was challenging but I kept planning and going at it. Around the same time, the YouWIN Nigeria program started. I entered the competition and won a grant for my business. I know that the money from the program will support my expansion plans.
1280
1281<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
1282My company’s competitive edge is our ability to offer innovative solutions that adds value to our client’s agricultural enterprises. By that I mean - identifying the right markets, helping out with simple innovative agricultural technology that produce results, increase profits, and create employment opportunities.
1283
1284<strong>What is the long-term plan for your business?</strong>
1285In the next 5 years, we plan to expand our operations and build a solid client database. We will also establish training centers for modern agricultural practices and continue cordial relationships with various funders including banks so that we can easily gain access to financing as we  expand.
1286
1287<strong>What challenges do you face or have you faced thus far?</strong>
1288Market research and penetration is a huge challenge. My company has an innovative approach to farming but our competitors are government agencies, therefore, trying to make people pay for the service that we provide poses a challenge but our phenomenal customer service and innovative business strategy makes us very useful to the market that we serve.
1289
1290&nbsp;
1291
1292<strong>What five key things have you learned since starting your business idea?</strong>
12931. Success is not immediate. Business is not about immediate success but strategic long-term planning and the proper execution of your idea.
12942. Be willing to fail. Despite failing or not being profitable in the first few years does not mean that you give up or lose hope. Learn from your mistakes and move on. If you are in the start-up phase, losing money is normal - by making mistakes, we learn.
12953. Stay Connected. Learn from others particularly from those who manage or own a successful business. You can do this by reading what others have to say about their failures, attending seminars, workshops, trainings, and conferences.
12964. Just go for It. There is always an opportunity for those who are prepared – Start.
12975. Be Innovative. You must be creative and innovative to stay ahead.
1298
1299<strong>What five things do start-up entrepreneurs need to know?</strong>
13001. <em>Plan to grow</em>: starting small does not mean that you remain small.
13012. <em>Keep going</em>: Do not give up.
13023. <em>Ask questions</em>: Always seek and do not be afraid to ask for help from professionals and experienced entrepreneurs.
13034. <em>Opportunities</em>: Look out for opportunities that will enable you to remain afloat in business.
13045. <em>Stay engaged and connected</em>: Network and partner with the people that can support your work.
1305
1306<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say 'there is no money'?</strong>

1307My advice is to start anyway. Money will come and you are likely to get it when you offer services or products. You can always start small but do not plan to remain small. Look out for funding opportunities and tailor your business plan to meet various funding criteria. Nigeria is the land of opportunities despite challenges. The journey certainly will not be easy but it is worth the try. Also, look out for opportunities from the government and the private sector – find them and take advantage of them. The Nigerian government today creates and supports many initiatives, so be on the lookout.
1308
1309<strong>How do you think Nigerian youths can continue to support each other?</strong>
1310African youths should create networking forums to share ideas, partner with one another, and it is time to take up intra-Africa opportunities. Let us create our markets and swim in it.
1311
1312<strong>How many jobs have you created so far?</strong>
1313So far, we have created four (4) jobs. We have also created jobs indirectly for those offering services to our farmers. We plan to grow our staff to about ten (10) in the next two (2) years and provide more jobs through our clients.
1314
1315[caption id="attachment_824" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/zanau11.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-824" title="Farmfields Agro-Allied Services " alt="" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/zanau11.jpg" width="300" height="169" /></a> Farmfields Agro-Allied Services[/caption]
1316
1317Contact<strong>:</strong>
1318<strong>Farmfields Agro-Allied Services</strong>
1319<strong>Phone</strong>: 011 (234) 803-634-7255
1320<strong>Facebook</strong>: <a title="www.facebook.com/zanau.hassan" href="www.facebook.com/zanau.hassan">www.facebook.com/zanau.hassan</a>
1321<strong>Twitter</strong>: <a title="www.twitter.com/zanauhassan " href="www.twitter.com/zanauhassan ">www.twitter.com/zanauhassan </a>
1322<strong>Location</strong>: Shop 306 Nguroje House, Hammaruwa Way, Jalingo, Taraba State
1323
1324&nbsp;
1325
1326&nbsp;
1327
1328&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:820,post_date:"2012-11-05 00:00:21",post_date_gmt:"2012-11-04 23:00:21",post_modified:"2013-10-14 02:07:16",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 01:07:16",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"voices-of-young-african-entrepreneurs-farmer-shares-business-tips",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"agriculture"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Farmfields Agro-Allied Services"},{__cdata:"farming"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Youths"},{__cdata:"YouWIN"},{__cdata:"Zanau Hassan Maikasuwa"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:54:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/myme.jpg";s:6:"images";a:2:{s:54:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/myme.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:54:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/myme.jpg";s:5:"width";i:269;s:6:"height";i:318;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:85542;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}s:57:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/zanau11.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:57:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/zanau11.jpg";s:5:"width";i:300;s:6:"height";i:169;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:50700;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:2;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-11-04 23:11:02";}'}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"821"}}],comment:[{comment_id:674,comment_author:{__cdata:"maddeino"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"93.186.23.84",comment_date:"2012-11-09 15:55:03",comment_date_gmt:"2012-11-09 14:55:03",comment_content:{__cdata:"This is an example of the sort of stories we want to hear about Nigeria. Very encouraging interview."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1352472903.9893081188201904296875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1352477340"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1352477340.9889678955078125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-11-09 14:55:03"}}]},{comment_id:676,comment_author:{__cdata:"stanley"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.facebook.com/cosaquaculture",comment_author_IP:"62.152.6.75",comment_date:"2012-11-11 04:03:15",comment_date_gmt:"2012-11-11 03:03:15",comment_content:{__cdata:"you are on the right track, success does not come by chance. opportunities walk naked in front of us everyday, but you need to develop and equip yourself to be able to see and grab one.i think you have done your home work. BRAVO."}

1328,comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1352602995.542726993560791015625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1352605878"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1352605878.35184001922607421875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-11-11 03:03:15"}}]},{comment_id:683,comment_author:{__cdata:"Innovative business models in agriculture services - Curation"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://curation.thewhitelandscape.com/2012/11/innovative-business-models-in-agriculture-services/",comment_author_IP:"173.247.253.131",comment_date:"2012-11-14 06:32:46",comment_date_gmt:"2012-11-14 05:32:46",comment_content:{__cdata:"[...] Voices of Young African Entrepreneurs – Farmer Shares Business Tips [...]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1353115376"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1353115376.525454998016357421875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-11-14 05:32:46"}}]},{comment_id:669,comment_author:{__cdata:"Nwachukwu Onyeaso"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.budget247.com",comment_author_IP:"197.255.21.235",comment_date:"2012-11-06 08:27:18",comment_date_gmt:"2012-11-06 07:27:18",comment_content:{__cdata:`Very nice interview. I really enjoyed reading Zanau's story and learning that he was focused and passionate enough to determine to do whatever he could to launch his dream. I think that sort of "fire in the belly" is what personifies entrepreneurs. Great interview.`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1352186838.8450338840484619140625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1352199419"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1352199419.929173946380615234375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-11-06 07:27:18"}}]},{comment_id:670,comment_author:{__cdata:"victor"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.greenmousetech.com",comment_author_IP:"41.220.69.96",comment_date:"2012-11-06 14:34:52",comment_date_gmt:"2012-11-06 13:34:52",comment_content:{__cdata:"nice testimonies"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1352208892.4031250476837158203125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1352209170"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1352209170.4612200260162353515625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-11-06 13:34:52"}}]},{comment_id:671,comment_author:{__cdata:"Joez Eleka"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.206.15.18",comment_date:"2012-11-06 19:48:36",comment_date_gmt:"2012-11-06 18:48:36",comment_content:{__cdata:"This is a very inspiring piece, keep it up."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1352227716.53680706024169921875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1352227823"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1352227823.710011959075927734375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2012-11-06 18:48:36"}}]},{comment_id:3070,comment_author:{__cdata:"The AWP Network to Train Women Farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/06/24/the-awp-network-to-train-women-farmers-in-taraba-state-nigeria/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.38.25",comment_date:"2014-06-24 15:08:30",comment_date_gmt:"2014-06-24 14:08:30",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

13280;] this, we are happy to announce our partnership with locally based entrepreneur Zanau Hassan Maikusuwa, a seasoned farmer and CEO of Farmfields Agro-Allied Services. Zanau Hassan will coordinate and […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1403618910.7800810337066650390625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-06-24 14:08:31"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1403619396"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1403619396.67031097412109375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}}]},{comment_id:1648,comment_author:{__cdata:"I Want to Start A Business But I Have NO Money | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2013/11/19/i-want-to-start-a-business-but-i-have-no-money/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.81.188",comment_date:"2013-11-19 14:36:44",comment_date_gmt:"2013-11-19 13:36:44",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Zanau Hassan Maikasuwa, President of Farmfields Agro-Allied Services says, “so you say you don’t have money, start anyway. Money will come and you may get it when you can show your value proposition. Start small but do not plan to remain small. Look out for funding opportunities and tailor your business plan to meet various funding criteria. Nigeria is the land of opportunities despite challenges. The journey certainly will not be easy but it is worth the try. Also, look out for opportunities from the government and the private sector – find them and take advantage of them. The Nigerian government today creates and supports many initiatives, so be on the lookout. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1384869820"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1384869820.9153239727020263671875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-11-19 13:36:44"}}]},{comment_id:3066,comment_author:{__cdata:"Friday Aromeh Okoh"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"37.228.106.194",comment_date:"2014-06-24 01:45:22",comment_date_gmt:"2014-06-24 00:45:22",comment_content:{__cdata:"Thanks 4 ur enlightment u are a gud nigerian keep it up.i  have plan 2 open a farm as time goes on i wil be seeking idears 4rm u. Aromeh from Ankpa in kogi state."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-06-24 00:45:22"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1403618102"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1403570722.174089908599853515625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1403618102"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1403618103.1429960727691650390625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:8636,comment_author:{__cdata:"12 Young Entrepreneurs Who Make Me Feel Optimistic About Nigeria’s Future - Nigerian Young Professionals Forum"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.nypforum.org/12-young-entrepreneurs-make-feel-optimistic-nigerias-future/",comment_author_IP:"162.144.122.88",comment_date:"2016-05-04 11:21:44",comment_date_gmt:"2016-05-04 10:21:44",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

13280;] Zanau Hassan Maikasuwa is a seasoned farmer and founder of Farmfields Agro-Allied Services, which supports local farmers and agricultural investors dealing with all aspects of farming […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1462357305.7380230426788330078125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1462408738.7505500316619873046875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1462408738"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1462360954.723041057586669921875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:4947,comment_author:{__cdata:"AUSTINE OKON"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"197.211.37.179",comment_date:"2014-09-24 11:01:26",comment_date_gmt:"2014-09-24 10:01:26",comment_content:{__cdata:"i have been inspired to start something from somewhere with the available. thank you very much, i buy you vision"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1411552886.40662288665771484375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1411569891"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-09-24 10:01:27"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1411569891"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1411569892.0224459171295166015625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:4766,comment_author:{__cdata:"AWP Network Event: Agribusiness Forum for Women Farmers « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/14/awp-network-event-agribusiness-forum-for-women-farmers/",comment_author_IP:"66.135.48.142",comment_date:"2014-09-14 02:37:00",comment_date_gmt:"2014-09-14 01:37:00",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] in Taraba State, Nigeria. For this training session, AWP partnered with locally-based entrepreneur Zanau Hassan Maikusuwa, a seasoned farmer and CEO of Farmfields Agro-Allied […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1410803998"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1410803998.8747279644012451171875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-09-14 01:37:01"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1410658620.8544280529022216796875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}}]},{comment_id:8830,comment_author:{__cdata:"Nigerian Farmers"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"105.112.35.211",comment_date:"2016-10-20 10:38:23",comment_date_gmt:"2016-10-20 09:38:23",comment_content:{__cdata:'We are Nigerian farmers initiative that  helps to provide a transparent and efficient way of promoting Agro businesses. We also explore innovative avenues for Agro product distribution that eliminates middlemen, in other words this platform connects you directly to the consumers and gives the farmer a fair advantage in pricing their products without fear of goods going bad. We are currently collecting a list of mostly small and mid scale farms across Nigeria for supply opportunities. Please reply us via email [email protected] with a detailed information on your type of farming, location and contact number. You will be called by one of our representatives in your area within 72 hours for further discussion and inspection. You can also check out our Facebook Page and Instagram Page "Nigerian Farmers". Please contact us on 08160031271 for more information.'},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1476956305.8619349002838134765625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1476982217"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1476982218.1426160335540771484375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1476982217"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1476960617.370871067047119140625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:9399,comment_author:{__cdata:"Voices of Young African Entrepreneurs – Farmer Shares Business Tips – OAKMARGIN INTEGRATED"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"https://oakmargin.wordpress.com/2017/07/19/voices-of-young-african-entrepreneurs-farmer-shares-business-tips/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.89.58",comment_date:"2017-07-19 15:20:17",comment_date_gmt:"2017-07-19 14:20:17",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

13280;] Source: Voices of Young African Entrepreneurs – Farmer Shares Business Tips […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1500474018.0375831127166748046875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1501101376"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1501101376.8198258876800537109375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1500477828.4891579151153564453125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Program for Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/10/24/program-for-nigerian-women-entrepreneurs/",pubDate:"Tue, 23 Oct 2012 23:00:39 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=847",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The Goldman Sachs 10,000 women initiative in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Center at the Pan-African University is a global effort aimed at empowering 10,000 women in developing and emerging economies across the world. Every year, the program provides scholarships to underserved women - the package includes a Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management and follow-up services such as business advisory, consulting clinics, networking, and mentoring.
1329
1330The initiative is set to increase the pool of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.  The program is currently looking for qualified applicants <strong>before the deadline - the 30th of October, 2012</strong>.
1331
1332<strong>Selection Criteria</strong>:
1333- Company must be owned or managed by a woman,
1334- Should be a functional business (at least six (6) months in operation),
1335- Business must have at least five (5) employees,
1336- Business must have high growth potential,
1337- High local value added will be an advantage;
1338
1339Once the application form is submitted, short listed applicants will receive an invitation for an interview in the first week of November, 2012. The training (6 weeks over 5 months – typically one full week a month from Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm, WAT) will be in Abuja. The program  is set to begin begin February, 2013.
1340
1341For more information please visit <a title="www.edc.edu.ng" href="www.edc.edu.ng">www.edc.edu.ng</a>, or contact Nata – 07029201980/ Adeola on 08191151171.  Send completed applications: <a title="[email protected]" href="[email protected]">nojeme [at] pau.edu.ng</a>.
1342
1343Click here to learn more: <a title="http://edc.edu.ng/downloads/forms/WELAPPLICATIONFORM2011.doc" href="http://edc.edu.ng/downloads/forms/WELAPPLICATIONFORM2011.doc">http://edc.edu.ng/downloads/forms/WELAPPLICATIONFORM2011.doc</a>
1344
1345&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:847,post_date:"2012-10-24 00:00:39",post_date_gmt:"2012-10-23 23:00:39",post_modified:"2012-10-24 00:02:22",post_modified_gmt:"2012-10-23 23:02:22",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"program-for-nigerian-women-entrepreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Enterprise Development Center"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Goldman Sachs"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Pan-African University"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"women"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-10-23 23:02:22";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_55be8f4a3fcfe7a631b54d9f9fa23ac3",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:{comment_id:18745,comment_author:{__cdata:"Ogidan"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www%204sight.com.ng",comment_author_IP:"105.112.32.157",comment_date:"2020-08-31 14:41:32",comment_date_gmt:"2020-08-31 13:41:32",comment_content:{__cdata:"Good day, thank you for this opportunity. I would like to have my products on ShopRite shelfs."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1601565610"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1601565610"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1601565611.401618;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1598885457.525266;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1598881293.0089;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"FREE Business Education Webinar to Benefit Youths"}

1345,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/10/29/free-business-education-webinar-to-benefit-youths/",pubDate:"Sun, 28 Oct 2012 23:00:30 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=855",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The African Women Power (AWP) Network will continue with its FREE business education webinars developed exclusively for youths who want to become entrepreneurs. AWP touted for its unique ability to turn dreams into reality, carries out its mission through a small business blog that provides business education content with the purpose to empower and inspire African women and youth entrepreneurs.
1346
1347On <strong>Saturday, November 17, 2012 from 8am– 9am (EST) or 2pm–3pm (West African Time)</strong> the webinar entitled “Learn Why your Personal Development and Brand is Essential to your Business Growth” will be presented by personal development expert, Wale Adeniranye of SigniLife Consulting Limited.
1348
1349In this online business training program, you will learn why your personal brand and development is important to your business growth. Adeniranye states, “the better the individuals that makeup an organization become, the easier it is for the organization to achieve its business objectives.” Learning about the “why” is vital in knowing how to move your business ideas forward.
1350
1351Get your computer and your phones ready – you do NOT want to miss the opportunity to become the next big entrepreneur.
1352
1353<strong>REGISTER TODAY</strong> via <a title="https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8718685550319820544" href="https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8718685550319820544">https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8718685550319820544</a>
1354
1355enter webinar ID number: 104-565-419
1356
1357[caption id="attachment_856" align="alignnone" width="201"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/wale-adeniranye.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-856" title="Wale Adeniranye" alt="Wale Adeniranye of SigniLife Consulting Limited" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/wale-adeniranye.jpg?w=201" height="300" width="201" /></a> Wale Adeniranye[/caption]
1358
1359<strong>About Wale Adeniranye:</strong>
1360Wale Adeniranye is a personal development expert and President of SigniLife Consulting Limited. He graduated from the University of Ibadan with a Master degree in Economics. He began his career with the following banks: IBTC, NBM Bank Limited, Sterling Bank Plc, and the United Bank for Africa Plc. Adeniraye is a coach and mentor. He teaches people how to achieve harmonious success in career, business, and life.`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:855,post_date:"2012-10-29 00:00:30",post_date_gmt:"2012-10-28 23:00:30",post_modified:"2013-01-25 14:10:26",post_modified_gmt:"2013-01-25 13:10:26",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"free-business-education-webinar-to-benefit-youths",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Free Webinar"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Wale Adeniranye"},{__cdata:"youth"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:1:{s:65:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/wale-adeniranye.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:65:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/wale-adeniranye.jpg";s:5:"width";i:211;s:6:"height";i:314;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:66254;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:1;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-10-28 23:17:22";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_922d3f9b5c0e98bdb8163eba44ac39d9",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Webinar: Learn Why Your Personal Development and Brand are Essential to Your Business Growth"}

1360,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/11/17/webinar-learn-why-your-personal-development-and-brand-is-essential-to-your-business-growth/",pubDate:"Sat, 17 Nov 2012 15:04:19 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=873",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_856" align="alignleft" width="201"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/wale-adeniranye.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-856" title="Wale Adeniranye" alt="Wale Adeniranye of SigniLife Consulting Limited" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/wale-adeniranye.jpg?w=201" width="201" height="300" /></a> Wale Adeniranye[/caption]
1361
1362In this webinar, Wale Adeniranye, President and Founder of SigniLife Consulting Limited - shares strategies on how to develop your personal brand and achieve harmonious success in career, business, and life. Adeniranye is a personal development expert and graduated from the University of Ibadan with a Master's degree in Economics.
1363
1364Click <a title="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/2012-11-16-08-07-learn-why-your-personal-development-and-brand-is-essential-to-your-business-growth.wmv" href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/2012-11-16-08-07-learn-why-your-personal-development-and-brand-is-essential-to-your-business-growth.wmv" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong> </a>to listen to the webinar:
1365
1366<a title="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/2012-11-16-08-07-learn-why-your-personal-development-and-brand-is-essential-to-your-business-growth.wmv" href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/2012-11-16-08-07-learn-why-your-personal-development-and-brand-is-essential-to-your-business-growth.wmv" target="_blank">http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/2012-11-16-08-07-learn-why-your-personal-development-and-brand-is-essential-to-your-business-growth.wmv</a>
1367
1368<a title="http://videos.videopress.com/5mzTbyqK/2012-11-16-08-07-learn-why-your-personal-development-and-brand-is-essential-to-your-business-growth_fmt1.ogv" href="http://videos.videopress.com/5mzTbyqK/2012-11-16-08-07-learn-why-your-personal-development-and-brand-is-essential-to-your-business-growth_fmt1.ogv" target="_blank">http://videos.videopress.com/5mzTbyqK/2012-11-16-08-07-learn-why-your-personal-development-and-brand-is-essential-to-your-business-growth_fmt1.ogv</a>
1369
1370&nbsp;
1371
1372&nbsp;
1373
1374&nbsp;
1375
1376&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:873,post_date:"2012-11-17 16:04:19",post_date_gmt:"2012-11-17 15:04:19",post_modified:"2013-10-14 02:09:23",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 01:09:23",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"webinar-learn-why-your-personal-development-and-brand-is-essential-to-your-business-growth",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"brand"},{__cdata:"Business education"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"personal development"},{__cdata:"SigniLife Consulting"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Wale Adeniranye"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:1:{s:65:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/wale-adeniranye.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:65:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/wale-adeniranye.jpg";s:5:"width";i:211;s:6:"height";i:314;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:66254;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:1;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-11-17 15:04:19";}'}},{meta_key:"enclosure",meta_value:{__cdata:`http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/2012-11-16-08-07-learn-why-your-personal-development-and-brand-is-essential-to-your-business-growth.wmv
137738894876
1378video/asf
1379`}},{meta_key:"enclosure",meta_value:{__cdata:`http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/2012-11-16-08-07-learn-why-your-personal-development-and-brand-is-essential-to-your-business-growth.wmv
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1382`}},{meta_key:"enclosure",meta_value:{__cdata:`http://videos.videopress.com/5mzTbyqK/2012-11-16-08-07-learn-why-your-personal-development-and-brand-is-essential-to-your-business-growth_fmt1.ogv
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1385`}},{meta_key:"enclosure",meta_value:{__cdata:`http://videos.videopress.com/5mzTbyqK/2012-11-16-08-07-learn-why-your-personal-development-and-brand-is-essential-to-your-business-growth_fmt1.ogv
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1391`}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"856"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"From Harvard to Sierra Leone – CEO of Splash Mobile Money Finds His Path"}

1391,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/11/28/from-harvard-to-sierra-leone-ceo-of-splash-mobile-money-finds-his-path/",pubDate:"Wed, 28 Nov 2012 18:36:40 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=884",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_911" align="alignleft" width="213"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/daniel1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-911" alt="CEO of Splash Mobile Money" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/daniel1.jpg?w=213" width="213" height="300" /></a> CEO, Daniel Osei-Antwi[/caption]
1392
1393Chief Executive Officer of <strong>Splash Mobile Money</strong>, Daniel Osei-Antwi talks with the AWP Network about finding his path. Prior to joining his company, Daniel worked with Manocap - the first investor behind Splash. While there, he quickly became a strong believer in the exciting potential for mobile money platforms across Africa. Before moving to Sierra Leone, Daniel was an investment banker with Barclays Capital in New York, where he worked on mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A), restructuring, large debt and equity transactions for power and energy sector clients. Daniel holds a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Union College in Schenectady, NY and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
1394
1395<strong>What does your company do?</strong>
1396Splash Mobile Money lets consumers make financial transactions using their phones. What happens is that you go to a splash agent who converts your hard cash to splash cash in your phone. Then you can easily transfer this electronic money to another phone or make payments with a simple text message. A confirmation text message is sent to your phone (the sender) and to the recipient. The recipient can then go to another splash agent to exchange that electronic money for cash. The business started three years ago, but the concept has been around in other countries for a bit longer and promises to transform the financial landscape of the developing world and to change the lives of millions. For ordinary people in emerging markets, everyday transactions are painful, risky, and time-consuming – access to innovative and inexpensive financial tools and services are limited but mobile money can improve things dramatically.
1397
1398<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
1399Any individual or organization in Sierra Leone looking for easier ways to transfer money or make payments such as school fees, utility bills, salaries, loans, or any other kind of financial transactions.
1400
1401<strong>How did you get involved with this particular company?</strong>
1402The opportunity came up while I was on the investor side of the table to take over management and lead a turnaround after some early stage challenges. I strongly believe that mobile payment platforms are the future of financial services in Africa. Take this into account, there are about six (6) million people in Sierra Leone, two (2) million of them have phones, only 300,000 have bank accounts. There is a market for our service and we are properly positioned for growth.
1403
1404<strong>How have you financed the company?</strong>
1405The business started with equity funding from Manocap, the Soros Economic Development Fund, and a grant from the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund. I later added some savings and raised money from family and friends who believe in the vision.
1406&nbsp;
1407
1408<strong>What challenges have you faced since joining the company?</strong>
1409I can sum up the challenges in three parts. The first is <strong><em>behavioral</em></strong> – we are part of a movement to transform the financial landscape of the developing world. Now, the question here in Sierra Leone is: how do you move this population that is very heavily cash-based to trust in electronic money and use SMS-based payment platforms especially when the literacy rate is less than 35 percent?
1410
1411(2) <strong><em>Infrastructure</em></strong> – Africa needs the necessary infrastructure to support small business development and growth. Everything from skilled labor to institutional support to keeping the lights on. It’s hard to survive when you have to keep the generator running 14 hours a day.
1412
1413(3) <strong><em>Transparency</em></strong> - mobile money brings too much transparency into the system and some people don’t want that. It exposes inefficiencies – a heavily cash-based system hides flaws and supports corruption. The reality is that corrupt people do not want their transactions tracked.
1414
1415&nbsp;
1416
1417<strong>What inspired your move back to Africa?</strong>
1418I have always wanted to move back. After more than 10 years in the United States, I started telling my friends that I would go to the World Cup in South Africa and not leave the continent – so that’s exactly what I did. Being on ground is extremely gratifying and I have never regretted it.  So far we have about eighty (80) employees most of whom are focused on educating people on the street and registering clients - this I believe, is a significant contribution to economic development.
1419
1420<strong>What is next for your company?</strong>
1421Our growth strategy is to (1) set up more agents and micro franchising opportunities for micro entrepreneurs. (2) Expand beyond Sierra Leone. Our five-year plan is to be in at least six (6) countries in West Africa. What we have done is built an ecosystem and developed relationships with various partners. We have established strong corporate partnerships with companies so that they can use our mobile platform to the pay salaries of their employees. Corporate partnerships also help us to establish credibility. We will continue to build these partnerships and foster relationships with banks to encourage their consumers to make use of our platform to pay back loans. We want to make life easier for everyone. Lastly, we have a plan to target rural areas where we can bring more unbanked people into the formal banking system. Our cross-network relationship with telecommunication operators is what sets us apart.
1422
1423&nbsp;
1424
1425<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start a business?</strong>
1426
1427<em><strong>Find your passion.</strong> </em>Do something that you are passionate about – when you are passionate, it won’t feel like work. In places like Sierra Leone, it is not easy to navigate through the hurdles. Something that should take two weeks will often take four to six months. You need to remind yourself of your vision and look beyond the frustration.
1428
1429• Have a strong financial cushion – adjust your lifestyle should you need to.
1430• Have mentors and advisors familiar with your business terrain. If you want to operate in Africa, identify folks with business experience in that part of the world.
1431• Be willing to learn
1432• Do not repeat mistakes – see what others are doing and learn from them.
1433
1434<strong>What key things have you learned since starting your entrepreneurial journey?</strong>
1435I am learning more about my leadership style. It is important that leaders know their particular leadership style. They need to know this so that they can attract the right teammates. Also, it is vital to know how to be a leader and learn how to rally people around you. No matter how big your dream is, you cannot execute it by yourself. People skills are very important and you need to learn how to influence and inspire people. You have to know how to work with others so that you can produce results. I have also learned the importance of record-keeping, book-keeping, and due diligence.
1436
1437<strong>How does your company deal with fraud?</strong>
1438Our company is very transparent. It is important that we keep the accounts of our customers safe. We use pin numbers and have extensive identification procedures to ensure that your information is protected and that the money gets into the right hands.
1439
1440<strong>Things to remember as an entrepreneur</strong>:
14411. People Matter – people are more important than your idea. No matter how great the idea is, you need the right people and team around you.
14422. It can be very lonely at the top.
14433. Learn how to turn pain and challenges into opportunities. The more painful the experience, the easier it is to get customers.
14444. Money is important – use your own money to prove a concept before finding investors. Raise money from those who believe in y

1444ou and your vision. Start with family and friends.
14455. Start small – demonstrate your ability to know how to properly execute before expanding.
14466. Your spiritual life matters: learn to draw on a greater power than you. You’ll need it often.
1447
1448 
1449
1450Learn more about Splash:
1451<strong>Website</strong>:  <a title="www.splash-cash.com" href="www.splash-cash.com">www.splash-cash.com</a>
1452<strong>Email</strong>:  <a title="[email protected]" href="[email protected]">[email protected]</a>
1453
1454&nbsp;
1455
1456&nbsp;
1457
1458&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:884,post_date:"2012-11-28 19:36:40",post_date_gmt:"2012-11-28 18:36:40",post_modified:"2013-10-14 02:18:53",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 01:18:53",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"from-harvard-to-sierra-leone-ceo-of-splash-mobile-money-finds-his-path",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"Daniel Osei-Antwi"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"partnerships"},{__cdata:"Splash Mobile Money"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"911"}}],comment:[{comment_id:1647,comment_author:{__cdata:"I Want to Start A Business But I Have NO Money | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2013/11/19/i-want-to-start-a-business-but-i-have-no-money/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.81.188",comment_date:"2013-11-19 14:36:42",comment_date_gmt:"2013-11-19 13:36:42",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] MBA graduate and Sierra Leone based entrepreneur Daniel Osei-Antwi says: I believe that young people should take the time to find their passion. When you find [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1384869821"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1384869822.324820041656494140625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-11-19 13:36:42"}}]},{comment_id:7700,comment_author:{__cdata:"Tamba Fengai Ndomaina"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.223.132.72",comment_date:"2015-12-19 05:15:45",comment_date_gmt:"2015-12-19 04:15:45",comment_content:{__cdata:"Am agent of splash Aberdeen Freetown . Splash aim and objective for Africa sierra Leone is very nice ,with the helps of splash In sierra Leone has help greatly In the area of transaction like doing payment such as paying utility bill like NPA, DSTV and others bills also help payment of salaries and other kind of financial transaction, one thing i like splash  for it make transaction easy and cheap but there are some challenges lack of wide areas location In the rural areas and within town . I  learn so many things been wrote  by the CEO as a young entrepreneur . I like the advise for the youth because as a young man persevering for success In business need it all. Thanks for such thought long live splash and management team."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1450715437"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1450715438.2195169925689697265625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1450502938.4520781040191650390625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1450715437"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1450498546.3718020915985107421875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Voices of Young African Entrepreneurs: YouWin Nigeria Award Winner Shares His Dream for the Mining Industry"}

1458,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2012/12/07/voices-of-young-african-entrepreneurs-youwin-nigeria-award-winner-shares-his-dream-for-the-mining-industry/",pubDate:"Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:36:12 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=915",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_916" align="alignleft" width="125"]<a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/12/07/voices-of-young-african-entrepreneurs-youwin-nigeria-award-winner-shares-his-dream-for-the-mining-industry/sony-dsc/" rel="attachment wp-att-916"><img class=" wp-image-916 " src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/passport_photo_peter_resize.jpg" alt="CEO, BayRoyal International Ltd" width="125" height="184" /></a> CEO, BayRoyal International Ltd[/caption]
1459
1460Peter Owoeye,<strong> CEO of BayRoyal International Limited</strong> and YouWin Award winner discusses his company’s role within the mining industry in Nigeria. YouWIN (Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria) is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communication Technology, and the Ministry of Youth Development. These ministries launched an annual business plan competition to assist young entrepreneurs in obtaining start-up or expansion capital. The underlying goal of the program is to spark job creation in the country. The Nigeria Ministry of Youth Development documents 68 million jobless youths and in response to the high unemployment rate, the government launched the YouWin program.
1461
1462<strong>What does your company do?</strong>
1463My company extracts and exports on a small-scale, non-ferrous metals such as lead ore and zinc ore and precious metals: tin ore and columbite - the ore of niobium. Right now, we supply in small quantities to middlemen – manufacturers and factories use our products. Most of our customers are based in China.
1464
1465<strong>How do you meet them</strong>?
1466We do a lot of business on LinkedIn and through trading websites.
1467
1468<strong>How does this process work?</strong>
1469It is not as complicated as you might think. We have structured trading lines and clear expectations from both parties. It is quite easy to do business with us. We are very transparent and banking transactions are done online.
1470
1471We serve as a major reference point in the supply chain. We work in Jos and Lagos. My dream for my company is to export in large quantities these metallic ores. The mining industry is underdeveloped, and Nigeria imports minerals it could refine locally. I would like to see the mining industry develop to a competitive standard that can attract foreign partners, investments, and expertise.
1472
1473&nbsp;
1474
1475<strong>How is it operating a business in Jos?</strong>
1476What I experience in Jos is very different from what the media portrays. Businesses here in Jos are thriving and surviving. Violence is away from commercial activities. Jos if you don’t know is the center of mining activities in Nigeria. As a result of the mining boom in Jos, many young men like myself became involved in the industry informally. Jos also has the largest pool of locally trained mine workers. The mining industry is not the easiest place to be in. The industry is labor intensive and costly. We struggle with the ability to export the ores in large quantities as we cannot afford the heavy machinery needed to do the work efficiently. We depend heavily on manual labor which can be very tedious.
1477
1478I give credit to Oby Ezekwesili. She was influential in helping young people like myself break into the industry. She helped to transform the process when she served as the Federal Minister of Solid Minerals, a position she held for one year. During her time as Minister of Solid Minerals, Oby Ezekwesili worked hard to reform Nigeria’s mining sector, bringing it up to international standards and making it a globally attractive location for credible mining investments.
1479
1480<strong>What motivated you to apply for the YouWin program?</strong>
1481I learned about the program through Nairaland.com. An online moniker named “Beaf” provided the information so I applied. The process was simple, open, and transparent.  I have received the first installment of the prize money through Zenith Bank. The money is awarded to winners as they reach certain milestones. My company will use the money to hire staff and buy machines.
1482
1483<strong>How have you financed your business so far?</strong>
1484I used my personal savings. I have also received some financial support from family and friends. Most banks do not offer financing to young entrepreneurs so it is quite difficult to expand.
1485
1486<strong>How many employees do you have?</strong>
1487I have six (6) staff members and plan to hire nine (9) more. We also have close to 30 part-time employees. The industry is very labor intensive so we need more staff.
1488
1489<strong>What challenges do you face as a small business owner in Nigeria?</strong>

1490• Infrastructural constraints (bad or non-existent roads, no water, no electricity).
1491• Transportation can be expensive (paying for fuel, trucks and trailers also delay in the delivery time - this maybe due to bad roads and traffic congestion).
1492• Difficult access to financing.
1493• Most employees also lack the necessary skills set and are not proactive – you constantly need to supervise and tell them what to do.
1494
1495<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start a business?</strong>
14961. Believe in yourself.
14972. Take action - stop waiting for non-existent jobs.
14983. Proactively seek opportunities and take advantage of them.
1499
1500<strong>What three things have you learned since starting your business?</strong>
15011. To succeed, you have to be resilient.
15022. Look less at the problem but find the opportunity. In every set back, there is a lesson to learn.
15033. I have learned to separate personal finance from business finance.
1504
1505&nbsp;
1506
1507&nbsp;
1508
1509[caption id="attachment_918" align="alignnone" width="635"]<a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/12/07/voices-of-young-african-entrepreneurs-youwin-nigeria-award-winner-shares-his-dream-for-the-mining-industry/usman_busy_zincmine/" rel="attachment wp-att-918"><img class="wp-image-918 size-large" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/usman_busy_zincmine.jpg?w=635" alt="Staff at work " width="635" height="476" /></a> Staff at work[/caption]
1510
1511[caption id="attachment_917" align="alignnone" width="635"]<a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/12/07/voices-of-young-african-entrepreneurs-youwin-nigeria-award-winner-shares-his-dream-for-the-mining-industry/nasarawa_lead/" rel="attachment wp-att-917"><img class="wp-image-917 size-large" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/nasarawa_lead.jpg?w=635" alt="Staff at work " width="635" height="476" /></a> Staff at work[/caption]
1512
1513<strong>Contact</strong>:
1514Peter Owoeye holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Jos.
1515<strong>Website</strong>: <a title="http://www.bayroyal.com.ng" href="http://www.bayroyal.com.ng" target="_blank">www.bayroyal.com.ng</a>
1516<strong>Email</strong>: peter.owoeye [at] gmail.com
1517
1518&nbsp;
1519
1520&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:915,post_date:"2012-12-07 17:36:12",post_date_gmt:"2012-12-07 16:36:12",post_modified:"2014-08-08 19:50:29",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 18:50:29",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"voices-of-young-african-entrepreneurs-youwin-nigeria-award-winner-shares-his-dream-for-the-mining-industry",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Jobs"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Mining"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Peter Owoeye"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Youths"},{__cdata:"YouWIN"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:63:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/nasarawa_lead.jpg";s:6:"images";a:3:{s:77:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/passport_photo_peter_resize.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:77:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/passport_photo_peter_resize.jpg";s:5:"width";i:131;s:6:"height";i:194;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:25414;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}s:69:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/usman_busy_zincmine.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:69:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/usman_busy_zincmine.jpg";s:5:"width";i:1024;s:6:"height";i:768;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:786432;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}s:63:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/nasarawa_lead.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:63:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/nasarawa_lead.jpg";s:5:"width";i:1024;s:6:"height";i:768;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:786432;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:3;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2012-12-07 16:36:13";}'}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"916"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:1307,comment_author:{__cdata:"Kenny"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"197.210.248.64",comment_date:"2013-09-19 10:51:14",comment_date_gmt:"2013-09-19 09:51:14",comment_content:{__cdata:"I wil like to know y

1520ou. I am into supply of granites and i want to start mining products that i wil not need electricity. Just mine and export. My numbers are 08022442278, 07032322020. Tx"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1379584275.0475749969482421875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1379636285.7874100208282470703125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1379636285"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-09-19 09:51:14"}}]},{comment_id:1649,comment_author:{__cdata:"I Want to Start A Business But I Have NO Money | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2013/11/19/i-want-to-start-a-business-but-i-have-no-money/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.81.188",comment_date:"2013-11-19 14:36:46",comment_date_gmt:"2013-11-19 13:36:46",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Peter Owoeye, CEO of BayRoyal International Limited – a mining company states, “I do not see money as an obstacle. The issue is that young Africans, don’t believe in themselves. So my advice is this: Believe in yourself first, take action second, then worry about money.” [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1384869815"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1384869815.7994110584259033203125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-11-19 13:36:46"}}]},{comment_id:8202,comment_author:{__cdata:"bature mandic"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"141.0.12.229",comment_date:"2016-02-17 07:18:24",comment_date_gmt:"2016-02-17 06:18:24",comment_content:{__cdata:"its a nice work you are doing.more grease to your elbows"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1455689905.7281849384307861328125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1455738066"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1455693850.85894298553466796875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1455738066"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1455738067.03526592254638671875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply for the Technology Innovation Program "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/01/25/apply-for-the-technology-innovation-program/",pubDate:"Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:42:00 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=963",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The Nigerian Ministry of Communication Technology has launched a Technology Innovation Program called <em><strong>Techlaunchpad</strong></em> to accelerate the access to market for the local software developers in Nigeria. With <strong>venture capital fund of $15 million </strong> (from both government and private investors) to support this program and the other Incubation programs in Nigeria, the Ministry is poised to work with the private sector to accelerate the development of the local software industry.
1521
1522Techlaunchpad - as an IT Accelerator - is a collaboration between the Ministry of Communication Technology and industry partners to nurture and develop software entrepreneurs/developers who have a vision to build successful software companies that support the Nigerian sectors such as financial services and oil and gas industry. The program partners include Chevron, ExxonMobil, Total, Shell, First Bank, Access Bank, Accenture, Digital Jewel and others.
1523
1524<strong>Who Can Apply:</strong>
1525     •	Existing, new and aspiring software developers (company or individuals),
1526     •	Participants must be Nigerian citizens,
1527     •	Participants must be of a minimum of 18 years,
1528     •	Participants must be available in Nigeria throughout the duration of the program,
1529     •	Participants with business entities must be registered in Nigeria with a minimum of 51% local equity (i.e.. At least 51% of the company should be owned by Nigerians).
1530

1531The deadline for applications for the first round is <strong>11:59pm on February 24th 2013</strong>
1532
1533To apply, complete the online application form. Please read instructions carefully. 
1534Click <a href="http://techlaunchpad.com.ng/application" title="http://techlaunchpad.com.ng/application"><strong>here</strong> </a>to apply: <a href="http://techlaunchpad.com.ng/application" title="http://techlaunchpad.com.ng/application" target="_blank">http://techlaunchpad.com.ng/application</a>
1535
1536
1537
1538
1539`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:963,post_date:"2013-01-25 11:42:00",post_date_gmt:"2013-01-25 10:42:00",post_modified:"2013-02-13 19:00:15",post_modified_gmt:"2013-02-13 18:00:15",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-for-the-technology-innovation-program",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"accountability"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"software development"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-01-25 10:42:00";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_938e330e9f3ce672419c5e0c3eaee925",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_bef4e4c92bd8753ae22edbe1c697c154",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Become a TechWoman"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/02/01/become-a-techwoman/",pubDate:"Thu, 31 Jan 2013 23:00:01 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=999",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>TechWomen</strong> is accepting applications for the 2013 program from women who are permanent residents of Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia, Yemen and Zimbabwe.
1540
1541Eligible TechWomen participants are women who are engaged or rising in professional careers that require significant expertise and knowledge of STEM fields and/or innovative application of these skills, and who already are –or show promise of being—role models for women and girls.
1542<strong>
1543Eligibility Requirements</strong>
1544
1545    •	Be a woman with a minimum of two years of full-time professional experience in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields and/or a career requiring significant expertise/knowledge/application of technology;
1546
1547    •	Have a university degree;
1548
1549    •	Be citizens or permanent residents of Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia, Yemen or Zimbabwe at the time of application, and while participating in the program;
1550
1551    •	Not have applied for an immigrant visa to the United States, or participated in a visa lottery in the past five years;
1552
1553    •	Be able to obtain a U.S. visa;
1554
1555    •	Not hold U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. legal permanent resident.
1556
1557<strong>Application deadline: February 22nd, 2013</strong>
1558
1559If you have questions about the program, or the application process, please contact us at <a title="[email protected]" href="[email protected]">[email protected]</a> or Tel: +1-415-362-6520 (Ext. 257)
1560
1561Click <a href="https://www.techwomen.org/application/" title="https://www.techwomen.org/application/"><strong>here</strong></a> to learn more: <a title="https://www.techwomen.org/application/" href="https://www.techwomen.org/application/" target="_blank">https://www.techwomen.org/application/</a>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:999,post_date:"2013-02-01 00:00:01",post_date_gmt:"2013-01-31 23:00:01",post_modified:"2013-02-13 18:49:02",post_modified_gmt:"2013-02-13 17:49:02",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"become-a-techwoman",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"women"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-01-25 14:44:46";}'}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_2cc2e88af693a29e3567e4ac486627b6",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_04746b42405e3fb0b741627283892875",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply Now for the Google Science Fair"}

1561,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/02/09/apply-now-for-the-google-science-fair/",pubDate:"Fri, 08 Feb 2013 23:00:02 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1009",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The Google Science Fair is an online science competition open to students ages 13-18 from around the globe. We are looking for ideas that will change the world. To get started, all you will need is a Google account.
1562
1563The Grand Prize includes a 10-day trip to the Galapagos Islands with National Geographic Expeditions and $50,000 in scholarship funding - and it will truly change your life.
1564
1565Click <a href="https://www.googlesciencefair.com/en/2013/" title="https://www.googlesciencefair.com/en/2013/" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a> to get started: <a href="https://www.googlesciencefair.com/en/2013/" title="https://www.googlesciencefair.com/en/2013/">https://www.googlesciencefair.com/en/2013/</a>
1566`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1009,post_date:"2013-02-09 00:00:02",post_date_gmt:"2013-02-08 23:00:02",post_modified:"2013-02-13 18:50:19",post_modified_gmt:"2013-02-13 17:50:19",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-now-for-the-google-science-fair",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Google"},{__cdata:"science"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-02-05 14:36:14";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_35aec51a009a05402aa6601a3c209b73",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_d4ed9d25a16e4460d196ae1ef7dfedaf",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"2013 Women Entrepreneurs in the Digital News Frontier Grant Program"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/02/05/2013-women-entrepreneurs-in-the-digital-news-frontier-grant-program/",pubDate:"Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:04:02 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1014",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The International Women's Media Foundation will award three $20,000 grants to entrepreneurial women journalists proposing to use digital media in innovative ways to deliver the news.
1567
1568<strong>Deadline EXTENDED: February 08, 2013 </strong>
1569
1570Limited access to capital and training threaten women’s full participation as entrepreneurs in the digital news media. The IWMF’s Women Entrepreneurs in the Digital News Frontier grant program, funded by the Ford Foundation, tackles this disparity head on by combating these twin obstacles.
1571
1572Since 2011, six Women Entrepreneurs in the Digital News Frontier grants of $20,000 each have been awarded to women journalists seeking to launch their own innovative digital media startups. Grantees also receive ongoing pro-bono coaching to support their work. 
1573
1574Applicants can be full-time, part-time or freelance women news media professionals based in the U.S. Funding is available for startups only. Personal blogs and one-time documentary projects will not be considered. 
1575
1576Click <a href="http://iwmf.org/pioneering-change/women-entrepreneurs-in-the-digital-news-frontier.aspx" title="http://iwmf.org/pioneering-change/women-entrepreneurs-in-the-digital-news-frontier.aspx" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a> to learn more: <a href="http://iwmf.org/pioneering-change/women-entrepreneurs-in-the-digital-news-frontier.aspx" title="http://iwmf.org/pioneering-change/women-entrepreneurs-in-the-digital-news-frontier.aspx" target="_blank">http://iwmf.org/pioneering-change/women-entrepreneurs-in-the-digital-news-frontier.aspx</a>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1014,post_date:"2013-02-05 15:04:02",post_date_gmt:"2013-02-05 14:04:02",post_modified:"2013-02-05 15:04:02",post_modified_gmt:"2013-02-05 14:04:02",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"2013-women-entrepreneurs-in-the-digital-news-frontier-grant-program",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:{__cdata:"Events"},postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-02-05 14:04:02";}'}}]},{title:{__cdata:"The 2013 Anzisha Prize - $75,000 Prize for Young African Entrepreneurs"}

1576,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/02/14/the-2013-anzisha-prize-75000-prize-for-young-african-entrepreneurs/",pubDate:"Wed, 13 Feb 2013 23:00:21 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1019",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The Anzisha Prize is the premier award for African entrepreneurs aged 15-22 who have developed and implemented innovative businesses or solutions that have a positive impact on their communities. The Anzisha Prize is an initiative of the African Leadership Academy’s Centre for Entrepreneurial Leadership in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation.
1577
1578Application Deadline: <strong>April 1st 2013.</strong>
1579
1580<strong>Eligibility</strong>:
1581
1582•	Applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 22.
1583•	Innovations in all fields (science and technology, civil society, arts and culture, sports, etc.)
1584•	Some projects are carried out by small groups or teams that see themselves as equal. Should this be the case with your project, the primary initiator who assembled the project team should apply for the prize on behalf of the group. Should the group be named a finalist, only the primary initiator of the winning group will attend the workshop in South Africa, though winnings may be shared amongst the group.
1585
1586<strong>Prize:</strong>
1587
1588Finalists will travel to South Africa for a week-long entrepreneurial conference and stand to collectively win $75,000 in cash prizes, as well as access to lifelong mentorship that can be provided by Anzisha Prize’s vast network of individual partners, organizations, and youth leaders.
1589
1590Click <a href="http://www.anzishaprize.org/apply/" title="http://www.anzishaprize.org/apply/"><strong>here</strong></a> to apply:<a href="http://www.anzishaprize.org/apply/" title="http://www.anzishaprize.org/apply/" target="_blank"></a>http://www.anzishaprize.org/apply/
1591
1592`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1019,post_date:"2013-02-14 00:00:21",post_date_gmt:"2013-02-13 23:00:21",post_modified:"2013-02-13 19:01:40",post_modified_gmt:"2013-02-13 18:01:40",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-2013-anzisha-prize-75000-prize-for-young-african-entrepreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"anzisha prize"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"mentorship"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"youth"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-02-13 18:01:40";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_c8b6992603d5d80e9b957b7de9071c7a",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Moremi Initiative: 2013 Leadership Program for Young African Women"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/02/18/moremi-initiative-2013-leadership-program-for-young-african-women/",pubDate:"Sun, 17 Feb 2013 23:00:14 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1042",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The Moremi Initiative for Women's Leadership in Africa is pleased to announce its annual call for applications for the 2013 Moremi Leadership Empowerment and Development (MILEAD) Fellows Program. Applications are welcome from young African women ages 19 – 25, living in Africa and the Diaspora.
1593
1594The MILEAD Fellows Program is a long-term leadership development program designed to identify, develop and promote emerging young African Women leaders to attain and thrive in leadership in their community and Africa as a whole. The program targets dynamic young women interested in developing transformational leadership skills that help them address issues facing women and girls across communities in Africa. The MILEAD Program equips fellows with the world class knowledge, skills, values and networks they need to succeed as 21st century women leaders. The MILEAD Fellowship will be awarded to 25 outstanding young women who have exhibited leadership potential in their community, organization, and/or profession. 
1595
1596Application Deadline: <strong>March 15, 2013 </strong>
1597
1598<strong>Eligibility: </strong>
1599
1600     •	Applicant must be African, living on the continent or in the Diaspora; 
1601     •	Must agree to participate in all required activities related to MILEAD – beginning with a three-week residential Summer Institute in Ghana; and commit to a community change project.
1602
1603Click <a href="http://www.moremiinitiative.org/2013-applications" title="http://www.moremiinitiative.org/2013-applications"><strong>here</strong></a> to apply: <a href="http://www.moremiinitiative.org/2013-applications" title="http://www.moremiinitiative.org/2013-applications" target="_blank">http://www.moremiinitiative.org/2013-applications
1604</a>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1042,post_date:"2013-02-18 00:00:14",post_date_gmt:"2013-02-17 23:00:14",post_modified:"2013-02-13 19:48:14",post_modified_gmt:"2013-02-13 18:48:14",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"moremi-initiative-2013-leadership-program-for-young-african-women",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-02-13 18:48:14";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_8015538cbbf4c709bf9c226fec900248",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:{comment_id:1065,comment_author:{__cdata:"fidelis e, minja"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"196.46.109.188",comment_date:"2013-06-19 15:42:22",comment_date_gmt:"2013-06-19 14:42:22",comment_content:{__cdata:"I want to join Young Afrcan Leaders Initiative , How can you help i"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1371652943.9215641021728515625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1371831676"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1371831677.110560894012451171875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-06-19 14:42:22"}}]}}

1604,{title:{__cdata:"$20,000 in Funding for Women Entrepreneurs"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/02/22/20000-in-funding-for-women-entrepreneurs/",pubDate:"Thu, 21 Feb 2013 23:00:05 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1048",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The Cartier Women's Initiative Awards are an international business plan competition created in 2006 by Cartier, the Women's Forum, McKinsey & Company, and INSEAD business school to identify, support, and encourage projects by women entrepreneurs. The Cartier Women’s Initiative Award is looking for committed female entrepreneurs heading initiatives with the potential to grow significantly in the years to come. 
1605
1606The selection of the finalists and laureates of the competition is done by an independent international jury of entrepreneurs, investors, business executives and other profiles engaged in the support of female entrepreneurship. The Cartier Women’s Initiative Award offers funding, coaching, networking opportunities and exposure. It is a unique opportunity for early-phase women entrepreneurs to take their companies to the next level.
1607
1608Winners will receive US $20,000 in funding. The full year of coaching focuses primarily on business development.
1609
1610Application Deadline: <strong>March 8 2013</strong>. 
1611
1612Click <a href="http://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/how-to-apply" title="http://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/how-to-apply"><strong>here</strong></a> to apply: <a href="http://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/how-to-apply" title="http://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/how-to-apply" target="_blank">http://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/how-to-apply</a>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1048,post_date:"2013-02-22 00:00:05",post_date_gmt:"2013-02-21 23:00:05",post_modified:"2013-02-14 19:29:47",post_modified_gmt:"2013-02-14 18:29:47",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"20000-in-funding-for-women-entrepreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"coaching"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"youth"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-02-14 18:29:47";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_7f0ea8e604065af034065a236cc7261d",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"International Reporters features the AWP Network"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/02/26/international-reporters-features-the-awp-network/",pubDate:"Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:00:22 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1054",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Mary Olushoga is the founder of the African Women Power (AWP) Network, an enterprise recently given distinction at the World Summit Youth Award (WSYA) 2012. Through AWP, Mary supports and consults young Africans interested in starting a business. We met her at the WSYA ceremony in Canada and asked her about her passion to support African women entrepreneurs.
1613
1614
1615<strong>What is the AWP Network and how did you come to start it?</strong>
1616The African Women Power (AWP) network is a credible platform that showcases the business challenges and success stories of African women and youth entrepreneurs. The big picture goal is to promote a positive image of Africa. The AWP network began with a tweet in 2011. I started simply by tweeting out business related information like sources of funding. To date, I have over 500 followers. It began with the idea to provide business related content to African entrepreneurs anywhere in the world, with a particular focus on women and youths. Not long after I started, I was invited to speak on BBC about the fuel subsidy strike in Nigeria and since then, things have really taken off – in a good way.
1617
1618With the exposure, I felt something was right. I began to think about how to expand beyond twitter, so I started a wordpress blog (awpnetwork.com) that would feature and profile African women and youth entrepreneurs both in the U.S. and throughout the continent. It has been a very exciting year. 
1619
1620The whole idea of AWP began after working in the small business industry for a number of years. I saw how business support services could really help entrepreneurs grow and expand. I know that Africa has a different set of challenges than the U.S., but I think that free and available business support services would immensely help the small business industry. African women have always been entrepreneurial, so I am not promoting anything new - I think that supporting them can help some to grow and expand quickly, which in turn, will enable them to hire and create jobs for the unemployed. 
1621
1622Click <a href="http://www.internationalreporters.org/node/295" title="http://www.internationalreporters.org/node/295" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong> </a>to read more: <a href="http://www.internationalreporters.org/node/295" title="http://www.internationalreporters.org/node/295">http://www.internationalreporters.org/node/295</a>
1623`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1054,post_date:"2013-02-26 00:00:22",post_date_gmt:"2013-02-25 23:00:22",post_modified:"2013-02-16 06:35:19",post_modified_gmt:"2013-02-16 05:35:19",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"international-reporters-features-the-awp-network",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business growth"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Interview"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"making a difference"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"women"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_4cef2bc022622d506b702e23838a75dc",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"I Love Being A Girl Blog talks with the AWP Network"}

1623,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/03/01/i-love-being-a-girl-blog-talks-with-the-awp-network/",pubDate:"Thu, 28 Feb 2013 23:00:47 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1080",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>What is the AWP Network about? </strong>
1624Awpnetwork.com is a small business blog that provides business education content and showcases the work of African women and youth entrepreneurs. It is our goal to tell their entrepreneurial stories, discuss the business challenges and successes. As a start-up organization, we are proud to say that we have engaged over 150 entrepreneurs through our online trainings and webinars. Participants signed in from Lagos, Abuja, and throughout the United States. 
1625
1626Webinar topics were selected based on small business trends and included conversations regarding (1) how to use mobile technology to start, expand, and move business ideas forward (2) how to use marketing, branding, and PR tools to start, grow, and expand business ideas and (3) how to build one's personal development brand. Based on the feedback that we recieved, participants found these topics very useful. The AWP Network will continue to provide small business support services to help African women and youth entrepreneurs be better positioned for success.
1627
1628Click <strong><a href="http://iheartbeingagirl.blogspot.com/2012/12/wsya-power-2-women-african-women-power.html" title="http://iheartbeingagirl.blogspot.com/2012/12/wsya-power-2-women-african-women-power.html" target="_blank">here</a></strong> to read the interview:<a href="http://iheartbeingagirl.blogspot.com/2012/12/wsya-power-2-women-african-women-power.html" title="http://iheartbeingagirl.blogspot.com/2012/12/wsya-power-2-women-african-women-power.html"> http://iheartbeingagirl.blogspot.com/2012/12/wsya-power-2-women-african-women-power.html</a>
1629`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1080,post_date:"2013-03-01 00:00:47",post_date_gmt:"2013-02-28 23:00:47",post_modified:"2013-02-16 07:05:42",post_modified_gmt:"2013-02-16 06:05:42",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"i-love-being-a-girl-blog-talks-with-the-awp-network",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Interview"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_ef21e219349b98c4b4005f87a4442119",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_0c5999d5b3c0505f4ffb61b5f0d69fb2",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"AWP Network Selected for the Apps4Africa Challenge"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/03/05/the-awp-network-listed-in-the-apps4africa-challenge/",pubDate:"Mon, 04 Mar 2013 23:00:30 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1099",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Appfrica and the U.S. Department of State, with the support of the World Bank, would like to extend our congratulations to innovations that have been selected for the Apps4Africa 2012 Competition! 
1630
1631Click <strong><a href="http://blog.apps4africa.org/tag/u-s-department-of-state/" title="http://blog.apps4africa.org/tag/u-s-department-of-state/" target="_blank">here</a></strong> to learn more: <a href="http://blog.apps4africa.org/tag/u-s-department-of-state/" title="http://blog.apps4africa.org/tag/u-s-department-of-state/">http://blog.apps4africa.org/tag/u-s-department-of-state/</a>
1632`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1099,post_date:"2013-03-05 00:00:30",post_date_gmt:"2013-03-04 23:00:30",post_modified:"2013-02-16 07:22:37",post_modified_gmt:"2013-02-16 06:22:37",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-listed-in-the-apps4africa-challenge",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Appfrica"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"technology"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-02-16 06:22:37";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_48fd1777a8dcdae6f6de4c932857516f",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_7426a92451c5b46687bb00a788de6cdd",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Improve Lives with $40,000 prize"}

1632,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/03/08/improve-lives-with-40000-prize/",pubDate:"Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:00:59 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1107",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The Hitachi Foundation is committed to finding and investing in young leaders who want to succeed and take their communities with them. We are in search of America's newest generation of entrepreneurs whose businesses are about making a living and making a difference.
1633
1634The Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs Program identifies and supports inspiring young entrepreneurs whose work helps alleviate domestic poverty. This competitive program is open to entrepreneurs who are operating viable businesses in the United States with the dual purpose of making a difference and making a living. Eligible entrepreneurs must have launched their business before they reached age 30 and business must be between one and five years old. 
1635
1636In addition to a $40,000 grant, we provide awardees the ingredients they need to succeed, including leadership development, business mentoring, technical assistance and access to a network of peers and advisers. With our support and the support of our partner organizations — including Investors' Circle, Social Venture Network, B Lab, and PICnet — these individuals can take their work and communities to the next level.
1637
1638Click <strong><a href="http://www.hitachifoundation.org/our-work/yoshiyama-young-entrepreneurs-program/application/apply-now" title="http://www.hitachifoundation.org/our-work/yoshiyama-young-entrepreneurs-program/application/apply-now" target="_blank">here</a></strong> to apply: http://www.hitachifoundation.org/our-work/yoshiyama-young-entrepreneurs-program/application/apply-now
1639
1640
1641
1642
1643`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1107,post_date:"2013-03-08 00:00:59",post_date_gmt:"2013-03-07 23:00:59",post_modified:"2013-03-05 04:19:50",post_modified_gmt:"2013-03-05 03:19:50",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"improve-lives-with-40000-prize",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-03-05 03:19:50";}'}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Know someone who is changing the world?"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/03/16/know-someone-who-is-changing-the-world/",pubDate:"Fri, 15 Mar 2013 23:00:51 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1115",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The Tech Awards is now accepting applications for 2013. The Tech Awards is a signature program of the Tech Museum, an international awards program that honors innovators from around the world who are applying technology to benefit humanity.
1644
1645In 2013, Tech Awards will honor 10 international innovators who are applying technology to confront humanity’s most urgent challenges. The Tech Awards honors individuals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit companies who are using technology to significantly improve human conditions in 5 awards categories. The technology used can be either a new invention or an innovative use of an existing technology.
1646
1647This year, the categories include: Environment, Education, Young Innovator (under 27), Health and Economic Development. <strong>Cash prizes of $75,000 and $25,000</strong> will be awarded in each category plus the participants will have access to mentors, funders, media and former laureates.
1648
1649Click <strong><a href="http://thetechawards.thetech.org/submit-application" title="http://thetechawards.thetech.org/submit-application" target="_blank">here</a></strong> to apply: http://thetechawards.thetech.org/submit-application
1650
1651
1652
1653`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1115,post_date:"2013-03-16 00:00:51",post_date_gmt:"2013-03-15 23:00:51",post_modified:"2013-03-08 21:21:56",post_modified_gmt:"2013-03-08 20:21:56",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"know-someone-who-is-changing-the-world",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"tech awards"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-03-08 20:21:56";}'}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Microsoft to empower North African women "}

1653,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/03/13/microsoft-to-empower-north-african-women/",pubDate:"Tue, 12 Mar 2013 23:00:57 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1122",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Microsoft will launch a portal targeted at North African women in March as an offshoot of the MasrWorks IT skills portal. The portal is designed to empower young women to play a leadership role in their communities, build their skills and self-esteem, and introduce new models for self-employment. It will provide IT skills training and also softer skills training on topics including leadership, self-confidence and interviewing, as well as the mentorship needed to build a long-term career in technology. The mentorship will be provided through a sustained engagement between Microsoft, partners, a local NGO, and the beneficiaries to support them in career building and to plan their role in society as female leaders.
1654
1655The portal aims to reach 25,000 Egyptian women in the first year with the goal of helping 40 percent of those women improve their economic and societal position.
1656
1657Click <strong><a href="http://www.microsoft.com/africa/4afrika/female_empowerment.aspx" title="http://www.microsoft.com/africa/4afrika/female_empowerment.aspx" target="_blank">here</a></strong> to read more: <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/africa/4afrika/female_empowerment.aspx" title="http://www.microsoft.com/africa/4afrika/female_empowerment.aspx">http://www.microsoft.com/africa/4afrika/female_empowerment.aspx</a>
1658
1659`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1122,post_date:"2013-03-13 00:00:57",post_date_gmt:"2013-03-12 23:00:57",post_modified:"2013-03-08 21:19:53",post_modified_gmt:"2013-03-08 20:19:53",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"microsoft-to-empower-north-african-women",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"economic empowerment"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Microsoft"},{__cdata:"North Africa"},{__cdata:"partnership"},{__cdata:"social change"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-03-08 20:19:53";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_60eaf3093bf9fd737ff343ab7fee7092",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply for the Entrepreneurial Leadership Fellowship"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/03/14/apply-for-the-entrepreneurial-leadership-fellowship/",pubDate:"Wed, 13 Mar 2013 23:00:06 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1127",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The ALA Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership seeks to appoint two exceptional young professionals with a demonstrated passion for entrepreneurial leadership and the African continent to an exciting 16-month position that will see them build their own capacity as an entrepreneurial leader while preparing Africa’s transformative leaders of tomorrow.
1660
1661The ideal candidate should:
1662
1663   - Be an innovator with a passion for the field of education, who is ready to immerse him/herself in ALA’s unique model for change and curriculum in entrepreneurial leadership;
1664
1665   - Be dynamic and enthusiastic, and believe in the value of learning through practice and experience;
1666
1667   - Be flexible and adapt easily to changing circumstances;
1668
1669   - Consider him/herself an entrepreneurial leader, and are passionate about joining a team of leaders from across Africa and around the world who share a common goal;
1670
1671   - Have a strong desire to work with talented and passionate young leaders from across Africa.
1672
1673   - Be comfortable interacting with people from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds;
1674
1675   - Love working with young people and encouraging them to set and meet standards of excellence;
1676
1677   - Envision a world with a culture of leadership, innovation, and international cooperation; 
1678
1679   - Not afraid of working hard. In fact, you thrive when there are many demands on your time.  
1680
1681<strong>Desired Experience</strong>:   
1682  - A track record of leadership and results in extracurricular or professional activities;
1683  - Experience working with young people in a mentoring, teaching, or coaching c

1683apacity; formal teaching experience is not required, but is a plus;
1684  - Demonstrated fluency in English. Fluency in other languages spoken broadly on the continent (French, Portuguese, Arabic, Swahili, Yoruba, etc) is a plus; and
1685  - Experience living and working in Africa is a plus. 
1686
1687<strong>Start Date</strong>: May 15, 2013
1688 
1689<strong>End Date</strong>: September 1, 2014
1690
1691<strong>Compensatio</strong>n: Each fellow receives housing, transportation, health care, and a stipend to cover day-to-day living expenses for the duration of their fellowship.
1692 
1693To apply, send a CV and motivation to Josh Adler, Director, Centre for Entrepreneurial Leadership <a href="[email protected]" title="[email protected]">[email protected]</a> with 'Candidate for CEL Fellowship’ in the subject line.
1694 `},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1127,post_date:"2013-03-14 00:00:06",post_date_gmt:"2013-03-13 23:00:06",post_modified:"2013-03-12 02:36:39",post_modified_gmt:"2013-03-12 01:36:39",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-for-the-entrepreneurial-leadership-fellowship",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Leadership Academy"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-03-12 01:36:39";}'}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Drive Growth"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/03/20/empowering-women-entrepreneurs-to-drive-growth/",pubDate:"Tue, 19 Mar 2013 23:00:33 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1139",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Participate in the 4th edition of the business plan competition for women entrepreneurs in emerging markets. The competition is open to women entrepreneurs of emerging countries who have created a business plan, which fulfills the eligibility and evaluation criteria. Since its creation in 2009, Women in Business has provided support, coaching, visibility and finance to over 600 women heading businesses in emerging countries. 15 finalists have been supported and coached, 4 of whom have been awarded as laureates.
1695
1696<strong>Criteria</strong>:
1697    - To participate in this competition, women entrepreneurs should submit a business plan online for a for-profit business,
1698    - They should have a financial need of US$10,000 to US$1,000,000 over the next three years,
1699    - Their business should have a positive social and/or environmental impact.
1700
1701Whether or not you become a finalist, all high quality business plans are eligible for the BiD Network Investor Matchmaking Services. Need help when applying? Contact <a href="[email protected]" title="[email protected]">[email protected]</a>
1702
1703<strong>Deadline</strong>: April 30. Your online plan must be 75% complete (or 30% complete + your own business plan attached in the Files tab) before April 30.
1704

1705Click <a href="http://www.bidnetwork.org/en/competition/women-business-2012-2013" title="http://www.bidnetwork.org/en/competition/women-business-2012-2013"><strong>here</strong></a> to apply: http://www.bidnetwork.org/en/competition/women-business-2012-2013<a href="http://www.bidnetwork.org/en/competition/women-business-2012-2013" title="http://www.bidnetwork.org/en/competition/women-business-2012-2013" target="_blank">
1706</a>
1707
1708`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1139,post_date:"2013-03-20 00:00:33",post_date_gmt:"2013-03-19 23:00:33",post_modified:"2013-03-12 02:50:56",post_modified_gmt:"2013-03-12 01:50:56",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"empowering-women-entrepreneurs-to-drive-growth",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business plan"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"emerging entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-03-12 01:50:56";}'}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Women’s education as a silver bullet for sustainable growth"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/03/23/womens-education-as-a-silver-bullet-for-sustainable-growth/",pubDate:"Fri, 22 Mar 2013 23:00:47 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1150",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`While there has been remarkable progress, report warns that there are still many challenges ahead for countries in the South, including an ageing population, environmental degradation, and inequality. Poverty and inequality are particularly worrying, as an estimated 1.57 billion people, representing 30 percent of the population in the 104 countries studied for the report, still live in multidimensional poverty.
1709
1710The report provides a series of recommendations and, in particular, highlights education for girls as “the closest thing to silver bullet formula for accelerating human development.”
1711
1712Many of the countries in the South still have dramatic gender disparities, and their challenge will be to boost efforts to allow women to participate freely in all aspects of their society.
1713
1714“Gender inequality is especially tragic not only because it excludes women from basic social opportunities, but also because it gravely imperils the life prospects of future generations,” the report says, referring to findings which correlate women’s education to greater child survival, healthier children and better access to contraception.
1715
1716The report also notes that the global system will need to adjust itself to the rise of the South, which is currently largely underrepresented in global institutions. For example, China, which is the world’s second largest economy, has had a smaller voting share in the World Bank than either France or the United Kingdom.
1717
1718“Stronger voices from the South are demanding more representative frameworks of international governance that embody the principles of democracy and equity.”
1719
1720Meanwhile, it merits mention that not all countries in the South are racing ahead. Of the world’s 49 Least Developed Countries, many are lagging behind in this revolution. Even as some are beginning to benefit from Foreign Direct Investment of the emerging giants like China, India and Brazil, there is much more to be done in terms of development transformation.
1721
1722The report observes that there are three drivers of transformation: a proactive development state, tapping of global markets and determined social policy inclusion. Looking back at the inception of the HDI, it appears that countries that started at the same level – India and Pakistan, or Chile and Venezuela, or Liberia and Senegal – have ended up with different outcomes.
1723
1724“History and initial conditions matter, but they are not destiny,” according to the report.
1725
1726Read more from the UN: <a href="http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=44371&amp;Cr=sustainable+development&amp;Cr1=#.UUIJtNbZ5Lv" title="http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=44371&amp;Cr=sustainable+development&amp;Cr1=#.UUIJtNbZ5Lv" target="_blank">http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=44371&amp;Cr=sustainable+development&amp;Cr1=#.UUIJtNbZ5Lv</a>
1727
1728`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1150,post_date:"2013-03-23 00:00:47",post_date_gmt:"2013-03-22 23:00:47",post_modified:"2013-03-16 06:23:40",post_modified_gmt:"2013-03-16 05:23:40",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"womens-education-as-a-silver-bullet-for-sustainable-growth",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Gender"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"UN"},{__cdata:"women"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-03-16 05:23:40";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_a909124026d858f4eade664b8d80f05d",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"2013 Women of Excellence - Ethiopia"}

1728,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/03/26/2013-women-of-excellence-ethiopia/",pubDate:"Mon, 25 Mar 2013 23:00:09 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1156",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Association of Women in Business (AWiB) seeks to nominate women from different sectors who have done work that needs to be celebrated; stories you believe need to be heard; and female role models you believe need to be made visible.
1729
1730The criteria for nomination and selection:
1731<ul>
1732	<li>A woman who has utilized her position, stature and expertise for a cause;</li>
1733	<li>An outstanding woman who strives to build a great company/organization and also contributes to the success of other entrepreneurs/professionals;</li>
1734	<li>A woman who serves as an example of hard work and effective management and who demonstrates a powerful commitment to coaching other women and sponsoring them to reach their zenith;</li>
1735	<li>A woman who promotes community service, who is changing the face of neighborhoods through initiatives to provide services that benefit other women.</li>
1736
1737If you know of such women, please email <a title="[email protected] " href="[email protected] ">[email protected] </a>with the following information:
1738<ul>
1739	<li>Name and telephone/email address of the nominee</li>
1740	<li>What does the nominee do? Which industry?</li>
1741	<li>A short paragraph on how the nominee fits the above criteria.</li>
1742</ul>
1743<strong>Nomination Deadline</strong>: March 31st 2013.
1744
1745Learn more:&nbsp;<a title="http://www.awib.org.et/index.php/events-and-programs/announcement/308-call-for-nominations-2013-awib-women-of-excellence" href="http://www.awib.org.et/index.php/events-and-programs/announcement/308-call-for-nominations-2013-awib-women-of-excellence" target="_blank"> http://www.awib.org.et/index.php/events-and-programs/announcement/308-call-for-nominations-2013-awib-women-of-excellence</a>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1156,post_date:"2013-03-26 00:00:09",post_date_gmt:"2013-03-25 23:00:09",post_modified:"2013-03-16 06:54:34",post_modified_gmt:"2013-03-16 05:54:34",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"2013-women-of-excellence-ethiopia",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"award"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"Ethiopia"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"women"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-03-16 05:54:34";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_4c3d8915ebbf0da54992677df6a13205",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/03/29/the-awp-network-at-the-united-nations-commission-on-the-status-of-women/",pubDate:"Thu, 28 Mar 2013 23:00:54 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1177",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`AWP Network founder, Mary Olushoga spoke at a CSW 57 Series on “Winning Strategies for Preventing Violence Against Women – Sharing Global and National Models,” an event sponsored by the Women’s Intercultural Network (WIN), U.S. Women Connect, TEWA Women United, Decisions in Democracy International, Coalition of Women from Asia and the Middle East, Women News Network, the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women, and SouthWest.com.
1746
1747Honorable Jackie Weatherspoon moderated the panel. Olushoga along with Elahe Amani, and Assistant District Attorney Audrey Moore, discussed winning strategies in dealing with violence against women. Violence against women occurs in all geographic regions, countries, cultures, and socioeconomic classes. “Experts view violence against women as a symptom of historical unequal power relationships between men and women, and argue that over time this imbalance has led to pervasive cultural stereotypes and attitudes that perpetuate a cycle of violence.”
1748
1749Elahe Amani, President of the Coalition of Women from Asia and the Middle East, talked about the “need for a systematic and coordinated multi-sectoral sustained approach to fight violence against women.” AWP Network founder, Mary Olushoga highlighted the use of media and technology in telling the stories of African women and girls. Olushoga also stressed the need for women to gain financial independence, literacy, and empowerment. Bureau Chief, Audrey Moore said, “so much of domestic violence is underreported.” Moore emphasized collaboration with the criminal justice system and the need to change the dialogue in how victims of violence are treated.
1750
1751The event was well attended and women from various parts of the world were present. Some came in from Sweden, Japan, 

1751Canada, San Francisco, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. Participants contributed to the discussion and added to the existing body of knowledge. A young participant from Sweden called for the need to dialogue with men and boys, and to encourage them to challenge social norms about masculinity. Collaboration and partnerships are indeed necessary to create impact.
1752
1753 
1754
1755[gallery type="slideshow" ids="1185,1190,1186,1197,1183,1194,1195,1196,1189,1187,1192,1191,1193,1188,1198,1199,1200,1201,1202,1203,1211,1212,1213,1206,1210,1207,1208,1209,1205,1204"]
1756
1757<strong>Suggestions</strong> on what we need to do from here:
1758• Work together to influence government, laws, and public policy,
1759• Support other women and their fight for freedom and democracy,
1760• Promote community engagement, awareness, violence prevention, and education,
1761• Encourage the use of conflict resolution and mediation as an effective tool for change,
1762• Support non-governmental organizations that engage women,
1763• Establish a hotline and make resources available,
1764• Support the victim using the legal system,
1765• Establish trust with victims and build relationships with various partners.
1766
1767<strong>Questions</strong> to think about:
1768• What are the current areas of concern for women and girls in your local community?
1769• How do you move from talk to action?
1770• Does your respective country have a national action plan for women? If not, how do you create or develop this plan?
1771• How can technology help women in the fight against violence?
1772• How do we engage the religious community?
1773
1774Tell us your story on what you are doing to further the conversation on VAW.
1775
1776Can you list five (5) ways the world can reduce violence for women &amp; girls by International #WomensDay #IWD 2014. Chat with us on twitter: @Africwomenpower
1777
1778&nbsp;
1779
1780[gallery ids="1185,1190,1186,1197,1183,1194,1195,1196,1189,1187,1192,1191,1193,1188,1198,1199,1200,1201,1202,1203,1211,1212,1213,1206,1210,1207,1208,1209,1205,1204"]
1781
1782&nbsp;
1783
1784&nbsp;
1785
1786&nbsp;
1787
1788&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1177,post_date:"2013-03-29 00:00:54",post_date_gmt:"2013-03-28 23:00:54",post_modified:"2013-10-14 02:33:44",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 01:33:44",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-at-the-united-nations-commission-on-the-status-of-women",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Audrey Moore"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Coalition of Women from Asia and the Middle East"},{__cdata:"CSW #57"},{__cdata:"Decisions in Democracy International"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Elahe Amani"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"impact"},{__cdata:"International Women's Day"},{__cdata:"Jackie Weatherspoon"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"San Francisco Department on the Status of Women"},{__cdata:"SouthWest.com"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"TEWA Women United"},{__cdata:"U.S. Women Connect"},{__cdata:"UN"},{__cdata:"violence against women"},{__cdata:"violence prevention"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Women News Network"},{__cdata:"Women’s Intercultural Network (WIN)"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1204"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-03-20 01:20:51";}'}}],comment:{comment_id:970,comment_author:{__cdata:"rawya kershah (@rawyakershah)"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://twitter.com/rawyakershah",comment_author_IP:"197.135.219.20",comment_date:"2013-03-29 12:55:18",comment_date_gmt:"2013-03-29 11:55:18",comment_content:{__cdata:`To change culture and trandition impact on Egyptian women, you need to empower women economically first and then  remove their illitercy. Fatmah Rizk, an Egyptian young women, in a small village in Egyt, employed village girls  to work in a small , one room factory at the begining. In six years time, the factory was four stories high. Girls earned enough to sustain themselves and become economically independent. They responded with enthusiasm to the illiteracy program Fatmah offered them. They were provided with field trips all over Egypt. They were lectured  on self ascertion and a variety of related topics. These girls started to stand up for themsleves, refuse early marriage enforced by theie families ,as well as traditional practices deterimental to women's rights and freedoms.
1789Unfortunately, Fatmah's wonderful experience was met by strong opposition  , attempts to burn , shut down her factory and intimidate girls employed as well their families by right wing religious groups . They finally succeeded and this wonderful experience came to end. But the lesson derived from this experience remains valid and evident`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"hc_avatar",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://a0.twimg.com/sticky/default_profile_images/default_profile_6_normal.png"}},{meta_key:"hc_foreign_user_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"442877196"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1364559336"}},{meta_key:"hc_post_as",meta_value:{__cdata:"twitter"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1364558119.1647589206695556640625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1364559337.0567629337310791015625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-03-29 11:55:18"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Social Media and your Business"}

1789,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/04/01/social-media-and-your-business/",pubDate:"Sun, 31 Mar 2013 23:00:53 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1229",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`This article will help you to understand how social media can support your business, personal, and professional brand. Understanding your brand and using social media as an effective tool can immensely help you to move your business ideas forward. Many entrepreneurs within the shores of Africa do not understand the importance of online branding and social media.  Last year, the AWP network hosted an online training with a PR expert on how entrepreneurs can use public relations (PR) and marketing to move their business ideas forward. Visit (<a title="   http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2012-09-14-06-07-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you-grow-your-business-ideas1.wmv" href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2012-09-14-06-07-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you-grow-your-business-ideas1.wmv" target="_blank">awpnetwork.com</a>) to learn more and listen to the webinar.
1790
1791&nbsp;
1792
1793<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/img_1309.jpg"><img alt="Harlem Art " src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/img_1309.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="225" /></a>
1794
1795There are free tools and resources that can help you to move your business, personal, and professional brand forward.  However, all that you need is time. YES! Once you choose to establish an online presence, you will need to create time because you ought to respond to your clients. Not responding to potential clients or customers in a timely fashion shows bad customer service and is a negative portrayal of your brand.
1796
1797Establishing your online presence will help to mobilize your business growth. You are probably aware of the tools that will discussed here, but it is important to know how to use them properly and for your growth. Yes, we have heard of Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, instagram, pinterest and the list is endless but often times; we do not use these platforms appropriately. The social media platforms listed above are free tools and all that you need to do is sign up with an email address to get started.
1798
17991.    <b>Facebook</b>:  many use this tool incorrectly.  If you feel that you do not need a personal account, your company at least needs to have a facebook page and presence. This will help customers become more familiar with you, your brand, product, or service. You can hold contests, give away free products, or simply let people know where your shop is located.  So if you currently don’t have a facebook page for your business, set one up.
1800
18012.    <b>Twitter</b>: I find twitter very useful. Twitter helped me to get on BBC World News. It has also helped me to build my personal and business brand. I have made a lot of friends using twitter and it has given me a platform to talk more about my work and what I do. Twitter only allows you to use 140 characters/words to describe yourself, product, or service.  This calls for brevity and creativity. If you think that you don’t need facebook, try twitter.
1802
18033.    <b>LinkedIn</b>: LinkedIn allows you to attract a more professional crowd. I use LinkedIn for my personal and professional needs. Currently, I have over 500 LinkedIn friends. Many of my clients use LinkedIn for business and professional purposes. Some have gained new customers or made business deals using this platform. You can also get reliable referrals. All that you need to get started with LinkedIn is an email address.
1804
1805These free tools are useful because they can help you to develop and build an online brand at no cost. Building your brand is crucial because it can help you to take your business, professional, and personal brand to the next level. It can also help you to gain more exposure and attract new customers.
1806
1807Has social media helped to support your business, personal, and professional growth?  We want to hear from you.
1808
1809&nbsp;
1810
1811&nbsp;
1812
1813&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1229,post_date:"2013-04-01 00:00:53",post_date_gmt:"2013-03-31 23:00:53",post_modified:"2013-10-14 02:35:27",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 01:35:27",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"social-media-and-your-business",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"branding"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"social media"},{__cdata:"sustainability"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"330"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"enclosure",meta_value:{__cdata:`http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/2012-09-14-06-07-learn-how-marketing-and-pr-tools-can-help-you-grow-your-business-ideas1.wmv
181442779708
1815video/asf
1816`}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:58:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/img_1309.jpg";s:6:"images";a:1:{s:58:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/img_1309.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:58:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/img_1309.jpg";s:5:"width";i:2816;s:6:"height";i:2112;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:5947392;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:1;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-03-31 19:30:17";}'}}],comment:{comment_id:9198,comment_author:{__cdata:"Interested in Contracting? 5 Things You Should Know About Doing Business With Nigeria&#8217;s Private Sector &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2017/06/07/interested-in-contracting-5-things-you-should-know-about-doing-business-with-nigerias-private-sector/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.91.112",comment_date:"2017-06-07 16:16:46",comment_date_gmt:"2017-06-07 15:16:46",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

18160;] officers need to be able to find you easily.” This includes being present on relevant social media channels, having an active website, being responsive through emails and phone calls. As a business owner, […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1497398213"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497398214.6809489727020263671875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1496848606.5516879558563232421875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497639558.2414290904998779296875;s:5:"event";s:11:"recheck-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497639568.8250610828399658203125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1496853445.389771938323974609375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497639527.6447460651397705078125;s:5:"event";s:17:"status-unapproved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Free Entrepreneurship Bootcamp Training"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/04/08/free-entrepreneurship-bootcamp-training/",pubDate:"Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:41:44 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1259",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The DAIN Network is organizing a Free Entrepreneurship Boot camp Training for Agribusiness startups in Accra, Ghana - April 23rd and 24th.
1817
1818The target groups for the workshop include entrepreneurs, farmers, startups, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who are into the agribusiness. The sole purpose of this Boot camp is to teach people how to think critically – more specifically, thinking outside the box to address a market opportunity.
1819
1820Click <a title="http://dainnetwork.eventbrite.com/#" href="http://dainnetwork.eventbrite.com/#"><strong>here</strong> </a>to register:  <strong><a title="http://dainnetwork.eventbrite.com/#" href="http://dainnetwork.eventbrite.com/#" target="_blank">http://dainnetwork.eventbrite.com/#</a></strong>
1821
1822&nbsp;
1823
1824&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1259,post_date:"2013-04-08 12:41:44",post_date_gmt:"2013-04-08 11:41:44",post_modified:"2013-04-08 12:41:44",post_modified_gmt:"2013-04-08 11:41:44",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"free-entrepreneurship-bootcamp-training",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"agribusiness"},{__cdata:"agriculture"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"sustainability"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-04-08 11:41:44";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_5e955f50f8b5c7907905ebcb4dd02ed0",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_ec6e9949c56b11b3e69c373cf215872f",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Young Innovators Competition - $10,000"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/04/09/young-innovators-competition-10000/",pubDate:"Mon, 08 Apr 2013 23:00:03 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1267",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`This competition is open to entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 26 with an original tech idea or developed solution to one of its six listed global challenges. The ITU launched the Young Innovators Competition in a move to foster innovation among the next generation of social entrepreneurs working to change the world through technology.
1825
1826ITU wants applications that can help solve unemployment, help increase food sources and reduce water wastage, facilitate access to public services for the elderly, improve natural disaster prediction and response, improve road safety for both drivers and pedestrians and protect sensitive personal data and inspire the creation of local digital content.
1827
1828The winners will also be invited to attend the ITU Telecom World 2013 in Bangkok, receive mentoring from high-level industry representatives, get hands-on workshop training in entrepreneurial skills, meet and network with leading ICT players and Showcase their solutions at the conference’s dedicated pavilion on the showfloor.ITU has made entry so easy. Applicants can be already established startups but looking for funds to scale up their operations or anyone with a great idea can apply too.
1829
1830The competition has put aside up to $10,000 in seed money to implement and bring to scale winning start-ups and up to $5,000 for winning concepts. Ten finalists will be selected by a committee of experts.
1831
1832Click <strong><a title="http://world2013.itu.int/" href="http://world2013.itu.int/">here</a></strong> to learn more: <strong><a title="http://world2013.itu.int/" href="http://world2013.itu.int/" target="_blank">http://world2013.itu.int/</a></strong>
1833
1834&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1267,post_date:"2013-04-09 00:00:03",post_date_gmt:"2013-04-08 23:00:03",post_modified:"2013-04-08 12:51:55",post_modified_gmt:"2013-04-08 11:51:55",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"young-innovators-competition-10000",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-04-08 11:51:55";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_e9655ba5c3d613ecacf878f351cddce0",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_564d5617e704c01b1bc999a871f5c500",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Camp for Leadership and Excellence"}

1834,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/04/11/black-girls-rock-camp-for-leadership-and-excellence/",pubDate:"Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:00:42 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1272",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The two-week intensive leadership program will be held at Columbia University from July 20 to August 3, 2013. Through a highly selective application process, BLACK GIRLS ROCK! will accept female applicants who exhibit strong leadership qualities, high moral character, and excellent academic standing.
1835
1836Queens Camp participants are encouraged to triumph over new leadership development challenges together; to engage in service learning activities, to take an active role in the academic, art, life-skills, and college prep workshops; and to cultivate lasting friendships with their peers. The goal is to foster the participants’ intentional pursuit of excellence, integrity, self-discipline, and collective accountability so that they may be prepared to be sound leaders in their local community and informed global citizens.
1837
1838<strong>Deadline</strong>: April 29 - all applications must be postmarked and/or e-mailed by April 29, 2013.
1839
1840Click <strong><a title="http://www.blackgirlsrockinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/BLACK-GIRLS-ROCK-Queens-Camp-2013-Final.pdf" href="http://www.blackgirlsrockinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/BLACK-GIRLS-ROCK-Queens-Camp-2013-Final.pdf">here</a></strong> to learn more: <a title="http://www.blackgirlsrockinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/BLACK-GIRLS-ROCK-Queens-Camp-2013-Final.pdf" href="http://www.blackgirlsrockinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/BLACK-GIRLS-ROCK-Queens-Camp-2013-Final.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.blackgirlsrockinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/BLACK-GIRLS-ROCK-Queens-Camp-2013-Final.pdf</a>
1841
1842&nbsp;
1843
1844&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1272,post_date:"2013-04-11 00:00:42",post_date_gmt:"2013-04-10 23:00:42",post_modified:"2013-04-08 22:44:24",post_modified_gmt:"2013-04-08 21:44:24",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"black-girls-rock-camp-for-leadership-and-excellence",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"sustainability"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-04-08 21:44:24";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_21c97fd6014e3a72b7ef918586b8fee0",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_9942a7d8ae67b2f5cbff4a5df314146a",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship - $140,000"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/04/15/stanford-africa-mba-fellowship-140000/",pubDate:"Sun, 14 Apr 2013 23:00:57 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1278",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Africa is at the forefront of significant global economic growth and opportunity. Stanford Graduate School of Business is excited to contribute to the region's human and economic development by educating leaders committed to making an impact on the continent.
1845
1846The Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship Program pays for tuition and associated fees (approximately <strong>US$140,000</strong>) for citizens of African countries with financial need who wish to obtain an MBA at Stanford. The Fellowship was created to reduce the financial barrier for African citizens to pursue an MBA at Stanford GSB. Up to eight (8) fellowships will be awarded annually.
1847
1848Within two years of graduation from Stanford GSB, Stanford Africa MBA Fellows are required to work in Africa for at least two years in a professional role that contributes to the continent’s development. This pilot program was launched in 2013, and is expected to run for three to five years.
1849
1850Click <a title="http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/mba/africafellowship" href="http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/mba/africafellowship"><strong>here</strong></a> to learn more: <a title="http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/mba/africafellowship" href="http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/mba/africafellowship" target="_blank">http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/mba/africafellowship</a>
1851

1852 `},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1278,post_date:"2013-04-15 00:00:57",post_date_gmt:"2013-04-14 23:00:57",post_modified:"2013-04-08 22:51:17",post_modified_gmt:"2013-04-08 21:51:17",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"stanford-africa-mba-fellowship-140000",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Stanford"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-04-08 21:51:17";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_179c3749a267c4fe252119e6cae64495",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_2f6b46adcd016835581e051f929a6a8a",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Growth Program for Women Entrepreneurs"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/04/19/growth-program-for-women-entrepreneurs/",pubDate:"Thu, 18 Apr 2013 23:00:33 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1282",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The SME Growth Training Program is an online and in-person program that integrates the latest business trends, global best practices, and interactive learning techniques. These and all other programmatic elements are regionally localized to ensure that the program is accessible and applicable to women business owners and the business environments they operate in.
1853
1854The <strong>Vital Voices</strong> Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Growth Program is a one-year comprehensive and tailored program focused on building the capacity and concrete skills of SME women business owners to create actionable business plans to grow their businesses. The program will target women-owned SMEs in the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
1855
1856<strong>The program consists of 4 components:</strong>
1857
1858• An intensive participant selection process,
1859• Online preparatory sessions before the training that guide program participants in drafting a business plan that they will refine throughout the training,
1860• A 4-day in-person regional training, and
1861• Access to growth services based on needed skills and tools targeted in participants’ business plans.
1862
1863<strong>The application for this SME Growth Program is specific to the AFRICA region.</strong>
1864
1865Vital Voices seeks applications from African women business owners who:
1866• Own a business that has been in operation for at least 3 years,
1867• Employ at least 3 staff (including temporary and/or seasonal workers), and
1868• Generate at least USD $25,000 in annual sales.
1869
1870As an interested applicant, you:
1871• Are motivated to build the skills and make the changes needed to grow your business,
1872• Are excited to participate in a one year program including on-line and in-person training and access to external business growth opportunities, and
1873• Recognize the value of tracking the growth of your business for up to 3 years through methods such as surveys, calls, or additional opportunities.
1874<div>
1875
1876Click <a title="http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1219851/Vital-Voices-Global-SME-Growth-Training-Program-Participant-Application" href="http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1219851/Vital-Voices-Global-SME-Growth-Training-Program-Participant-Application"><strong>here</strong></a> to learn more: <a title="http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1219851/Vital-Voices-Global-SME-Growth-Training-Program-Participant-Application" href="http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1219851/Vital-Voices-Global-SME-Growth-Training-Program-Participant-Application" target="_blank">http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1219851/Vital-Voices-Global-SME-Growth-Training-Program-Participant-Application</a>
1877
1878&nbsp;
1879
1880&nbsp;
1881
1882</div>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1282,post_date:"2013-04-19 00:00:33",post_date_gmt:"2013-04-18 23:00:33",post_modified:"2013-04-13 01:06:22",post_modified_gmt:"2013-04-13 00:06:22",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"growth-program-for-women-entrepreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"vital voices"},{__cdata:"women"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-04-13 00:06:22";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_8e0cf0f97240402f5b34a632d1d89cd0",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_9753fa56e827dca338d8189994c739f3",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_91357017bab1718a58c42750bc56d809",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network at the Women in the World Summit "}

1882,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/04/17/the-awp-network-at-the-women-in-the-world-summit/",pubDate:"Tue, 16 Apr 2013 23:00:22 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1296",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" ids="1297,1298,1299,1300,1301,1302,1303,1304,1305,1306,1307,1308,1309,1310,1311,1312,1313,1314,1315,1316,1317,1318,1319,1320,1321,1322,1323,1326,1327,1328,1332,1331,1333,1334,1335,1336,1337,1338,1339,1340,1342,1343,1344,1345,1347,1348,1349,1350,1351,1353,1352,1329,1330,1325,1341,1346,1324"]
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1904&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1296,post_date:"2013-04-17 00:00:22",post_date_gmt:"2013-04-16 23:00:22",post_modified:"2014-05-28 20:49:59",post_modified_gmt:"2014-05-28 19:49:59",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-at-the-women-in-the-world-summit",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Women in the world"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1329"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"African Techpreneur Wins the Etisalat Prize for Innovation"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/04/24/african-techpreneur-wins-the-etisalat-prize-for-innovation/",pubDate:"Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:00:01 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1367",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_1369" align="alignleft" width="227"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/nkempp2.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1369" alt="MD, Future Software " src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/nkempp2.jpg" width="227" height="247" /></a> MD, Future Software Resources[/caption]
1905
1906<strong>Nkem Uwaje </strong>is Managing Director of Future Software Resources Nigeria Limited and winner of the 2012 Etisalat Nigeria Prize for Innovation. Her company created the iConnect project, focused on making ICT and education more accessible to youths in Nigeria. In this interview, Uwaje talks about how she got started and gives advice to young people interested in starting a business. Uwaje also discussed her thoughts with AWP Founder, Mary Olushoga on gender equality, and accessibility in the ICT sector in this Huffington post article. <a title="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-olushoga/african-women-in-tech_b_2728195.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-olushoga/african-women-in-tech_b_2728195.html" target="_blank">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-olushoga/african-women-in-tech_b_2728195.html</a>
1907
1908<strong>How did you come up with the name Futuresoft ?</strong>
1909Actually I didn't. My dad came up with the name in 1999 when he first incorporated the company. He always told me that he created the company for me, so when I was ready to start my own business in 2008, I inherited it.
1910
1911<strong>What inspired you to start your business?</strong>
1912Two things inspired me to start. The first is my dad. He runs his own business and for as long as I can remember, I have always admired that. I have always wanted to be like him - he inspires me. The second is that I once worked for a startup and realized that I could run the business better than the founder did, and that gave me the confidence needed to take the bold step towards leading this company.
1913
1914<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
1915Our target audience are small to mid-sized companies (SMEs).
1916
1917<strong>How have you financed your business?</strong>
1918I initially invested $600 dollars into the business and grew it from there. I then began to re-invest back any profit that I made. Since then, I have recovered my investment and I find that very encouraging.
1919
1920<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
1921My team is able to produce high-quality web solutions at an affordable price and in a timely manner. We stay true to our core values, which are: quality, integrity, mutual respect, professionalism, efficiency, team spirit, honesty, and attention to detail.
1922
1923<strong>What is the long-term plan for your business?</strong>
1924The long-term goal is to launch various projects like iConnect and grow them into self-sustainable business units. This will position us as a leading ICT company in Nigeria and West-Africa. All our projects can be easily replicated in other countries.
1925
1926<strong>What challenges do you face or have you faced thus far?</strong>
1927I would say that my team faces the usual business challenges of operating a business in Nigeria. No light, traffic congestion, low employee skillset, tedious processes and structures, clients not paying on time, slow internet, the lack of understanding and value of technology. Anyone doing business in Nigeria will face these core challenges, and the sad part is that they are not going away any time soon.
1928
1929<strong>What five key things have you learned since starting your business idea?</strong>
19301. Be bold
19312. Be patient
19323. Never give up
19334. Stick to your principles
19345. This sounds funny but I find that it’s true - when people say y

1934our ideas won't work, dig them up again two (2) or four (4) years later and suddenly people think that they are innovative.
1935
1936<strong>What five things do start-up entrepreneurs need to know?</strong>
19371. Understand that being an entrepreneur means living a few years of your life the way most people won't, so that you can live the rest of your life like most people can't.
19382. Be prepared to sacrifice, and to work harder than you've ever thought possible.
19393. Be prepared to work around the clock.
19404. Be prepared to be laughed at and be called a dreamer, and to be told several times that your ideas will not work.
19415. Always, always find your passion and LOVE what you do.
1942
1943<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
1944• Start small and grow big.
1945• Try to fund your business yourself or ask your family and friends.
1946• If you really want something, believe in your product or business model and you will succeed. It's just a matter of time and how long you can endure.
1947• Focus on your goals and don't get distracted.
1948
1949<strong>How do you think Nigerian youths can continue to support each other?</strong>
1950Collaborate - Partner - Support - Mentor – Empower; those are the key words that describe what youths need to do for each other. Youths need to understand that no one is going to come and help them, so they need to help themselves.
1951
1952<strong>How many jobs have you created so far?</strong>
1953It’s quite hard to measure, as our development team grows and shrinks based on the number of clients and projects that we have. We usually hire about 3 to 40 developers, depending on upcoming projects.
1954
1955<strong>How do we support and improve innovation in Nigeria or Africa?</strong>
1956We can start by supporting people with innovative ideas and promoting them. Competitions are a good way to increase visibility so I think that the government and the private sector need to launch more competitions that focus on innovation. Furthermore, innovation needs an enabling environment. This means creating hubs where innovators can meet, share ideas, and collaborate. In addition, we need a space where ideas can be incubated and where prototypes can be developed.  Without this, we are bound to fail as a nation and as a continent.
1957
1958Lastly, ICT development is very important to me and the youth population throughout Africa. I strongly believe that ICT is vital to ensuring that Nigeria and Africa will not be left behind. Everyone keeps talking about the digital divide, but instead of bridging it, it keeps on getting bigger. We need government policies that ensure that technology is not a privilege but a basic amenity.
1959
1960Futuresoft is playing its part in making ICT more accessible through our iConnect project. I am even more excited about building an actual prototype and proving that our concept will impact the lives of young people in Nigeria.
1961
1962<strong>Learn more about the iConnect Project:</strong>
1963<a title="http://www.etisalat.com.ng/innovation/index.php" href="http://www.etisalat.com.ng/innovation/index.php" target="_blank">http://www.etisalat.com.ng/innovation/index.php</a>
1964http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP_Agflozeo
1965http://www.futuresoft-ng.com/IT-Talk/Articles/ict-education-africa/
1966
1967<strong>Nkem Uwaje</strong> is Managing Director of Future Software Resources Nigeria Limited, a company that won the 2012 Etisalat Nigeria Prize for Innovation. Nkem is an active board member of the World Summit Youth Award (<a title="www.youthaward.org" href="www.youthaward.org">www.youthaward.org</a>), a global online e-content contest focused on the implementation of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (UN MDGs). Uwaje is also a graduate of Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) &amp; Technical University Munich (TUM) in Germany, where she received a Bachelor’s degree Bioinformatics.
1968
1969Want to get in touch with Nkem?
1970
1971<strong>Phone</strong>: +234 1 2705560 Ext. 631
1972<strong>Email</strong>: <a href="[email protected]">[email protected]</a>
1973<strong>Website</strong>: <a title="www.futuresoft-ng.com" href="www.futuresoft-ng.com" target="_blank">www.futuresoft-ng.com</a>
1974<strong>Facebook</strong>: <a title="www.facebook.com/futuresoftnigeria" href="www.facebook.com/futuresoftnigeria" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/futuresoftnigeria</a>
1975<strong>Twitter</strong>: <a href="@MissUwaje">@MissUwaje</a>
1976
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1983&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1367,post_date:"2013-04-24 00:00:01",post_date_gmt:"2013-04-23 23:00:01",post_modified:"2013-11-19 02:15:53",post_modified_gmt:"2013-11-19 01:15:53",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"african-techpreneur-wins-the-etisalat-prize-for-innovation",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Etisalat prize for Innovation"},{__cdata:"Futuresoft"},{__cdata:"ICT"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nkem Uwaje"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"techpreneur"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1369"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:57:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/nkempp2.jpg";s:6:"images";a:1:{s:57:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/nkempp2.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:57:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/nkempp2.jpg";s:5:"width";i:227;s:6:"height";i:247;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:56069;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:1;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-04-13 00:51:11";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_b52565c7b20a86d7a27375a24048cd72",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_4db636b85dab82961f0152d8aaf9ff6b",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"twitter_cards_summary_img_size",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{i:0;i:227;i:1;i:247;i:2;i:2;i:3;s:24:"width="227" height="247"";s:4:"bits";i:8;s:8:"channels";i:3;s:4:"mime";s:10:"image/jpeg";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_aa78cd9914bc4c20402f34700c9c80ac",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_5b76ef0857670698114e21835bc580b9",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_a6e2c4791cea1d8ed1484a4ecfee752e",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_44e72ffc98cc18788d16b440ae4a3068",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_3e11bd2b5d304985d343ff28821b9eda",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_4006648339b9e2913d61a486aff36f38",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_fb350cfd10fe4b244e6ff2d6ff0f58d9",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_35cae83a43de9f9c9e44d2da548d0da5",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_e16b5121adb2c6611308bc9fc78fe1da",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_815e2433ac1b9d8699d6f1e22c680290",meta_value:{__cdata:'<div class="embed-youtube"><iframe title="Mobile solution to support ICT and Education in Africa ( i-Connect Project )" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qP_Agflozeo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;

1983 web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_815e2433ac1b9d8699d6f1e22c680290",meta_value:{__cdata:"1727431151"}}],comment:[{comment_id:1125,comment_author:{__cdata:"Innovation in Africa: Here’s what Young African Women Entrepreneurs Have to Say | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2013/08/19/innovation-in-africa-heres-what-young-african-women-entrepreneurs-have-to-say/",comment_author_IP:"72.233.69.25",comment_date:"2013-08-19 02:03:06",comment_date_gmt:"2013-08-19 01:03:06",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Nkem Uwaje, Managing Director of FutureSoft Nigeria and winner of the 2012 Etisalat Nigeria Prize for Innovation states, “we can improve innovation in Africa by supporting people with innovative ideas and I think that competitions and contests are a good way to start. African governments and the private sector need to work together to launch more contests and competitions that focus on innovation. [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1377191977"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1377191977.784409046173095703125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-08-19 01:03:06"}}]},{comment_id:1094,comment_author:{__cdata:"ladiesloungeblog"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://ladiesloungeblog.wordpress.com",comment_author_IP:"93.186.23.97",comment_date:"2013-07-23 23:58:06",comment_date_gmt:"2013-07-23 22:58:06",comment_content:{__cdata:'Reblogged this on <a href="http://ladiesloungeblog.wordpress.com/2013/07/23/african-techpreneur-wins-the-etisalat-prize-for-innovation/" rel="nofollow">ladies lounge</a>.'},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:44462481,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1374620287.209690093994140625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:16:"ladiesloungeblog";}'}},{meta_key:"reblog_ping",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1374623795"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1374623795.68259906768798828125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-07-23 22:58:06"}}]},{comment_id:1915,comment_author:{__cdata:"AWP Lagos Event: Meet the Panelists | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/01/13/awp-lagos-event-meet-the-panelists/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.10.51",comment_date:"2014-01-13 00:13:36",comment_date_gmt:"2014-01-12 23:13:36",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Nkemdilim Begho is managing director of Future Software Resources. Begho has successfully re-branded the company, changing its focus from stand-alone solutions to a web-based educational enterprise and business solutions company. Prior to her appointment at Future Software Resources, Begho has contributed to various research projects, to include: the wazobia linux initiative, the e-government interoperability framework, NITDA open standards framework, as well as the deployment of e-commerce and e-portal solutions in the Nigerian public and private sector. Her company, Future Software Resources is also winner of the Etisalat Nigeria Prize for Innovation which created the iConnect project, focused on making ICT and education more accessible to Nigerian youths. Nkemdilim is an active board member of the World Summit Youth Award and co-founder of The Bake for Change Development Foundation. [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1390769238"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1390769238.8506870269775390625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-01-12 23:13:36"}}]},{comment_id:1232,comment_author:{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga: Innovation in Africa&#8211;What Young African Women Entrepreneurs Have to Say | Ideas Lab"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.ideaslaboratory.com/2013/09/02/mary-olushoga-innovation-in-africa-what-young-african-women-entrepreneurs-have-to-say/",comment_author_IP:"64.14.191.93",comment_date:"2013-09-02 11:00:42",comment_date_gmt:"2013-09-02 10:00:42",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

19830;] Nkem Uwaje, Managing Director of FutureSoft Nigeria and winner of the 2012 Etisalat Nigeria Prize for Innovation states, “We can improve innovation in Africa by supporting people with innovative ideas and I think that competitions and contests are a good way to start. African governments and the private sector need to work together to launch more contests and competitions that focus on innovation.” […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1378126414"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1378116042.4181320667266845703125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-09-02 10:00:42"}}]},{comment_id:2681,comment_author:{__cdata:"African Girls in Technology: WITIN Forum Uncovers New Innovations | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/04/28/african-girls-in-technology-witin-forum-uncovers-new-innovations/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.80.121",comment_date:"2014-04-28 15:56:29",comment_date_gmt:"2014-04-28 14:56:29",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Mrs Nkemdilim Begho, MD Futuresoft gave a brief presentation encouraging girls to pursue a degree in STEM fields. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-04-28 14:56:29"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1398696990.0191318988800048828125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1398697111"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1398697111.71434688568115234375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:5361,comment_author:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs: What Nigerian Women Need « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/10/21/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-what-nigerian-women-need/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.82.135",comment_date:"2014-10-21 00:18:37",comment_date_gmt:"2014-10-20 23:18:37",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] young entrepreneurs to apply for grants such as the YouWin program,Cartier Women’s Award, or the Etisalat Prize for Innovation. She suggests starting with a business idea that does not require much capital. Bilikiss […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1413847117.687796115875244140625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1413850945.719152927398681640625;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1413903004"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1413903004.4773609638214111328125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:2793,comment_author:{__cdata:"African Techpreneur Wins the Etisalat Prize for..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/secrets-of-success-for-women-entrerpreneurs/p/4021107419/2014/05/11/african-techpreneur-wins-the-etisalat-prize-for-innovation",comment_author_IP:"89.30.118.151",comment_date:"2014-05-11 15:40:03",comment_date_gmt:"2014-05-11 14:40:03",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

19830;] Nkem Uwaje is Managing Director of Future Software Resources Nigeria Limited and winner of the 2012 Etisalat Nigeria Prize for Innovation. Her company created the iConnect project, focused on makin...  […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1399819204.0989830493927001953125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-05-11 14:40:03"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1399914808"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1399914808.6813519001007080078125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:1650,comment_author:{__cdata:"I Want to Start A Business But I Have NO Money | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2013/11/19/i-want-to-start-a-business-but-i-have-no-money/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.81.188",comment_date:"2013-11-19 14:36:47",comment_date_gmt:"2013-11-19 13:36:47",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Nkem Uwaje, Managing Director of Future Software Resources Nigeria Limited, and winner of the 2012 Etisalat Nigeria Prize for Innovation says: (1) Start small and grow big. (2) Try to fund your business yourself or ask your family and friends for money. (3)  If you really want something, believe in your product or business model and you will succeed. It’s just a matter of time and for how long you can endure. 

1983(4) Focus on your goals and don’t get distracted. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1384869812"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1384869813.49536991119384765625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-11-19 13:36:47"}}]},{comment_id:8545,comment_author:{__cdata:"How Technology is Transforming Women-Owned Businesses in Africa – Huffington Post – 10 Tech"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://10techno.com/2016/04/02/how-technology-is-transforming-women-owned-businesses-in-africa-huffington-post/",comment_author_IP:"188.166.177.100",comment_date:"2016-04-02 07:06:47",comment_date_gmt:"2016-04-02 06:06:47",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] We likewise should guarantee that technology is not a privilege Yet a simple amenity” says Nkem Begho of FutureSoft […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1459577208.268560886383056640625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1459784148"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1459784148.760283946990966796875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1459581237.56237506866455078125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}}]},{comment_id:8539,comment_author:{__cdata:"How Technology is Transforming Women-Owned Businesses in Africa | Beatriz Simpkins"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"https://beatrizpsimpkins.wordpress.com/2016/04/01/how-technology-is-transforming-women-owned-businesses-in-africa/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.100.183",comment_date:"2016-04-01 22:21:09",comment_date_gmt:"2016-04-01 21:21:09",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] behind. We also need to ensure that technology is not a privilege but a basic amenity” says Nkem Begho of FutureSoft […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1459550081.21856689453125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1459784152"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1459784153.5199260711669921875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1459545670.7838799953460693359375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:6972,comment_author:{__cdata:"Young African Women Entrepreneurs Offer Advice on How to Start a Business With No Money « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/05/19/young-african-women-entrepreneurs-offer-advice-on-how-to-start-a-business-with-no-money/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.197",comment_date:"2015-05-19 12:41:47",comment_date_gmt:"2015-05-19 11:41:47",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Nkem Begho, Managing Director of Future Software Resources Nigeria Limited, and winner of the 2012 Etisalat […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1432035707.8444869518280029296875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1432035749"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1432035749.8358399868011474609375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:9087,comment_author:{__cdata:"The AWP Network Hosts Leading African Women in Technology in Lagos « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2017/05/10/the-awp-network-hosts-leading-african-women-in-technology-in-lagos/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.100.63",comment_date:"2017-05-10 18:21:19",comment_date_gmt:"2017-05-10 17:21:19",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

19830;] Founder, EasyshopEasycook.com, Tolulope Adeyemo &#8211; Program Director, The WAAW Foundation, Nkemdilim Begho &#8211; Founder, FutureSoftware Resources, Abisoye Ajayi – Founder, Pearls Africa and the [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1494436880.466537952423095703125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497639551.9620380401611328125;s:5:"event";s:11:"recheck-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1494436933"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497639530.438426971435546875;s:5:"event";s:17:"status-unapproved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497639578.11789989471435546875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1494436934.564034938812255859375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"The Yara Prize - Win $60,000"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/04/22/the-yara-prize-win-60000/",pubDate:"Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:00:12 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1387",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:'<p>In 2013, the Yara Prize will have a specific focus on young women and men making a particular effort within agriculture paying particular attention to innovation and entrepreneurship. The mission of the Yara Prize is to contribute to the transformation of African agriculture, food and nutrition security, within a sustainable context, thereby helping to reduce hunger and poverty.</p><p>The Yara Prize was established in 2005 as a direct response to the former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s call for a green revolution in Africa in 2004. It aims at celebrating significant achievements related to food and nutrition security, and sustainable agriculture with a transformative power.</p><p><a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_1293.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1312" alt="IMG_1293" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_1293.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="225" /></a></p><p>The prize can be awarded to any qualified candidate, irrespective of nationality, profession or location, whose work, and contributions deriving from the work, has had a clear impact on the African situation, nationally, regionally, or for the continent.</p><p>The prize can be awarded with reference to a specific contribution or achievement, or a series of efforts and results; recently or in the past, or over a period of time - judged as viable and in accordance with acknowledged principles of sustainability. To be considered by the prize committee, all nominations and supporting documentation must be received by <strong>May 3, 2013</strong>.</p><p>Click <a title="http://www.yara.com/sustainability/how_we_engage/africa_engagement/yara_prize/nomination_guidelines.aspx" href="http://www.yara.com/sustainability/how_we_engage/africa_engagement/yara_prize/nomination_guidelines.aspx"><strong>here</strong></a> to learn more: <a title="http://www.yara.com/sustainability/how_we_engage/africa_engagement/yara_prize/nomination_guidelines.aspx" href="http://www.yara.com/sustainability/how_we_engage/africa_engagement/yara_prize/nomination_guidelines.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.yara.com/sustainability/how_we_engage/africa_engagement/yara_prize/nomination_guidelines.aspx</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>'},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1387,post_date:"2013-04-22 00:00:12",post_date_gmt:"2013-04-21 23:00:12",post_modified:"2013-04-15 14:05:03",post_modified_gmt:"2013-04-15 13:05:03",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-yara-prize-win-60000",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"food"},{__cdata:"nutrition"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"security"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Yara Prize"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:58:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_1293.jpg";s:6:"images";a:1:{s:58:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_1293.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:58:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/img_1293.jpg";s:5:"width";i:1600;s:6:"height";i:1200;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:1920000;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:1;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-04-15 13:05:03";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_634ae86aa1f00a4129d18cb2e471347f",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_6fd764eb8dacaea0fd30915afb1ae513",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"From MIT to Nigeria – Finding Business Opportunity in Recycling Waste for Developing Countries"}

1983,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/05/01/from-mit-to-nigeria-finding-business-opportunity-in-recycling-waste-for-developing-countries/",pubDate:"Wed, 01 May 2013 01:34:58 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1397",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_1400" align="alignleft" width="184"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_5945.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1400" alt="Co-Founder, WeCyclers" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_5945.jpg?w=184" width="184" height="300" /></a> Co-Founder, WeCyclers[/caption]
1984
1985Entrepreneur and innovator, Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola sat down with the AWP Network to discuss key lessons she’s learned since starting <strong>WeCyclers</strong>. The AWP Network also extends a warm congratulations to Bilikiss for being selected as a 2013 <a title="http://www.echoinggreen.org/blog/announcing-2013-echoing-green-fellowships-finalists#eg_finalists" href="http://www.echoinggreen.org/blog/announcing-2013-echoing-green-fellowships-finalists#eg_finalists" target="_blank">Echoing Green</a> finalist. With an MBA from MIT, a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University, and an undergraduate degree in computer science from Fisk University - Bilikiss moved back to Nigeria determined to fix the urban waste management system. Her Lagos-based company is focused on giving low-income communities in developing countries a chance to capture value from waste and clean up their neighborhoods through an incentive-based recycling program.
1986
1987<strong>How did you come up with the name WeCyclers?</strong>
1988
1989<strong></strong>Actually, I didn’t. The idea for this company came up in a development ventures class at MIT. The professor leading the class, Joost Bonsen, gave us the name and he has been very instrumental and supportive in helping to move the company forward.
1990
1991<strong>What inspired you to start this business?</strong>
1992
1993I have always been interested in ideas that focus on repurposing waste. As I previously stated, the idea for WeCyclers came up in my development ventures class at MIT. During this class, I met other people interested in doing something about waste in developing countries. Also, I worked at a large company for a few years prior to MIT so I think that this was a combination of several factors, one of which was that the timing was just perfect.
1994
1995<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
1996Our idea is focused on developing countries, particularly low-income individuals. However, during our pilot, we discovered that there is a demand for WeCyclers from people within every strata of society. People are excited about recycling and they want to do their bit towards building a sustainable planet.
1997
1998<strong>How have you financed your business?</strong>
1999We have raised most of our funding from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) sources. I think that MIT is the most supportive school for entrepreneurs period! If companies started by MIT alumni were classified as a country, it would have the 11th highest GDP of any nation. Companies like Bose, Dropbox, Hewlett Packard, and E*TRADE were all started by MIT alumni. There is a culture at MIT that focuses on making student-led ventures succeed. My company has received funding from the MIT Founders Skills Accelerator, MIT D-lab, and MIT IDEAS. We have also raised funds from our supporters who have a great understanding for the importance of promoting recycling – LAWMA, Coca-Cola, GlaxoSmithKline, and Shoprite have all provided us with funding.
2000
2001<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
2002Our competitive edge is our incentives platform. We are building a strong network of people who are excited about recycling.
2003
2004<strong>What is your five-year business plan?</strong>
2005We see a big opportunity here in Nigeria. We hope that in five (5) years we would be able to build a strong recycling network.
2006
2007<strong>What challenges do you face or have you faced thus far?</strong>
2008Our two main challenges are funding and low awareness for our work. Doing business in Nigeria is also very challenging.
2009
2010&nbsp;
2011
2012<strong>What five key things have you learned since starting your business idea?</strong>
2013I have been working on this idea for over a year now and I have learned quite a bit.
2014
20151. I have learned not to sweat the small stuff – you have to be very good at time management and sometimes you do not have the luxury to obsess over unimportant things.
20162. I have changed quite a bit as a person. Before WeCyclers, it was quite difficult for me to communicate how I felt. I always felt the need to be polite but now, I am more direct and I stand up for what I believe in.
20173. I have learned the importance of networking. You only learn when you are interacting with others.
20184. I have learned to take some time out for myself.
20195. I have learned to delegate and trust my team.
2020
2021<strong>What five things do start-up entrepreneurs need to know?</strong>

20221. Believe in your idea even if other people are trying to convince you otherwise. It is great to incorporate people’s feedback into your work, but if you do not agree with them, stick with your plan.
20232. Network! Network! Network! I cannot stress the importance of networking. It is very vital to growing yourself and your business.
20243. Be comfortable with uncertainty.
20254. Help out other start-up entrepreneurs when you can.
20265. Learn how to negotiate – negotiating is a very important skill.
2027
2028<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
2029The easiest way to get funding is to build a team. You will be surprised at how quickly your idea will take off when you have a solid group of people that are equally passionate about it. Also, like our parents say, two (or more) heads are better than one. The diversity as well as the expanded network will amplify your chances of funding the venture.
2030
2031<strong>How do you think Nigerian youths can continue to support one another?</strong>
2032I find that Nigerian youths are supportive of one another. We have had a large number of young volunteers who are excited about what we are doing and want to see us succeed. I would say they should continue to help out when they can.
2033
2034<strong>How many jobs have you created so far?</strong>
2035We have created 15 jobs so far
2036
2037<strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Nigeria or Africa?</strong>
2038We need to invest more in education. You cannot innovate when you do not have a good education. Also, we need more technology incubators and accelerators like the Co-Creation Hub (CChub). The team at CCHub has been very supportive. They are working hard to ensure our success. It will be great to see more organizations like CChub in Nigeria and throughout Africa - dedicated to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs.
2039
2040http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;v=_QVK8KcXCXo#!
2041
2042&nbsp;
2043
2044<strong>Want to contact Bilikiss</strong>:
2045
2046<strong>Twitter</strong>: <a title="https://twitter.com/realwecyclers" href="https://twitter.com/realwecyclers" target="_blank">www.twitter.com/realwecyclers</a>
2047<strong>Website</strong>: <a title="http://wecyclers.com/" href="http://wecyclers.com/" target="_blank">www.wecyclers.com</a>
2048<strong>Facebook</strong>: <a title=" https://www.facebook.com/Wecyclers" href="https://www.facebook.com/Wecyclers" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/Wecyclers</a>
2049<strong>Phone Number</strong>: (234) 808 -583 -2423
2050
2051&nbsp;
2052
2053&nbsp;
2054
2055&nbsp;
2056
2057&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1397,post_date:"2013-05-01 02:34:58",post_date_gmt:"2013-05-01 01:34:58",post_modified:"2013-10-14 02:44:27",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 01:44:27",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"from-mit-to-nigeria-finding-business-opportunity-in-recycling-waste-for-developing-countries",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"accessibility"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Bilikiss Adebiyi"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"CChub"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"developing countries"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"waste"},{__cdata:"WeCyclers"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:58:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/img_5945.jpg";s:6:"images";a:1:{s:58:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/img_5945.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:58:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/img_5945.jpg";s:5:"width";i:456;s:6:"height";i:740;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:337440;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:1;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-05-01 01:48:22";}'}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1400"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_5d5d42e948b79abb6de865dc14458d30",meta_value:{__cdata:'<span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe class="youtube-player" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_QVK8KcXCXo?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_5d5d42e948b79abb6de865dc14458d30",meta_value:{__cdata:"1727431151"}}],comment:[{comment_id:1e3,comment_author:{__cdata:"Akinseye B. Olawale"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"37.228.105.199",comment_date:"2013-05-01 03:13:28",comment_date_gmt:"2013-05-01 02:13:28",comment_content:{__cdata:"Thanks for sharing Mary!"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1367374408.305728912353515625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1367374528"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-05-01 02:13:28"}}]},{comment_id:1001,comment_author:{__cdata:"Mahassin"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.fruitfibernbeyond.com",comment_author_IP:"41.220.68.48",comment_date:"2013-05-01 09:07:40",comment_date_gmt:"2013-05-01 08:07:40",comment_content:{__cdata:`Great Article Mary. I saw a WeCyclers bicycle a few weeks back and I was so tripped that I made the biker pose for a quick pic for me. Its about time the youth started spearheading recycling. Afterall, we're the ones who will inherit this mess! 
2058
2059I would love to learn how my company can recycle our waste. Restaurants create alor of waste on a day to day basis!`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1367395661.210527896881103515625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1367624957"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1367624957.471829891204833984375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-05-01 08:07:40"}}]},{comment_id:1073,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"74.101.129.145",comment_date:"2013-0

20597-01 22:04:45",comment_date_gmt:"2013-07-01 21:04:45",comment_content:{__cdata:"We will like to learn more about simgas...could you get in touch? Thanks!"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1372712685"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1372712685.9809410572052001953125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-07-01 21:04:45"}}]},{comment_id:1012,comment_author:{__cdata:"abbeydot"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://9japreneurs.wordpress.com",comment_author_IP:"41.138.171.49",comment_date:"2013-05-07 19:07:34",comment_date_gmt:"2013-05-07 18:07:34",comment_content:{__cdata:"@mahassin....How about recycling your food waste and reusing it as cooking gas at your restaurant. check out www.simgas.com and get in touch if that sounds like an exciting option for you to consider"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:1001,comment_user_id:25583939,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1368478994"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1368478994.2472400665283203125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1367950054.847899913787841796875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:8:"abbeydot";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-05-07 18:07:34"}}]},{comment_id:1126,comment_author:{__cdata:"Innovation in Africa: Here’s what Young African Women Entrepreneurs Have to Say | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2013/08/19/innovation-in-africa-heres-what-young-african-women-entrepreneurs-have-to-say/",comment_author_IP:"72.233.69.25",comment_date:"2013-08-19 02:03:08",comment_date_gmt:"2013-08-19 01:03:08",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Entrepreneur and innovator, Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, CEO at WeCyclers – a company determined to fix the urban waste management system and focused […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1377191975"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1377191976.104445934295654296875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-08-19 01:03:08"}}]},{comment_id:1078,comment_author:{__cdata:"Alexander E. Esiyoma"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"93.186.31.84",comment_date:"2013-07-12 19:21:47",comment_date_gmt:"2013-07-12 18:21:47",comment_content:{__cdata:"I admire your courage. I'm someone who has flare for recycling business and will like to know more about it."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1373744390"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1373744390.4733359813690185546875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1373653308.8715040683746337890625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-07-12 18:21:47"}}]},{comment_id:1917,comment_author:{__cdata:"AWP Lagos Event: Meet the Panelists | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/01/13/awp-lagos-event-meet-the-panelists/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.10.51",comment_date:"2014-01-13 00:13:45",comment_date_gmt:"2014-01-12 23:13:45",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

20590;] Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola is co-founder of Wecyclers, a for-profit social enterprise working to help communities reclaim their neighborhoods from unmanaged waste. Founded in 2012, Wecyclers, in partnership with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), utilizes low-cost cargo bicycles called “wecycles” to provide convenient recycling services to households in Lagos using a SMS-based incentives system. Adebiyi-Abiola is a graduate of Fisk University, Vanderbilt University, and MIT Sloan School of Management. While at MIT, Adebiyi-Abiola was a Legatum Fellow. She is currently an Echoing Green Fellow, Tech Award recipient, and laureate of the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1390769233"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1390769233.0326690673828125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-01-12 23:13:45"}}]},{comment_id:1638,comment_author:{__cdata:"uzoma"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"196.46.245.123",comment_date:"2013-11-15 12:01:40",comment_date_gmt:"2013-11-15 11:01:40",comment_content:{__cdata:"I WILL LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT SIMGAS. COULD U PLEASE GET IN TOUCH? THANKS"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:1012,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1384513300.6346371173858642578125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1384813256"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1384813256.461697101593017578125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-11-15 11:01:40"}}]},{comment_id:1640,comment_author:{__cdata:"abbeydot"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://9japreneurs.wordpress.com",comment_author_IP:"41.71.174.183",comment_date:"2013-11-18 23:58:46",comment_date_gmt:"2013-11-18 22:58:46",comment_content:{__cdata:"Hello AWP...sorry I am just seeing this comment. Reach out to me via [email protected] and I will put you in touch with someone at SIMGAS"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:1073,comment_user_id:25583939,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1384815526"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1384815526.5969159603118896484375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:8:"abbeydot";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-11-18 22:58:46"}}]},{comment_id:1641,comment_author:{__cdata:"abbeydot"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://9japreneurs.wordpress.com",comment_author_IP:"41.71.174.183",comment_date:"2013-11-19 00:00:07",comment_date_gmt:"2013-11-18 23:00:07",comment_content:{__cdata:"Hello Uzoma...sorry I am just seeing this comment. Reach out to me via [email protected] and I will put you in touch with someone at SIMGAS"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:1638,comment_user_id:25583939,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1384815607"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1384815607.7567079067230224609375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:8:"abbeydot";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-11-18 23:00:07"}}]},{comment_id:1643,comment_author:{__cdata:"I Want to Start A Business But I Have NO Money | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2013/11/19/i-want-to-start-a-business-but-i-have-no-money/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.81.188",comment_date:"2013-11-19 14:36:35",comment_date_gmt:"2013-11-19 13:36:35",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

20590;] Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, CEO of award-winning company WeCyclers states, “the easiest way to get funding is to build a team. You will be surprised at how quickly your idea takes off when you have a solid group of people equally passionate about your idea. Also, like our parents say, two (or more) heads are better than one. The diversity as well as the expanded network will amplify your chances of funding the venture.” […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1384869832"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1384869833.2328689098358154296875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-11-19 13:36:35"}}]},{comment_id:5360,comment_author:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs: What Nigerian Women Need « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/10/21/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-what-nigerian-women-need/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.82.135",comment_date:"2014-10-21 00:18:35",comment_date_gmt:"2014-10-20 23:18:35",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] at Africholiday Travels, tells young entrepreneurs to apply for grants such as the YouWin program,Cartier Women’s Award, or the Etisalat Prize for Innovation. She suggests starting with a business idea that does not […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1413847116.06707096099853515625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1413850945.678121089935302734375;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1413903006"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1413903006.6458799839019775390625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:5509,comment_author:{__cdata:"Lagos-based Company WeCyclers Wins 2014 Sustainia Award « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/11/02/lagos-based-company-wecyclers-wins-2014-sustainia-award/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.82.33",comment_date:"2014-11-02 03:05:23",comment_date_gmt:"2014-11-02 02:05:23",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] may read the interview with the co-founder of WeCyclers […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1414893978"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1414893978.11734104156494140625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1414893923.16648197174072265625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]},{comment_id:3647,comment_author:{__cdata:"12 Young Entrepreneurs Who Make Me Feel Optimistic About Nigeria's Future | CauseHub"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.causehub.com/blog/2014/07/22/12-young-entrepreneurs-who-make-me-feel-optimistic-about-nigerias-future/",comment_author_IP:"69.195.71.226",comment_date:"2014-07-22 20:01:41",comment_date_gmt:"2014-07-22 19:01:41",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola is co-founder of WeCyclers, a company giving low-income communities in developing countries a chance to capture value from […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1406055702.0335750579833984375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-07-22 

205919:01:43"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1406120002"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1406120003.02521610260009765625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:3656,comment_author:{__cdata:"12 Young Entrepreneurs Who Make Me Feel Optimistic About Nigeria’s Future | WorldNaija.Com"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://worldnaija.com/12-young-entrepreneurs-who-make-me-feel-optimistic-about-nigerias-future/",comment_author_IP:"173.201.196.208",comment_date:"2014-07-23 10:34:26",comment_date_gmt:"2014-07-23 09:34:26",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Adebiyi-Abiola is co-founder of WeCyclers, a company giving low-income communities in developing countries a chance to capture value from […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1406108067.18906402587890625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-07-23 09:34:28"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1406120000"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1406120001.0687239170074462890625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:8635,comment_author:{__cdata:"12 Young Entrepreneurs Who Make Me Feel Optimistic About Nigeria’s Future - Nigerian Young Professionals Forum"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.nypforum.org/12-young-entrepreneurs-make-feel-optimistic-nigerias-future/",comment_author_IP:"162.144.122.88",comment_date:"2016-05-04 11:20:24",comment_date_gmt:"2016-05-04 10:20:24",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola is co-founder of WeCyclers, a company giving low-income communities in developing countries a chance to capture value from […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1462408740.2594730854034423828125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1462408739"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1462357225.8289339542388916015625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1462360954.6269838809967041015625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:6967,comment_author:{__cdata:"Young African Women Entrepreneurs Offer Advice on How to Start a Business With No Money « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/05/19/young-african-women-entrepreneurs-offer-advice-on-how-to-start-a-business-with-no-money/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.197",comment_date:"2015-05-19 12:41:38",comment_date_gmt:"2015-05-19 11:41:38",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] as well as the expanded network will amplify your chances of funding the venture.”  —  Bilikiss Kola-Abiola, CEO of award-winning company […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1432035698.090290069580078125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1432035760"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1432035760.9742259979248046875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6309,comment_author:{__cdata:"patricia roberts"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"2.27.208.7",comment_date:"2015-01-18 21:15:04",comment_date_gmt:"2015-01-18 20:15:04",comment_content:{__cdata:"Hello, l am interested in recycling business. it really will be nice if you can talk me through the process of starting up my own recycling business which l have been thinking of starting for the past one year."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1421672647"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1421672647.19493198394775390625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1421612105.047048091888427734375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1421672647"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1421616231.705358982086181640625;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]},{comment_id:6399,comment_author:{__cdata:"Wilfred"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"82.145.222.152",comment_date:"2015-01-28 13:03:38",comment_date_gmt:"2015-01-28 12:03:38",comment_content:{__cdata:"Nyc work .love to partner wit u n support"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422446618.9242150783538818359375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473540"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422450247.49277400970458984375;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473540"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422473540.40040111541748046875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:7192,comment_author:{__cdata:"WeCyclers Wins Case Foundation Pitch For Lagos Competition « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/07/30/wecyclers-wins-case-foundation-pitch-for-lagos-competition/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.86.118",comment_date:"2015-07-30 23:06:15",comment_date_gmt:"2015-07-30 22:06:15",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

20590;] the AWP Network Interview with the co-founder of [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1438294483"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1438294484.622315883636474609375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1438293975.607964038848876953125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:8984,comment_author:{__cdata:"$500 Up For Grabs: Apply for the Unilever-WeCyclers Product Design Competition &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2017/02/13/500-up-for-grabs-apply-for-the-unilever-wecyclers-product-design-competition/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.99.132",comment_date:"2017-02-13 21:18:10",comment_date_gmt:"2017-02-13 20:18:10",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] job opportunities and promote entrepreneurship among the youths; the company has partnered with Wecyclers, to empower youths and make sustainable living a commonplace in Nigeria.We want to challenge the [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1487017334.0836029052734375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1487017091.5586678981781005859375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1487017333"}}]},{comment_id:16028,comment_author:{__cdata:"The King Baudouin Foundation Honors Founder of WeCyclers, Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2019/11/12/the-king-baudouin-foundation-honors-founder-of-wecyclers-bilikiss-adebiyi-abiola/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.100.135",comment_date:"2019-11-12 02:14:23",comment_date_gmt:"2019-11-12 01:14:23",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] giving to Europe and Africa, held a private dinner at Sea Grill in New York City to honor Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola the founder of WeCyclers, a Lagos-based social enterprise focused on giving low-income communities [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1573521283.324569;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1573521282"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1573521264.467987;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"AWP Network featured on BET.com"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/05/06/awp-network-on-bet/",pubDate:"Sun, 05 May 2013 23:00:24 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1419",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong><a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_1220.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1205" alt="IMG_1220" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_1220.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="225" /></a>Power to the She: African Women Power Network Founder Talks Business</strong>
2060
2061For Nigerian New Yorker and founder of the African Women Power Network (AWP) Mary Olushoga, life imitates art, and although she is no filmmaker, she hopes her work will make it to the big screen.
2062
2063“Although some people might view Nollywood movies as extreme, I think they portray an important part of what’s going on with Nigerian women,” Olushoga told BET.com.
2064
2065Nollywood, the nickname for Nigeria’s multi-million dollar film industry, is known for its fashion, wigs and melodramatic plots that Olushoga says accurately depict a prevailing reality for many young, Nigerian women: financial dependency upon men. Rather than dismiss the films as pure fiction, Olushoga says “more women need to take an empowerment stance to see themselves as part of that sort of ecosystem of change and development.”
2066
2067And the key to this empowerment, she says, is greater access.
2068
2069“[In Nigeria], men’s voices are given more priority,” she said. “I remember I went to a conference and someone said, “Anyone can speak but not everybody listens to who is speaking,” and I feel like a lot of women are speaking. They’re saying that they want help. They’re saying that they want support, but not too many people are paying attention.”
2070
2071Olushoga’s organization exists as that place where women are heard. Part PR machine, trumpeting positive stories from Africa and part business-development resource, AWP is working to connect women with critical resources and mentorship that will help them take the next leap as business owners.
2072
2073The scope of AWP’s content ranges from practical resources that help women build their business from the ground up to personal development for the entrepreneurs. However, Olushoga is clear that her organization isn’t a microfinance machine, like many other organizations targeting African women. Instead, she’s thinking bigger.
2074
2075“In my opinion, [microfinance] limits the vision for the woman. It’s like, okay someone’s going to fundraise for you ... You get fifty dollars, a hundred dollars and you can go home and feed your family. We don’t want African women in that survival mode,” she said. “I want to see African women as job creators, as people that have a voice at the table as policy makers and just helping each other.”
2076
2077Click <strong><a title="http://www.bet.com/news/global/2013/03/27/african-women-power-net

2077work-s-mary-olushoga-talks-business.html" href="http://www.bet.com/news/global/2013/03/27/african-women-power-network-s-mary-olushoga-talks-business.html">here</a> </strong>to read the article: <a title="http://www.bet.com/news/global/2013/03/27/african-women-power-network-s-mary-olushoga-talks-business.html" href="http://www.bet.com/news/global/2013/03/27/african-women-power-network-s-mary-olushoga-talks-business.html" target="_blank">http://www.bet.com/news/global/2013/03/27/african-women-power-network-s-mary-olushoga-talks-business.html</a>
2078
2079&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1419,post_date:"2013-05-06 00:00:24",post_date_gmt:"2013-05-05 23:00:24",post_modified:"2013-05-04 01:36:59",post_modified_gmt:"2013-05-04 00:36:59",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"awp-network-on-bet",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network. change"},{__cdata:"BET.com"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Naeesa Aziz"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:58:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/img_1220.jpg";s:6:"images";a:1:{s:58:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/img_1220.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:58:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/img_1220.jpg";s:5:"width";i:1600;s:6:"height";i:1200;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:1920000;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:1;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-05-04 00:36:59";}'}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_c467d4ea10bb442a3d07b2b29a8ec516",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_e343cd6678a6ac06b566e5a25c4bc6f2",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_7ffd011860b92d785d586becc91cadd9",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:2463,comment_author:{__cdata:"This Year, Plan to Create Your Own Reality | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/03/24/this-year-plan-to-create-your-own-reality/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.9.45",comment_date:"2014-03-24 16:30:39",comment_date_gmt:"2014-03-24 15:30:39",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Women&#8217;s Day Challenge winner. My work with the AWP Network also featured on BET.com, Black Enterprise, Oxfam America, the Make Every Women Count blog, and in San-Francisco based [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1395675118.903151988983154296875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1395675118"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-03-24 15:30:39"}}]},{comment_id:6797,comment_author:{__cdata:"Bldr. Ogundare Abiodun"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"168.235.195.81",comment_date:"2015-04-04 08:41:28",comment_date_gmt:"2015-04-04 07:41:28",comment_content:{__cdata:`A wonderful work you are doing and a nice concept. Am into Building Production Management I.e in the business of Building Construction &amp; Management. Need to know if you are also into Construction waste recycling.
2080
2081Thanks.`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1428427135"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1428427136.780394077301025390625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1428427135"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1428137750.4975020885467529296875;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1428133289.0102100372314453125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"AWP Network working to uplift the next generation of African Innovators"}

2081,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/05/09/awp-network-working-to-uplift-the-next-generation-of-african-innovators/",pubDate:"Wed, 08 May 2013 23:00:49 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1426",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Struggles and challenges. Leaders and innovators are no strangers to them—and they’re not afraid to face them with persistence, tenacity, and determination. Mary Olushoga is one young woman who did not allow perceived barriers to stop her, but instead chose to turn them into motivation to start a movement.
2082
2083Olushoga, founder of the <a href="http://awpnetwork.com/" target="_blank">AWP Network</a>, a web platform that offers African entrepreneurs business resources, educational tools, and community support, saw her enterprising father work through challenges and decided to be an agent of change. “Growing up in Nigeria, I saw my father’s struggles as an entrepreneur. I thought, ‘If he had the necessary resources, his business would have seen more success,’” Olushoga says.
2084
2085<strong>BlackEnterprise.com </strong>caught up with the 28-year-old to talk about why business advocacy is key to the advancement of entrepreneurs in Africa and her advocacy for women’s entrepreneurial empowerment through technology.
2086
2087<strong>BlackEnteprise.com: Why did you decide to start a network for African entrepreneurs?</strong>
2088
2089<strong></strong>Olushoga:<strong> </strong>I’ve been in the small business industry since graduating from college. I got the opportunity to work with <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/nycbiz/html/home/home.shtml" target="_blank">NYC Business Solutions</a>, whose centers provide<strong> </strong>free services for entrepreneurs, and I was able to develop many skills during that experience. They offered key resources that entrepreneurs need, particularly in Africa. I hear from many that there’s no money, but our organization provides information on startup funding, Web tools and other business solutions.
2090
2091<strong>You’re a big advocate of women and technology, especially in terms of entrepreneurship. How can women leverage the tech space and continue to be leaders?</strong>
2092
2093Understanding and having an awareness of tech innovation and products and their ability help women in how they do business is important. There’s still that gap in terms of cost, accessibility and comprehension. Some people don’t understand what certain things do. Knowing the capabilities of technology will enable and encourage women to be empowered in business. Also, mentoring helps a lot of women remain engaged and be exposed.
2094
2095We sometimes have that frustration with not knowing, but we must be willing to feel uncomfortable at first. Get empowered to know what’s going on. Research and get the knowledge on the tools that will help our businesses grow.
2096
2097Click to <strong><a title="http://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/advocacy-women-tech-entrepreneurship-awp-network-mary-olushoga/" href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/advocacy-women-tech-entrepreneurship-awp-network-mary-olushoga/">here</a></strong> to read the interview: <a title="http://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/advocacy-women-tech-entrepreneurship-awp-network-mary-olushoga/" href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/advocacy-women-tech-entrepreneurship-awp-network-mary-olushoga/" target="_blank">http://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/advocacy-women-tech-entrepreneurship-awp-network-mary-olushoga/</a>
2098
2099&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1426,post_date:"2013-05-09 00:00:49",post_date_gmt:"2013-05-08 23:00:49",post_modified:"2013-05-04 02:05:04",post_modified_gmt:"2013-05-04 01:05:04",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"awp-network-working-to-uplift-the-next-generation-of-african-innovators",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Africans in technology"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Janell Hazelwood"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-05-04 01:05:04";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_1da996efc8dc8bddcffd35f99bce209e",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_791a050bb44285671826647a24f4822c",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:1920,comment_author:{__cdata:"AWP Lagos Event: Meet the Panelists | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/01/13/awp-lagos-event-meet-the-panelists/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.10.51",comment_date:"2014-01-13 00:14:02",comment_date_gmt:"2014-01-12 23:14:02",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

20990;] has featured on BBC World News, Black Enterprise, iwantherjob.com, AFK Insider, Applause Africa, BET Networks, and has presented her work on women […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1390769224"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1390769224.2707250118255615234375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-01-12 23:14:02"}}]},{comment_id:2464,comment_author:{__cdata:"This Year, Plan to Create Your Own Reality | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/03/24/this-year-plan-to-create-your-own-reality/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.9.45",comment_date:"2014-03-24 16:30:42",comment_date_gmt:"2014-03-24 15:30:42",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Women’s Day Challenge winner. My work with the AWP Network also featured on BET.com, Black Enterprise, Oxfam America, the Make Every Women Count blog, and in San-Francisco based magazine, GOOD. I […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1395675119"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1395675119.6570789813995361328125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-03-24 15:30:42"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Africans in Technology Event"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/05/13/africans-in-technology-event/",pubDate:"Sun, 12 May 2013 23:00:50 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1440",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Over the past couple of years, the technology sector in Africa has experienced immense growth from both the international tech market, and a host of local tech startups have grown to be extremely successful.  As large tech corporations like Google, Microsoft, IBM, and Hewlett-Packard continue to invest and show interest in the African tech space, more startups like IrokoTV, TaxiRank, mVerified, Jobberman, to mention a few come on the scene. The overall opportunities available for the technology sector in Africa will continue to be a hot-topic both at the international and local level.
2100
2101This event was hosted by IBOM LLC in partnership with Black Enterprise and Mayven PR.
2102
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2119 `},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1440,post_date:"2013-05-13 00:00:50",post_date_gmt:"2013-05-12 23:00:50",post_modified:"2014-05-28 22:02:58",post_modified_gmt:"2014-05-28 21:02:58",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"africans-in-technology-event",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"access"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Ali Abdullah"},{__cdata:"Anie Akpe-Lewis"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Black Enterprise"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"effective partnership"},{__cdata:"Eric Hamilton"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"IBOM LLC"},{__cdata:"Janell Hazelwood"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Mayven PR"},{__cdata:"Muoyo Okome"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Tapua Tunduwani"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"women and girls"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1443"}},{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-05-04 02:37:52";}'}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply to the 2013 World Summit Youth Award"}

2119,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/05/16/apply-to-the-2013-world-summit-youth-award/",pubDate:"Wed, 15 May 2013 23:00:42 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1480",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The World Summit Youth Award (WSYA) selects and promotes best practices in e-content and new media. The award shows young people’s potential to create outstanding digital content and serves as a platform for people from all UN member states to work together in the efforts to put UN Millennium Development Goals into action. The best projects will be invited to the WSYA Winners’ Event and will have an opportunity to present their project on an international stage and meet other engaged people. Be presented and promoted through the WSYA network and become part of a vibrant and lively community! Engaged talents or young professionals <b>under 30 </b>can enter their projects within the six (6)  following categories:
2120
21211.       Fight Poverty, Hunger and Disease
2122
21232.       Education for All
2124
21253.       Power 2 Women
2126
21274.       Create your Culture
2128
21295.       Go Green
2130
21316.       Pursue the Truth
2132
2133Registration ends, <strong>July 1, 2013</strong>. Pls visit <a title="www.youthaward.org" href="www.youthaward.org" target="_blank">www.youthaward.org</a> for more information.`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1480,post_date:"2013-05-16 00:00:42",post_date_gmt:"2013-05-15 23:00:42",post_modified:"2013-05-13 22:18:51",post_modified_gmt:"2013-05-13 21:18:51",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-to-the-2013-world-summit-youth-award",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"UN MDGs"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"World Summit Youth Award"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1481"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-05-13 21:18:51";}'}}],comment:[{comment_id:1071,comment_author:{__cdata:"Jarius Andrew Greaves"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.yonerliberia.blogspot.com",comment_author_IP:"83.229.6.5",comment_date:"2013-06-28 12:58:49",comment_date_gmt:"2013-06-28 11:58:49",comment_content:{__cdata:`Hi organizer, i am a youth leader in my country-Liberia would like to apply. please guide me or your can kindly send me the doucment/apllication package at the following: [email protected]/[email protected]
2134Thanks,`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1372420730.7738969326019287109375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1372709085.8242390155792236328125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1372709085"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-06-28 11:58:49"}}]},{comment_id:1052,comment_author:{__cdata:"Call for Application: 2013 World Summit Youth Award | RISE NETWORKS"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://risenetworks.org/2013/06/07/call-for-application-2013-world-summit-youth-award/",comment_author_IP:"209.59.161.200",comment_date:"2013-06-07 15:34:40",comment_date_gmt:"2013-06-07 14:34:40",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

21340;] ends, July 1, 2013. Pls visit www.youthaward.org for more […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1370888271"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1370888271.8479900360107421875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1370615680.7033588886260986328125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-06-07 14:34:40"}}]},{comment_id:1070,comment_author:{__cdata:"Charlotte"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.youthaward.org",comment_author_IP:"81.223.68.251",comment_date:"2013-06-26 11:22:44",comment_date_gmt:"2013-06-26 10:22:44",comment_content:{__cdata:`Dear AWP-Network-Team,
2135
2136Thanks for talking about the World Summit Youth Award! It’s great to have such amazing support in promoting this opportunity for young social entrepreneurs.
2137We have extended the deadline for application until the 15th of July 2013 and would appreciate if you could update this in your post.
2138
2139Thanks and best regards,
2140Charlotte`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1372242165.0771429538726806640625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1372277751"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1372277752.1840770244598388671875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-06-26 10:22:44"}}]},{comment_id:2187,comment_author:{__cdata:"charlotte"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.youthaward.org",comment_author_IP:"81.223.68.251",comment_date:"2014-02-06 16:03:25",comment_date_gmt:"2014-02-06 15:03:25",comment_content:{__cdata:`Dear AWP network Team,
2141We are opening again the call for applications 2014 from 15th fo February till 15th of June. Could you update the post? That would be great! All applicants are invited to our website www.youthaward.org to check the rules and guidelines and of course to apply for the WSYA 2014!
2142Thanks,
2143Charlotte
2144WSYA Team`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"21321619533"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1391699005"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1391699005.6928260326385498046875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1391699005"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-02-06 15:03:25"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Investing in Startups targeting the African Market"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/05/20/investing-in-startups-targeting-the-african-market/",pubDate:"Sun, 19 May 2013 23:00:47 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1484",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`African accelerator 88mph is now accepting applications for its next program in Nairobi, Kenya, with investments of up to <strong>$100,000</strong> available.
2145
2146Successful applicants to the program will receive an investment offer, access to a wide range of domestic and international mentors, and introductions to potential follow-on investors.
2147
214888mph is a privately backed investment fund, has to date invested in 23 startups and is open to taking on between eight and 15 teams for the next program.
2149
2150<strong>Deadline</strong>: July 15                         <strong>Program start date</strong>: August 26
2151
2152To apply, click <a title="http://www.88mph.ac/" href="http://www.88mph.ac/">here</a>:  <a title="http://www.88mph.ac/" href="http://www.88mph.ac/" target="_blank">http://www.88mph.ac/</a>
2153

2154&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1484,post_date:"2013-05-20 00:00:47",post_date_gmt:"2013-05-19 23:00:47",post_modified:"2013-05-13 22:34:15",post_modified_gmt:"2013-05-13 21:34:15",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"investing-in-startups-targeting-the-african-market",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"88mph"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"investments"},{__cdata:"Kenya"},{__cdata:"startups"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"women and girls"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-05-13 21:34:15";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_3f2a454df601823bcb734bbd24fc4e16",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_105532fdd05745e7d767f1606af484b7",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Young African Techpreneur tells Youths to Deliver Value"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/05/27/young-african-techpreneur-tells-youths-to-focus-on-delivering-value/",pubDate:"Mon, 27 May 2013 17:00:32 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1494",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>Focus on Delivering Value - says Founder of BudgIT</strong>
2155
2156[caption id="attachment_1495" align="alignleft" width="191"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/oluseun.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1495" alt="Co-Founder, BudgIT" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/oluseun.jpg?w=191" width="191" height="300" /></a> Oluseun Onigbinde, BudgIT[/caption]
2157
2158Oluseun Onigbinde is co-founder and Lead Director of <strong>BudgIT</strong>, a civic startup company focused on promoting good governance by simplifying the Nigerian government’s budget. Using info-graphs, maps, mobile applications, and various new technologies, the company makes public data more understandable, accessible, and transparent to the average Nigerian citizen. The AWP Network connected with Oluseun and in this interview, he emphasizes the need for African youths to deliver value through their various initiatives.
2159
2160BudgIT is a non-profit organization currently funded by Indigo Trust, a United Kingdom grant-making foundation that sponsors technology-driven projects focused on social change. To date, over 20,000 unique users have visited the website, interacted with various applications, and made decisions regarding the budget. Onigbinde states, “the inability for Nigerian citizens to hold their government officials accountable has led to years of excessive waste, improper planning, and corruption.”
2161
2162<strong>How did you come up with the name BudgIT ?</strong>
2163The idea was conceptualized and developed at the Tech-In-Governance event, a 48-hour bootcamp organized by the Co-Creation Hub in February 2011. BudgIT launched officially September 13, 2011. The company name was previously “Budget4u,” but I didn’t feel comfortable with that name so I changed it during a hackathon in Lagos, to BudgIT.
2164
2165<strong>What or who inspired you to start your business?</strong>
2166I started this company because I want to make an impact. Prior to starting BudgIT, I worked at a bank but when I was there, I was very restless, unsatisfied, and felt this urgent need to do more. I began to think about my strengths and weaknesses – it was then that I made a connection. I am quite knowledgeable about public and project finance and I felt the desire to share this knowledge by analyzing the budget and other public data for the Nigerian audience. I felt an urgent need to solve a problem and I felt connected to the struggles of the average Nigerian citizen who may feel excluded, powerless, and may not know how to interpret complex data or budgets. To cut the long story short, I felt inspired to start this company based on my desire to have an impact in the world.
2167
2168<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
2169Nigerians – I believe that transparency and good governance ensures democracy and I find that access to budgetary information should be available to all citizens. I am particularly interested in helping Nigerian citizens interpret available government data. Currently, we plan to expand from analyzing the government’s budget to supp

2169orting NGOs and other institutions.
2170
2171<strong>How have you financed your business?</strong>
2172This company is a social enterprise so we have to show both impact and profit. Social entrepreneurship involves solving core societal problems, which might not be sustainable through charity and may not provide direct profit to capitalists. So at every point, it is more of where we want to be in terms of impact and influencing social change. Currently, our main funders are Indigo Trust UK and the Open Society for West Africa. We also provide consulting services to the Department for International Development (DFID) and the Nigerian National Assembly Budget &amp; Research Office.
2173
2174<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
2175We have a strong collaborative approach and work extensively with locally based partners. The impact we want might be painful but slowly but we are getting there.
2176
2177<strong>What is the long-term or 5-year plan for your business?</strong>
2178Our long-term plan is to grow the BudgIT platform using open technologies. Our aim is to interpret the budgets of various African governments into a more interactive and creative document. I also think about developing a framework for participatory budgeting across the continent using different technological tools and offline forums. I want to lead a campaign of getting more African countries to embrace Open Government Partnership (OGP).
2179
2180<strong>What challenges do you face or have you faced thus far?</strong>
2181We face several challenges. The first is getting data from the government. The Nigerian government is very unwilling to release data. The second is meeting the expectations of citizens excited about data, good governance, and transparency. We also face challenges with funding. Our team currently consists of eight (8) people and we plan to expand. Currently, only four members of the team work full-time. Good developers are costly, but despite these challenges, we have to keep going.
2182
2183&nbsp;
2184
2185<strong>What five key things have you learned since starting your business idea?</strong>
21861. Learn to quickly recognize a bad idea and learn to let go of them.
21872. Focus: In the race for market share, many things will look appealing and seductive. Identify and clarify your goals, values, and purpose. There must be no ambiguity on what value a founder wants to unlock.
21883. Strategic Marketing: define what it is you are selling and who you are selling to. What networks do you need to expand your footprint? My company’s message is centered on advocacy so I collaborate with EiENigeria, OKFN, and the Center for Social Justice.
21894. Maximize your trigger points: when you are a startup, you are the new kid on the block. With persistence, there will always be a trigger point. BudgIT did that with the Occupy Nigeria movement.
21905. Grow Lean: there is the mentality of ‘I have arrived on the first breakout’ in terms of revenue or impact. In this instance, you see a co-founder buying new cars or changing apartments. A start-up is still standing on a fragile pivot, so stay lean until your profit margin increases. I am currently learning that.
2191
2192<strong>What five things do start-up entrepreneurs need to know?</strong>
21931. <strong><em>Passion</em></strong> – focus on the “it,” the reason why you exist.
21942. <strong><em>Focus</em></strong> - keep it straight like laser, the hardest of metals will bend.
21953. <strong><em>Excellence</em> </strong>– let it be said by the unknowns that you tried your best to deliver exceptional value in a timely manner.
21964. <strong><em>Integrity</em></strong> – never ever lose a shred of it.
21975. <strong><em>Iterative Learning</em></strong> – never stop finding out why an idea works and why it never worked. Never pause on self- improvement or development. A start-up entrepreneur is in the kindergarten school of business.
2198
2199<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
2200You actually need money to start a business. My advice is to start small and more importantly, keep your eye on delivering value. Also, there is something called, “reputation quotient” which means, using the power of your networks. If your idea is brilliant and you are persistent enough, someone will buy it.
2201
2202<strong>

2202How do you think African youths can continue to support each other?</strong>
2203There is a need to work together across the continent. Collaboration is vital. Currently, we are planning an exchange project in Senegal to deepen access and good governance.
2204
2205<strong>How many jobs have you created so far?</strong>
2206I am in the tech business and it is more of skill strength over the number. I will favorably say eight (8) jobs. I want to do more but I eagerly need to have a healthy balance sheet.
2207
2208<strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Africa?</strong>
2209We need to support more collaborative spaces. BudgIT was incubated at a technology hub and what could have been serious challenges in the early stages of a startup, issues related to funding, goal definition, market strategy, and so on were easily gotten at the hub. We need more hackathons, co-creation hubs, living labs, and I strongly believe these nodes can unleash talent in a communal way. Our grandfathers supported each other because they recognized the power of collaboration and community. We need to do the same and join our strengths together with our eyes on a common goal. I am sure we can surmount challenges and do great things.
2210
2211Currently, BudgIT is developing a model around public sector intelligence for Banks. This will allow banks to gain quick and refined access to government contracts, monthly allocations, and budgets. It is still an evolving process and still in the idea phase.
2212
2213[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-VSn6R34Js]<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-VSn6R34Js">
2214</a>
2215
2216<strong>Oluseun Onigbinde</strong> is Co-Founder and Lead Director at BudgIT. He is a 2012 World Summit Youth Award winner, and an Ashoka Fellow.  He graduated from the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, with a degree in electrical and electronics engineering. He frequently contributes to the Data Journalism blog and is a member of the Open Spending Wiki Group, an initiative of the Open Knowledge Foundation based in United Kingdom. His company BudgIT was recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the top five African start-ups to watch out for. Oluseun dreams of leading a thriving public policy think-tank.
2217
2218<strong>Contact</strong>:
2219
2220Website: <a title="http://yourbudgit.com" href="http://yourbudgit.com" target="_blank">http://yourbudgit.com/</a>
2221Twitter: <a title="http://twitter.com/budgitng" href="http://twitter.com/budgitng" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/budgitng</a>
2222Facebook: <a title="https://www.facebook.com/budgitng" href="https://www.facebook.com/budgitng" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/budgitng</a>
2223Phone: +2347034944492
2224
2225&nbsp;
2226
2227&nbsp;
2228
2229&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1494,post_date:"2013-05-27 18:00:32",post_date_gmt:"2013-05-27 17:00:32",post_modified:"2013-11-18 23:22:47",post_modified_gmt:"2013-11-18 22:22:47",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"young-african-techpreneur-tells-youths-to-focus-on-delivering-value",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"BudgIT"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"CChub"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Oluseun Onigbinde"},{__cdata:"open technology"},{__cdata:"policy"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1495"}},{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:57:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/oluseun.jpg";s:6:"images";a:1:{s:57:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/oluseun.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:57:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/oluseun.jpg";s:5:"width";i:475;s:6:"height";i:744;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:353400;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:1;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-05-27 17:00:32";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_f5a681b69a4afd1c5b8345f34c4c5a2f",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_1e79ed0a6d17953055d1c87ffad273e8",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:{comment_id:1642,comment_author:{__cdata:"I Want to Start A Business But I Have NO Money | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2013/11/19/i-want-to-start-a-business-but-i-have-no-money/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.81.188",comment_date:"2013-11-19 14:36:32",comment_date_gmt:"2013-11-19 13:36:32",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

22290;] Oluseun Onigbinde, co-founder and Lead Director of BudgIT, a civic startup company focused on promoting good governance states, “I believe that you need money to start a business. My advice is to start small and more importantly, focus on delivering value. Also, there is something called “reputation quotient” which means, using the power of your networks. When you have a brilliant idea and you are persistent enough, I believe someone will buy into it.” […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1384869834"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1384869834.837707042694091796875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-11-19 13:36:32"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network at the Business and Innovation Conference "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/05/30/the-awp-network-at-the-business-and-innovation-conference/",pubDate:"Thu, 30 May 2013 11:23:55 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1527",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Over  two hundred constituents filled the Faculty Dining Room of Lehman College in the Bronx on Thursday, April 4, 2013, to attend the Business and Innovation Conference hosted by Congressman Charles B. Rangel. Along with guest speakers Dr. Rebecca Blank, the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce and David Hinson, the National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), Rangel answered questions from constituents regarding the landscape for the business community and the economy.
2230
2231[gallery type="slideshow" ids="1530,1533,1534,1531,1536,1537,1538,1539,1541,1542,1543,1544"]
2232
2233[gallery type="rectangular" ids="1538,1539,1544"]`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1527,post_date:"2013-05-30 12:23:55",post_date_gmt:"2013-05-30 11:23:55",post_modified:"2014-05-28 22:05:37",post_modified_gmt:"2014-05-28 21:05:37",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-at-the-business-and-innovation-conference",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"Events"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1544"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-05-30 11:23:55";}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/06/02/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-3/",pubDate:"Sun, 02 Jun 2013 20:07:58 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1546",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>Time to Get Serious About Growing Your Business!</strong> This post is part of the #PMNG Knowledge Series on Project Management - Exploring the philosophical, structural, and HR imperatives of growing a business  in Nigeria, by Subomi Plumptre.
2234
2235[caption id="attachment_1547" align="alignleft" width="169"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/shosho.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1547" alt="Subomi Plumptre" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/shosho.jpg?w=169" width="169" height="300" /></a> Subomi Plumptre[/caption]
2236
2237<strong>Case Study</strong>: I once volunteered at an NGO where I was asked to suggest new service providers for an upcoming project. I contacted a referral by email, phone, and twitter. To date, the requested invoice has NOT been received. I eventually worked with a second referral. The relationship was cordial; turnaround time prompt; depth of reasoning rich, and availability constant. Today, he has become my defacto service provider of choice. I learned a valuable lesson from the two interactions - a business cannot grow, stabilize, or expand without administrative capacity.
2238
2239Talent is not enough and sometimes a business is its own worst enemy. An entrepreneur cannot engage the market at certain heights or on multiple fronts without administrative capacity. Building this capacity is the only way to get serious about business. Yes, you can make money through “deals,” but at a certain age, you cannot run around looking for deals. Easy come, easy go. No structure, no sustainability.
2240
2241Administrative capacity is the difference between a one-man company and a corporation. Everything the business seeks; from finance to contacts to new business is fueled by administrative capacity. An entrepreneur cannot raise funds, cultivate networks, or deliver quality if he/she is too busy putting out fires, doing documentation, running the office, or putting off customers with inefficiency. Customers should never take their money elsewhere because a business is unreachable. With the availability of multiple devices and contact points, this is unacceptable. The quality of contact also matters. Never put an ignorant or disorganized person in charge of your brand interface. Customers will leave and you won’t even know why.
2242
2243A growing business also needs core managers. People to develop or expand business lines and play political roles. The administrative staff should deal with the day-to-day paperwork. When an entrepreneur is bogged down with paperwork, quality control, &amp; administrative tasks; there will be limited business growth.
2244
2245I will show you how to develop core administrative and management teams despite the decrease in the quality of our educational products and paucity of talent. (I’m assuming of course that you already have a professional team, so I’ll focus on the business of the business).
2246
2247First, you must accept that as a growing business, you cannot afford great talent. The competition is fierce; the pool of talent shallow. Therefore, you must innovate and be open to new HR and remuneration models. You must decide upfront what you are willing to give up to get talent. If you can’t pay top salaries, are you willing to invest time and emotions, for instance, give up future earnings or equity? I'll explain:
2248
2249<strong>Time and emotions</strong>: you must rigorously (re) train from scratch, investing 3-7 years and pouring your life into your team.
2250
2251<strong>Equity</strong>: to develop new business lines, you may choose to give out equity or share profit with experienced talent in a bid to attract and retain them. You do not need to give equity in the core business, to protect the culture. Rather you can spin off the new venture as a complementary entity and give equity or share profit in that unit.
2252
2253If you choose to invest time or equity, there are three (3) models named after three (3) global companies: GE, SouthWest Airlines, and Google. You should choose a model that suits your business growth stage, personality, industry, and is sustainable.
2254
2255<em><strong>GE runs a process model</strong></em>; an assembly line that churns out leaders through ongoing training, mentorship, exposure, and opportunities. This model works for already structured organisations that need leaders for rapidly expanding businesses on an ongoing basis. It's expensive as it requires internal &amp; external training, progress mapping, documentation, and such. But if your business has branches, it's a good model as you can dispatch people from the core company who embody your culture to run those units.
2256
2257<em><strong>The Southwest model</strong></em> is for an entrepreneur looking for one (1) or two (2) core managers who can run the business in his/her absence; “successors” so to speak. Young, bright minds are closely mentored - they eat, travel with you; have long philosophical conversations with you. They are family. You look out for them and defend them. You train them and earn their loyalty. This is a huge time/emotional investment. The fear is, what if they leave? While you may institute minimum engagement contracts or non-compete agreements, people may still leave due to circumstances beyond their control. But the truth is it’s the only way to produce a certain kind of loyalty. You win some, you lose some. There are no short cuts, and, you cannot financially afford ready-made experienced staff. They’re out of your reach. However, if you have an urgent HR need, you can use contract consultants to plug the gap while you take the time to groom your core team. Your business will not outlive you without a core group who believe in y

2257ou and the business. The core team frees you to dream of new businesses and explore other ventures. They allow you to enjoy the fruit of your labor without worrying whether the company will collapse if you're away.
2258
2259<strong><em>Google runs a venture model - </em></strong> this applies to businesses that have venture funding or are at stage two (2) funding. They can afford talent. The key is to look for industry experts who can open doors or expand the business. Often they are older than you and will only do it if you give stock options or profit-sharing. They are beyond salary and have the luxury of working where they choose. They will only join you for the challenge and the chance to build something great or own a share of something potentially big. They will want something they can cash out later should the venture prove successful. So it’s a win-win for all.
2260
2261When recruiting, there are some things that are non-negotiable in admin or management staff. I will list them. But to ensure the right fit, identify a friend or mentor who already embodies what you’re looking for and make sure that they are on the recruitment panel. They will help you spot “themselves” in the candidates and will provide a measure of objectivity.
2262
2263For admin staff  for a growing business, some critical competences are required in the first 6 months of engagement/training. If they do not exist by then, please fire - you're carrying dead weight. The competences are:
2264<ol>
2265	<li> Ability to quickly produce impeccable proposals &amp; invoices</li>
2266	<li>Constant availability via electronic channels</li>
2267	<li>Ability to develop &amp; manage a calendar and provide clear project updates</li>
2268	<li>High ratio of completed to uncompleted tasks</li>
2269</ol>
2270Forget everything else on your checklist. If these competences do not exist, please do not hire or fire thereafter. For Management staff in a growing business, these are the required competences:
2271<ol>
2272	<li>Networking ability &amp; political astuteness</li>
2273	<li>Ability to create new income streams</li>
2274	<li>Leadership &amp; training ability</li>
2275	<li>Resource management</li>
2276	<li>Strategic vision, planning &amp; execution</li>
2277</ol>
2278The 1st three functions that must be filled at management level are: New Business Development &amp; Execution - Financial Management &amp; Investments - Relationship Management, Service &amp; Quality Control.
2279
2280As a growing business, you are truly on the path to being serious about making money and building a sustainable company when you have built a strong admin &amp; management team. This year, make hiring the right people your top priority.
2281
2282&nbsp;
2283
2284<strong>Subomi Plumptre</strong> heads the corporate practice at Alder Consulting, Nigeria’s leading brand consulting firm. At Alder, she consults on idea development, business strategy, social media strategy, and brand development. She sits on the Board of A Figment of Imagination, a 3D firm, and is a member of the Board of Trustees for The Leke Alder Foundation. She is also co-chair of the Management Board of the Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) and an Associate of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).
2285
2286Follow her on twitter: <a title="https://twitter.com/subomiplumptre" href="https://twitter.com/subomiplumptre" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/subomiplumptre</a>
2287
2288&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1546,post_date:"2013-06-02 21:07:58",post_date_gmt:"2013-06-02 20:07:58",post_modified:"2013-06-02 21:07:58",post_modified_gmt:"2013-06-02 20:07:58",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-3",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Alder Consulting"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"Subomi Plumptre"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1547"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_072967c8bc1f959713e5eb8ecff7f554",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_39cb8a7ef2bb3ac3da2af37e9171d728",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_6c9101c63d6fe912f68da303be2f0828",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_afc3c21711d5361eedfffd2d6e70294e",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:{comment_id:1063,comment_author:{__cdata:"Toyin Fajj"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.190.3.61",comment_date:"2013-06-18 17:58:31",comment_date_gmt:"2013-06-18 16:58:31",comment_content:{__cdata:"Great article, well said."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1371831678"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1371831678.903994083404541015625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1371574712.6816699504852294921875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-06-18 16:58:31"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Stay Tuned: The AWP Network Photo Competition "}

2288,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/06/06/stay-tuned-the-awp-network-photo-competition/",pubDate:"Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:06:52 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1571",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_1572" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/slide1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1572" alt="Your Voice Matters " src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/slide1.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="225" /></a> Your Voice Matters[/caption]
2289
2290&nbsp;
2291
2292&nbsp;
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2294&nbsp;
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2299
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2314&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1571,post_date:"2013-06-06 15:06:52",post_date_gmt:"2013-06-06 14:06:52",post_modified:"2013-10-14 02:52:16",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-14 01:52:16",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"stay-tuned-the-awp-network-photo-competition",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Photography"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"YourVoiceMatters"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1572"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:56:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/slide1.jpg";s:6:"images";a:1:{s:56:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/slide1.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:56:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/slide1.jpg";s:5:"width";i:960;s:6:"height";i:720;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:691200;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:1;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-06-06 14:06:52";}'}}]},{title:{__cdata:"10 Business Lessons You Should Know"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/06/12/10-business-lessons-you-should-know/",pubDate:"Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:46:55 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1574",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`After 30 years in business, an entrepreneur reveals 10 of the most important lessons he wishes he had learned earlier in life.  Post written by Barry Moltz.
2315
2316I started my business career 30 years ago. I would have never thought back then, when I kicked everything off, that I would work for a large corporation, start three companies and an angel investment fund, become a small business author, motivational speaker and consultant, be fired, kicked out by my partners, and go out of business more than once. It has been a crazy ride, but with age, and all those ups and downs, comes experience—and with experience comes a little bit of wisdom. Here are 10 lessons I wish I had learned before I was 40.
2317
2318<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/img_1309.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-330" alt="Harlem Art " src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/img_1309.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="225" /></a>
2319
23201. <strong>You can’t control everything.</strong> No matter how hard you work or who you know, there are so many things out of your control. The sooner you realize that, the less frustrated you'll be. Work hard at the things you can control and learn to react decisively to the things that are out of your control.
2321
23222. <strong>Money is not the only measure of success.</strong> Money is important since it's the most visible way society keeps score. However, earning enough money doing something you love to support your family is the true measure of success.
2323
23243. <strong>"Love everyone, trust few and paddle your own canoe."</strong> Assume that people have the best intentions, but only trust those who have earned it. Your business is what you and your team make of it. Don’t depend on others for your own success.
2325
23264. <strong>It’s not what you do; it’s who you are doing it with.</strong> I have been unhappy in many successful businesses since it’s the people you are working with that really count. Business is ultimately about your partners, employees, customers and vendors.
2327
23285. <strong>Overnight success can take seven to 10 years.</strong> Most financially successful business owners have been working at it for almost a decade. Patience is truly a valued virtue for every small-business owner. Accept that success takes a very long time.
2329
23306. <strong>We can’t always learn something from failure.</strong> Contrary to popular wisdom, sometimes when we fail, there is nothing to learn. When you fail, learn what you can and quickly let go of that failure so you can move on to the next chance to succeed.
2331
23327. <strong>There will always be winners and losers.</strong> It’s a lot more fun to be a winner, but learning how to be a “good loser” is important too. Don’t be happy about losing, but accepting defeat will allow you to move forward.
2333
23348. <strong>Sales are vanity; cash is sanity</strong>. Forget about how big your revenue number is or how many people you employ. Focus on how to read a cash flow statement and how much cash you actually get to keep.
2335

23369. <strong>Focus. Focus. Focus.</strong> Those small-business owners who want to be everything to every customer will ultimately fail. Customer loyalty comes from doing one thing extremely well for them.
2337
233810. <strong>There are other things in life besides business.</strong> Most entrepreneurs spend too much time at work or thinking about it. This obsession creates a very narrow and sometimes lonely world. Getting and giving support to family and friends will make your life journey much more enriching.
2339
2340&nbsp;
2341
2342&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1574,post_date:"2013-06-12 05:46:55",post_date_gmt:"2013-06-12 04:46:55",post_modified:"2013-06-12 05:46:55",post_modified_gmt:"2013-06-12 04:46:55",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"10-business-lessons-you-should-know",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"Education"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:1118,comment_author:{__cdata:"10 Business Lessons You Should Know | Interactive Sports Apps"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://genzplay.wordpress.com/2013/08/12/10-business-lessons-you-should-know/",comment_author_IP:"72.232.7.44",comment_date:"2013-08-12 19:04:51",comment_date_gmt:"2013-08-12 18:04:51",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] 10 Business Lessons You Should Know. [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1376330692.51008892059326171875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1376365635"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1376365635.8138740062713623046875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-08-12 18:04:51"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"2013 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/06/18/2013-africa-awards-for-entrepreneurship/",pubDate:"Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:54:30 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1576",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship recognizes and awards exceptional entrepreneurial leaders who serve as role models to Africa's aspiring entrepreneurs and demonstrate business excellence, innovation, and profitability.
2343
2344Originally established in 2007 by the Legatum Group, the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship are now hosted by the African Leadership Network (ALN). ALN believes that the surest way for Africa to create prosperity is through entrepreneurship. In line with this, ALN hopes to inspire as many Africans as possible to pursue the path of entrepreneurship through the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship.
2345
2346The Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship have the following categories:
2347
2348LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Awarded to a senior African business leader who has served as an entrepreneurial icon for several decades and has left an enduring legacy of success in Africa
2349
2350TRANSFORMATIONAL BUSINESS AWARD – Citation and trophy awarded to a notable business leader who has had a major socio-economic impact in Africa by building a business with revenues greater than US$50million
2351
2352OUTSTANDING MATURE BUSINESS AWARD – US$100 000 prize to a business leader who has built a company with revenues between US$5Million and US$50million
2353
2354OUTSTANDING SMALL AND GROWING BUSINESS – US$50 000 prize to young, remarkable African business with revenues between US$500k – US$5Million
2355
2356SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY (NEW) – US$50 000 Awarded to an outstanding enterprise that has a demonstrated socio-economic and environmental impact, while blending profitability and sustainability in its business model.
2357
2358To be eligible, companies must demonstrate revenues of between US$150,000 and US$2.5million in the last financial year.
2359
2360<strong>Eligibility</strong>
2361The Awards are open to Africa-based entrepreneurs with firms that are fully registered in their home countries.
2362<ul>
2363	<li>Have revenues over USD 150, 000 for Social Entrepreneurs and over USD 500,000 for other Categories</li>
2364	<li>Have been profitable for at least 2 years</li>
2365	<li>Are independent (i.e. not a subsidiary)</li>
2366	<li>Are free of legal actions</li>
2367</ul>
2368Click here to apply: <strong>

2368<a title="http://africaawards.com/nominate-an-entrepreneur/english-application-form" href="http://africaawards.com/nominate-an-entrepreneur/english-application-form" target="_blank">http://africaawards.com/nominate-an-entrepreneur/english-application-form</a></strong>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1576,post_date:"2013-06-18 14:54:30",post_date_gmt:"2013-06-18 13:54:30",post_modified:"2013-06-18 14:57:12",post_modified_gmt:"2013-06-18 13:57:12",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"2013-africa-awards-for-entrepreneurship",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"sustainability"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-06-18 13:57:12";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_a2d7d78a7cbbef2a9be424fefa0d580b",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_1897ccf258f2554b2c56db82b6037edc",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_006a6bc9f6e5f2f6d2495947396f639b",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_a7b0935cf8ca4166188dc91f1c238595",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:{comment_id:1103,comment_author:{__cdata:"Future Awards: Application For The Young Media Entrepreneur Award Has Been Extended | talesbycindy"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://talesbycindy.wordpress.com/2013/07/29/future-awards-application-for-the-young-media-entrepreneur-award-has-been-extended/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.9.50",comment_date:"2013-07-29 12:43:16",comment_date_gmt:"2013-07-29 11:43:16",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] 2013 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship (awpnetwork.com) [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1375098196.8855020999908447265625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1375421176"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1375421176.40787506103515625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-07-29 11:43:16"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"infoDev launches mAgri challenge"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/06/21/infodev-launches-magri-challenge/",pubDate:"Fri, 21 Jun 2013 16:28:53 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1580",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>mAgri</strong> is an opportunity to identify creative ideas, test concepts, and pursue collaborations that can result in growth of mAgri app businesses across countries, regions, and the African continent.
2369
2370Mobile innovation in the agricultural sector faces at least two major challenges:
2371
23721) While there is a proliferation of market information mobile apps, few of these have been adopted widely across the African continent, making it difficult to achieve scale and profitability.
2373
23742) Despite proven benefits of mobile agricultural apps, the mobile entrepreneurship community and the agribusiness community often suffer from a lack of obvious linkages and ways to collaborate.
2375
2376<strong>You should apply if you are:</strong>
2377- An entrepreneur with a mobile business based in Africa,
2378- Someone who is working on a prototype of a mobile agriculture application,
2379- Someone looking to grow his/her business and seeing good growth prospects locally and/or abroad,
2380- Impatient to grow your market share and product portfolio in your quest to grow your business, substantially,
2381- Open to innovative methods/business approaches/products/processes that could be applied to your business to drive its growth,
2382- Someone who would benefit from business coaching support...
2383
2384Click here to learn more:<strong> <a title="http://www.infodev.org/mAgriChallenge" href="http://www.infodev.org/mAgriChallenge" target="_blank">http://www.infodev.org/mAgriChallenge</a></strong>
2385
2386&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1580,post_date:"2013-06-21 17:28:53",post_date_gmt:"2013-06-21 16:28:53",post_modified:"2013-06-21 17:31:38",post_modified_gmt:"2013-06-21 16:31:38",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"infodev-launches-magri-challenge",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"infoDev"},{__cdata:"mAgri"},{__cdata:"mobile apps"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"smallbiz"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-06-21 16:31:38";}'}}],comment:{comment_id:1088,comment_author:{__cdata:"NOT ANOTHER APPS CHALLENGE! | talesbycindy"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://talesbycindy.wordpress.com/2013/07/19/not-another-apps-challenge/",comment_author_IP:"207.198.101.31",comment_date:"2013-0

23867-19 15:28:34",comment_date_gmt:"2013-07-19 14:28:34",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] infoDev launches mAgri challenge (awpnetwork.com) [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1374277442"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1374277442.3853740692138671875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1374244114.62261104583740234375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-07-19 14:28:34"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Innovation and Animation - Changing the Face of Children’s Cartoons in Nigeria"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/07/02/innovation-and-animation-changing-the-face-of-childrens-cartoons-in-nigeria/",pubDate:"Tue, 02 Jul 2013 00:36:12 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1588",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_1586" align="alignleft" width="635"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/bino-and-fino-family.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1586 size-large" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/bino-and-fino-family.jpg?w=635" alt="Bino and Fino Family" width="635" height="552" /></a> Bino and Fino Family[/caption]
2387
2388Adamu Waziri sat down with the AWP Network to discuss what inspired him to start his animation company, which produces the 'Bino and Fino' show. The 'Bino and Fino' show is an African educational and cultural cartoon series about a brother and sister, 'Bino and Fino,' who live with their grandparents ‘Mama and Papa,’ in a modern-day city in Africa. 'Bino and Fino' have many adventures, where with the help of their friend 'Zeena' the Magic Butterfly, they discover and learn things about the world.
2389
2390<strong>How did you come up with the name of your business?</strong>
2391EVCL stands for E-Black Visual Concept Links Ltd. We actually wanted the name E-Black but it was already registered. E-Black is the title of an original comic magazine that I wrote a while back.
2392
2393<strong>What inspired you to start this business?</strong>
2394Prior to owning this business, I worked as an animator in London but found that no one in Nigeria would pay me the salary that I wanted, so I felt that the only option for me was to set up my own company. I did not, in my wildest dreams, think that I would end up running an animation company. I also felt that many people in Nigeria did not care about producing ‘quality’ animation hence, my goal was to create a company that provided a solution.
2395
2396<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
2397At EVCL, we produce animated content with a Nigerian or Sub-Saharan African flavour. Our goal is to produce shows that educate, enrich, and entertain. Currently, we produce the ‘Bino and Fino' show.  This animated show is geared towards families here in Nigeria and in the Diaspora - with children between ages three (3) and six (6). We focus extensively on educational content and our aim is to inspire young Africans. The secondary target audience are families who are interested in teaching their children about African culture, history, and languages.
2398
2399<strong>How have you financed the company?</strong>
2400Bootstrapping - we have financed our business from a variety of sources. This includes funds raised through jobs, and of course, we have received extensive support from friends, family, and supporters.
2401
2402<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
2403The quality of work that we produce makes us competitive. Everyone on the team is keen on producing high-quality African-centred animation that is innovative and different. This is what sets us apart. Beyond that, I also want to highlight the creative talents of our team members. We push ourselves to do better. We are also not in this for the quick buck but we are in it for the long-term and that reflects in how we 

2403conduct business and more importantly, in the projects that we take on.
2404
2405<strong>What is your five-year plan?</strong>
2406The five-year plan is to become a media content production outfit that produces entertaining and thought-provoking African animated content for a global audience. We want to provide jobs and a platform for animation talent in Africa.
2407
2408<strong>What challenges do you face or have you faced thus far?</strong>
24091. The lack of basic infrastructure such as power – we provide our own electricity and that gets very expensive.
24102. Finding and sourcing the right staff – in an industry like ours, you have to hire the right people.
24113. Finding distribution channels for our products.
24124. Access to business finance.
24135. Facing resistance from, and gaining access to, local industry gatekeepers.
2414
2415&nbsp;
2416
2417<strong>What key things have you learned since starting your business idea?</strong>
2418*<em>Be creative!</em> – constantly think outside of the box
2419*<em>Be flexible!</em>
2420*<em>Be patient!</em> - things usually take much longer to happen and sometimes they don't happen at all.
2421*<em>Be focused!</em> Remain focused on your goals.
2422*<em>Above all, understand the importance of networking</em>. Relationships are not always about what a person can do for your business right now. In fact, they may not be able to help now, but they may be able to support you at a later time.
2423
2424<strong>What key things do start-up entrepreneurs need to know?</strong>
24251. Is your business idea actually solving a problem? <strong><em>Speak to your market.</em></strong>
24262. The journey will get very lonely…. <em><strong>You need passion</strong></em> to keep you going.
24273. Be humble and <strong><em>keep learning</em></strong>. You never know where you might get help and knowledge from.
24284. <strong><em>Be patient</em></strong> - things will probably take three (3) times longer to happen than you initially planned especially in Nigeria.
24295. This is very important - the difference between people saying your business is cool and actually buying your product is a big one.
2430
2431<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
2432Before you conclude that there is no money, do your research! There are grant programs and initiatives out there to support entrepreneurs. Also, think outside of the box. Reach out to friends and family members for support.
2433
2434Sometimes the lack of money helps you come up with innovative strategies and different solutions. For most small businesses, the lack of money should not be a barrier to starting, although it might be a barrier to growing. <strong>The most important thing is to start</strong>. If we had waited for perfect financial conditions, we would probably still be at the drawing board stage.
2435
2436<strong>How do you think Nigerian youths can continue to support each other?</strong>
2437The internet has opened up platforms for young people to discuss and organize forums. Youths also need to develop a culture of collaboration. Right now the feedback is that it’s a dog eat dog world but things are changing slowly. We should always remember that collaboration is key.
2438
2439<strong>How many jobs have you created so far?</strong>
2440Five (5).
2441
2442<strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Nigeria or Africa?</strong>
2443This is a big one. I definitely don't have all the answers. There needs to be action from both the public and private sectors. The government needs to setup an enabling environment - this includes providing suitable infrastructure, enforcing business laws, and creating the right tax policies. Education also has a large part to play. I will say that the Nigerian public educational system does not foster innovation and more needs to be done on that end.
2444
2445[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDlSF7XvpmQ]
2446
2447Contact Adamu here:
2448<strong>website</strong>: <a title="http://www.binoandfino.com/" href="http://www.binoandfino.com/" target="_blank">http://www.binoandfino.com/</a>
2449<strong>twitter</strong>: <a title="https://twitter.com/binoandfino" href="https://twitter.com/binoandfino" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/binoandfino</a>
2450<strong>facebook</strong>: <a title="https://www.facebook.com/binoandfino" href="https://www.facebook.com/binoandfino" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/binoandfino</a>
2451

2452 
2453
2454 
2455
2456 `},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1588,post_date:"2013-07-02 01:36:12",post_date_gmt:"2013-07-02 00:36:12",post_modified:"2014-08-08 19:55:23",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 18:55:23",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"innovation-and-animation-changing-the-face-of-childrens-cartoons-in-nigeria",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Adamu Waziri"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Animation"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Bino and Fino"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"Cartoon"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Children"},{__cdata:"culture"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"impact"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"women and girls"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1586"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:70:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/bino-and-fino-family.jpg";s:6:"images";a:1:{s:70:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/bino-and-fino-family.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:70:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/bino-and-fino-family.jpg";s:5:"width";i:1915;s:6:"height";i:1666;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:3190390;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:1;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-07-02 00:36:12";}'}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_2df1337503dc0b09d0f1d89e35a2662f",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_54aeca55077869b641f0ee8fec790f6c",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_c71629c83b91a946b3447ee56456690c",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_9e89bb94154cc58f128a2473f30b01e8",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_f8628c28ff265ae28abc7fd9e6d0df0d",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_b7e8debbca3d66f9708516e06a544fe8",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:{comment_id:1644,comment_author:{__cdata:"I Want to Start A Business But I Have NO Money | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2013/11/19/i-want-to-start-a-business-but-i-have-no-money/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.81.188",comment_date:"2013-11-19 14:36:37",comment_date_gmt:"2013-11-19 13:36:37",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Adamu Waziri, creator of the ‘Bino and Fino’ show, an educational and cultural cartoon series says, “before you conclude that there is no money, do your research. There are many grant programs, business competitions, and initiatives out there to support entrepreneurs. Also, think outside of the box. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family members for support. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1384869828"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1384869828.948237895965576171875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-11-19 13:36:37"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network Entrepreneurial Photo Competition"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/07/08/the-awp-network-entrepreneurial-photo-competition/",pubDate:"Mon, 08 Jul 2013 02:00:17 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1619",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Please read and follow the instructions. Not following the instructions will get you disqualified.
2457
2458<strong>Four (4) Simple Steps:</strong>
2459
24601. Read the instructions and complete this application form: <a title="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dC1KTm1VNlQ0alBSZXJFVHh5RkxKQnc6MA#gid=0" href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dC1KTm1VNlQ0alBSZXJFVHh5RkxKQnc6MA#gid=0" target="_blank">www.awpphotocompetition.com</a>
2461
24622. Take a picture showing us either of the following (1) what it means to be an entrepreneur in your local community, (2) what entrepreneurship means to you, (3) that captures the soul of your small business or (4) of an entrepreneur that you admire. Using not more than five (5) of your most original, innovative, and creative pictures, tell us 

2462your story!
2463
24643. You may not email more than five (5) pictures. Properly title your photographs with your name and send to theawpnetwork [at] gmail.com
2465
24664. Enter to WIN!
2467
2468[youtube=http://youtu.be/uukYzEYMVOY]
2469
2470 
2471
2472<strong>Deadline</strong>: Thursday, August 22, 2013.        Click here to learn more: <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/07/08/the-awp-network-photo-competition/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/07/08/the-awp-network-photo-competition/" target="_blank">www.awpphoto.com</a></strong>
2473
2474&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1619,post_date:"2013-07-08 03:00:17",post_date_gmt:"2013-07-08 02:00:17",post_modified:"2013-07-08 04:12:02",post_modified_gmt:"2013-07-08 03:12:02",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-entrepreneurial-photo-competition",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"emerging entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1572"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-07-08 03:12:02";}'}}],comment:[{comment_id:1083,comment_author:{__cdata:"Adedoyin"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"141.0.9.118",comment_date:"2013-07-15 20:57:25",comment_date_gmt:"2013-07-15 19:57:25",comment_content:{__cdata:"Does this compitition covers Nigeria"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1373918246.6404559612274169921875;s:7:"message";s:35:"Akismet caught this comment as spam";s:5:"event";s:10:"check-spam";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1374277447.6432640552520751953125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"true"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1374277447"}},{meta_key:"akismet_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"}},{meta_key:"akismet_user_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1374277429.08699893951416015625;s:7:"message";s:44:"awpnetwork reported this comment as not spam";s:5:"event";s:10:"report-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-07-15 19:57:25"}}]},{comment_id:1109,comment_author:{__cdata:"Akinseye B. Olawale"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://brainyfarm.blogspot.com",comment_author_IP:"41.206.12.30",comment_date:"2013-08-05 12:55:07",comment_date_gmt:"2013-08-05 11:55:07",comment_content:{__cdata:"Nigerians can apply."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:1083,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1375706590"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1375703707.489204883575439453125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1375706590.417563915252685546875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-08-05 11:55:07"}}]},{comment_id:1128,comment_author:{__cdata:"Innovation in Africa: Here’s what Young African Women Entrepreneurs Have to Say | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2013/08/19/innovation-in-africa-heres-what-young-african-women-entrepreneurs-have-to-say/",comment_author_IP:"72.233.69.25",comment_date:"2013-08-19 02:03:12",comment_date_gmt:"2013-08-19 01:03:12",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

24740;] and their efforts should be supported. More recently, the AWP Network launched an innovative photography contest to showcase how African youths view innovation and entrepreneurship in their local […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1377191968"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1377191969.0911490917205810546875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-08-19 01:03:12"}}]},{comment_id:1114,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"71.183.46.216",comment_date:"2013-08-08 22:31:41",comment_date_gmt:"2013-08-08 21:31:41",comment_content:{__cdata:"Very genuine. Don't forget to apply."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:1113,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1375997502"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1375997502.2860620021820068359375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-08-08 21:31:41"}}]},{comment_id:1113,comment_author:{__cdata:"mubarak"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.206.11.77",comment_date:"2013-08-07 08:34:08",comment_date_gmt:"2013-08-07 07:34:08",comment_content:{__cdata:"how genuine is this?"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1375995429.3134899139404296875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1375860848.730719089508056640625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1375995429"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-08-07 07:34:08"}}]},{comment_id:4104,comment_author:{__cdata:"Akachi Nwoke on Why the AWP Network is Important « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/07/25/akachi-nwoke-on-why-the-awp-network-is-important-2/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.80.62",comment_date:"2014-08-08 19:00:44",comment_date_gmt:"2014-08-08 18:00:44",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] name is Akachi Nwoke and I am a makeup artist. Last year, I applied to the AWP Network photography contest and I am glad I did. Although I came in third place, the competition helped me realize that I was […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1407520844.673942089080810546875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-08-08 18:00:44"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1407520891"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1407520891.5730020999908447265625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:3711,comment_author:{__cdata:"Akachi Nwoke on Why the AWP Network is Important | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/07/25/akachi-nwoke-on-why-the-awp-network-is-important/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.86.61",comment_date:"2014-07-25 18:35:52",comment_date_gmt:"2014-07-25 17:35:52",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

24740;] name is Akachi Nwoke and I am a makeup artist. Last year, I applied to the AWP Network photography contest and I am glad I did. Although I came in third place, the competition helped me realize that I was [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1406309810"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1406309811.1588199138641357421875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-07-25 17:35:53"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1406309753.05504608154296875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network Photo Competition"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/07/08/the-awp-network-photo-competition/",pubDate:"Mon, 08 Jul 2013 01:46:38 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1626",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>What is the AWP Network Photo Competition?</strong>
2475
2476<strong></strong>The AWP Network believes that any African anywhere in the world can make a difference and an impact in their local community. Our goal is to engage young Africans anywhere in the world and under the age of 30. You don’t have to wait until you go back to the continent to make a change. You can make a difference right where you are, and in your local community.
2477
2478This is a photography contest dedicated to showcasing how African youths view entrepreneurship in their respective countries and/or community. We want to hear from you. You do not need to be a professional photographer to participate. You may use a camera or any mobile device. All that we want from you is that you tell us 

2478your story, and more importantly show us through photographs why your voice matters.
2479
2480Using at most five (5) of your original, innovative, and creative photographs, tell us your story and show us what these pictures mean to you and why they inspire you. Your pictures may show either of the following: (1) what it means to be an entrepreneur in your local community (2) what entrepreneurship means to you (3) that captures the soul of your small business or (4) of an entrepreneur or business that you admire.
2481
2482You may NOT submit more than five (5) pictures and you may NOT tweet the pictures.
2483
2484<strong>Deadline</strong>: Thursday, August 22, 2013
2485
2486<strong>Prizes:</strong>
2487First place winner - $500
2488Second place winner - $200
2489Third place winner - $100
2490
2491<em>The AWP Network will keep all submitted photographs and the AWP Network reserves the right to feature and use submitted pictures as needed on its blog or elsewhere. No pornographic materials are allowed and you shall NOT submit someone else’s work. All amount will be paid in dollars.</em>
2492
2493Go and may the creative forces be with you.`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1626,post_date:"2013-07-08 02:46:38",post_date_gmt:"2013-07-08 01:46:38",post_modified:"2013-07-08 04:09:47",post_modified_gmt:"2013-07-08 03:09:47",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-photo-competition",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"emerging"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"making a difference"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Photo competition"},{__cdata:"pictures"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-07-08 03:09:47";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_36b6669fd2d9f666583a09edc7b61efe",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_4622176ca479a5521a322c06cf5bebae",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_cbc918049bee92db366e1e76ef48d1e2",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:1075,comment_author:{__cdata:"The AWP Network Entrepreneurial Photo Competition | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2013/07/08/the-awp-network-entrepreneurial-photo-competition/",comment_author_IP:"216.151.210.47",comment_date:"2013-07-08 03:32:05",comment_date_gmt:"2013-07-08 02:32:05",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] The AWP Network Photo&nbsp;Competition [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1373251012"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1373251012.9241240024566650390625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-07-08 02:32:05"}}]},{comment_id:1082,comment_author:{__cdata:"Bashir Umar Maigora"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"141.0.11.30",comment_date:"2013-07-14 03:30:44",comment_date_gmt:"2013-07-14 02:30:44",comment_content:{__cdata:"I like you programme but I hope the progmme will help our communities"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1373769045.78256893157958984375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1374277624"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1374277624.328411102294921875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-07-14 02:30:44"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Small Businesses Tackle Poverty in Mauritius"}

2493,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/07/15/small-businesses-tackle-poverty-in-mauritius/",pubDate:"Sun, 14 Jul 2013 23:00:24 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1646",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`By Nasseem Ackbarally
2494
2495Port Louis — Raja Venkat, a food vendor on the sidewalk of Immigration Square in the centre of Port Louis, the Mauritian capital, sits on his tricycle with a bag full of dhal puris - small, round, flat Indian bread stuffed with pulses - which he sells together with tomato sauce and bean curry.
2496
2497"Come and taste my dhal puris, you'll want more. Come, come," he shouts.
2498
2499Thousands of small businesses like this have sprung up in every town and village on the island since the government eased the procedures for obtaining a business permit a year ago.
2500
2501<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/article.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1649" alt="" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/article.jpg" width="228" height="221" /></a>
2502
2503"At times, I helped in masonry, in vegetable transportation or washing vehicles. I was available for any job, but most of the time I was unemployed," Venkat tells IPS. "Net employment creation in small and medium business between 2000 and 2011 is estimated to be 67,800, i.e., an increase of more than 36 percent, as compared to an increase of 14,400 in large establishments." -- Mauritian Minister of Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives Jim Seetaram
2504
2505The unemployment rate stood at 8.6 percent at the end of 2012, according to figures obtained from Statistics Mauritius, the official organisation responsible for collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of statistical data. And the easing of procedures for obtaining a business permit has been aimed at reducing unemployment in this Indian Ocean island. Official figures from Statistics Mauritius indicate that the total number of business activities increased from 133,723 to 138,236 in 2012.
2506
2507Since he started his small business six months ago, after paying the required fee (about 50 dollars a year to the Municipality of Port Louis) for his business licence, Venkat now has a steady income. His wife, Aashna Venkat, cooks the dhal puris in the small wooden kitchen of their home at Terre-Rouge, four km away.
2508
2509"I now earn enough to feed the family and also to save some money for the future," this father of two children, aged six and three years, says.
2510
2511Many other people have started similar businesses on the island, selling food, vegetables, fruits, small luxurious items and clothes. Some have opened small mechanical workshops where they repair bicycles and motorcycles. Many women, particularly from Muslim families, have developed the art of applying henna to the hands.
2512
2513Minister of Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives Jim Seetaram tells IPS that there are more workers in these small and medium businesses than in the larger establishments.
2514
2515"Net employment creation in small and medium business between 2000 and 2011 is estimated to be 67,800, i.e., an increase of more than 36 percent, as compared to an increase of 14,400 in large establishments," he says.
2516
2517"Small and medium businesses are the main drivers of job creation and contribute in a significant way to economic growth. They employ around 250,000 people, representing more than 44 percent of the total number of jobs."
2518
2519Mauritius Chamber of Industry and Commerce's chairperson and business consultant Ganesh Ramalingum tells IPS that these microenterprises are very important to the economy because they create jobs.
2520
2521"A person who has some mechanical skills opens a business of repairing bicycles and motorcycles. He'll need one or two people to help him ... So, many jobs are being created in this way and that's good for the economy. People who earlier had difficulty earning a living are now creating their own businesses in fields that suit them," he says.
2522
2523Local authorities regulate these small businesses. They are not supposed to get involved in any unusual activity in a residential area, or disturb neighbours at unreasonable hours or pollute the environment with dust, fumes or odours. They are required to comply with the guidelines issued by the Fire Services, the Sanitary Authority and the Environment Ministry. But many feel that these small businesses are not complying with the guidelines.
2524
2525Ganeshen Mooneesawmy, vice chairperson of the District Council of Rivière du Rempart that issues and monitors business permits in the northern part of the island, is happy that these people are working, but finds that many of them lack discipline in running their business.
2526
2527"They won't ask for jobs from the government as there (are) none available ... (but) they sell food in an unhygienic manner and they disturb the living environment in their area. We have very few staff to keep a check on them," he tells IPS.
2528
2529In Goodlands, northern Mauritius, small businesses operate literally on the sidew

2529alks in spite of a law that prevents this. Many of them put their goods in large baskets that they place on wooden or iron stands on the sidewalks.
2530
2531Ashok (full name not given), a vendor, tells IPS he has to do this to attract clients because his business is very small.
2532
2533"There is so much competition around from big stalls and also from smaller businesses around. If you don't fight, you don't eat tonight," he says.
2534
2535Municipal Councillor Kritanand Beeharry of Curepipe, a town in the southern part of Mauritius, chairs the Municipality's Health and Sanitation Committee. He tells IPS that his staff has inspected some of these small businesses after receiving complaints from residents. "The police is also solicited when the need arises," he adds.
2536
2537However, he finds more positive points than negative ones in these modest endeavours, as "these small businesses are easy to manage".
2538
2539But councillor Prakash Bhunsee of the Flacq District Council in eastern Mauritius believes the situation has gotten out of control.
2540
2541"I am afraid the police only check the licences of the small entrepreneurs and is not concerned with health, sanitation, environment or pollution matters," he says.
2542
2543The shortage of staff at the municipal inspectorate level makes it obvious that many of these businesses go unchecked for months.
2544
2545 `},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1646,post_date:"2013-07-15 00:00:24",post_date_gmt:"2013-07-14 23:00:24",post_modified:"2013-07-13 21:03:44",post_modified_gmt:"2013-07-13 20:03:44",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"small-businesses-tackle-poverty-in-mauritius",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Mauritius"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"poverty"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1649"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:57:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/article.jpg";s:6:"images";a:1:{s:57:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/article.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:57:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/article.jpg";s:5:"width";i:228;s:6:"height";i:221;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:50388;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:1;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-07-13 20:03:44";}'}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Why Most Businesses Fail in the First Six Months "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/07/18/why-most-businesses-fail-in-the-first-six-months/",pubDate:"Wed, 17 Jul 2013 23:00:20 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1653",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`By James Jorner
2546
2547When you decide to start a business, you have two goals in mind: to solve a problem and to make profit. But these two things are not as easy as they usually sound. If they were, every building you pass by each day would be a successful business. There are stages businesses go through, and each passage of time determines where your business is headed. If a business is bound to succeed, the first six month should be enough to get a faint signal of it. But, unfortunately, most businesses don’t make it past the first half of their one year anniversary.
2548
2549<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/failure.gif"><img class="alignleft wp-image-1654 size-full" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/failure.gif" alt="" width="450" height="281" /></a><strong>Reason #1</strong>: They solve no real problem If one of the main goals of a business is to solve problems, then it’s very important to know what type of problems you want to solve. Most people found their business after only coming up with an ill-thought idea on how to solve an irrelevant or non-existing problem. After a few months, usually building up to the first six months of starting the business, they then realize that they are not truly solving any problem. This is when they begin to look elsewhere. Before you beat you hand on your chest in front of potential investors, sit down and think about the type of problem you’re about to solve. Is it truly a “real problem”? If it’s not, the best time to know is now before it becomes too late.
2550
2551<strong>Reason #2</strong>: Being too profit-conscious When a business is all concerned about making profit and enriching its founders, such business won’t last the first six month. The reason is because the business is either going to be charging in excess of the market rate and customers will start deserting your business gradually. Most businesses don’t realize profit during this period. This is a period where a lot of businesses run on their personal funds and recoup whatever they’ve lost in later months or years as the case may be. Being too profit-conscious will also prevent a business from giving the best to serve its customers, thus impacting the quality of its output in a negative way.
2552
2553<strong>Reason #3</strong>: Bad Management A business can only be as strong as its management. Finding the right brain to manage a business can be hard, but failing to do so translates that the business is heading the wrong way. There are several factors a leader must possess to be able to manage a business right, and one of them is experience. Someone who has prior experience working in a similar position has a greater chance of leading the business to success than the one with no prior experience.
2554
2555<strong>Reason #4</strong>

2555: Procrastination This also affects businesses really bad. In fact it hurts businesses more than it does an individual. If there is something important for your business to implement, make sure you do it on time. While it is important to think things over before making a final decision, especially when it affects other people, it’s more important to always make up your mind on time.
2556
2557<strong>Reason #5</strong>: Focusing on Your Competition At this stage, I stand the risk of sounding controversial, but focusing on competition is a major contributing factor to killing a business. Aside the fact that you’ll get distracted along the way, you also stand the risk of eventually being another copy of your competition. Stop the fuzz about your competition and focus on how to improve your services and products. This way, you’ll be able to build a great business that will last forever.
2558
2559What other reasons do you think some businesses fail in the first six months of starting them? Share your ideas with us or tweet @Africwomenpower.
2560
2561&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1653,post_date:"2013-07-18 00:00:20",post_date_gmt:"2013-07-17 23:00:20",post_modified:"2014-08-08 19:59:46",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 18:59:46",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"why-most-businesses-fail-in-the-first-six-months",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"failure"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"information"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"next steps"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"risk"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1654"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Photo Competition – Meet the Judges"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/07/22/apply-for-the-awp-photo-competition-meet-the-judges/",pubDate:"Sun, 21 Jul 2013 23:00:55 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1658",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_1663" align="alignleft" width="195"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/204630_10150172258225630_2416634_o.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1663" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/204630_10150172258225630_2416634_o.jpg?w=195" alt="Mametja Moshe" width="195" height="300" /></a> Mametja Moshe[/caption]
2562
25631. <strong>Mametja Moshe</strong>, (Johannesburg, South Africa) is Executive Director at Identity Mineral Resources (Pty) Ltd., an African mining investment company. Before joining the Identity group of companies, Mametja worked as an Investment Banker at Morgan Stanley covering the South African, Zambian, and Nigerian Mergers &amp; Acquisitions and Equity capital markets for the mining industry. Mametja has also worked at UBS covering South African Mergers and Acquisitions. Prior to her Investment Banking career, Mametja spent five years at KPMG Inc. serving her auditing articles in the Consumer Products team and later joined the corporate tax team.
2564
2565Mametja has sat on the boards of EuroDollar Foreign Exchange (Pty) Ltd and Southgold Exploration (Pty) Ltd. She obtained a B. Com Hons (Accounting) and a B. Com Hons. (Management Accounting) degrees from the University of Kwazulu Natal. Mametja is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a graduate of the Global Executive MBA Program at Columbia Business School and London Business School.
2566
2567&nbsp;
2568
2569&nbsp;
2570
2571&nbsp;
2572
2573[caption id="attachment_1666" align="alignleft" width="194"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/416131_681813433391_1444968736_o.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1666" src="http://staging.awpnet

2573work.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/416131_681813433391_1444968736_o.jpg?w=194" alt="Mara VandenBold" width="194" height="300" /></a> Mara VandenBold[/caption]
2574
25752. <strong>Mara van den Bold</strong>, (Washington DC., USA) has worked in international development for over five (5) years. Starting her career in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector with an international NGO based in London, UK where Mara gained experience in strategy development, project management, and partnership development across the African continent.
2576
2577She currently works as a Research Analyst at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in Washington DC, where she contributes to research exploring women's empowerment in relation to improved nutrition and health, particularly in Africa and South Asia. With a background in anthropology and development studies (MSc Anthropology and Development Studies, London School of Economics '08), Mara has always had an interest in understanding how- in different contexts - people set out to realize their aspirations, with what resources, and why. This, combined with a personal affinity for photography, means that she is very excited to be judging the AWP Network's photo competition!
2578
2579&nbsp;
2580
2581&nbsp;
2582
2583[caption id="attachment_1661" align="alignleft" width="216"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/reggie.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1661" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/reggie.jpg?w=216" alt="Reginald Bassey" width="216" height="300" /></a> Reginald Bassey[/caption]
2584
25853. <strong>Reginald Bassey</strong>, (FCT Abuja, Nigeria) holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in Public Affairs and Policy from the City University of New York (Baruch College). He earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Covenant University in Nigeria. Reginald is a writer and has contributed to various magazines and online media. He maintains a blog at www.calabarboy.com, where he writes on different issues ranging from leadership to personal effectiveness.
2586
2587He is deeply passionate about a new Nigeria where citizens are highly valued and given equal opportunity to have a progressive life. He currently works as a public policy adviser and a community organizer for local and marginalized communities, and serves as a Senior Legislative Aide and Chief of Staff in the House of Representatives at the National Assembly, Abuja.
2588
2589&nbsp;
2590
2591&nbsp;
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2593&nbsp;
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2595&nbsp;
2596
2597[caption id="attachment_1671" align="alignleft" width="181"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/34608_502890409289_5177792_n.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1671" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/34608_502890409289_5177792_n.jpg?w=181" alt="Ruky Okotcha" width="181" height="300" /></a> Ruky Okotcha[/caption]
2598
25994. <strong>Ruky Okotcha</strong>, (Lagos, Nigeria) has often been described as a “private individual with public interests.” Ruky's vision is to see every person live their lives and tap into the potential that is already within them, and create a chain of goodwill, success, and community spirit. Ruky has served local communities through non-profit organizations for Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Education, and Healthcare in Lagos and 

2599South Africa through the Nigeria Leadership Initiative, Generation Enterprise, and the Slum to School Project.
2600
2601Ruky joined Whitbread PLC as a Management Analyst in 2008 and the Nigerian Stock Exchange as a Research Analyst in 2012. More recently, Ruky has spent a year sabbatical traveling through Europe, Africa, and Asia documenting life, people, and culture with an iPhone and hopes to publish a photo essay. She will begin a Masters in Public Affairs at Sciences Po, Paris in August 2013.
2602
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2610
2611[caption id="attachment_1668" align="alignleft" width="183"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/2663_89025016112_2164161_n.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1668 " src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/2663_89025016112_2164161_n.jpg" alt="John Ajah " width="183" height="300" /></a> John Ajah[/caption]
2612
2613&nbsp;
2614
26155.<strong> John Ajah</strong>, (Lagos, Nigeria) is a seasoned Information System Analyst with a background in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from Covenant University. With over 5 years of experience providing tailored and adapted software solutions for business operations for firms in the oil servicing, financial, and logistics sectors.
2616
2617John has worked on a wide range of information system projects - designing and developing basic applications to handling business processes and implementing complex business solutions like enterprise resource planning systems. He currently works at Templeton Business Solutions Ltd as an Information Systems Consultant.
2618
2619&nbsp;
2620
2621&nbsp;
2622
2623&nbsp;
2624
2625&nbsp;
2626
2627&nbsp;
2628
2629[caption id="attachment_88" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/awp-53.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-88" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/awp-53.jpg?w=300" alt="Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu" width="300" height="200" /></a> Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu[/caption]
2630
26316.<strong> Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu</strong>, (New York City, USA)  founded  MUI - The  PR Company (MUIPR) to strategically advise clients on how they can be successful within their distinct markets. Under her direction, MUIPR utilizes ethically driven approaches to responsibly represent brands and their interests effectively. In addition to PR, Genevieve has a strong background in quantitative marketing and scientific research, with specific training in behavior change communications, analytic demand modeling, new lead prioritization for priority market segments, and public health research. She has engineered research and evaluation efforts for various brands in NYC and co-authored original empirical work in top tier journals on a number of topics. She has also led studies that have examined the impact of ad campaigns on the attitudes, perceptions, and behavioral intentions of target audiences in NYC. Genevieve holds dual Masters Degrees from Boston University and Columbia University.
2632
2633[caption id="attachment_400" align="alignleft" width="200"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/kola-3.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-400" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/kola-3.jpg?w=200" alt="Kola Osinowo" width="200" height="300" /></a> Kola Osinowo[/caption]
2634
2635&nbsp;
2636
26377.  <strong>Kolawole Osinowo</strong>, (Lagos, Nigeria) is Key Account Manager for West Africa at Nokia where he co-creates with peers on disruptive innovations - working with mobile telecommunications operators across Africa. An IT Professional with over eight (8) years of experience in software engineering, web development, mobile technology, service management, digital marketing, retail sales, strategic account, management consultancy, and training. Kola holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Computer Engineering. Kola has been recognized by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) with the Training Fellow Award. He is a Certified World Bank Institute Social Innovator and was recently selected as a Crans Montana New Leader. In 2008 and 2010 he was nominated as “Professional of the Year” at the Future Nigeria Awards.
2638
2639&nbsp;
2640
2641&nbsp;
2642
2643&nbsp;
2644
2645&nbsp;
2646
2647[caption id="attachment_1673" align="alignleft" width="225"]<a href="http://staging.awpnet

2647work.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/chamese.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1673 " src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/chamese.jpg?w=225" alt="Chamese Bennett" width="225" height="300" /></a> Chamese Bennett[/caption]
2648
26498. <strong>Chamese Bennett</strong>, (Los Angeles, CA) graduated from Clark Atlanta University where she studied Business Administration and Marketing. She works in marketing and events with a concentration on creative strategies, business development, and project management within the creative industry (art, design, &amp; fashion). With a diverse background that ranges from advertising, art, and entrepreneurship, Chamese aspires to be a role model for young people following in her footsteps. She is inspired by travel, music, and reading an inspirational book on her rooftop. In addition to her career, Chamese is an avid mentor and advocate of creative and non-traditional career paths. Currently, she resides in Los Angeles and enjoys photography - her blog, Alternative Surreality
2650
2651&nbsp;
2652
2653&nbsp;
2654
2655&nbsp;
2656
2657&nbsp;
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2659&nbsp;
2660
2661[caption id="attachment_242" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/img_1222.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-242 " src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/img_1222.jpg?w=300" alt="Mary Olushoga - AWP Founder" width="300" height="225" /></a> Mary Olushoga - AWP Network[/caption]
2662
26639.<strong> Mary</strong> <strong>Olushoga</strong>, AWP Network
2664
2665&nbsp;
2666
2667&nbsp;
2668
2669&nbsp;
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2681&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1658,post_date:"2013-07-22 00:00:55",post_date_gmt:"2013-07-21 23:00:55",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:00:58",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:00:58",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-for-the-awp-photo-competition-meet-the-judges",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"advocacy"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"Calabarboy"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"Chamese Bennett"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"John Ajah"},{__cdata:"Kola Osinowo"},{__cdata:"Mametja Moshe"},{__cdata:"Mara van den Bold"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"MUI-The PR Company"},{__cdata:"MUIPR"},{__cdata:"partnerships"},{__cdata:"Photo competition"},{__cdata:"Photography Competition"},{__cdata:"Photos"},{__cdata:"Reginald Bassey"},{__cdata:"Ruky Okotcha"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:58:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/img_1222.jpg";s:6:"images";a:10:{s:84:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/204630_10150172258225630_2416634_o.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:84:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/204630_10150172258225630_2416634_o.jpg";s:5:"width";i:821;s:6:"height";i:1257;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:1031997;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}s:63:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/kola-oyeneyin.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:63:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/kola-oyeneyin.jpg";s:5:"width";i:467;s:6:"height";i:610;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:284870;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}s:82:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/416131_681813433391_1444968736_o.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:82:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/416131_681813433391_1444968736_o.jpg";s:5:"width";i:667;s:6:"height";i:1030;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:687010;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}s:56:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/reggie.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:56:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/reggie.jpg";s:5:"width";i:1168;s:6:"height";i:1617;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:1888656;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}s:78:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/34608_502890409289_5177792_n.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:78:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/34608_502890409289_5177792_n.jpg";s:5:"width";i:183;s:6:"height";i:303;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:55449;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}s:76:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/2663_89025016112_2164161_n.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:76:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/2663_89025016112_2164161_n.jpg";s:5:"width";i:183;s:6:"height";i:300;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:54900;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}s:56:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/awp-53.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:56:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/awp-53.jpg";s:5:"width";i:640;s:6:"height";i:427;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:273280;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}s:56:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/kola-3.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:56:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/kola-3.jpg";s:5:"width";i:482;s:6:"height";i:721;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:347522;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}s:57:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/chamese.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:57:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/chamese.jpg";s:5:"width";i:540;s:6:"height";i:720;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:388800;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}s:58:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/img_1222.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:58:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/img_1222.jpg";s:5:"width";i:2816;s:6:"height";i:2112;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:5947392;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:10;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";

2681s:19:"2013-07-13 23:36:42";}'}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"242"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:1093,comment_author:{__cdata:"Ijeoma lucy"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"82.145.211.19",comment_date:"2013-07-22 09:54:13",comment_date_gmt:"2013-07-22 08:54:13",comment_content:{__cdata:"Pls I want 2 know more about this AWP"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1374536663"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1374536663.3104999065399169921875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1374483253.5963609218597412109375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-07-22 08:54:13"}}]},{comment_id:1108,comment_author:{__cdata:"Akinseye B. Olawale"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://brainyfarm.blogspot.com",comment_author_IP:"41.206.12.30",comment_date:"2013-08-05 12:48:03",comment_date_gmt:"2013-08-05 11:48:03",comment_content:{__cdata:"I think all is on this website already but what is it you would like to know?"}

2681,comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:1093,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1375703284.8651878833770751953125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1375706596"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1375706596.440431118011474609375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-08-05 11:48:03"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply for the $100,000 ONE Africa Award"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/07/25/1767/",pubDate:"Wed, 24 Jul 2013 23:00:36 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1767",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The <strong>ONE Africa Award</strong> aims to recognize, reward, and advance the exceptional work of organizations founded by Africans, based in Africa, and dedicated to helping Africa achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The $100,000 award will bring recognition to innovative African efforts to fight poverty and will incentivize more of such efforts. (The award may be split into two prizes in order to award two smaller organizations better able to absorb a smaller monetary award.) The $100,000 prize gives an Africa-based, Africa-founded organisation campaigning for progress toward meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
2682
2683Now in its sixth year, the ONE Africa Award acknowledges the incredible work that Africans are doing to solve their development challenges and change their communities for the better. They often do this against overwhelming odds—whether it be insufficient resources, ineffective governments, or social taboos—yet they continue the fight because these organizations and their leaders can see a better future for all of us. The ONE Africa Award seeks to reward them and, we hope, boost their efforts.
2684
2685Over the past five years, the ONE Africa Award has interacted with organizations from all corners of the rising continent and if your organization meets the criteria, you have until <strong>August 19, 2013 to apply</strong>.
2686
2687Click <strong>

2687<a title="http://www.one.org/africa/africaaward/how-to-apply/" href="http://www.one.org/africa/africaaward/how-to-apply/" target="_blank">here </a></strong>to apply: <a title="http://www.one.org/africa/africaaward/how-to-apply/" href="http://www.one.org/africa/africaaward/how-to-apply/" target="_blank">http://www.one.org/africa/africaaward/how-to-apply/</a>
2688
2689&nbsp;
2690
2691&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1767,post_date:"2013-07-25 00:00:36",post_date_gmt:"2013-07-24 23:00:36",post_modified:"2013-07-23 13:15:14",post_modified_gmt:"2013-07-23 12:15:14",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:1767,status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Millennium Development Goals"},{__cdata:"ONE Africa Award"},{__cdata:"poverty"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"sustainability"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-07-23 12:15:14";}'}}]},{title:{__cdata:"How do I market my business on a limited budget?"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/07/30/how-do-i-market-my-business-on-a-limited-budget/",pubDate:"Mon, 29 Jul 2013 23:00:26 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1776",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`There are many ways to market your business on a limited budget. Social Media is one of the effective ways to do this. Once you choose to establish your social media presence, you will need to create time because you have to respond to your clients-not responding to potential clients or customers in a timely fashion, shows bad customer service and is a negative portrayal of your brand.
2692
2693Establishing an online presence will help to mobilize your business growth. You are probably aware of the tools that I will discuss here and it is important to know and learn how to use them properly. Yes, we have heard of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Vine, Pinterest and the list is endless but often times, we do not use these platforms appropriately. The social media platforms that I just listed are free tools and all that you need to get started is register with an email address.
2694
26951. <strong>Facebook</strong>: Even if you feel that you do not need a personal account, your company at least needs to have a Facebook page and presence. This will help customers become more familiar with you, your brand, product, or service. You can hold contests, give away free products, or simply let people know where your store is located. So if you currently don’t have a Facebook page for your business, set one up.
2696
26972. <strong>Twitter</strong>: I find twitter very useful. Twitter helped me to get on BBC World News. It has also helped me to build my personal and business brand. I have made a lot of friends using twitter and it has given me a platform to talk more about my work and what I do. Twitter only allows you to use 140 characters/words to describe yourself, product, or service so this calls for brevity and creativity. If you think that you don’t need Facebook, try twitter.
2698
26993. <strong>LinkedIn</strong>: LinkedIn allows you to attract a more professional crowd. I use LinkedIn for my personal and professional needs. Currently, I have over 500 LinkedIn friends. Many of my clients use LinkedIn for business and professional purposes. Some have gained new customers or made business deals using this platform. You can also get reliable referrals. All that you need to get started with LinkedIn is an email address.
2700
2701These free tools are useful because they can help you to develop and build an online presence at no cost. Building your online presence is crucial because it can help you take your business, professional, and personal brand to the next level. It can also help you to gain more exposure and attract new customers. So YES! There are ways to market your business with a limited budget.
2702
2703&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}

2703],post_id:1776,post_date:"2013-07-30 00:00:26",post_date_gmt:"2013-07-29 23:00:26",post_modified:"2013-07-24 01:10:45",post_modified_gmt:"2013-07-24 00:10:45",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"how-do-i-market-my-business-on-a-limited-budget",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Budget"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"Cost"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Price"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"Social Media Marketing"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"What qualities do I need to become an entrepreneur?"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/08/02/what-qualities-do-i-need-to-become-an-entrepreneur/",pubDate:"Thu, 01 Aug 2013 23:00:52 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1778",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`I am sure that there are many more qualities that one needs. But three (4) Rs come to mind.
2704
27051. <strong>Be Relevant</strong> – if your work is not relevant, it will not be recognized. Questions to think about are: (a) what problem (s) are you solving? If you are relevant and solving a problem, I strongly believe that you will create impact.
2706
27072. <strong>Be Relatable</strong> – Can people identify with your product or service? Do you have a target audience or market? Are you providing good customer service? These are some of the questions that you need to think about as you become relatable to your market segment.
2708
27093. <strong>Be Realistic</strong> – Is your idea plausible? Have you created something of value? Will your idea make money? Can you handle risk? The questions that I pose are important questions to answer as you think about qualities that you need to become an entrepreneur.
2710
2711Lastly, it is important to remember that <strong>Results</strong> take persistence and hardwork. You have to learn to keep going despite all odds and more importantly, be willing to fail. Depending on your type of business, you also may not make money in the first two years and the question that you need to deal with is: Are you in a position in your life where you are not afraid to take risks or fail?  If you are not in that position, then it’s best to keep your day job.
2712
2713&nbsp;
2714
2715&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1778,post_date:"2013-08-02 00:00:52",post_date_gmt:"2013-08-01 23:00:52",post_modified:"2013-07-24 01:37:29",post_modified_gmt:"2013-07-24 00:37:29",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"what-qualities-do-i-need-to-become-an-entrepreneur",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"advice"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Determination"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-07-24 00:37:29";}'}}],comment:[{comment_id:1111,comment_author:{__cdata:"What qualities do I need to become an entrepren..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/itsyourbiz/p/4005697870/what-qualities-do-i-need-to-become-an-entrepreneur",comment_author_IP:"89.30.105.121",comment_date:"2013-08-06 00:29:54",comment_date_gmt:"2013-08-05 23:29:54",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] I am sure that there are many more qualities that one needs. But three (4) Rs come to mind. 1. Be Relevant &ndash; if your work is not relevant, it will not be recognized. Questions to think about are: (...&nbsp; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1375995407.9309151172637939453125;s:7:"message";s:44:"awpnetwork reported this comment as not spam";s:5:"event";s:10:"report-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"true"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1375745395.055406093597412109375;s:7:"message";s:35:"Akismet caught this comment as spam";s:5:"event";s:10:"check-spam";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_user_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1375995431"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1375995431.2353649139404296875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-08-05 23:29:54"}}]},{comment_id:1106,comment_author:{__cdata:"thebusinessdude"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://thebusinessdude.wordpress.com",comment_author_IP:"50.27.227.152",comment_date:"2013-08-02 03:54:44",comment_date_gmt:"2013-08-02 02:54:44",comment_content:{__cdata:`Risk does = reward but there is a line with anything that efforts becomes more costly than credit for sales. 
2716
2717I disagree with "be realistic." Just because the idea is not feasible now, does not it mean it is not val

2717id later. An idea chest is a good place to start then categories them into categories (sample):
2718
2719Feasible
2720Not Feasible
2721Not Evaluated
2722Working on currently = Date`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:49849436,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1375412084.6810319423675537109375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:15:"thebusinessdude";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1375421172"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1375421172.9053161144256591796875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-08-02 02:54:44"}}]},{comment_id:1735,comment_author:{__cdata:"James"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"71.167.46.214",comment_date:"2013-12-22 17:21:34",comment_date_gmt:"2013-12-22 16:21:34",comment_content:{__cdata:"well said."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:1106,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1387734134.9834620952606201171875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1387734134"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1387729295.54222202301025390625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1387734134"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-12-22 16:21:34"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Girls’ Speak Out at the United Nations"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/08/06/girls-speak-out-at-the-united-nations/",pubDate:"Mon, 05 Aug 2013 23:00:43 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1784",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The Working Group on Girls is sponsoring a<strong> Girls’ Speak Out</strong> at the United Nations. This event will be held in celebration of the International Day of the Girl on October 11.
2723
2724Are you a girl who has launched an inspiring activist project that has improved the lives of other girls in your community? Have you worked with young people and adults in your community to create change? Do you want the opportunity to speak to a global audience about the impact of your work and to invite governments and UN agencies to better support you? This event will provide a space for girls who are engaged in global action to speak with governments and United Nations agencies about your work, and share how your  work can be better supported and elevated by governments and agencies.
2725
2726Girls Speak Out Application Requirements. You must:
2727
27281. Be a girl (or group of girls) 18 years of age or younger
27292. Have the resources to participate on October 11 by video or in person
27303. Be currently working on an activism project in your community
27314. Submit the application form by August 15, 2013
2732
2733Click<strong> <a title="http://girlsrights.org/2013/07/day-of-the-girl-speak-out-call-for-girl-activists/" href="http://girlsrights.org/2013/07/day-of-the-girl-speak-out-call-for-girl-activists/" target="_blank">here</a></strong> to learn more: <a title="http://girlsrights.org/2013/07/day-of-the-girl-speak-out-call-for-girl-activists/" href="http://girlsrights.org/2013/07/day-of-the-girl-speak-out-call-for-girl-activists/" target="_blank">http://girlsrights.org/2013/07/day-of-the-girl-speak-out-call-for-girl-activists/</a>
2734
2735&nbsp;
2736
2737&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1784,post_date:"2013-08-06 00:00:43",post_date_gmt:"2013-08-05 23:00:43",post_modified:"2013-08-08 21:58:54",post_modified_gmt:"2013-08-08 20:58:54",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"girls-speak-out-at-the-united-nations",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Events"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"$150,000 for Innovative African Solutions to African Challenges"}

2737,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/08/08/150000-for-innovative-african-solutions-to-african-challenges/",pubDate:"Thu, 08 Aug 2013 21:05:22 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1788",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<b>The African Innovation Foundation (AIF) announced the call for entries for the 2014 <a href="http://innovationprizeforafrica.org/">Innovation Prize for Africa</a> (IPA). The prestigious Prize, presented annually since 2012, aims at encouraging innovations that contribute to sustainable development in Africa.</b>
2738
2739In an effort to drive African-led development, the IPA invites African entrepreneurs and innovators to propose projects that unlock new African potential under one of five categories which include:
2740
27411) agriculture and agribusiness;
2742
27432) environment, energy and water;
2744
27453) health and wellbeing;
2746
27474) ICT applications;
2748
27495) manufacturing and services industries.
2750
2751The winning submission will be awarded a prize of USD 100,000, with two additional USD 25,000 prizes, one for the runner up with an innovation with the best business potential and the other one for the runner up with the innovation with the best social impact.
2752
2753“The IPA team believes that the best way to build Africa’s capacity is to invest in local innovation and entrepreneurship.  This prize encourages Africans to develop creative ways to overcome everyday challenges,” said AIF founder Jean-Claude Bastos de Morais.
2754
2755<strong>Deadline</strong>: October 31, 2013.
2756
2757Click <a title="http://innovationprizeforafrica.org/apply-now/" href="http://innovationprizeforafrica.org/apply-now/" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a> to apply: <a title="http://innovationprizeforafrica.org/apply-now/" href="http://innovationprizeforafrica.org/apply-now/" target="_blank">http://innovationprizeforafrica.org/apply-now/</a>
2758
2759&nbsp;
2760
2761&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1788,post_date:"2013-08-08 22:05:22",post_date_gmt:"2013-08-08 21:05:22",post_modified:"2013-08-08 22:06:39",post_modified_gmt:"2013-08-08 21:06:39",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"150000-for-innovative-african-solutions-to-african-challenges",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African Innovation Foundation"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"making a difference"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-08-08 21:06:39";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_1547850b6e8f8caa0fd4374cb472d8b9",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:1116,comment_author:{__cdata:"CALL FOR AFRICAN CRIME NOVEL MS: $1000 UP FOR GRABS! | Su&#039;eddie in Life n Literature"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://sueddie.wordpress.com/2013/08/10/call-for-african-crime-novel-ms-1000-up-for-grabs/",comment_author_IP:"72.232.113.15",comment_date:"2013-08-10 10:19:59",comment_date_gmt:"2013-08-10 09:19:59",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] $150,000 for Innovative African Solutions to African Challenges (awpnetwork.com) [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1376126399.752830028533935546875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1376271262"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1376271262.5285260677337646484375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-08-10 09:19:59"}}]},{comment_id:1115,comment_author:{__cdata:"Bertrand Urama"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.wilbuiltintegrated.com.ng",comment_author_IP:"82.128.54.26",comment_date:"2013-08-09 18:43:02",comment_date_gmt:"2013-08-09 17:43:02",comment_content:{__cdata:"A welcome development for Africa youth"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1376070182.599246978759765625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"chiama2010";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1376271265"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1376271265.2353188991546630859375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-08-09 17:43:02"}}]},{comment_id:1120,comment_author:{__cdata:"Kofo Durosinmi-Etti"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://nextgenafricanfarmers.com",comment_author_IP:"41.206.1.1",comment_date:"2013-08-13 21:13:08",comment_date_gmt:"2013-08-13 20:13:08",comment_content:{__cdata:'Reblogged this on <a href="http://nextgenafricanfarmers.com/2013/08/13/150000-for-innovative-african-solutions-to-african-challenges/" rel="nofollow">NextGenAfricanFarmers</a>.'},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:47218365,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1376424788.35888195037841796875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:12:"kofoworolade";}'}},{meta_key:"reblog_ping",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1376872220"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1376872220.7321350574493408203125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-08-13 20:13:08"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Innovation and Education: Young Serial Entrepreneur sets out to Transform South Africa’s Education System "}

2761,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/08/13/innovation-and-education-young-serial-entrepreneur-sets-out-to-transform-south-africas-education-system/",pubDate:"Tue, 13 Aug 2013 04:57:32 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1793",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_1794" align="alignleft" width="224"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/rapelang-rabana.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1794 size-medium" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/rapelang-rabana.jpg?w=224" alt="CEO, ReKindle Learning" width="224" height="300" /></a> CEO, ReKindle Learning and Yeigo Comm.[/caption]
2762
2763Coined by CNN.com as one of Africa’s Marissa Mayers, Rapelang Rabana is founding CEO of Yeigo Communications and ReKindle Learning. Yeigo is credited with creating ground-breaking applications and services that took advantage of the internet, mobile and cloud computing technologies to tackle the cost of communication in South Africa. In 2008, the Swiss-headquartered Telfree Group of Companies, a pioneering next-generation telecoms operator, acquired a majority stake in Yeigo, enabling the group to provide the full range of telecommunications services.
2764
2765Chosen by Forbes as one of Africa’s Best Young Entrepreneurs, and listed on the ‘O Power List’ by The Oprah Magazine, Rapelang Rabana is one of Africa’s success stories. More recently, Rapelang started an innovative technology-driven education company seeking to use and integrate the power of mobile and internet technology to improve and complement learning for students and corporate employees. <strong>The AWP Network</strong> met with Rapelang to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey and new venture.
2766
2767<strong>How did you come up with the name of this business?</strong>
2768The name ReKindle Learning, speaks to my dream of making learning easier, accessible, and effective to South Africans. The deterioration of South Africa’s educational system has undermined the magical process of what I think learning should be. It is kind of like ‘rekindling a fire.’ ReKindle Learning is about re-igniting a desire to learn.
2769
2770<strong>What inspired you to start this business?</strong>
2771I had a great education. I was not short of support. Despite all of the privilege, I wondered about some of the inefficiencies in the education system. I began to think about a different approach to learning. For instance, integrating mobile technology into South Africa’s educational system -– my dream is that education will be accessible to young South Africans. I want the learning process to be so easy that young South Africans can easily interact with each other about assignments, ask questions, chat with friends, tweet, or send out an email. I want them to be able to take out a cellphone, open an app, complete their homework, solve a math quiz or an assignment.
2772
2773ReKindle Learning is an interactive mobile learning platform designed with the idea of ‘learning as a lifestyle.’  I believe that education is the way out of poverty and helplessness and for Africa to grow and build sustainable development, we must focus on education and improve the learning process and system.
2774
2775<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
2776This solution supports learning needs in a number of markets as learning and training are pervasive and the platform is content neutral hence it can be customized. The specific challenge that ReKindle Learning tackles is that of knowledge acquisition and retention through a mobile learning application designed to reinforce the assimilation of knowledge. The private and public sector require this for training staff, and schools need this to support learning in the classroom.
2777
2778<strong>How have you financed this business?</strong>
2779I have financed the business with my own savings. This idea is currently in its early stages and there is a need to validate the offering in the market. I have come to greatly appreciate the risks of funding a business idea in its early stage.
2780
2781<strong>What is your competitive edge? </strong>
2782There has been a lot of innovation in the education space - streaming lectures, online videos, and digital textbooks. These are means to e-learning and methods to access various forms of content online thru tablets and mobile phones. While digitizing content is crucial, it only solves the issue of ‘access’ and does not automatically ensure that learning happens. After one has read the digital content how can we continuously measure the level of knowledge attained?
2783
2784ReKindle Learning hopes to deliver on a new learning experience using mobile technology and we are focused on these five (5) pillars: <em>personalized learning</em>, <em>micro-learning, immediate feedback, transparency, and mobility</em>. ReKindle Learning is an interactive mobile learning platform designed with the idea of ‘learning as a lifestyle.’
2785
2786The platform provides a personalized learning path adaptable to each individual’s learning style and pace. Content is encapsulated in small repeatable learning steps to match the way the brain works. Instant feedback is provided after each interaction or a learning step is introduced to reinforce learning though a strong feedback loop. The learner’s progress is transparent and visible through a dashboard. It is not just about using technology but about providing a well-grounded solution to an engaging learning experience.
2787
2788&nbsp;
2789
2790<strong>What is the long-term plan for this business?</strong>
2791Education is a significant space with many extraneous variables influencing educational learning outcomes. Technology-driven educational solutions are by no means a 

2791silver bullet solution for the vast array of problems affecting schooling, general skills, and training levels in South Africa. <strong><em>Technology has a critical role to play in solving Africa’s education problems.</em></strong>
2792
2793I believe that we must invest in creating new learning experiences and develop new learning paradigms away from the status quo, especially if we are to take significant steps forward. Too often we assume that we already have the technological solutions, but in my view we have barely began to understand what it means to learn on a digital platform and it is up to Africans to invest in this exploration for no one else needs it as much. My intent is that ReKindle Learning will play a critical part in this epic journey for many years to come.
2794
2795<strong>How have you managed to stay in business this long?</strong>
2796I ran my first business, Yeigo, for over 7 years. This new venture is but a few months old. Entrepreneurship for me is a personal journey rather than a business journey, which is why perseverance and humility go a long way. Entrepreneurship, especially at a young age, is an incredibly steep learning curve and learning every day is a very humbling experience because you have to acknowledge how little you know and perhaps how-not-so-smart you are, and still keep going regardless.
2797
2798<strong>What challenges do you face or have you faced thus far?</strong>
2799The main challenge is the challenge most new businesses face – validating the value proposition. It is not just great to have an idea, you must be able to execute.
2800
2801<strong>What key things have you learned since starting this business?</strong>
2802This is my second business and it isn’t any easier the second time round. In fact this time, you are not blessed with the power of naiveté and you see many obstacles.
2803
2804&nbsp;
2805
2806<strong>What five (5) things do startup entrepreneurs need to know?</strong>
2807
28081. <strong><em>Be an Expert</em></strong> - You must decide that you are going to be an expert in your area of focus. You must do your research and know your competition. It is the only way you find and maintain a sustainable niche. With the internet, there is no excuse not to build an area of expertise even as a small startup. It is the fastest way through the clutter in the market. Read! Read! Read.
2809
28102. <em><strong>Do What you Love</strong></em> -  Running a business will take up everything you think you have  and a whole lot more after that. This is why it is very important to do what you love and not just pursue money. The pursuit of money provides little solace during tough times.
2811
28123. <strong>Find a Partner</strong> -  Look for a business partner whose values are similar to yours. Statistically, your chances of survival are higher when you have a co-founder than if you are by yourself.
2813
28144. <em><strong>Trust your gut</strong></em> or intuition or what I call your natural intelligence. The more you use it over time, the better it gets. Learn how to tune into yourself and your innermost thoughts, the sooner you start, the better.
2815
28165. <strong>Share your ideas</strong> -  <em><strong>Secrecy does not protect your idea</strong></em>. As soon as you launch, people will know anyway and if your idea can be stolen by talking about it, then think about the competitive advantages. The only real protection in the world is your execution, and your delivery on a product or service. You have to make people want your product or service and them feel that there are no other options available to them and build your market share from there.
2817
2818&nbsp;
2819
2820<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
2821Money really is not everything. It is a false comfort. Money will not stop a “real entrepreneur” from starting a business. Work until you have saved enough - find investors, ask friends and family, borrow. Money should not stop anyone from fulfilling their dreams.  Money is an accelerator – whether you are going in the right or wrong direction, money simply accelerates you in the direction that you are already going in.
2822
2823It is far more important to figure out how your business really works, your business model. What is the real value proposition that will keep customers coming back? That is 

2823what dictates if a business succeeds or fails. Investment funding often decides the scale or pace of that success or failure. Finding investments does not necessarily save a business. It is not the silver bullet. Get as far away from that idea as possible.
2824
2825<strong>How do you think African youths can continue to support each other?</strong>
2826If Africans youths traded with each other, the market would be so large and so valuable. There are obviously a number of limitations including various environmental and infrastructural factors that hamper inter-regional trade and economic activity but we can choose to begin the journey and make changes right now. I must also say that the lack of trust among Africans is actually far greater than the barrier to trade and economic activity or any environmental factor. We can start by opening up our minds and having more conversations with each other. Let us begin with establishing trust.
2827
2828<strong>How many jobs have you created so far?</strong>
2829I am still in the startup phase of the company – we are growing and plan to hire. For now, I work with a group of consultants and advisors.
2830
2831<strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Africa?</strong>
2832The single most powerful thing we can do is to deliver quality broadband internet to the majority of Africans. That, I think, will do a lot more than any ‘Ministry of Innovation,’ than any innovation fund, or any kind of innovation vehicle that we can think of. Access to information and communication is the most empowering thing we can do, to support innovation. It opens the door for greater innovation in farming, education, health, financial services, and supporting entrepreneurs.
2833
2834[caption id="attachment_1795" align="alignleft" width="635"]<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1075382_10151465705516486_712959527_o.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1795 size-large" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1075382_10151465705516486_712959527_o.jpg?w=635" alt="Rapelang Rabana " width="635" height="822" /></a> Rapelang Rabana[/caption]
2835
2836&nbsp;
2837
2838<strong>Rapelang Rabana</strong> graduated with a Bachelor of Business Science Degree (Computer Science Honors) from the University of Cape Town.
2839
2840Immediately thereafter, she co-founded Yeigo Communications – a Technology Top 100 company. She is also Board Member for Ubuntu Africa, an NGO providing lifesaving health and support services exclusively to children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
2841
2842Twitter: @<a title="https://twitter.com/rapelangrabana" href="https://twitter.com/rapelangrabana" target="_blank">rapelangrabana</a>
2843
2844Website: <a title="www.rekindlelearning.com" href="www.rekindlelearning.com" target="_blank">www.rekindlelearning.com</a> is coming soon.
2845
2846Email:<a title="[email protected] " href="[email protected] " target="_blank"> [email protected] </a>
2847
2848&nbsp;
2849
2850&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1793,post_date:"2013-08-13 05:57:32",post_date_gmt:"2013-08-13 04:57:32",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:03:59",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:03:59",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"innovation-and-education-young-serial-entrepreneur-sets-out-to-transform-south-africas-education-system",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"Determination"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"education system"},{__cdata:"Forbes Africa"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Rapelang Rabana"},{__cdata:"serial entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"Success Stories"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"Transformation"},{__cdata:"women and girls"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:87:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/1075382_10151465705516486_712959527_o.jpg";s:6:"images";a:2:{s:65:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/rapelang-rabana.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:65:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/rapelang-rabana.jpg";s:5:"width";i:1354;s:6:"height";i:1812;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:2453448;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}s:87:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/1075382_10151465705516486_712959527_o.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:87:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/1075382_10151465705516486_712959527_o.jpg";s:5:"width";i:1582;s:6:"height";i:2048;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:3239936;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:2;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-08-13 04:57:32";}'}},{meta_key:"twitter_cards_summary_img_size",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{i:0;i:1354;i:1;i:1812;i:2;i:2;i:3;s:26:"width="1354" height="1812"";s:4:"bits";i:8;s:8:"channels";i:3;s:4:"mime";s:10:"image/jpeg";}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_111a0b0d013d9f5bb728731efc29d20d",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:1119,comment_author:{__cdata:"Innovation and Education: Young Serial Entrepre..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/startup-success-by-vijay-raj-nadar/p/4006036477/innovation-and-education-young-serial-entrepreneur-sets-out-to-transform-south-africa-s-education-system",comment_author_IP:"89.30.105.121",comment_date:"2013-08-13 12:49:17",comment_date_gmt:"2013-08-13 11:49:17",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

28500;] Coined by CNN.com as one of Africa’s Marissa Mayers, Rapelang Rabana is founding CEO of Yeigo Communications and ReKindle Learning. Yeigo is credited with creating ground-breaking applications and ...  […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"true"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1376394557.2117099761962890625;s:7:"message";s:35:"Akismet caught this comment as spam";s:5:"event";s:10:"check-spam";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1376415875.41954708099365234375;s:7:"message";s:44:"awpnetwork reported this comment as not spam";s:5:"event";s:10:"report-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_user_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1376415889"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1376415890.3020040988922119140625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-08-13 11:49:17"}}]},{comment_id:1127,comment_author:{__cdata:"Innovation in Africa: Here’s what Young African Women Entrepreneurs Have to Say | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2013/08/19/innovation-in-africa-heres-what-young-african-women-entrepreneurs-have-to-say/",comment_author_IP:"72.233.69.25",comment_date:"2013-08-19 02:03:10",comment_date_gmt:"2013-08-19 01:03:10",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Innovation and Education: Young Serial Entrepreneur sets out to Transform South Africa’s Education… […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1377191970"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1377191971.4265620708465576171875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-08-19 01:03:10"}}]},{comment_id:5389,comment_author:{__cdata:"Serial Entrepreneur, Rapelang Rabana Wins Big at the World Entrepreneurship Forum « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/10/22/serial-entrepreneur-rapelang-rabana-wins-big-at-the-world-entrepreneurship-forum/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.38.24",comment_date:"2014-10-22 22:38:04",comment_date_gmt:"2014-10-22 21:38:04",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Rapelang Rabana won the Young Entrepreneur Award at the at the 2014 World Entrepreneurship Forum. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1414013885.0772650241851806640625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1414013907"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1414013907.9174220561981201171875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:2558,comment_author:{__cdata:"Listening and Learning for Success—What Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs Need"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.ideaslaboratory.com/2014/04/09/listening-and-learning-for-success-what-nigerian-women-entrepreneurs-need/",comment_author_IP:"64.14.191.93",comment_date:"2014-04-09 11:01:12",comment_date_gmt:"2014-04-09 10:01:12",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] the article, “Innovation in Africa: What African Women Entrepreneurs Have to Say,” Rapelang Rabana, founding CEO of Yeigo Communications and ReKindle Learning in South Africa, said that “to […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1397037673.11664295196533203125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1397088475"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1397088476.397447109222412109375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-04-09 10:01:12"}}]},{comment_id:5358,comment_author:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs: What Nigerian Women Need « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/10/21/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-what-nigerian-women-need/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.82.135",comment_date:"2014-10-21 00:18:30",comment_date_gmt:"2014-10-20 23:18:30",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

28500;] the article, “Innovation in Africa: What African Women Entrepreneurs Have to Say,” Rapelang Rabana, founding CEO of Yeigo Communications and ReKindle Learning in South Africa, said that “to […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1413847110.7446739673614501953125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1413850945.5819089412689208984375;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1413903009"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1413903009.475554943084716796875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:1646,comment_author:{__cdata:"I Want to Start A Business But I Have NO Money | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2013/11/19/i-want-to-start-a-business-but-i-have-no-money/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.81.188",comment_date:"2013-11-19 14:36:41",comment_date_gmt:"2013-11-19 13:36:41",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Rapelang Rabana, Founding CEO of Yeigo Communications and ReKindle Learning states, “money is not everything. It is a false comfort. Money will not stop a “real entrepreneur” from starting a business. Work until you have saved enough – find investors, ask friends and family, borrow. Money should not stop anyone from fulfilling their dreams.  Money is an accelerator – whether you are going in the right or wrong direction, money simply accelerates you in the direction that you are already going in. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1384869825"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1384869826.333900928497314453125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-11-19 13:36:41"}}]},{comment_id:2639,comment_author:{__cdata:"Tumi Mahura"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"105.229.158.2",comment_date:"2014-04-23 13:08:09",comment_date_gmt:"2014-04-23 12:08:09",comment_content:{__cdata:"Wow what an inspiration, one more Phenomenal Woman to show us that we all can succeed in Business.......Big up!!"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1398254890.0959529876708984375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1398692610"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-04-23 12:08:09"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1398692610"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1398692611.1971991062164306640625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:7292,comment_author:{__cdata:"Listening and Learning for Success—What Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs Need | GE Reports"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://gereports.devsjr.com/2014/04/09/listening-and-learning-for-success-what-nigerian-women-e/",comment_author_IP:"54.84.139.102",comment_date:"2015-08-27 06:11:45",comment_date_gmt:"2015-08-27 05:11:45",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] the article, “Innovation in Africa: What African Women Entrepreneurs Have to Say,” Rapelang Rabana, founding CEO of Yeigo Communications and ReKindle Learning in South Africa, said that “to […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1440652306.676753997802734375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1440655942.818634033203125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1441288265"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1441288266.3140571117401123046875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Innovation in Africa: Here’s what Young African Women Entrepreneurs Have to Say "}

2850,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/08/19/innovation-in-africa-heres-what-young-african-women-entrepreneurs-have-to-say/",pubDate:"Mon, 19 Aug 2013 01:03:00 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1814",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`How can we support and improve Innovation in Africa?
2851
2852<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/sp-africa-infog-april-2013.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-1815 size-full" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/sp-africa-infog-april-2013.jpg" alt="SP-Africa-Infog-April-2013" width="347" height="317" /></a>Supporting innovation in Africa is no easy task. Political instability, civil wars, terrorism, and uncertainty often disturb the ecosystem of progress and sustainable development.
2853
2854<strong>The AWP Network</strong> met with three (3) of Africa’s most innovative young women entrepreneurs who share their thoughts on how to improve and support innovation. Often, we find that when discussing innovation in Africa, such discussions normally don’t include young African voices, particularly that of women and girls. But their voice matters and without the inclusion of African women and girls in such discussions, whether of that involving technology, sustainable development, or innovation – change cannot happen.
2855
2856Research conducted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) shows an increase ranging from 10 to 30 percent in the number of women-led enterprises over the last decade. In Uganda alone, women account for 40 percent of businesses (EIU, 2010).  As the number of women entrepreneurs and innovators increase, their voices can no longer be ignored. African women and girls have a significant role to play in Africa’s economic and innovative transformation.
2857
2858<a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/04/24/african-techpreneur-wins-the-etisalat-prize-for-innovation/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/04/24/african-techpreneur-wins-the-etisalat-prize-for-innovation/" target="_blank">Nkem Uwaje</a>, Managing Director of FutureSoft Nigeria and winner of the 2012 Etisalat Nigeria Prize for Innovation states, “we can improve innovation in Africa by supporting people with innovative ideas and I think that competitions and contests are a good way to start. African governments and the private sector need to work together to launch more contests and competitions that focus on innovation.
2859
2860Innovation needs an enabling environment. This means creating hubs where innovators can meet, share ideas, and collaborate. We [youths] need a space where ideas can be incubated and where prototypes can be developed. Without this, we are bound to fail as a continent. In addition, ICT development is very important to Africa’s innovation ecosystem and future. ICT is vital to ensuring that Nigeria and Africa will not be left behind. Everyone keeps talking about the digital divide, but instead of bridging it, it keeps on getting bigger. We need government policies that ensure that technology is not a privilege but a basic amenity. My company, Futuresoft is playing its part in making ICT more accessible through our <a title="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP_Agflozeo" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP_Agflozeo" target="_blank">iConnect</a> project.”
2861
2862&nbsp;
2863<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/image7.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1816" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/image7.jpg" alt="image7" width="224" height="225" /></a>Entrepreneur and innovator, <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/01/from-mit-to-nigeria-finding-business-opportunity-in-recycling-waste-for-developing-countries/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/01/from-mit-to-nigeria-finding-business-opportunity-in-recycling-waste-for-developing-countries/" target="_blank">Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola</a>, CEO at WeCyclers - a company determined to fix the urban waste management system and focused on giving low-income communities in developing countries a chance to capture value from waste and clean up their neighborhoods through an incentive-based recycling program says, “to improve innovation in Africa, we need to invest more in education.
2864
2865You cannot innovate when you do not have a good education.” Adebiyi-Abiola holds an MBA from MIT, a Master degree from Vanderbilt University, and an undergraduate degree in computer science from Fisk University. She is also a 2013 Echoing Green Fellow. Adebiyi-Abiola continues, “we also need more technology incubators and accelerators. The <a title="http://cchubnigeria.com/" href="http://cchubnigeria.com/" target="_blank">co-creation hub</a> in Lagos was extremely supportive of my work when I first started. They worked hard to ensure my team’s success and development. It will be great to see more hubs throughout Africa – hubs dedicated to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs.”
2866
2867&nbsp;

2868<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/downloa.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1821" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/downloa.jpg" alt="downloa" width="275" height="183" /></a>Founding CEO of Yeigo Communications and ReKindle Learning in South Africa, <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/08/13/innovation-and-education-young-serial-entrepreneur-sets-out-to-transform-south-africas-education-system/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/08/13/innovation-and-education-young-serial-entrepreneur-sets-out-to-transform-south-africas-education-system/" target="_blank">Rapelang Rabana</a> adds, “to improve and support innovation in Africa, the single most powerful thing to do is to deliver quality broadband internet to the majority of Africans. That, I think, will do a lot more than any ‘Ministry of Innovation,’ than any innovation fund, or any kind of innovation vehicle that we can think of.
2869
2870Access to information and communication is the most empowering thing we can do to support innovation. It opens doors for greater innovation in farming, education, health, financial services, and supporting entrepreneurs.” Rabana’s company, Yeigo is credited with creating ground-breaking applications and services that took advantage of the internet, mobile and cloud computing technologies to reduce communication costs in South Africa. In 2008, Swiss-headquartered Telfree Group of Companies, a pioneering next-generation telecoms operator, acquired a majority stake in Yeigo, enabling the group to provide the full range of telecommunications services.
2871
2872As we think about innovation in Africa, let us listen to the voices of young innovators because their voice matters. Young Africans are the future of the continent and their efforts should be supported. More recently, the <strong>AWP Network</strong> launched an innovative<a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/07/08/the-awp-network-entrepreneurial-photo-competition/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/07/08/the-awp-network-entrepreneurial-photo-competition/" target="_blank"> photography</a> contest to showcase how African youths view innovation and entrepreneurship in their local community. To participate in the contest or have other ideas on how to support and improve innovation in Africa, Tweet <a title="https://twitter.com/Africwomenpower" href="https://twitter.com/Africwomenpower" target="_blank">@Africwomenpower </a>or visit<a title="http://awpnetwork.com/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/" target="_blank"> www.awpnetwork.com</a>.
2873
2874&nbsp;
2875
2876&nbsp;
2877
2878&nbsp;
2879
2880&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1814,post_date:"2013-08-19 02:03:00",post_date_gmt:"2013-08-19 01:03:00",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:05:35",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:05:35",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"innovation-in-africa-heres-what-young-african-women-entrepreneurs-have-to-say",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"change agents"},{__cdata:"changemakers"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Echoing Green Fellow"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Innovative Ideas"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nkem Uwaje"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Rapelang Rabana"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"Sustainable development"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1816"}},{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"twitter_cards_summary_img_size",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{i:0;i:347;i:1;i:317;i:2;i:2;i:3;s:24:"width="347" height="317"";s:4:"bits";i:8;s:8:"channels";i:3;s:4:"mime";s:10:"image/jpeg";}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:1341,comment_author:{__cdata:"Toolbox for African Mobile Entrepreneurs (Survey)"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://macjordangh.com/toolbox-african-mobile-entrepreneurs-survey/",comment_author_IP:"50.87.13.107",comment_date:"2013-10-01 18:56:40",comment_date_gmt:"2013-10-01 17:56:40",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

28800;] Innovation in Africa: Here&#8217;s what Young African Women Entrepreneurs Have to Say (awpnetwork.com) [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1380665269"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1380665269.623653888702392578125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1380650200.55663394927978515625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-10-01 17:56:40"}}]},{comment_id:1285,comment_author:{__cdata:"Intro&#8230; | rovingentrepreneur"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://rovingentrepreneur.wordpress.com/2013/09/13/intro-2/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.8.195",comment_date:"2013-09-13 10:36:07",comment_date_gmt:"2013-09-13 09:36:07",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Innovation in Africa: Here&#8217;s what Young African Women Entrepreneurs Have to Say (awpnetwork.com) [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1379064968.116818904876708984375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1379295814"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1379295814.5281391143798828125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-09-13 09:36:07"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"WEPs Leadership Award 2014 "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/08/22/weps-leadership-award-2014/",pubDate:"Thu, 22 Aug 2013 17:29:32 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1834",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>Call for Nominations</strong>
2881
2882The Leadership Award of the Women’s Empowerment Principles - Equality Means Business (WEPs) is a partnership initiative of UN Women and the UN Global Compact, that seeks to recognize business leaders for their exceptional championship of gender equality and support for the 7 Principles. The WEPs originated the Award in 2012 with the inaugural presentation in March 2013.
2883
2884The awards highlight concrete and innovative actions taken to advance the 7 principles, and particularly showcases principle one: Leadership Promotes Gender Equality.
2885
2886Nominations are open to companies whose CEOs (present or past) have signed or intend to sign the WEPs CEO Statement of Support by 1 November 2013.
2887
2888See<strong><a title="http://www.weprinciples.org/" href="http://www.weprinciples.org/" target="_blank"> www.weprinciples.org </a></strong>on how to sign.
2889
2890Click <strong><a title="http://www.weprinciples.org/Site/WepsLeadershipAwards/" href="http://www.weprinciples.org/Site/WepsLeadershipAwards/" target="_blank">here</a> </strong>to learn more: <a title="http://www.weprinciples.org/Site/WepsLeadershipAwards/" href="http://www.weprinciples.org/Site/WepsLeadershipAwards/" target="_blank">http://www.weprinciples.org/Site/WepsLeadershipAwards/</a>
2891
2892&nbsp;
2893
2894&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1834,post_date:"2013-08-22 18:29:32",post_date_gmt:"2013-08-22 17:29:32",post_modified:"2013-08-22 18:29:32",post_modified_gmt:"2013-08-22 17:29:32",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"weps-leadership-award-2014",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:{__cdata:"Events"},postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-08-22 17:29:32";}'}}]}

2894,{title:{__cdata:"Apply to the 2013 Development Case Competition"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/08/29/apply-to-the-2013-development-case-competition/",pubDate:"Thu, 29 Aug 2013 17:11:12 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1842",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The World Bank invites individuals and teams of up to five (5)  creative thinkers (who are 18-35 years old) to submit a proposal for one of the four development cases that highlight real life challenges facing development organizations.
2895
2896The Development Case competition model is a platform for discussion and results. This year’s theme, cultivating an innovative spirit to alleviate global youth unemployment, focuses on the topics of education, entrepreneurialism, youth employment, and millennial communication.
2897
2898<strong>Deadline: September 8, 2013 </strong>
2899<p align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;"><strong>Inception</strong>
2900Individuals and teams register with a group name under one case study. Each individual or team may only submit one proposal for the entire competition.</span></span><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;">
2901</span></span></p>
2902<p align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;"><strong>Proposal</strong> —<strong> Due September 1 <em>(The deadline has been extended to September 8)</em></strong>
2903Participants submit a proposal of <em>up to 2,000 words</em>, in English, that provides solutions to the development case they chose to address. A proposal can include any of the following:</span></p>
2904
2905<ul>
2906	<li>
2907<div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;">Measurements of social impact</span></div></li>
2908	<li>
2909<div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;">Market readiness</span></div></li>
2910	<li>
2911<div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;">Competition and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats)</span></div></li>
2912	<li>
2913<div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;">Strategic alignment and USP (unique selling point)</span></div></li>
2914	<li>
2915<div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;">Risk assessment and analysis</span></div></li>
2916	<li>
2917<div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;">Sustainable outcomes of the solution and operational impacts</span></div></li>
2918	<li>
2919<div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;">Stakeholders</span></div></li>
2920	<li>
2921<div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;">Team implementation strategy</span></div></li>
2922	<li>
2923<div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;">Financial plan</span></div></li>
2924	<li>
2925<div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;">Feasibility analysis</span></div></li>
2926</ul>
2927<p align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;">In addition to the proposal, participants must submit an executive summary of <em>400 words or fewer</em>that includes the following information:</span></p>
2928
2929<ul>
2930	<li>
2931<div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;">Realizes the problem</span></div></li>
2932	<li>
2933<div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;">States the solution in terms of a socially impactful product, project or development model</span></div></li>
2934	<li>
2935<div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;">Addresses who the customer is and what is the benefit of the solution</span></div></li>
2936	<li>
2937<div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;">Includes sustainability depth beyond revenue-generating concepts</span></div></li>
2938</ul>
2939<p align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;">The applications will be reviewed by a panel of internal and external judges. Winners and runners up will be contacted via email mid-September.</span></p>
2940<p align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica;font-size:small;"><strong>Presentation</strong> —<strong> October 3</strong>
2941Winning selections (winners and runners-up) for each case study are invited to the Youth Summit on October 3rd to present their winning proposals (either in person or by video-conference). World Bank President Jim Yong Kim will present participants with certificates. Additional awards will be given to the winners by the case sponsors.</span></p>
2942<p align="left">

2942Click <a title="http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTCY/EXTYOUTHSUMMIT/0,,contentMDK:23449192~enableDHL:True~menuPK:9264482~pagePK:64168445~piPK:64168309~theSitePK:9264465,00.html" href="http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTCY/EXTYOUTHSUMMIT/0,,contentMDK:23449192~enableDHL:True~menuPK:9264482~pagePK:64168445~piPK:64168309~theSitePK:9264465,00.html" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a> to learn more about the competition:  <a title="http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTCY/EXTYOUTHSUMMIT/0,,contentMDK:23449192~enableDHL:True~menuPK:9264482~pagePK:64168445~piPK:64168309~theSitePK:9264465,00.html" href="http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTCY/EXTYOUTHSUMMIT/0,,contentMDK:23449192~enableDHL:True~menuPK:9264482~pagePK:64168445~piPK:64168309~theSitePK:9264465,00.html" target="_blank">http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTCY/EXTYOUTHSUMMIT/0,,contentMDK:23449192~enableDHL:True~menuPK:9264482~pagePK:64168445~piPK:64168309~theSitePK:9264465,00.html</a></p>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1842,post_date:"2013-08-29 18:11:12",post_date_gmt:"2013-08-29 17:11:12",post_modified:"2013-08-29 18:11:12",post_modified_gmt:"2013-08-29 17:11:12",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-to-the-2013-development-case-competition",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Development case competition"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-08-29 17:11:12";}'}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Telkom Open Innovation Mega Challenge"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/09/02/telkom-open-innovation-mega-challenge/",pubDate:"Mon, 02 Sep 2013 13:01:20 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1846",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>Telkom</strong> announced the Open Innovation 'Mega Challenge' to all South African innovators. The company has invited all small and medium business, universities, research institutes, not-for-profit organisations, start-ups, individual inventors, and innovators to respond to the challenge with innovative proposals for technologies and solutions.
2943
2944The challenge is based on a theme of products for the future that will stimulate and drive broadband growth. The focus areas include, but are not limited to, convergence, cloud solutions, vertical segment solutions, machine to machine solutions, smart buildings and smart cities.
2945
2946Entries are judged on their innovation, feasibility, commercial viability, market appeal, must directly benefit economic growth and social development and stimulate broadband penetration.
2947
2948<strong>Prizes</strong>: R200,000 worth of cash prizes and group products and services will be awarded for the three best submissions.
2949
2950<strong>Deadline</strong>: November 30 and winners will be announced at the end of March 2014.
2951
2952Click <strong><a href="http://response.innovationsummit.co.za/" target="_blank">here</a></strong> to apply: <a href="http://response.innovationsummit.co.za/" target="_blank">http://response.innovationsummit.co.za/</a>
2953
2954&nbsp;
2955
2956&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1846,post_date:"2013-09-02 14:01:20",post_date_gmt:"2013-09-02 13:01:20",post_modified:"2013-09-16 04:26:38",post_modified_gmt:"2013-09-16 03:26:38",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"telkom-open-innovation-mega-challenge",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Broadband"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Innovators"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"Telkom"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-09-02 13:01:20";}'}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Unilever Young Entrepreneurs Awards "}

2956,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/09/04/unilever-young-entrepreneurs-awards/",pubDate:"Wed, 04 Sep 2013 13:18:22 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1851",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Young entrepreneurs (aged 30 or under) are invited to submit inspiring initiatives that tackle the challenge of sustainable living.
2957
2958<strong>Prize:</strong> €200,000 in financial support and tailored mentoring will be awarded to the seven most impressive entries.
2959
2960<strong>Deadline</strong>: November 1, 2013
2961
2962<strong>Apply </strong><a title="http://www.changemakers.com/sustliving#competition" href="http://www.changemakers.com/sustliving#competition" target="_blank">here</a>: <a title="http://www.changemakers.com/sustliving#competition" href="http://www.changemakers.com/sustliving#competition" target="_blank">http://www.changemakers.com/sustliving#competition</a>
2963
2964&nbsp;
2965
2966[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_Dm9l4Zt3M]
2967
2968&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1851,post_date:"2013-09-04 14:18:22",post_date_gmt:"2013-09-04 13:18:22",post_modified:"2013-09-04 14:18:22",post_modified_gmt:"2013-09-04 13:18:22",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"unilever-young-entrepreneurs-awards",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"award"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"Unilever"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-09-04 13:18:22";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_44874d83b0b5610944a3ba8e1aa1ebf1",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:{comment_id:1267,comment_author:{__cdata:"Kofo Durosinmi-Etti"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://nextgenafricanfarmers.com",comment_author_IP:"41.216.174.226",comment_date:"2013-09-10 15:51:45",comment_date_gmt:"2013-09-10 14:51:45",comment_content:{__cdata:'Reblogged this on <a href="http://nextgenafricanfarmers.com/2013/09/10/unilever-young-entrepreneurs-awards/" rel="nofollow">NextGenAfricanFarmers</a>.'},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:47218365,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1378824705"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1378824706.486855983734130859375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:12:"kofoworolade";}'}},{meta_key:"reblog_ping",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-09-10 14:51:45"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Launch Your Business Idea in the UK"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/09/11/launch-your-business-idea-in-the-uk/",pubDate:"Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:14:53 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1856",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The <strong>UKTI Sirius Program</strong> aims to attract the brightest and best student and recent graduate entrepreneurs to set up their businesses in the UK.
2969
2970Whether you have an early idea or an established business plan, you can apply to this program.
2971
2972Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive package including financial contribution, a place in one of the world’s best business accelerator programs, and support to gain clients and funding to create a successful business.
2973
2974<strong>Prize</strong>:  £12,000 for each team member, and a place in one of the world’s premier business accelerator programs.
2975
2976<strong>Timeline: </strong>Submissions will be open from 6th September 2013 until 15th January 2014.
2977
2978Apply<strong><a title="http://siriusprogramme.com/" href="http://siriusprogramme.com/" target="_blank"> here</a></strong>: <a title="http://siriusprogramme.com/" href="http://siriusprogramme.com/" target="_blank">http://siriusprogramme.com/</a>
2979
2980&nbsp;
2981
2982&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1856,post_date:"2013-09-11 16:14:53",post_date_gmt:"2013-09-11 15:14:53",post_modified:"2013-09-11 16:14:53",post_modified_gmt:"2013-09-11 15:14:53",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"launch-your-business-idea-in-the-uk",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"smallbiz"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"Startsup"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:0:{}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:0;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-09-11 15:14:53";}'}}],comment:[{comment_id:1277,comment_author:{__cdata:"Favour chep isaac"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://Notyet",comment_author_IP:"37.228.105.28",comment_date:"2013-09-11 19:43:44",comment_date_gmt:"2013-09-11 18:43:44",comment_content:{__cdata:"Seriouslly, i will to apply for these but the proble is that is a new business. Well even bakery and confectionaries too. Am in y

2982ouwin 2."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1378925024.8516809940338134765625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1378989805"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1378989805.4202349185943603515625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-09-11 18:43:44"}}]},{comment_id:1279,comment_author:{__cdata:"Favour chep isaac"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://Notyet",comment_author_IP:"37.228.106.85",comment_date:"2013-09-11 21:03:53",comment_date_gmt:"2013-09-11 20:03:53",comment_content:{__cdata:"Seriouslly i will like to apply for but the proble is, a new business. Am youwin 2 for bakery and confectionaries. Tel me pls can i apply"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1378989787"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1378989788.1422030925750732421875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1378929834.236915111541748046875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-09-11 20:03:53"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"My Voice Matters: Young Africans Tell their Entrepreneurial Stories"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/09/16/photo-essay-young-africans-tell-their-entrepreneurial-stories/",pubDate:"Mon, 16 Sep 2013 02:41:11 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1865",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery link="none" type="slideshow" ids="1871,1872,1869,1867,1868"]
2983
2984<strong>Name</strong>:  Bukola Dawodu
2985
2986<strong>Location</strong>: Lagos, Nigeria
2987
2988<strong>Why did you start your business</strong>: I started Benefits Aquarium when I could not find a job.  I hold a Master's degree in Marine Pollution and Management from the University of Lagos.
2989
2990I grew up with the mindset that whatever you build or create in favor of the environment (either directly or indirectly) will be beneficial.  I am passionate about designing and constructing aquariums so I started the business with some of my classmates.
2991
2992I designed my first aquarium in 2010.
2993
2994Though the market is a bit tough, I believe that with time and more effort, things will change for good. This business is my job and I am proud to be an entrepreneur. I need help with setting up a standard aquarium outlet in a strategic location and I would like to buy equipments so that I can make more unique designs.
2995
2996As a young African entrepreneur, <strong>my voice matters</strong> because I need the support and encouragement to continue my business as an independent  aesthetic entrepreneur in aquarium design and construction.`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1865,post_date:"2013-09-16 03:41:11",post_date_gmt:"2013-09-16 02:41:11",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:08:17",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:08:17",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"photo-essay-young-africans-tell-their-entrepreneurial-stories",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Bukola Dawodu"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"photo essay"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1869"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:1294,comment_author:{__cdata:"Olawande Salam"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://olawandesalam.wordpress.com",comment_author_IP:"41.58.45.248",comment_date:"2013-09-16 22:38:33",comment_date_gmt:"2013-09-16 21:38:33",comment_content:{__cdata:'Reblogged this on <a href="http://olawandesalam.wordpress.com/2013/09/16/photo-essay-young-africans-tell-their-entrepreneurial-stories/" rel="nofollow">Olawande Salam</a>.'},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:49818469,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1379367513.74440097808837890625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:13:"olawandesalam";}'}},{meta_key:"reblog_ping",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1379456766"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1379456767.2658259868621826171875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-09-16 21:38:33"}}]},{comment_id:6649,comment_author:{__cdata:"AWP Network Entrepreneur Features on CNN Startup Africa &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/03/12/awp-network-entrepreneur-features-on-cnn-startup-africa/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.98",comment_date:"2015-03-12 15:12:58",comment_date_gmt:"2015-03-12 14:12:58",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

29960;] first met Bukola Dawodu when she participated in the AWP Network photo contest, although she did not win the contest, Dawodu has maintained a great mentoring relationship with […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1426169578.58882808685302734375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1426170182"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1426170183.4678080081939697265625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6381,comment_author:{__cdata:"Olatunji"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.58.74.92",comment_date:"2015-01-27 09:58:24",comment_date_gmt:"2015-01-27 08:58:24",comment_content:{__cdata:"Am impressed that this could be done by a lady.. Where and how can i purchase one?"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422349105.500504970550537109375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422349105"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422369345.7068779468536376953125;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:8:"remigist";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"6145405488"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473572"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473572"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422473572.59230709075927734375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6366,comment_author:{__cdata:"Taibat"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"196.46.246.173",comment_date:"2015-01-25 14:57:01",comment_date_gmt:"2015-01-25 13:57:01",comment_content:{__cdata:"Awesome! We need more creative minds like her."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422294754"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422294754.165278911590576171875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422294754"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422199050.7734329700469970703125;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422194222.1812369823455810546875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]},{comment_id:6393,comment_author:{__cdata:"falilu"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"197.255.212.18",comment_date:"2015-01-27 16:39:01",comment_date_gmt:"2015-01-27 15:39:01",comment_content:{__cdata:"quite an awesome presentation of talent, with every opportunity that comes her way i believe she would use it to perfect her entrepreneurship,"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422386939.6671779155731201171875;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422373141.947413921356201171875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"6145397535"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473558"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473558"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422473558.679625034332275390625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6394,comment_author:{__cdata:"Asiwaju Rasheed Adelowo"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.garkkk.com",comment_author_IP:"41.203.69.42",comment_date:"2015-01-27 19:23:00",comment_date_gmt:"2015-01-27 18:23:00",comment_content:{__cdata:`Dawodu is a female entrepreneur with a difference!
2997Out of all odds, she chose a career (of building aquarium) that most men will NEVER venture into.
2998She is a lady of lion heart!
2999The most beautiful part of her is that she UNDER-PROMISE, yet she OVER delivers.
3000She is an icon to watch out for in the line of entrepreneurship in the nearest future.
3001Above all, she never relent on learning new things everytime, as she believes that only the dead souls require no further education.
3002Best of luck lady...the entire staff Global Ark Konzultz (www.garkkk.com) and Gaurapad charities love you.`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"6145396723"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473557"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422386939.7275459766387939453125;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422382980.3408019542694091796875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473557"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422473557.318480014801025390625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6395,comment_author:{__cdata:"Oluwaseyi Ogunleye"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"197.173.70.48",comment_date:"2015-01-27 19:31:31",comment_date_gmt:"2015-01-27 18:31:31",comment_content:{__cdata:"Wowwww! I'm sooooo proud of this lady! I can't even begin to imagine how tough it might be to construct an aquarium but she did it! More grace to you!"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422383491.86338710784912109375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"6145390063"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473545"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422393618.5217990875244140625;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473545"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422473545.3605129718780517578125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6396,comment_author:{__cdata:"Fash"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"82.145.219.25",comment_date:"2015-01-27 20:50:36",comment_date_gmt:"2015-01-27 19:50:36",comment_content:{__cdata:"Kudos!"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422388237.173069000244140625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"6145388932"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473543"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422393618.58427906036376953125;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473543"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422473543.268373012542724609375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6392,comment_author:{__cdata:"Goke Sunmonu"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"94.200.220.210",comment_date:"2015-01-27 16:07:17",comment_date_gmt:"2015-01-27 15:07:17",comment_content:{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs are builders of a nation. They are employers of labor by creating durable knowledge based employment. keep it up, the sky is the beginning."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422371237.9843730926513671875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422371238"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422375339.857592105865478515625;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"6145398165"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473559"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473559"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422473559.8433549404144287109375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6390,comment_author:{__cdata:"Felix"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"141.43.222.250",comment_date:"2015-01-27 15:08:49",comment_date_gmt:"2015-01-27 14:08:49",comment_content:{__cdata:"She is going places as a matter of time. we did MSc Together at the greatest Unilag. She is 

3002intelligent and has  enterpreneurial skills."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422367730.1019170284271240234375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422367730"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422375339.7567040920257568359375;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"6145401542"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473565"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473565"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422473566.0087840557098388671875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6391,comment_author:{__cdata:"Oyeleke Tijani"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.glanvillenthoven.com",comment_author_IP:"197.149.68.118",comment_date:"2015-01-27 15:26:15",comment_date_gmt:"2015-01-27 14:26:15",comment_content:{__cdata:"Dear Bukeke, you are blessed with creative ideas. can't wait to have more your great work."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422368775.4675319194793701171875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422368775"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422375339.8103549480438232421875;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"6145399092"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473561"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473561"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422473561.5397169589996337890625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6389,comment_author:{__cdata:"chibu"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.58.240.238",comment_date:"2015-01-27 14:50:56",comment_date_gmt:"2015-01-27 13:50:56",comment_content:{__cdata:"highly inspiring!"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422366657.0908439159393310546875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422366657"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422375339.7152578830718994140625;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"6145402402"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473567"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473567"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422473567.3870289325714111328125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6568,comment_author:{__cdata:"Soyombo Temitope"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"196.46.245.123",comment_date:"2015-02-20 23:26:33",comment_date_gmt:"2015-02-20 22:26:33",comment_content:{__cdata:"Thumbs up Bukky! Be all you want to be brave boss lady!!"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1424720722"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1424720723.7321679592132568359375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1424471194.5899879932403564453125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"7250962323"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1424720722"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1424476528.822556018829345703125;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]},{comment_id:6384,comment_author:{__cdata:"remigist"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://remigist.wordpress.com",comment_author_IP:"93.186.23.98",comment_date:"2015-01-27 14:33:37",comment_date_gmt:"2015-01-27 13:33:37",comment_content:{__cdata:"This is a wonderful and inspiring piece. *thumbs up*"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422365617.7934939861297607421875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:8:"remigist";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422365618"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422369345.771809101104736328125;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:8:"remigist";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"6145406084"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473573"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473573"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422473573.726005077362060546875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6385,comment_author:{__cdata:"john jnr"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.58.17.112",comment_date:"2015-01-27 14:38:15",comment_date_gmt:"2015-01-27 13:38:15",comment_content:{__cdata:"If there is one thing i know about this lady is that she is passionate about what she do. Good thing."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422365895.61973094940185546875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422365895"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422375339.6667649745941162109375;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"6145403376"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473569"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422473569"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422473569.037888050079345703125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6556,comment_author:{__cdata:"elizaspain"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://elizaspain.wordpress.com",comment_author_IP:"41.73.234.221",comment_date:"2015-02-18 20:36:36",comment_date_gmt:"2015-02-18 19:36:36",comment_content:{__cdata:'Reblogged this on <a href="https://elizaspain.wordpress.com/2015/02/18/my-voice-matters-young-africans-tell-their-entrepreneurial-stories/" rel="nofollow">elizaspain</a>.'},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:76015092,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"7097235566"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1424395486"}},{meta_key:"reblog_ping",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1424293454.4990689754486083984375;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"elizaspain";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1424288196.486526966094970703125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"elizaspain";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1424395486"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1424395487.24892711639404296875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:7306,comment_author:{__cdata:"Doing Business in Nigeria: How Technology Is Changing the Way We Operate &laquo; CauseHub"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.causehub.com/blog/2015/08/28/doing-business-in-nigeria-how-technology-is-changing-the-way-we-operate/",comment_author_IP:"69.195.71.226",comment_date:"2015-08-30 03:32

3002:15",comment_date_gmt:"2015-08-30 02:32:15",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] journalist first read about the story of Bukola Dawodu an entrepreneur who started her business, Benefits Aquarium, when she could not find a job after earning a master’s degree from the University of Lagos. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1440906486.5326449871063232421875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1440901935.1297409534454345703125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1441288259"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1441288259.927730083465576171875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:7302,comment_author:{__cdata:"Doing Business in Nigeria: How Technology Is Changing the Way We Operate – Huffington Post | World Prime Trends"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://worldprimetrends.com/doing-business-in-nigeria-how-technology-is-changing-the-way-we-operate-huffington-post.",comment_author_IP:"69.175.109.50",comment_date:"2015-08-29 02:39:18",comment_date_gmt:"2015-08-29 01:39:18",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] initial read regarding the story of Bukola Dawodu an entrepreneur that started her business, Benefits Aquarium, once she could not Discover a task after earning a master’

3002s degree from the University of […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1440906486.443397998809814453125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1440812359.4977569580078125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1441288261.4496200084686279296875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1441288260"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"My Voice Matters: Young Africans Tell their Entrepreneurial Stories"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/09/18/photo-essay-young-africans-tell-their-entrepreneurial-stories-2/",pubDate:"Wed, 18 Sep 2013 00:24:10 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1890",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" link="none" ids="1893,1894,1892,1895,1891"]
3003
3004<strong>Name</strong>: Hussain Zaguru Abdulqadir
3005
3006<strong>Location</strong>: Kaduna, Nigeria
3007
3008<strong>Why did you start your business</strong>: It's been my childhood dream to start a video and film production company.  While pursing my first degree at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria,  I worked on the production of several Hausa films and drama series. Upon graduation, I went full swing into the world of video and film production, which I found were interlinked. I then produced a docu-drama titled “Tun Ran Gini,” a UNICEF sponsored documentary about polio eradication.
3009
3010Still in its early stage, my company has executed two (2) successful projects. I strongly believe that this year (2013) will propel us further to greater heights. I remain optimistic that my vision for my company will come to pass. <em>My goal is to become the largest reality television and radio production company in Nigeria with a solid reputation for excellent ideas and highest quality services.</em>
3011
3012As a young African entrepreneur, <strong>my voice matters</strong> because I want to give back to society. I also want to organize training workshops for women in my community, teaching them about video editing.
3013
3014You may also read more about Zaguru here: <strong><a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/04/02/the-drive-to-create-jobs/">http://awpnetwork.com/2012/04/02/the-drive-to-create-jobs/</a> </strong>
3015
3016&nbsp;
3017
3018&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1890,post_date:"2013-09-18 01:24:10",post_date_gmt:"2013-09-18 00:24:10",post_modified:"2013-09-25 03:15:26",post_modified_gmt:"2013-09-25 02:15:26",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"photo-essay-young-africans-tell-their-entrepreneurial-stories-2",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Kaduna"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"photo essay"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1892"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Microsoft South Africa Wants Black-Owned Software Companies"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/09/20/microsoft-south-africa-wants-black-owned-software-companies/",pubDate:"Fri, 20 Sep 2013 00:43:48 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1910",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong><a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/downloa.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1821" alt="downloa" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/downloa.jpg" width="275" height="183" /></a></strong><strong>Microsoft South Africa</strong> launched a nationwide search for black-owned software product development firms to join its highly successful enterprise development program. The RFP is o

3018pen to black-owned software companies across South Africa with a maximum of 50 employees and a maximum turnover of R15 million a year.
3019
3020The company recently kicked off a public Request for Proposal (RFP) process for new firms looking to become part of its multi-million rand Equity Equivalent Program (EEP), which has already seen five small companies – two of which are female-owned – grow dramatically since the launch of the program in March 2011.
3021
3022<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: Friday, October 11, 2013
3023
3024The focus areas for the RFP will be in:
3025• education,
3026• healthcare,
3027• consumer,
3028• safety and security,
3029• mobility,
3030• cloud computing,
3031• big data,
3032• and social business sectors.
3033
3034Click <strong><a href="https://eventrsvp.co.za/mseep/register.aspx" target="_blank">here</a></strong> to apply: <strong><a href="https://eventrsvp.co.za/mseep/register.aspx" target="_blank">https://eventrsvp.co.za/mseep/register.aspx</a></strong>
3035
3036&nbsp;
3037
3038&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1910,post_date:"2013-09-20 01:43:48",post_date_gmt:"2013-09-20 00:43:48",post_modified:"2013-09-20 02:03:37",post_modified_gmt:"2013-09-20 01:03:37",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"microsoft-south-africa-wants-black-owned-software-companies",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"big data"},{__cdata:"Black-owned"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"cloud computing"},{__cdata:"consumer"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"healthcare"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Microsoft"},{__cdata:"mobility"},{__cdata:"procurement"},{__cdata:"safety and security"},{__cdata:"social"},{__cdata:"software development"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1821"}},{meta_key:"tagazine-media",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{s:7:"primary";s:0:"";s:6:"images";a:1:{s:57:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/downloa.jpg";a:6:{s:8:"file_url";s:57:"http://awpnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/downloa.jpg";s:5:"width";i:275;s:6:"height";i:183;s:4:"type";s:5:"image";s:4:"area";i:50325;s:9:"file_path";b:0;}}s:6:"videos";a:0:{}s:11:"image_count";i:1;s:6:"author";s:8:"28970466";s:7:"blog_id";s:8:"29388220";s:9:"mod_stamp";s:19:"2013-09-20 01:03:37";}'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_a4bfd2808d6f94daa24493eb2b286d46",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"My Voice Matters: Young Africans Tell their Entrepreneurial Stories"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/09/23/photo-essay-young-africans-tell-their-entrepreneurial-stories-3/",pubDate:"Mon, 23 Sep 2013 00:56:06 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1926",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" link="none" ids="1930,1928,1927,1929,1931"]
3039
3040<strong>Name</strong>: Nanna Oghenereke Augusta
3041
3042<strong>Location</strong>: Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria
3043
3044<strong>Why did you start your business</strong>: I started <strong>Reqe Designs</strong> because fashion is my passion. My business allows me to do more for myself and the people around me. For me, being an entrepreneur is about bringing people-based solutions to the forefront. For me, it’s not about creating new ideas, but doing what has been done before in a more innovative way. I want to inspire others to develop themselves and their talents.
3045
3046My company designs clothes that are simple, classy, and inexpensive. My company creates unique designs that are sold in Nigeria. I want to create job opportunities for local fabric makers and designers. I also want to create jobs for other young talented fashion designers. At this time, I need help with acquiring sewing machines, and setting up an office.
3047
3048As a young African entrepreneur, <strong>my voice matters</strong> because fashion in Africa is a force to be reckoned with. I want my company, Reqe Designs, to take center stage whenever fashion in Nigeria is talked about. The Nigerian woman is conscious of her look and style and I think that my designs will help the Nigerian woman build her confidence.
3049
3050&nbsp;
3051
3052&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1926,post_date:"2013-09-23 01:56:06",post_date_gmt:"2013-09-23 00:56:06",post_modified:"2013-09-25 03:15:06",post_modified_gmt:"2013-09-25 02:15:06",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"photo-essay-young-africans-tell-their-entrepreneurial-stories-3",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"Calabar"},{__cdata:"Cross-River"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"photo essay"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Reqe Designs"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1929"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"My Voice Matters: Young Africans Tell their Entrepreneurial Stories"}

3052,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/09/25/my-voice-matters-young-africans-tell-their-entrepreneurial-stories/",pubDate:"Wed, 25 Sep 2013 03:05:39 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1936",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" link="none" ids="1937,1938,1939,1941,1940"]
3053
3054<strong>Name</strong>: Adebayo Adelekan
3055
3056<strong>Location</strong>: Lagos, Nigeria
3057
3058<strong>Why did you start your business</strong>:  I didn't start this business. My name is Adebayo and I am inspired by <strong>Elizabeth Ojelua</strong>, CEO of Sure-Lift Tranx - a shoe manufacturing company.
3059
3060The story that I am about to share, will inspire you and everyone out there. This story tells me that there is hope for Africa. <strong>Elizabeth Ojelua</strong> is an entrepreneur and CEO of <strong>Sure-Lift Tranx</strong>, a shoe manufacturing company - <em>meeting her remains one of the most memorable days of my life.</em> Elizabeth makes handmade shoes that are comfortable and unique with great colors, beautiful materials, and accessories. She produces and supplies a variety of high-quality footwear to businesses and individual customers at an affordable price.
3061
3062Her pleasant smile and extraordinary talent dazzles anyone that comes in contact with her, but it is her beautiful handmade shoes and bags that really get your attention. Elizabeth inspires me because she has successfully carved out a niche for herself in the shoe-making industry. She started her company with a seed capital of 8 thousand naira ($50) and over the years, has built a strong business. Elizabeth trains other young people in Nigeria and proudly contributes her quota to reduce unemployment in the country.
3063
3064Elizabeth also uses technology and various social media platforms to enhance her designs and learn more about the latest styles.
3065
3066I am inspired by Elizabeth because she is a determined and passionate female entrepreneur blazing the trail in a male-dominated industry. She is a change agent, an inspiration to other young people and I believe that she adds value to the Nigerian society by creating jobs. She also trains the unemployed in her area of expertise.
3067
3068<strong><em> My dream is that Nigeria will build its economy by promoting locally made goods thereby closing the gap on duties and charges paid for imported goods to the country.</em></strong>
3069
3070Entrepreneurship is a solution to the rising poverty and unemployment in Nigeria. For any nation to become one of the top economies in the world, it must venture into supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to drive rapid economic advancement. The creative/fashion industry in Nigeria has been redefined - with great minds showcasing their work, earning a good living for themselves, and creating employment opportunities for others.
3071
3072As a young African entrepreneur, <strong>my voice matters</strong> because I want to spread the gospel of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship I believe, is the only sustainable route to Africa's Economic Revolution!
3073
3074&nbsp;
3075
3076&nbsp;
3077
3078[gallery type="rectangular" ids="1938,1939,1941"]`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1936,post_date:"2013-09-25 04:05:39",post_date_gmt:"2013-09-25 03:05:39",post_modified:"2014-05-28 22:09:08",post_modified_gmt:"2014-05-28 21:09:08",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"my-voice-matters-young-africans-tell-their-entrepreneurial-stories",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Adebayo Adelekan"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Elizabeth Ojelua"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"Manufacturing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"photo essay"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"SMEs"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"Sure-Lift Tranx"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1938"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:1322,comment_author:{__cdata:"Elizabeth"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.surelift.com.ng",comment_author_IP:"93.186.23.101",comment_date:"2013-09-25 13:21:14",comment_date_gmt:"2013-09-25 12:21:14",comment_content:{__cdata:"Great.."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1380153678.8633739948272705078125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1380153678"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1380111674.9952490329742431640625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-09-25 12:21:14"}}]},{comment_id:6314,comment_author:{__cdata:"peequepoetry1"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://artofmind.wordpress.com",comment_author_IP:"41.190.14.78",comment_date:"2015-01-19 

307809:16:57",comment_date_gmt:"2015-01-19 08:16:57",comment_content:{__cdata:"Please can I have her email address? I'd really appreciate it."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:38856128,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1421672682"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1421672682.295413970947265625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1421655417.8034610748291015625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:13:"peequepoetry1";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1421672682"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1421660334.571011066436767578125;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:13:"peequepoetry1";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"A Young African on What Entrepreneurship Means to Him"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/10/02/a-young-african-on-what-entrepreneurship-means-to-him/",pubDate:"Wed, 02 Oct 2013 00:23:37 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1973",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" link="none" ids="1969,1967,1971,1966,1970"]
3079
3080A Young African participates in our photo essay series and shares with us what entrepreneurship means to him.
3081
3082<strong>Name</strong>: Ahmadu Abdullah
3083
3084<strong>Location</strong>: Kuje, FCT Abuja, Nigeria
3085
3086<strong>What does Entrepreneurship mean to you: </strong>Entrepreneurship to me, means creativity. When people think of entrepreneurs, they think of someone in an office setting but this definition for me, includes the common trader on the street. The street trader also applies the same tested entrepreneurial strategies albeit on a different scale.
3087
3088The first picture titled “<em>Have a Vision</em>,“ shows a mountain in the distance. This was taken on a local farm in Kuje. I believe that a business must have a purpose, goal, and target. The business owner must be willing to work hard towards his/her goals regardless of obstacles and difficulties ahead.
3089
3090The second picture “<em>Feed Your Business</em>,” shows a woman tending to her chickens. All businesses require attention. Like chickens, they need warmth, feeding, and constant care.
3091
3092The next picture shows a market scene. The typical market environment in Nigeria is usually very chaotic. As I walked through numerous stalls, I learned how important it is for businesses to stand out. In a highly competitive marketplace,<strong><em> an entrepreneur survives by being different</em></strong>. A lady I met at the market said, “what you offer and how you offer it may be the only reason you make a sale.”
3093
3094The fourth picture shows commercial motorists popularly known as "okadas." Here I learned how important it is to be patient and why it is important to choose the right location for your business. The right location for your business can help boost sales and may ensure an influx of customers with minimal advertising.   As it neared closing hours, I noticed that these men took up to three (3) times more passengers an hour than the regular run around motorists. Patience and location is valuable to an entrepreneur.
3095
3096The last picture shows a vendor surrounded by his customers. A business does not thrive without people and more importantly, without customers. This vendor is surrounded because he sells information and he is informed enough to know what people want to read. Businesses thrive on informed decision-making and on knowing what customers want for the next big thing or better made product.
3097
3098<strong><em>Entrepreneurship requires hard work, creativity, and critical thinking. </em></strong>
3099
3100As a young African, <strong>my voice matters</strong> because I want to broaden my scope of experience and give back to society. I also believe that Africa could do better with a little more love.
3101
3102&nbsp;
3103
3104&nbsp;
3105
3106&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1973,post_date:"2013-10-02 01:23:37",post_date_gmt:"2013-10-02 00:23:37",post_modified:"2013-10-02 01:23:37",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-02 00:23:37",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"a-young-african-on-what-entrepreneurship-means-to-him",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Ahmadu Abdullah"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"FCT Abuja"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Kuje"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"photo essay"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"SMEs"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"Sure-Lift Tranx"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1970"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"A Young African on What Entrepreneurship Means to Her "}

3106,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/10/07/a-young-african-on-what-entrepreneurship-means-to-her/",pubDate:"Mon, 07 Oct 2013 12:21:01 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=1998",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" link="none" ids="1999,2002,2000,2001"]
3107
3108A young African participates in our photo essay series and shares with us what entrepreneurship means to her.
3109
3110<strong>Name</strong>: Akachi Nwoke
3111
3112<strong>Business Name</strong>: Visages Parfait Beauty Place
3113
3114<strong>Location</strong>: FCT Abuja, Nigeria
3115
3116<strong>What does Entrepreneurship mean to you</strong>: Entrepreneurship to me, means freedom. I am a young university graduate and a makeup artist from Nigeria. I share my story so that it may inspire other young people.
3117
3118I want young Africans to know that we do not have to wait for the government to create jobs but with hard work, we can choose to be productive. We can learn a trade and carve a niche for ourselves. I have gone from being a jobless graduate to being an active entrepreneur. I know what it feels like to be jobless, helpless, and completely without money. But with my business, it’s been a total transformation. I have gone from being jobless, to being the source of help and financial support to my family. Because of my personal journey and story, some people see me as a source of inspiration. My advice to young people is to start a business, keep trying, and keep going.
3119
3120I started from the bottom and I appreciate how far I have come. I take pride in myself and in my work. Determination, persistence, consistency, and constant practice along with the belief in what you can achieve, will get you far.
3121
3122I am a makeup artist and I specialize in making brides look exceptional on their wedding day. I also give models the perfect look for photo shoots. Rather than remain jobless, I encourage young Africans to start a small business. At times, I am invited to speak at empowerment programs and I always say to young people, start a business. <em>As a makeup artist, my business may not solve a world problem but if I am able to support my family in times of need – I think that’s a big step.</em>
3123
3124<strong> I hope that my story helps to sow the seed of entrepreneurship and teaches people that with hard work, anything is possible.</strong>
3125
3126As a young African, <strong>my voice matters</strong> because I want to influence more lives. Through my work, I want to continue to inspire other young women, and encourage them to learn a trade, and start a business – get busy!  In Nigeria, we may not all get the government positions but from the little corner of our homes and private offices, we can change the world. <strong>My voice matters</strong> because if I never speak up, the voices of others may never be heard.
3127
3128&nbsp;
3129
3130[gallery type="rectangular" ids="2002,1999,2001"]
3131
3132&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:1998,post_date:"2013-10-07 13:21:01",post_date_gmt:"2013-10-07 12:21:01",post_modified:"2014-05-28 22:11:03",post_modified_gmt:"2014-05-28 21:11:03",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"a-young-african-on-what-entrepreneurship-means-to-her",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Akachi Nwoke"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"FCT Abuja"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"photo essay"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"SMEs"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"Sure-Lift Tranx"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Visages Parfait"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2001"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:2840,comment_author:{__cdata:"A Young African on What Entrepreneurship Means ..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/secrets-of-success-for-women-entrerpreneurs/p/4021451538/2014/05/16/a-young-african-on-what-entrepreneurship-means-to-her",comment_author_IP:"89.30.118.151",comment_date:"2014-05-16 17:57:43",comment_date_gmt:"2014-05-16 16:57:43",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

31320;] A young African participates in our photo essay series and shares with us what entrepreneurship means to her. Name: Akachi Nwoke Business Name: Visages Parfait Beauty Place Location: FCT Abuja, Nig...  […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1400527497"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1400527497.444950103759765625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1400259463.4877169132232666015625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-05-16 16:57:43"}}]},{comment_id:4105,comment_author:{__cdata:"Akachi Nwoke on Why the AWP Network is Important « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/07/25/akachi-nwoke-on-why-the-awp-network-is-important-2/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.80.62",comment_date:"2014-08-08 19:00:46",comment_date_gmt:"2014-08-08 18:00:46",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] My name is Akachi Nwoke and I am a makeup artist. Last year, I applied to the AWP Network photography contest and I am glad I did. Although I came in third place, the competition helped me realize that I was not yet ready to start my business.  You may read more about my story here. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1407520846.6441519260406494140625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-08-08 18:00:46"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1407520892"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1407520892.6617949008941650390625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:3712,comment_author:{__cdata:"Akachi Nwoke on Why the AWP Network is Important | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/07/25/akachi-nwoke-on-why-the-awp-network-is-important/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.86.61",comment_date:"2014-07-25 18:35:54",comment_date_gmt:"2014-07-25 17:35:54",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] My name is Akachi Nwoke and I am a makeup artist. Last year, I applied to the AWP Network photography contest and I am glad I did. Although I came in third place, the competition helped me realize that I was not yet ready to start my business.  You may read more about my story here. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-07-25 17:35:56"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1406309811"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1406309812.3335220813751220703125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1406309755.615869045257568359375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]},{comment_id:8704,comment_author:{__cdata:"The AWP Network Photo Contest – Meet the Judges « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/06/06/the-awp-photo-contest-meet-the-judges/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.101.39",comment_date:"2016-06-15 15:54:11",comment_date_gmt:"2016-06-15 14:54:11",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

31320;] Akachi Nwoke is a makeup and gardening enthusiast who works at the House of Tara International Enugu. She is the second of four lovely girls and she studied Food Science and Technology (FST) at Enugu State University of Science and Technology. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1466002864"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1466002865.16335201263427734375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1466002452.8669331073760986328125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: 2013 African Digital Woman of the Year"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/10/28/apply-2013-african-digital-woman-of-the-year/",pubDate:"Mon, 28 Oct 2013 09:16:47 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2055",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The 2013 African Digital Woman of the Year award is for a woman who lives and/or works in Africa and has distinguished herself through leadership, creativity, entrepreneurship, social-focus and/or innovative discoveries in digital studies or work.
3133
3134<strong>Deadline</strong>: Tuesday, November 5, 2013
3135
3136Apply <strong><a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bKLcasEbkTupS8hIp3kOpf1zBn_ocBNnwkBzjyRgTD0/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bKLcasEbkTupS8hIp3kOpf1zBn_ocBNnwkBzjyRgTD0/viewform" target="_blank">here</a></strong> : <a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bKLcasEbkTupS8hIp3kOpf1zBn_ocBNnwkBzjyRgTD0/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bKLcasEbkTupS8hIp3kOpf1zBn_ocBNnwkBzjyRgTD0/viewform">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bKLcasEbkTupS8hIp3kOpf1zBn_ocBNnwkBzjyRgTD0/viewform</a>
3137
3138&nbsp;
3139
3140&nbsp;
3141
3142&nbsp;
3143
3144&nbsp;
3145
3146&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2055,post_date:"2013-10-28 10:16:47",post_date_gmt:"2013-10-28 09:16:47",post_modified:"2013-10-28 10:16:47",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-28 09:16:47",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-2013-african-digital-woman-of-the-year",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"celebrating"},{__cdata:"digital"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"excellence"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"women"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_b54a9f30b6dffb3fee7899ad5a28d737",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"African Techpreneurs: Your Chance to Win $1 Million"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/10/29/african-techpreneurs-your-chance-to-win-1-million/",pubDate:"Tue, 29 Oct 2013 10:15:21 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2063",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Salesforce.com (#salesforcehack) just launched the largest single hackathon prize at $1 Million.
3147
3148Developers will create the next killer mobile app on the Salesforce Platform, the world’s number one cloud platform, for a chance to win $1 million.
3149
3150"With the rise of social networks and the proliferation of mobile devices, developers everywhere want to capitalize on the booming opportunity spurred by this technology shift and create the next generation of apps for the enterprise. "
3151
3152<strong>Deadline: </strong>November 20
3153
3154Want to participate? Click <strong><a title="http://dreamforcehackerpass.eventbrite.com/" href="http://dreamforcehackerpass.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank">here</a></strong> to learn more: <a title="http://dreamforcehackerpass.eventbrite.com/" href="http://dreamforcehackerpass.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank">http://dreamforcehackerpass.eventbrite.com/</a>
3155
3156&nbsp;
3157
3158&nbsp;
3159
3160&nbsp;
3161
3162&nbsp;
3163
3164&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2063,post_date:"2013-10-29 11:15:21",post_date_gmt:"2013-10-29 10:15:21",post_modified:"2013-10-29 11:15:21",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-29 10:15:21",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"african-techpreneurs-your-chance-to-win-1-million",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Developers"},{__cdata:"Dreamforce"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Hackerthon"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Salesforce"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"Techpreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_cb53c0167dfb889c02120cf7f2542da8",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Women4Africa 2014 Awards"}

3164,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/10/30/apply-women4africa-2014-awards/",pubDate:"Wed, 30 Oct 2013 11:10:28 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2068",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Submissions for nominations for the ‘Women4Africa Awards UK 2014’ event is now open. All nominations will be treated in confidence and only viewed by the selection panel and category sponsors.
3165
3166Learn more about the awards <strong><a title="http://www.women4africa.com/categories-2/" href="http://www.women4africa.com/categories-2/" target="_blank">here</a> </strong>: <a title="http://www.women4africa.com/categories-2/" href="http://www.women4africa.com/categories-2/" target="_blank">http://www.women4africa.com/categories-2/</a>
3167
3168<strong><em>Eligibility:</em></strong>
3169A woman is eligible to enter the ‘ Women4Africa Awards UK’ 2014 if;
3170• She is resident in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man and has been so for a period of 12 months before the date of application. (This does not apply to those in the ‘International Category’)
3171• If she was born on the continent of Africa; or if she is born into an ethnic group or had at least two parents born into an ethnic group or groups, of African origin.
3172• Please note all nominees must be older than 18 on December 31, 2013.
3173
3174If you would like to nominate yourself or someone you know that falls into any of the listed categories (see categories link) please check that you or the person is eligible then send to an email to<strong> <a href="[email protected]">[email protected]</a></strong> including the following:
3175<ul>
3176	<li>A picture of the nominee</li>
3177	<li>A brief profile in no more than 100 words as to why the nominee fits the chosen category.</li>
3178	<li>A referee (someone who can verify the nominee) name and contact details.</li>
3179	<li>Please state which African country the nominee is from.</li>
3180	<li>Please include a contact email for the nominee.</li>
3181</ul>
3182&nbsp;
3183
3184&nbsp;
3185
3186&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2068,post_date:"2013-10-30 12:10:28",post_date_gmt:"2013-10-30 11:10:28",post_modified:"2013-10-30 12:10:28",post_modified_gmt:"2013-10-30 11:10:28",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-women4africa-2014-awards",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Europe"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"recognition"},{__cdata:"UK"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Women4Africa"},{__cdata:"youth"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_d79bec3daaa80da2775f7aee4a0e6385",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Winners Announced: The AWP Network Photo Contest"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/11/01/winners-announced-the-awp-network-photo-contest/",pubDate:"Fri, 01 Nov 2013 15:36:15 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2082",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<b>Grand Prize Winner: Cassandra Ntiamoah</b>, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,  "Africhic" A contemporary clothing line design with an African twist.
3187
3188Runner-Up, <em><strong>Ahmadu Abdullah</strong></em>/ @vanheusen_2, FCT Abuja, Nigeria
3189
3190Runner-Up, <em><strong>Akachi Nwoke</strong></em> /@visagesparfait , FCT Abuja, Nigeria, Visages Parfait
3191
3192&nbsp;
3193
3194The AWP Network congratulates all winners and thanks everyone who shared their stories.
3195
3196See additional <a title="http://www.flickr.com/photos/100746889@N02/" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/100746889@N02/" target="_blank">photos</a> here: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/100746889@N02/" target="_blank">http://www.flickr.com/photos/100746889@N02/</a>
3197
3198&nbsp;
3199
3200&nbsp;
3201
3202&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2082,post_date:"2013-11-01 16:36:15",post_date_gmt:"2013-11-01 15:36:15",post_modified:"2013-11-01 16:36:15",post_modified_gmt:"2013-11-01 15:36:15",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"winners-announced-the-awp-network-photo-contest",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Ghana"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"photo contest"},{__cdata:"small business grants"},{__cdata:"winners"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_5be4f50cde08686193239fc3611b1b55",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:{comment_id:8686,comment_author:{__cdata:"The AWP Photo Contest – Meet the Judges &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/06/06/the-awp-photo-contest-meet-the-judges/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.101.87",comment_date:"2016-06-06 19:10:52",comment_date_gmt:"2016-06-06 18:10:52",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

32020;]  Cassandra Ntiamoah is the 2013 winner of the AWP Network Photo Contest. She is founder of &#8220;Africhic,&#8221; a fashion manufacturing and design company.  She started her company by making bow-ties out of ankara fabric and then proceeded to design bags, shoes, and dresses to her local community at affordable prices. [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1465236809"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1465236810.5570991039276123046875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1465236653.5337550640106201171875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network partners with SIPA’s Pan African-Network (SPAN)"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/11/04/the-awp-network-partners-with-sipas-pan-african-network-span/",pubDate:"Mon, 04 Nov 2013 03:21:32 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2093",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/08/19/innovation-in-africa-heres-what-young-african-women-entrepreneurs-have-to-say/sp-africa-infog-april-2013/" rel="attachment wp-att-1815"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1815" alt="SP-Africa-Infog-April-2013" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/sp-africa-infog-april-2013.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="274" /></a>Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) presents the 7th Annual African Diplomatic Forum (ADF) to be held at SIPA on <strong><em>Friday, November 22nd, 2013 from 9:00AM to 6:00PM</em></strong>.
3203
3204Organized by SIPA’s Pan African-Network (SPAN), this year's conference is themed<strong><em> The New Frontier of African Leadership</em></strong>.
3205
3206A new generation of leaders in Africa are grappling with a number of challenges, old and new, across the continent. In the public sector, good governance paradigms are shifting and democratic processes are taking hold, yet problems of electoral corruption and public mistrust remain. In the private sector, foreign direct investment and liberal economic reform are on the rise at the same time that resource exploitation and the merits of local versus foreign market control are debated. Leaders in the non-profit and social welfare sectors must grapple with the changing role of foreign aid, emerging micro-finance and social enterprises, and the capacity of local organizations to combat poverty, health, hunger and education related problems. New media and technology are changing the way millions of Africans communicate and connect with one another on a slew of social and economic issues.
3207
3208<strong><em>Register here</em></strong>: <a title="http://www.cuadf.com/" href="http://www.cuadf.com/" target="_blank">http://www.cuadf.com/ </a>
3209<strong><em>Email</em></strong>: <a title="[email protected]" href="[email protected]" target="_blank">[email protected] </a>
3210<strong><em>Facebook</em></strong>: <a title="https://www.facebook.com/ColumbiaUniversityAfricanDiplomaticForum" href="https://www.facebook.com/ColumbiaUniversityAfricanDiplomaticForum" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ColumbiaUniversityAfricanDiplomaticForum </a>
3211
3212&nbsp;
3213
3214&nbsp;
3215
3216&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2093,post_date:"2013-11-04 04:21:32",post_date_gmt:"2013-11-04 03:21:32",post_modified:"2013-11-04 04:21:32",post_modified_gmt:"2013-11-04 03:21:32",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-partners-with-sipas-pan-african-network-span",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Columbia University"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Leader"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"New Media"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1815"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}

3216,{meta_key:"_oembed_4ae7ecaa603f4d7a4c5d7775edc90bf4",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_6035d08372b535bc51b72451e0a3d58b",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"$25 Million for Entrepreneurial Solutions"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/11/06/25-million-for-entrepreneurial-solutions/",pubDate:"Tue, 05 Nov 2013 23:00:06 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2100",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The USAID is asking entrepreneurs to come up with solutions to the looming water and food scarcity crisis.
3217
3218The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) put out a call to innovators for its annual Grand Challenge, and this year, the theme of the challenge is "Securing Water for Food." In partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, or Sida, USAID is offering up to $25 million in grants, ranging from $200,000 to $3 million, for big ideas that solve the water scarcity problems in the agricultural production chain.
3219
3220<strong>Who can apply</strong>: Innovators can come from anywhere in the world and implementation must take place in a developing or emerging country.
3221
3222The Founding Partners will select up to 30-40 winners in the first round of competition, based on a rigorous evaluation process. Winners will receive funding and acceleration support.
3223
3224Learn more here: <strong><a title="http://www.securingwaterforfood.org/" href="http://www.securingwaterforfood.org/" target="_blank">http://www.securingwaterforfood.org/</a></strong>
3225
3226&nbsp;
3227
3228&nbsp;
3229
3230&nbsp;
3231
3232&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2100,post_date:"2013-11-06 00:00:06",post_date_gmt:"2013-11-05 23:00:06",post_modified:"2013-11-05 03:35:08",post_modified_gmt:"2013-11-05 02:35:08",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"25-million-for-entrepreneurial-solutions",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"emerging countries"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Food and Water"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Innovators"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"USAID"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Cartier Women’s Initiative Award"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/11/08/apply-cartier-womens-initiative-award/",pubDate:"Thu, 07 Nov 2013 23:00:00 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2105",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The Cartier Women’s Initiative Award offers funding, coaching, networking opportunities and exposure. It is a unique opportunity for early-phase women entrepreneurs to take their companies to the next level.
3233
3234The Award is designed to maximize the learning experience for candidates, finalists and laureates. The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards offers one-to-one personalized business coaching for the eighteen finalists(*) representing the top three projects of each continent.
3235
3236These finalists are selected in the first phase of the contest in June. They are then invited to France in October for the Finale week which includes entrepreneurship workshops, a presentation in front of the international Jury, and an invitation to the Global Meeting of the Women’s Forum. It is a unique week where the Finalists have the opportunity to share their challenges, fears and successes with their fellow candidates.
3237
3238<strong>Deadline</strong>: February 28, 2014
3239
3240Apply <strong>

3240<a title="http://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/how-to-apply/application-process" href="http://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/how-to-apply/application-process" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <a title="http://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/how-to-apply/application-process" href="http://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/how-to-apply/application-process" target="_blank">http://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/how-to-apply/application-process</a>
3241
3242&nbsp;
3243
3244&nbsp;
3245
3246&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2105,post_date:"2013-11-08 00:00:00",post_date_gmt:"2013-11-07 23:00:00",post_modified:"2013-11-06 13:02:27",post_modified_gmt:"2013-11-06 12:02:27",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-cartier-womens-initiative-award",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"award"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"Cartier"},{__cdata:"coaching"},{__cdata:"emerging market"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"financing"},{__cdata:"grants"},{__cdata:"ideas"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Innovators"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:1590,comment_author:{__cdata:"Mahassin"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.71.151.199",comment_date:"2013-11-08 22:29:07",comment_date_gmt:"2013-11-08 21:29:07",comment_content:{__cdata:"This sounds like the kind of opportunity Ive been looking for! Thanks AWPN for sharing this!"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1383946147.5888240337371826171875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1384182318"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1384182320.3800640106201171875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-11-08 21:29:07"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Creativity and Enterprise: Finding Business Opportunity in Gaming"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/11/11/creativity-and-enterprise-finding-business-opportunity-in-gaming/",pubDate:"Mon, 11 Nov 2013 17:09:04 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2110",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<div>
3247
3248[caption id="attachment_2113" align="alignleft" width="570"]<img class="wp-image-2113 size-full" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_1475.jpg" alt="Muoyo Okome" width="570" height="428" /> Muoyo Okome, CEO of Mega Rock[/caption]
3249
3250Muoyo Okome is Founder and CEO of <a title="http://www.megarockstudios.com/" href="http://www.megarockstudios.com/" target="_blank">Mega Rock L.L.C., </a>a company that develops games and entertainment applications for mobile devices.
3251
3252<strong><em>Mega Rock Studios</em></strong> has developed several games to include <em>Find the Words</em>, <em>Bike Race of Ninja Temple</em> and its second part, <em>A Harlem Shake Subway Run</em>. With over 2.2 million subscribers, Mega Rock games are available on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.
3253
3254Mobile game developer and techpreneur, Muoyo Okome earned a computer science degree from Princeton University and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania. Founder of the AWP Network, Mary Olushoga, first met Okome in 2004 while serving as members of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Several years later, we are happy to reconnect with him to learn about what inspired him to start his business and to gain more insight into his company.
3255
3256</div>
3257<b>How did you come up with the name of your business? </b>
3258
3259I brainstormed a list of potential names off a few friends and family members. I also considered my demographic and ultimately just chose so that I could get down to business. The name of the business was not going to drive my results.
3260
3261<b>What inspired you to start your business?</b>
3262
3263I have always wanted to work for myself and I have explored a number of ventures. I became attracted to the mobile industry because it is a growing market with increasing impact worldwide. I also observed a 

3263number of small teams and companies having tremendous impact in the mobile applications space. I knew this is where I could succeed and have loads of fun as well.
3264
3265<b>Who is your target market?</b>
3266
3267Anyone who plays casual games on mobile phones. Right now, I am focused on Apple iOS, the most lucrative segment of the market.
3268
3269<b>How have you financed your business?</b>
3270
3271Bootstrapping - I have used my own funds. This business started as a side job before growing into something self-sustaining.
3272
3273<b>What is your competitive edge? </b>
3274
3275My ability to glean insights from market research and produce competitive products at a low-cost.
3276
3277<b>What is the long-term plan for your business?</b>
3278
3279My goal is to grow the business into a seven (7) and eight (8) figure entity. I also plan to expand into new categories and onto new platforms.
3280
3281<b>What business challenges do you face? </b>
3282
3283Frequent adaptation: the market is extremely dynamic. What works today will not necessarily work tomorrow so we are forced to constantly adapt or risk losing whatever success we have gained.
3284
3285<b>What five (5) things do start-up entrepreneurs need to know?</b>
3286
32871) <em>Be Positive</em> - Everything starts with an extremely positive mindset. You cannot succeed if you are not positive. This does not mean that you ignore the facts, but you need to develop a strong belief in yourself to succeed.
3288
32892) <em>Maintain a positive cash flow -</em> Embrace the minimum viable product and don't blow all your cash on something that has not been tested and proven. You can play from a stronger position if you have traction, and even better, revenues.
3290
32913) <em>Work Smart - </em>Be as knowledgeable as you can in your field. Much of this learning will happen "on the job."
3292
32934) <em>Be willing to FAIL - </em>Be biased towards action and  be unafraid of failure. However, don't be reckless. Allow yourself to fail in such a way that it doesn't take you out of business.
3294
32955) <em>Market Research</em> - Let market research guide some of your decisions. Forget about what you and your friends like. Forget about personal perceptions and biases. Let market data lead you to the promise land.
3296
3297<strong>How</strong> <b>do you think African youths can continue to support each other?</b>
3298
3299<em>Collaboration:</em> Forming groups of entrepreneurs to exchange information including recommended practices, successes, and failures.
3300
3301<b>How many jobs have you created so far?</b>
3302
3303At any given time, I work with about ten (10) or more technology and design professionals around the world, primarily on a per contract basis. At this stage, it has proven an effective way to scale the business while taking on less risks.
3304
3305<b>How can we support and improve innovation in Africa? </b>
3306
3307I think you'd agree that there are quite a number of innovative projects going on across various hubs in Africa. We can help to support and empower these initiatives by exchanging ideas and partnering where mutually beneficial.
3308
3309Also, it is important to remember that innovation is a risky business. Don't quickly fall in love with an idea. When entrepreneurs do this, they are more likely to ignore telling information from market research. Also, it is cheaper to emulate a successful implementation and take it to the next level. Once you have proven sustainable success, it is then easier to take on bigger risks.
3310
3311[caption id="attachment_2111" align="alignleft" width="480"]<img class="wp-image-2111 size-full" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ninja-bike.jpg" alt="Mega Rock L.L.C. " width="480" height="320" /> Mega Rock L.L.C.[/caption]
3312
3313&nbsp;
3314
3315&nbsp;
3316
3317&nbsp;
3318
3319&nbsp;
3320
3321&nbsp;
3322
3323&nbsp;
3324
3325&nbsp;
3326
3327&nbsp;
3328
3329&nbsp;
3330
3331&nbsp;
3332
3333&nbsp;
3334
3335&nbsp;
3336
3337Twitter: <a title="https://twitter.com/MegaRockGames" href="https://twitter.com/MegaRockGames" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/MegaRockGames</a>
3338
3339Website: <a title="http://www.megarockstudios.com/" href="http://www.megarockstudios.com/" target="_blank">http://www.megarockstudios.com/</a>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2110,post_date:"2013-11-11 18:09:04",post_date_gmt:"2013-11-11 17:09:04",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:22:56",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:22:56",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"creativity-and-enterprise-finding-business-opportunity-in-gaming",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African stories"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Bike Race of Ninja Temple"},{__cdata:"Black entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"Creativity"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Enterprise"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"gaming"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Mega Rock"},{__cdata:"mobile apps"},{__cdata:"mobile games"},{__cdata:"Muoyo Okome"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Princeton University"},{__cdata:"UPenn"},{__cdata:"Wharton"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2111"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"twitter_cards_summary_img_size",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:7:{i:0;i:570;i:1;i:428;i:2;i:2;i:3;s:24:"width="570" height="428"";s:4:"bits";i:8;s:8:"channels";i:3;s:4:"mime";s:10:"image/jpeg";}'}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_47ecda4113798f0f618a5473bdd3877b",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_ef9770db62566073846e0d6ef84f4c60",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:1619,comment_author:{__cdata:"Creativity and Enterprise: Finding Business Opp..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/innovating-to-what-s-next/p/4010807821/2013/11/11/creativity-and-enterprise-finding-business-opportunity-in-gaming",comment_author_IP:"89.30.105.121",comment_date:"2013-11-11 19:00:58",comment_date_gmt:"2013-11-11 18:00:58",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

33390;] Mobile game developer and techpreneur, Muoyo Okome earned a computer science degree from Princeton University and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania. Founder of the AWP Network, Mary Olushoga, first met Okome in 2004 while serving as members of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Several years later, we are happy to reconnect with him to learn about what inspired him to start his business and to gain more insight into his company.  […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"true"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1384192859.0418910980224609375;s:7:"message";s:35:"Akismet caught this comment as spam";s:5:"event";s:10:"check-spam";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1384813243.2907340526580810546875;s:7:"message";s:44:"awpnetwork reported this comment as not spam";s:5:"event";s:10:"report-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_user_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1384813258"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1384813258.2907199859619140625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-11-11 18:00:58"}}]},{comment_id:8361,comment_author:{__cdata:"“Entrepreneurship is Hard” – Says Founder of Daily Spark Media « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/03/07/entrepreneurship-is-hard-says-founder-of-daily-spark-media/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.101.118",comment_date:"2016-03-07 20:15:00",comment_date_gmt:"2016-03-07 19:15:00",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] I sold a large chunk of my mobile gaming venture last year, I knew that I wanted the next stage of my career to be extremely valuable and impactful. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1457378101.7090499401092529296875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1457378140"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1457378140.8145821094512939453125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:10836,comment_author:{__cdata:"Want to Build an App Business? Learn the 7 Steps to App Success « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2018/10/02/want-to-build-an-app-business-learn-the-7-steps-to-app-success/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.91.184",comment_date:"2018-10-02 15:19:08",comment_date_gmt:"2018-10-02 14:19:08",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] game developer and techpreneur, Muoyo Okome earned a computer science degree from Princeton University and an MBA from the University of [&#823

33390;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1538489948.869587;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1538489985"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1538489986.655155;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"I Want to Start A Business But I Have NO Money "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/11/19/i-want-to-start-a-business-but-i-have-no-money/",pubDate:"Tue, 19 Nov 2013 13:36:29 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2159",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2163" alt="untitled" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/untitled.png" width="275" height="183" />The <strong><em>AWP Network</em> </strong>receives letters and emails from young Africans in various parts of the world asking if it is possible to start a business with no capital.
3340
3341Haleemah, a young woman based in Nigeria writes, “In a situation where the person has an idea, skill, and passion but no capital, what do you suggest that they do? How do you suggest they start a business with no startup capital?”
3342
3343The AWP Network poses this question to Nine (9) Young Innovative African Entrepreneurs and here is what they have to say about starting a business with no capital.
3344
3345<a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/27/young-african-techpreneur-tells-youths-to-focus-on-delivering-value/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/27/young-african-techpreneur-tells-youths-to-focus-on-delivering-value/" target="_blank">Oluseun Onigbinde</a>, co-founder and Lead Director of <strong><em>BudgIT</em></strong>, a civic startup company focused on promoting good governance states, “I believe that you need money to start a business. My advice is to start small and more importantly, focus on delivering value. Also, there is something called “reputation quotient” which means, using the power of your networks. When you have a brilliant idea and you are persistent enough, I believe someone will buy into it.”
3346
3347<a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/01/from-mit-to-nigeria-finding-business-opportunity-in-recycling-waste-for-developing-countries/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/01/from-mit-to-nigeria-finding-business-opportunity-in-recycling-waste-for-developing-countries/" target="_blank">Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola</a>, CEO of award-winning company <strong><em>WeCyclers</em></strong> states, “the easiest way to get funding is to build a team. You will be surprised at how quickly your idea takes off when you have a solid group of people equally passionate about your idea. Also, like our parents say, two (or more) heads are better than one. The diversity as well as the expanded network will amplify your chances of funding the venture.”
3348
3349<a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/07/02/innovation-and-animation-changing-the-face-of-childrens-cartoons-in-nigeria/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/07/02/innovation-and-animation-changing-the-face-of-childrens-cartoons-in-nigeria/" target="_blank">Adamu Waziri</a>, creator of the ‘<strong><em>Bino and Fino’</em> </strong>show, an educational and cultural cartoon series says, “before you conclude that there is no money, do your research. There are many grant programs, business competitions, and initiatives out there to support entrepreneurs. Also, think outside of the box. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family members for support.
3350
3351Popular Lagos twitter handle <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/08/23/gidi-traffic-uses-social-media-for-social-good/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/08/23/gidi-traffic-uses-social-media-for-social-good/" target="_blank">@GidiTraffic </a>states, “I created @<strong><em>Gidi_Traffic</em></strong> out of nothing. The only thing I had then was a mobile phone and internet access. Money is not an excuse. If you have a good idea, money should never be a hindrance. When I created @Gidi_Traffic, I did not plan to make any money. I only wanted to help commuters’ deal

3351s with the traffic in Lagos. Do not let money serve as a hindrance to your goals. You do not need money or large capital to start your idea. Make sure your idea is feasible and simple enough that it can be implemented. ”
3352
3353 
3354
3355<a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/08/13/innovation-and-education-young-serial-entrepreneur-sets-out-to-transform-south-africas-education-system/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/08/13/innovation-and-education-young-serial-entrepreneur-sets-out-to-transform-south-africas-education-system/" target="_blank"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2160" alt="No Money " src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/strategy_marketing-_sales1.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="200" />Rapelang Rabana</a>, Founding CEO of Yeigo Communications and <strong><em>ReKindle Learning</em></strong> states, “money is not everything. It is a false comfort. Money will not stop a “real entrepreneur” from starting a business. Work until you have saved enough – find investors, ask friends and family, borrow. Money should not stop anyone from fulfilling their dreams.  Money is an accelerator – whether you are going in the right or wrong direction, money simply accelerates you in the direction that you are already going in.
3356
3357Sometimes the lack of money helps you come up with innovative strategies and different solutions. For most small businesses, the lack of money should not be a barrier to starting, although it might be a barrier to growing. The most important thing is to start. If we had waited for the perfect financial conditions, we would probably still be at the drawing board stage
3358
3359<em><strong>Harvard</strong></em> MBA graduate and Sierra Leone based entrepreneur <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/11/28/from-harvard-to-sierra-leone-ceo-of-splash-mobile-money-finds-his-path/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/11/28/from-harvard-to-sierra-leone-ceo-of-splash-mobile-money-finds-his-path/" target="_blank">Daniel Osei-Antwi</a> says: I believe that young people should take the time to find their passion. When you find something that you are passionate about, it won’t feel like work.  Also, having mentors help - I think that if you don’t have money, it is at least important to have a strong network.
3360
3361<a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/11/05/voices-of-young-african-entrepreneurs-farmer-shares-business-tips/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/11/05/voices-of-young-african-entrepreneurs-farmer-shares-business-tips/" target="_blank">Zanau Hassan Maikasuwa</a>, President of <strong><em>Farmfields Agro-Allied Services</em> </strong>says, “so you say you don’t have money, start anyway. Money will come and you may get it when you can show your value proposition. Start small but do not plan to remain small. Look out for funding opportunities and tailor your business plan to meet various funding criteria. Nigeria is the land of opportunities despite challenges. The journey certainly will not be easy but it is worth the try. Also, look out for opportunities from the government and the private sector – find them and take advantage of them. The Nigerian government today creates and supports many initiatives, so be on the lookout.
3362
3363<a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/12/07/voices-of-young-african-entrepreneurs-youwin-nigeria-award-winner-shares-his-dream-for-the-mining-industry/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/12/07/voices-of-young-african-entrepreneurs-youwin-nigeria-award-winner-shares-his-dream-for-the-mining-industry/" target="_blank">Peter Owoeye</a>, CEO of <strong><em>BayRoyal International Limited</em></strong> – a mining company states, “I do not see money as an obstacle. The issue is that young Africans, don’t believe in themselves. So my advice is this: Believe in yourself first, take action second, then worry about money.”
3364
3365<a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/04/24/african-techpreneur-wins-the-etisalat-prize-for-innovation/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/04/24/african-techpreneur-wins-the-etisalat-prize-for-innovation/" target="_blank">Nkem Uwaje</a>, Managing Director of <strong><em>Future Software Resources</em> </strong>Nigeria Limited, and winner of the 2012 Etisalat Nigeria Prize for Innovation says: (1) Start small and grow big. (2) Try to fund your business yourself or ask your family and friends for money. (3)  If you really want something, believe in y

3365our product or business model and you will succeed. It’s just a matter of time and for how long you can endure. (4) Focus on your goals and don’t get distracted.
3366
3367 
3368
3369We hope that this provides a unique perspective to overcoming the fear of starting and encourages you to take the necessary step needed to start your business idea.  Don’t let money serve as a hindrance. If you believe in yourself, you can achieve your goals, and live your dreams.
3370
3371We will follow up on this conversation with a workshop on crowdfunding. Please stay tuned for details. Want to add to the conversation?  please tweet <strong><em>@Africwomenpower</em></strong>. We want to hear from you.
3372
3373&nbsp;
3374
3375&nbsp;
3376
3377&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2159,post_date:"2013-11-19 14:36:29",post_date_gmt:"2013-11-19 13:36:29",post_modified:"2013-11-19 14:36:29",post_modified_gmt:"2013-11-19 13:36:29",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"i-want-to-start-a-business-but-i-have-no-money",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Adamu Waziri"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"BayRoyal International Limited"},{__cdata:"Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola"},{__cdata:"Bino and Fino"},{__cdata:"BudgIT"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"content"},{__cdata:"content provider"},{__cdata:"Daniel Osei-Antwi"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Farmfields Agro-Allied Services"},{__cdata:"Future Software Resources"},{__cdata:"Gidi_Traffic"},{__cdata:"Harvard"},{__cdata:"iConnect project"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Innovative content"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nkem Uwaje"},{__cdata:"Oluseun Onigbinde"},{__cdata:"Peter Owoeye"},{__cdata:"possibilities"},{__cdata:"Rapelang Rabana"},{__cdata:"ReKindle Learning"},{__cdata:"Sierra Leone"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"small business development"},{__cdata:"WeCyclers"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Yeigo Communications"},{__cdata:"Youths"},{__cdata:"Zanau Hassan Maikasuwa"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2162"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:2560,comment_author:{__cdata:"Subhajit chanda"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"106.212.17.54",comment_date:"2014-04-09 12:10:55",comment_date_gmt:"2014-04-09 11:10:55",comment_content:{__cdata:"I want to start a Business but I have no money.please give me plan......"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1397041856.1593170166015625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1397088479"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1397088479"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1397088479.8679211139678955078125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-04-09 11:10:55"}}]},{comment_id:1736,comment_author:{__cdata:"Cheriese K"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.myjoyfulwork.com",comment_author_IP:"75.190.245.157",comment_date:"2013-12-22 18:07:42",comment_date_gmt:"2013-12-22 17:07:42",comment_content:{__cdata:"Great article utilizing current business owners and entrepreneurs to dispel the excuse of no money to start a business with practical ways."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1387734129"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1387734128"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1387734129.6666839122772216796875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1387732062.7642209529876708984375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-12-22 17:07:42"}}]},{comment_id:3522,comment_author:{__cdata:"tallatmehmood"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"110.39.58.123",comment_date:"2014-07-18 07:52:48",comment_date_gmt:"2014-07-18 06:52:48",comment_content:{__cdata:"i want to start my busines but ihave no money   help me"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"25442644608"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1405685833"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1405685833"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1405685833.7392380237579345703125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-07-18 06:52:53"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1405666369.5482370853424072265625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1405666369"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}}]},{comment_id:2399,comment_author:{__cdata:"danny joseph"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"27.97.19.116",comment_date:"2014-03-21 05:37:59",comment_date_gmt:"2014-03-21 04:37:59",comment_content:{__cdata:"Hai guy please help me I want make a money but how please tell me"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1395674513"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1395674513.990334987640380859375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1395674513"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1395376680.1318280696868896484375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-03-21 04:37:59"}}]},{comment_id:2587,comment_author:{__cdata:"andile radebe"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"82.145.220.173",comment_date:"2014-04-15 05:45:58",comment_date_gmt:"2014-04-15 04:45:58",comment_content:{__cdata:"i want to start my business for transportation of goods for code trucks"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1397537159.478588104248046875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1397751297"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1397751297"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1397751297.919661045074462890625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-04-15 04:45:58"}}]},{comment_id:2896,comment_author:{__cdata:"mpilo"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"105.236.7.132",comment_date:"2014-05-26 12:11:41",comment_date_gmt:"2014-05-26 11:11:41",comment_content:{__cdata:`hey am Mpilo i wanna open business but i dont have enough money, i need help?
3378my personal email..... [email protected]`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1401303853"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1401303853.7458069324493408203125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-05-26 11:11:41"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1401102701.491158008575439453125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1401303853"}}]},{comment_id:2776,comment_author:{__cdata:"Ephraim Nokere"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"82.145.222.15",comment_date:"2014-05-10 08:52:08",comment_date_gmt:"2014-05-10 07:

337852:08",comment_content:{__cdata:"Hi am Ephraim i asking help i want to uplift my small business"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1399708328.81311893463134765625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1399914813"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-05-10 07:52:08"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1399914813"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1399914813.35706996917724609375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:3475,comment_author:{__cdata:"phutsadee"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"49.48.22.67",comment_date:"2014-07-17 03:58:52",comment_date_gmt:"2014-07-17 02:58:52",comment_content:{__cdata:`Hi I'm Phutsadee I want to open the small business about shop , I need to help ?
3379Pleade contact me at [email protected]`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1405565933.580358028411865234375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1405565933"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-07-17 02:58:57"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"25442648697"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1405685846"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1405685846"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1405685846.32639789581298828125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:7411,comment_author:{__cdata:"Fatou Keita"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"197.148.73.1",comment_date:"2015-09-27 14:23:49",comment_date_gmt:"2015-09-27 13:23:49",comment_content:{__cdata:"Hi i need a help please"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1443360230.194232940673828125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"15234270900"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1443402187"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1443402188.0157630443572998046875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1443402187"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1443364246.5745260715484619140625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:7711,comment_author:{__cdata:"ANNAH THEMBI QWABI"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"105.184.233.239",comment_date:"2015-12-20 18:53:39",comment_date_gmt:"2015-12-20 17:53:39",comment_content:{__cdata:"Good day? I need to open business for IMPORT&EXPORT BUT I HAVE NO MONEY Ihave all document for my componey tax clearance export&import code. my company name is CICOTI TRADING PO BOX 576 KOMATIPOORT 1340"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1450638677.649241924285888671875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1450715443"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1450715444.22803211212158203125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1450634021.286798954010009765625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"18004178788"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1450715443"}}]},{comment_id:8351,comment_author:{__cdata:"Amit kumar sabu"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://[email protected]",comment_author_IP:"107.167.109.211",comment_date:"2016-03-05 21:22:16",comment_date_gmt:"2016-03-05 20:22:16",comment_content:{__cdata:"I want to a NEW busines but ihave no mony plese giveme some idea"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1457209337.8349421024322509765625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1457213563.7710449695587158203125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1457213563"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"20469486470"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1457213563"}}]},{comment_id:8133,comment_author:{__cdata:"badri agrahari"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"182.69.114.56",comment_date:"2016-02-08 07:14:45",comment_date_gmt:"2016-02-08 06:14:45",comment_content:{__cdata:"hi Guys.. i want start a business but i have no money. so that i should start which type a business . Even i have no back support."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"19597373885"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1454945403"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1454945403"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1454945403.627091884613037109375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1454912086.4592339992523193359375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1454915789.5180499553680419921875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"The 2013 AWP Network Power List"}

3379,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/12/02/the-2013-awp-network-power-list/",pubDate:"Mon, 02 Dec 2013 03:12:32 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2179",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong><em>Be the change. Be Inspired. Be you.</em></strong>
3380
3381Recognizing (40) African women with powerful, inspiring, and influential voices.
3382
3383<strong>Introducing Africa's leading women! </strong>
3384
3385[caption id="attachment_2182" align="alignleft" width="200"]<img class="size-full wp-image-2182" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1363867333.jpg" alt="Honorable Omobola Johnson" width="200" height="280" /> Honorable Omobola Johnson[/caption]
3386
33871. <a title="https://twitter.com/ngrcommtech" href="https://twitter.com/ngrcommtech" target="_blank"><strong>Honorable Omobola Johnson</strong> </a>(Nigeria) – Early in the year, AWP Network founder, Mary Olushoga wrote an article asking if <a title="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-olushoga/are-african-female-techpr_b_2728195.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-olushoga/are-african-female-techpr_b_2728195.html" target="_blank">African Female Techpreneurs are Lagging Behind?</a> and what should be done to ensure the inclusion and participation of girls in ICT. Honorable Omobola Johnson takes 'person of the year' because by the end of the year, she took action and used her very influential position to create programs and policies that will ensure that Nigerian girls become active participants in the ICT sector by launching the 'SmartWomen Initiative' and the '1000 Girls in Training' program.
3388
3389At AWP, we aim to encourage more African women with powerful voices,  who will continue to create programs and policies that support the development and growth of African women and girls.  Learn more about the project here: <a title="http://www.smartwomannigeria.org.ng/" href="http://www.smartwomannigeria.org.ng/" target="_blank">http://www.smartwomannigeria.org.ng/</a>
3390
3391Honorable Johnson is Nigeria's first Minister of Communication Technology and founding chairperson of Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ), a non-governmental organization seeking to improve the success rate of female entrepreneurs as well as increase the proportion of women in senior positions in corporate organizations.
3392
33932. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/LeymahRGbowee" href="https://twitter.com/LeymahRGbowee" target="_blank">Leymah Gbowee</a></strong> (Liberia) is a peace activist and winner of the 2013 New York Women's Foundation Century Award. Gbowee is a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and peace activist responsible for leading the women's peace movement that helped to bring an end to the Liberian civil war in 2003. Currently, she is the Executive Director of Women Peace and Security Network Africa.
3394
33953. <strong><a title="http://www.cfr.org/world/conversation-ellen-johnson-sirleaf-president-republic-liberia/p22222" href="http://www.cfr.org/world/conversation-ellen-johnson-sirleaf-president-republic-liberia/p22222" target="_blank">President Sirleaf Johnson</a></strong> (Liberia) is winner of the Indira Gandhi peace award. Her Excellency President Sirleaf Johnson is a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and the current President of Liberia. She is also the first democratically elected female head of state in Africa.
3396
33974. <strong><a title="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Her-Excellency-Dr-Joyce-Banda/325799237543309" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Her-Excellency-Dr-Joyce-Banda/325799237543309" target="_blank">President Joyce Banda</a></strong> (Malawi) is President of Malawi. Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Banda is Malawi’s first female president and before becoming president, she served as the country's first female vice president.
3398
33995. <strong><a title="http://gracamacheltrust.org/" href="http://gracamacheltrust.org/" target="_blank">Garca Machel </a></strong>(Mozambique) is founder of the Graça Machel Trust (GMT), an organization that advocates for the rights of women and children on the continent, as well as good governance and democracy. Garca Machel recently founded the Institute for Child Development (Zizile IDC) set to focus on Early Childhood Development.  She is also co-founder of the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS).
3400
34016. <strong><a title="http://www.philanthropy.org.za/zoo-ones/item/the-ackerman-family.html" href="http://www.philanthropy.org.za/zoo-ones/item/the-ackerman-family.html" target="_blank">Wendy Ackerman</a></strong> (South Africa) is non-executive director of Pick N Pay Holdings Limited. Ackerman is recognized by the South Africa Nature Foundation for outstanding achievement and contribution to environmental conservation. She is also winner of the David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership in Africa Award by the Synergos Institute.
3402
34037. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/NOIweala" href="https://twitter.com/NOIweala" target="_blank">Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala</a></strong> (Nigeria) is Nigeria’s first female Finance Minister and currently Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance. She is Founder of the NOI-Gallup Polls and Centre for the Study of Economies of Africa (C-SEA). Okonjo-Iweala is also co-founder of the Makeda Fund and chairman of the Nelson Mandela Institution.
3404
34058. <strong>Obiageli <a title="https://twitter.com/obyezeks" href="https://twitter.com/obyezeks" target="_blank">Oby Ezekwesili</a> </strong>(Nigeria) – is co-founder of Transparency International, senior adviser at Open Society Foundation, and a Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
3406
34079. <strong><a title="http://chimamanda.com/" href="http://chimamanda.com/" target="_blank">Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie</a></strong> (Nigeria)  is one of Africa's most successful writers who has succeeded in attracting a new generation of readers to African literature. In 2013, Adichie published her third novel, Americanah.
3408
340910. <strong><a title="http://www.gbaforwomen.org/index.php/news-events/news-archive/10-news-2012-08-31" href="http://www.gbaforwomen.org/index.php/news-events/news-archive/10-news-2012-08-31" target="_blank">Nomsa Daniels</a></strong> (South Africa) is executive director and founding member of New Faces New Voices, a pan-African advocacy organization for the empowerment of African women.
3410
341111. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/Funmilola" href="https://twitter.com/Funmilola" target="_blank">Funmi Iyanda</a></strong> (Nigeria) is an award-winning journalist and gay rights activist. Iyanda  produced and hosted Nigeria’s most popular and authoritative talk show ‘New Dawn with Funmi.’ In 2004, she conducted Nigeria’s first interview of an openly gay man on 

3411national television. Recently, she was honored by Babatunde Raji Fashola, Lagos State Governor for her commitment to gender advocacy.
3412
341312.<strong> <a title="https://twitter.com/ritaUdominic" href="https://twitter.com/ritaUdominic" target="_blank">Rita Dominic</a></strong> (Nigeria) is an award-winning actress, fashion icon, philanthropist, and co-founder of The Audrey Silva Company. This year, her company released the film <em>The Meeting</em>, which received six (6) nominations at the 2013 African Movie Academy Awards.
3414
341513. <a title="https://twitter.com/ToyinSaraki" href="https://twitter.com/ToyinSaraki" target="_blank"><strong>Toyin Saraki</strong> </a>(Nigeria) is founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, a pan-African organization focused on maternal health, newborn and child health.
3416
341714. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/AminiKajunju" href="https://twitter.com/AminiKajunju" target="_blank">Amini Kajunju</a></strong> (Democratic Republic of Congo/New York) is the first African woman to serve as president of the Africa-America Institute, an organization promoting engagement between Africa &amp; America through education, training, &amp; dialogue.
3418
341915. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/kenyanpundit" href="https://twitter.com/kenyanpundit" target="_blank">Ory Okolloh</a></strong> (Kenya) is an activist, lawyer, and techpreneur. Okolloh currently holds the position of Director of Investments at Omidyar Network. Okolloh is also co-founder of Ushahidi and Mzalendo.
3420
342116.<strong><a title="https://twitter.com/inionuk" href="https://twitter.com/inionuk" target="_blank"> Ini Onuk</a> (</strong>Nigeria)  is founder of ThistlePraxis Consulting and the Africa CEO Round-table &amp; Conference on Corporate Sustainability &amp; Responsibility (AR-CSR™).
3422
342317. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/ecopostbuzz" href="https://twitter.com/ecopostbuzz" target="_blank">Lorna Rutto</a></strong> (Kenya) is an innovator, social entrepreneur, and founder of EcoPost, a company that specializes in environmentally friendly solutions that save the environment from deforestation, pollution, and creates jobs for marginalized communities.
3424
342518.<strong> <a title="https://twitter.com/sarankjones" href="https://twitter.com/sarankjones" target="_blank">Saran Kaba Jones</a></strong> (Liberia/Boston) is founder of FACE Africa. Early this year, FACE Africa launched an ambitious new initiative to provide complete water coverage to the entire county of River Cess, one of the most marginalized regions in Liberia, under-served in water and sanitation and least likely to be served through the efforts of government and other agencies.
3426
342719. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/mpule" href="https://twitter.com/mpule" target="_blank">Mpule Kwelagobe</a></strong> (Botswana/New York) is founder of the MPULE Institute for Endogenous Development. She is also Executive Director of the Network of Women Investing in Africa Leadership Program, a multi-stakeholder initiative to mobilize the next generation of African female leaders under the age of 35.
3428
342920. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/afromusing" href="https://twitter.com/afromusing" target="_blank">Juliana Rotich </a></strong>(Kenya) is co-founder and executive director of Ushahidi - a web-based reporting system that utilizes crowdsourced data to formulate visual map information of a crisis on a real-time basis. Rotich is an African Futurist and a TED Senior Fellow.
3430
343121. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/africatechie" href="https://twitter.com/africatechie" target="_blank">Rebecca Enonchong</a></strong> (Cameroon/Washington DC) is founder of AppsTech. Currently, she sits on the board of VC4Africa
3432
343322. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/mjamme" href="https://twitter.com/mjamme" target="_blank">Marieme Jamme</a> </strong>(Senegal/London) is co-founder of Africa Gathering, a global platform that brings together entrepreneurs and experts to exchange ideas about Africa's development. Jamme is currently the CEO of SpotOne Global Solutions.
3434
343523. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/MsAfropolitan" href="https://twitter.com/MsAfropolitan" target="_blank">Minna Salami</a></strong> (Nigeria/London) is a writer, blogger, and commentator on African feminism. Minna is also owner of the MsAfropolitan Boutique, an online shop featuring designs by women of African heritage.
3436
343724. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/Semhar" href="https://twitter.com/Semhar" target="_blank">Semhar Araia</a></strong> (State of Eritrea/Minneapolis) is founder  of the Diaspora African Women's Network (DAWN), an organization whose mission is to develop and support talented women and girls of the African diaspora focused on African affairs.
3438
343925. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/rapelangrabana" href="https://twitter.com/rapelangrabana" target="_blank">Rapelang Rabana</a> </strong>(South Africa) is CEO of  ReKindle Learning and Yeigo Communications. ReKindle Learning is an innovative technology-driven education company that aims to use and integrate the power of mobile and internet technology to improve and complement learning for students and corporate employees.
3440
344126. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/bilikiss" href="https://twitter.com/bilikiss" target="_blank">Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola</a> </strong>(Nigeria) is co-founder of WeCyclers. She is a 2013 Echoing Green fellow, 2013 Cartier Women’s Initiative Award winner, and 2013 Tech Awards re

3441cipient.
3442
344327. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/FaraiToday" href="https://twitter.com/FaraiToday" target="_blank">Farai Gundan</a> </strong>(Zimbabwe/New York) is co-founder of FaraiMedia LLC. Farai writes for Africa.com, Forbes.com, and Forbes Life.
3444
344528. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/UDUAKLAW" href="https://twitter.com/UDUAKLAW" target="_blank">Uduak Oduok</a> </strong>(Nigeria/California) is a co-founder of Ebitu Law Group. Uduak is also founder of the pioneering fashion and music law online blogs Ladybrille and Africa Music Law.
3446
344729.<strong> <a title="http://identityresources.co.za/team3.html" href="http://identityresources.co.za/team3.html" target="_blank">Mametja Moshe</a></strong> (South Africa) is executive director at Identity Mineral Resources (Pty) Ltd., an African mining investment company. Moshe is one of Africa’s leading voices in the mining industry. Mametja has served as non-executive director of Southgold Exploration (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of Great Basin Gold Limited and Eurodollar Foreign Exchange (Pty) Ltd.
3448
344930. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/NaijaFlyingDr" href="https://twitter.com/NaijaFlyingDr" target="_blank">Ola Orekunrin</a> </strong>(Nigeria) is an innovator and a 2013 New Voices Fellow at the Aspen Institute. She is a TED fellow, medical doctor, helicopter pilot,  and managing director of the Flying Doctors Nigeria Ltd, West Africa's first indigenous air ambulance service and a crucial link for critically injured people.
3450
345131.<strong><a title="https://twitter.com/rainasow" href="https://twitter.com/rainasow" target="_blank"> Rainatou Sow</a></strong> (Guinea/United Kingdom) is founder  of Make Every Woman Count. Recently, she was recognized as the“Most Inspirational Woman of the Year” by Women4Africa.
3452
345332. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/estherclimate" href="https://twitter.com/estherclimate" target="_blank">Esther Agbarakwe</a></strong> (Nigeria) is co-founder of the Nigerian Youth Climate Coalition, the biggest youth climate movement in Nigeria. Esther also serves as a technical advisor to the African Youth Initiative on Climate Change.
3454
345533. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/oreoluwa" href="https://twitter.com/oreoluwa" target="_blank">Oreoluwa Somolu</a></strong> (Nigeria) is executive director of the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre, a non-profit working to encourage Nigerian girls to use technology to empower themselves socially and economically.
3456
345734. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/MissUwaje" href="https://twitter.com/MissUwaje" target="_blank">Nkem Uwaje</a></strong> (Nigeria) is managing director of Future Software Resources Nigeria Limited. Her company is also winner of the 2012 Etisalat Nigeria Prize for Innovation. Nkem's company created the iConnect project, focused on making ICT and education more accessible to youths in Nigeria.
3458
345935. <a title="https://twitter.com/vivianonano" href="https://twitter.com/vivianonano" target="_blank"><strong>Vivian Onano</strong> </a>(Kenya) is a Moremi Initiative fellow, a ONE Campaign Congressional District Leader, a UNA-USA campus advocate, and a Half the Sky Movement Campus Ambassador. Vivian has participated in a number of global international development gatherings, including as a panelist at the Clinton Global Initiative, the Clinton Global Initiative University, and CARE International’s conference on the policy agenda to unlock the power of girls.
3460
346136. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/rhodawilsonshow" href="https://twitter.com/rhodawilsonshow" target="_blank">Rhoda Wilson</a></strong> (Nigeria/United Kingdom) is an award-winning host of the Rhoda Wilson Show. Rhoda Wilson won media personality of  the year at the Nigerian Entertainment and Lifestyle Awards.
3462
346337. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/spectraspeaks" href="https://twitter.com/spectraspeaks" target="_blank">Spectra Speaks</a></strong> (Nigeria) is a queer afrofeminist writer and activist. Spectra is also the founding director of Queer Women of Color and Friends, a grassroots organization and media collective dedicated to highlighting LGBTQ women of color, immigrant and/or diaspora voices.
3464
346538. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/FPGLOBAL" href="https://twitter.com/FPGLOBAL" target="_blank">Hussainatu Blake</a></strong> (Cameroon/Atlanta) is co-founder of Focal Point Global (FPG), a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower underserved youths in Namibia and Cameroon using education and technology to address social issues. Hussainatu Blake is also recognized as a White House Champions of Change.
3466
346739. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/DinahRwiza" href="https://twitter.com/DinahRwiza" target="_blank">Dinah Musindarwezo </a></strong>(Rwanda) is executive director of the African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET). FEMNET seeks to advance women's rights and amplify African women's voices.
3468
346940. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/IBOMLLC" href="https://twitter.com/IBOMLLC" target="_blank">Anie Akpe- Lewis</a></strong> (Nigeria/New York) is founder of  IBOM LLC, an organization dedicated to keeping the African Diaspora business community informed through seminars and cultural events.
3470
3471In addition to recognizing Africa's leading women, the AWP Network develops innovative small business content for African entrepreneurs.
3472
3473&nbsp;
3474
3475&nbsp;
3476
3477&nbsp;
3478
3479&nbsp;
3480
3481&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2179,post_date:"2013-12-02 04:12:32",post_date_gmt:"2013-12-02 03:12:32",post_modified:"2014-12-05 18:29:30",post_modified_gmt:"2014-12-05 17:29:30",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-2013-awp-network-power-list",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Amini Kajunju"},{__cdata:"Anie Akpe-Lewis"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie"},{__cdata:"Dinah Musindarwezo"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Esther Agbarakwe"},{__cdata:"Farai Gundan"},{__cdata:"FEMNET"},{__cdata:"Funmi Iyanda"},{__cdata:"Garca Machel"},{__cdata:"Hussainatu Blake"},{__cdata:"IBOM"},{__cdata:"Ini Onuk"},{__cdata:"Juliana Rotich"},{__cdata:"Kenya"},{__cdata:"Leymah Gbowee"},{__cdata:"Liberia"},{__cdata:"Lorna Rutto"},{__cdata:"Malawi"},{__cdata:"Mametja Moshe"},{__cdata:"Marieme Jamme"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Minna Salami"},{__cdata:"Mpule Kwelagobe"},{__cdata:"Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nkem Uwaje"},{__cdata:"Nomsa Daniels"},{__cdata:"Oby Ezekwesili"},{__cdata:"Ola Orekunrin"},{__cdata:"Omobola Johnson"},{__cdata:"Oreoluwa Somolu"},{__cdata:"Ory Okolloh"},{__cdata:"President Joyce Banda"},{__cdata:"President Sirleaf Johnson"},{__cdata:"Rai Sow"},{__cdata:"Rainatou Sow"},{__cdata:"Rapelang Rabana"},{__cdata:"Rebecca Enonchong"},{__cdata:"Rhoda Wilson"},{__cdata:"Rita Dominic"},{__cdata:"Saran Kaba Jones"},{__cdata:"Semhar Araia"},{__cdata:"Spectra Speaks"},{__cdata:"Toyin Saraki"},{__cdata:"Uduak Oduok"},{__cdata:"Vivian Onano"},{__cdata:"Wendy Ackerman"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2182"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_facebook",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/eTY6X3zcEGb"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_linkedin",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_tumblr",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_path",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"100462998144774460050";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_4abfb2d501c100141ed47e14c98966e1",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_9679781e62367f077e14282567441e35",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_619865502b641b84c069d292b731173e",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:1918,comment_author:{__cdata:"AWP Lagos Event: Meet the Panelists | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/01/13/awp-lagos-event-meet-the-panelists/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.10.51",comment_date:"2014-01-13 00:13:49",comment_date_gmt:"2014-01-12 23:13:49",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

34810;] Oreoluwa Somolu is an Ashoka fellow and executive director of the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre, a non-profit working to encourage Nigerian girls to use technology to empower themselves socially and economically. W.TEC’s work is carried out through projects, which helps women build their technology skills and supports them through mentoring. Notable among these programs is the Girls Technology Camp, which seeks to help girls develop an early interest in computers. Somolu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Essex University, U.K., and a Master’s degree in Analysis, Design and Management of Information Systems from the London School of Economics &amp; Political Science. She is the recipient of the Anita Borg Change Agent Award for her commitment to issues of women in computing. [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1390769231"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1390769231.339479923248291015625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-01-12 23:13:49"}}]},{comment_id:2705,comment_author:{__cdata:"Africa’s Leading Women in Business, Politics and Entertainment - CityPeople News"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://citypeoplenews.com/africas-leading-women-in-business-politics-and-entertainment/",comment_author_IP:"174.136.12.108",comment_date:"2014-05-01 11:22:47",comment_date_gmt:"2014-05-01 10:22:47",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] to read a recent list lauding 40 African women leaders on the continent and in the diaspora by The AWP Network, a Web platform and global movement that offers African entrepreneurs business resources, [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-05-01 10:22:47"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1398951501"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1398951501.813869953155517578125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1398939767.7051160335540771484375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]},{comment_id:5477,comment_author:{__cdata:"Nigeria’s Minister of Communication Technology Wins GEM Tech Award &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/10/28/nigerias-minister-of-communication-technology-wins-gem-tech-award/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.81.168",comment_date:"2014-10-28 15:13:31",comment_date_gmt:"2014-10-28 14:13:31",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Honorable Omobola Johnson, Nigeria’s 1st Minister of Communication Technology and founding chairperson of Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ), a non-governmental organization seeking to improve the success rate of female entrepreneurs as well as increase the proportion of women in senior positions in corporate organizations just won the GEM Tech Award. [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1414505636"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1414505636.949286937713623046875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1414505611.666533946990966796875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]},{comment_id:1689,comment_author:{__cdata:"Mabingwa"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://mabingwaforum.wordpress.com",comment_author_IP:"192.162.102.252",comment_date:"2013-12-03 19:30:35",comment_date_gmt:"2013-12-03 18:30:35",comment_content:{__cdata:`Reblogged this on <a href="http://mabingwaforum.wordpress.com/2013/12/03/the-2013-awp-network-power-list/" rel="nofollow">Mabingwa Forum</a> and commented: 
3482This blog is worth sharing. We will print copies of this and distribute it during the forum. Have a look!`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:54817126,c

3482ommentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1386582617"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1386582618.4612820148468017578125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1386582617"}},{meta_key:"reblog_ping",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1386095435.866365909576416015625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:8:"mabingwa";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-12-03 18:30:35"}}]},{comment_id:1690,comment_author:{__cdata:"Africa's Leading Women in Business, Entertainment, Politics and Advocacy"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/top-african-women-leaders-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"173.231.137.147",comment_date:"2013-12-03 21:22:20",comment_date_gmt:"2013-12-03 20:22:20",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] to read a recent list lauding 40 African women leaders on the continent and in the diaspora by The AWP Network, a Web platform and global movement that offers African entrepreneurs business resources, […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1386582611"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1386582612.1465981006622314453125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1386102141.0222671031951904296875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-12-03 20:22:20"}}]},{comment_id:1693,comment_author:{__cdata:"On the Radar: Africa’s Leading Women in Business, Entertainment, Politics and Advocacy | MB Connect"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://mb-connect.com/on-the-radar-africas-leading-women-in-business-entertainment-politics-and-advocacy/",comment_author_IP:"212.1.211.6",comment_date:"2013-12-04 08:26:18",comment_date_gmt:"2013-12-04 07:26:18",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] “The AWP Network Power List” includes several leaders who have received global recognition from both mainstream and minority media outlets, but also includes a diverse list of other women who may be under the radar but exemplify excellence in leadership and advocacy. Each serves as inspiration and motivation for all power women on the come up. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1386582609.4452979564666748046875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1386582608"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1386141978.4940860271453857421875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-12-04 07:26:18"}}]},{comment_id:5850,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2014 AWP Network Power List « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.190",comment_date:"2014-12-08 23:31:39",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-08 22:31:39",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] the AWP Network, we aim to encourage more African women with powerful voices who will continue to create programs and policies that support the development and growth of [&#823

34820;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077900.4421908855438232421875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1418077922"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077923.3423650264739990234375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6465,comment_author:{__cdata:"My Voice Matters: Nigerian Film Entrepreneur Lends Her Voice To The Upcoming Elections « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/02/05/my-voice-matters-nigerian-film-entrepreneur-lends-her-voice-to-the-upcoming-elections/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.81.72",comment_date:"2015-02-05 13:06:40",comment_date_gmt:"2015-02-05 12:06:40",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Star Actress, Rita Dominic and award-winning Director, Mildred Okwo - co-founders of the Audrey Silva company, both lend their […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1423138000.6370809078216552734375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1423138036"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1423138037.1528899669647216796875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:7733,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2015 AWP Network Power List « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/12/30/the-2015-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.81.174",comment_date:"2015-12-30 16:59:08",comment_date_gmt:"2015-12-30 15:59:08",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] The 2013 AWP Network Power List […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1451495789.7366750240325927734375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1451499169.9241039752960205078125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1451499169"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1451491148.3833730220794677734375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:7189,comment_author:{__cdata:"Arunma Oteh Named Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/07/30/arunma-oteh-named-vice-president-and-treasurer-of-the-world-bank/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.104",comment_date:"2015-07-30 17:47:28",comment_date_gmt:"2015-07-30 16:47:28",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] is also listed as one of AWP Network’s Power Women – a list recognizing African women with powerful voices who continue to create programs and policies that support the development and growth of African […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1438274848.186676025390625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1438274905"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1438274905.9152100086212158203125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:8937,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2016 AWP Network Power List « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/12/27/the-2016-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.100.250",comment_date:"2016-12-27 21:31:11",comment_date_gmt:"2016-12-27 20:31:11",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

34820;] AWP 2013 Power List […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1482871016"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1482871016.9404690265655517578125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1482870672.0168540477752685546875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:9740,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2017 AWP Network Power List « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2017/12/04/the-2017-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.99.126",comment_date:"2017-12-04 16:53:31",comment_date_gmt:"2017-12-04 15:53:31",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] AWP Network 2013 Power List  […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1512402820"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1512402820.7596340179443359375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1512402812.6753509044647216796875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:11885,comment_author:{__cdata:"Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, Stella Nyanzi, Lola Shoneyin, Panashe Chigumadzi Honoured in AWP Network’s 2018 Power List, Alongside Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, Genevieve Nnaji, and Uzo Aduba | Brittle Paper"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"https://brittlepaper.com/2019/01/bibi-bakare-yusuf-stella-nyanzi-lola-shoneyin-panashe-chigumadzi-honoured-in-awp-networks-2018-power-list-alongside-ethiopian-president-sahle-work-zewde-genevieve-nnaj",comment_author_IP:"104.198.107.254",comment_date:"2019-01-04 09:10:02",comment_date_gmt:"2019-01-04 08:10:02",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] annual list had included Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Ms Afropolitan blogger Minna Salami in 2013 and Nnedi Okorafor in […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1546625791.669687;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1546625790"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1546593404.809938;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1546589403.280801;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: The Cape Town Accelerator Program "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/12/09/apply-the-cape-town-accelerator-program/",pubDate:"Mon, 09 Dec 2013 10:02:34 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2244",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Applications are open for the Cape Town Accelerator Program. If you have a great idea but you haven’t got the cash or skills to start, then the accelerator program might be a great option for you.
3483
3484The accelerator program offers you the opportunity to get your business funded, skilled up and prepped for funding. The program also offers up to <strong>$100,000</strong> to get your business off the starting blocks via a 3-month-training and testing program here in the Cape Town Garage. All that you have to do is that you prove your business model (or if that’s in the bag, accelerate you through to ‘investor ready’ status).
3485
3486Learn more here: <a title="http://platform.88mph.ac/signup" href="http://platform.88mph.ac/signup" target="_blank">http://platform.88mph.ac/signup</a>
3487
3488<strong>Deadline</strong>: December 31, 2013
3489
3490&nbsp;
3491
3492&nbsp;
3493
3494&nbsp;
3495
3496&nbsp;
3497
3498&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2244,post_date:"2013-12-09 11:02:34",post_date_gmt:"2013-12-09 10:02:34",post_modified:"2013-12-09 11:11:36",post_modified_gmt:"2013-12-09 10:11:36",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-the-cape-town-accelerator-program",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Accelerator program"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business growth"},{__cdata:"business model"},{__cdata:"Cape Town"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"financing"},{__cdata:"grants"},{__cdata:"Investors"},{__cdata:"learning"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"South Africa"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_44a4dd8abfbf867f0f859a95b62b4a8c",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}

3498],comment:[{comment_id:1706,comment_author:{__cdata:"asuquo daniel"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"141.0.10.27",comment_date:"2013-12-11 14:18:38",comment_date_gmt:"2013-12-11 13:18:38",comment_content:{__cdata:"i need money to start  buisness of mine"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1386773115"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1386773115"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1386773116.0120990276336669921875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1386767919.2505109310150146484375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-12-11 13:18:38"}}]},{comment_id:1702,comment_author:{__cdata:"Favour chep isaac"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://Notyet",comment_author_IP:"37.228.107.42",comment_date:"2013-12-09 16:16:26",comment_date_gmt:"2013-12-09 15:16:26",comment_content:{__cdata:"Am interested pls. But how do i go about it pls. Am into bakery and confectionaries"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1386602188"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1386602187"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1386602188.38836002349853515625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2013-12-09 15:16:26"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: The CareerHack App Challenge"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/12/12/apply-the-careerhack-app-challenge/",pubDate:"Thu, 12 Dec 2013 16:46:40 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2255",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The #CareerHack (<a title="https://twitter.com/appchallenge" href="https://twitter.com/appchallenge" target="_blank">@appchallenge</a>) aims to increase the use of the UK Commission for Employment &amp; Skills’ (UKCES) LMI for All data portal. LMI for All is free to access and makes complex Labour Market Information (LMI) easy to access via an API. The data comes from a range of sources such as the Office for National Statistics and UKCES, and provides information on employment, average earnings, qualifications, and vacancies.
3499
3500Currently, we are looking for people to design apps that use the data in new and innovative ways. This may include mashing LMI for All data with other quantitative or qualitative data. Your app can be designed for any audience – this could be students navigating confusing career pathways, graduates, employers, parents – or simply people considering a change of direction in their career.
3501
3502<em>I’m not from the UK, can I still enter</em>? Yes, you can. The minimum age on the date of entry is 16 years.
3503
3504<strong>Deadline: Friday 21st February, 2014 at 5pm GMT</strong>
3505
3506<strong></strong>There are £20,000 in prizes in the #CareerHack <a title="https://twitter.com/appchallenge" href="https://twitter.com/appchallenge" target="_blank">@AppChallenge</a>
3507
3508Winner - £10,000
3509Runner-up -  £5,000
3510£5,000 special category for students aged 16-24 years old, studying  within the United Kingdom.
3511
3512Learn more here: <strong><a title="http://careerhack.appchallenge.net/enter/" href="http://careerhack.appchallenge.net/enter/" target="_blank">http://careerhack.appchallenge.net/enter/</a></strong>
3513
3514&nbsp;
3515
3516&nbsp;
3517
3518&nbsp;
3519
3520&nbsp;
3521
3522&nbsp;
3523
3524&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2255,post_date:"2013-12-12 17:46:40",post_date_gmt:"2013-12-12 16:46:40",post_modified:"2013-12-12 17:46:40",post_modified_gmt:"2013-12-12 16:46:40",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-the-careerhack-app-challenge",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

3524,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"CareerHack"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile apps"},{__cdata:"prizes"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"UK Commission for Employment &amp; Skills"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_4b5d57caf2b4fe915884be7ce2e4b471",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"In 2014, Go from Idea to Execution"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/12/16/in-2014-go-from-idea-to-execution/",pubDate:"Mon, 16 Dec 2013 10:13:47 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2258",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Join the <strong>AWP Network</strong> for its first Lagos event.
3525
3526Idea ----&gt; Strategy ------&gt; Execution: Attend this event to learn how to move from idea to execution.
3527
3528Come and learn from Nigeria's leading businesswomen. Begin the New Year inspired with information on how to properly execute your vision and learn more about advantageous strategies on how to move your business ideas forward.
3529
3530You don’t want to miss the opportunity to connect with women who have been selected for the: Nigeria Leadership Initiative, Echoing Green fellowship, Cartier Women’s Initiative Award, Tech Award, Etisalat Nigeria Prize for Innovation, and who are listed as<strong><em> Africa’s Power Women</em></strong>.
3531
3532This event will be moderated by <strong><em>Mary Olushoga</em></strong>, Founder of the AWP Network.
3533
3534[caption id="attachment_2263" align="alignleft" width="610"]<img class="size-full wp-image-2263" alt="AWP Network " src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/presentation20.jpg" width="610" height="457" /> AWP Network[/caption]
3535
3536<strong>WHEN</strong>: Tuesday, January 21, 2014 (Registration begins at 8am)
3537
3538<strong>WHERE</strong>: The Dover Hotel on Admiralty way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria
3539
3540<strong>COST</strong>: 8,500 Naira (Event is <a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mG5VRodGT2rU0LyfSfK7SUfw1NR012vcS00GIIzviqA/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mG5VRodGT2rU0LyfSfK7SUfw1NR012vcS00GIIzviqA/viewform" target="_blank"><strong><em>FREE</em></strong></a> if you register <a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mG5VRodGT2rU0LyfSfK7SUfw1NR012vcS00GIIzviqA/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mG5VRodGT2rU0LyfSfK7SUfw1NR012vcS00GIIzviqA/viewform" target="_blank"><strong>ONLINE</strong></a>)
3541
3542Click here for <a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mG5VRodGT2rU0LyfSfK7SUfw1NR012vcS00GIIzviqA/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mG5VRodGT2rU0LyfSfK7SUfw1NR012vcS00GIIzviqA/viewform" target="_blank">FREE</a> Registration: <strong><a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mG5VRodGT2rU0LyfSfK7SUfw1NR012vcS00GIIzviqA/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mG5VRodGT2rU0LyfSfK7SUfw1NR012vcS00GIIzviqA/viewform" target="_blank">AWP Lagos Event</a></strong>
3543
3544<em><strong>What You Should Expect to Learn:</strong></em>
35451) How these women executed their vision;
35462) How you can move from idea to execution;
35473) How to get ideas out of your head and onto paper;
35484) Compare your idea or strategy to your vision;
35495) How to explore, connect, and network.
3550
3551<strong><em>Who should attend:</em> </strong>
3552Anyone who wants to start a business but doesn't know how to get started,
3553Anyone who wants to hear from Nigeria's leading business women and innovators,
3554Students,
3555Entrepreneurs.
3556
3557&nbsp;
3558
3559The African Women Power (AWP) Network will be in Lagos and located at the Co-Creation Hub, Herbert Macaulay Rd, Lagos, Nigeria in 2014. <em>This event is open to everyone. </em>
3560
3561&nbsp;
3562
3563&nbsp;
3564
3565&nbsp;
3566
3567&nbsp;
3568
3569&nbsp;
3570
3571&nbsp;
3572
3573&nbsp;
3574
3575&nbsp;
3576
3577&nbsp;
3578
3579&nbsp;
3580
3581&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2258,post_date:"2013-12-16 11:13:47",post_date_gmt:"2013-12-16 10:13:47",post_modified:"2013-12-16 11:13:47",post_modified_gmt:"2013-12-16 10:13:47",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"in-2014-go-from-idea-to-execution",

3581status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Africholidays"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Ayomide Condotti"},{__cdata:"Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"Clara Ohakim"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"execution"},{__cdata:"Future Software Resources"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nigeria Leadership Initiative"},{__cdata:"Nkem Uwaje"},{__cdata:"Oreoluwa Somolu"},{__cdata:"possibilities"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The Dover Hotel"},{__cdata:"unemployed youths"},{__cdata:"W-TEC"},{__cdata:"WeCyclers"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Women Power"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: 2014 TechWomen program"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/12/20/apply-2014-techwomen-program/",pubDate:"Fri, 20 Dec 2013 00:59:40 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2282",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`TechWomen empowers, connects, and supports the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from Africa and the Middle East by providing them the access and opportunity needed to advance their careers, pursue their dreams, and inspire women and girls in their communities.
3582
3583Through mentorship and exchange, TechWomen strengthens participants’ professional capacity, increases mutual understanding between key networks of professionals, and expands girls’ interest in STEM careers by exposing them to female role models.
3584
3585TechWomen is an Initiative of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
3586
3587<strong>2014 TechWomen Eligibility Requirements</strong>
3588
3589Applicants must
3590<ul>
3591	<li>Be women with a minimum of two years full-time professional experience in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) and/or a career requiring significant expertise/knowledge/application of technology</li>
3592	<li>Have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree/four year university degree or equivalent</li>
3593	<li>Be proficient in written and spoken English</li>
3594	<li>Demonstrate a willingness to participate in exchange programs, welcome opportunities for mentoring and new partnership development, and exhibit confidence and maturity</li>
3595	<li>Be citizens or permanent residents of Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia, Yemen, or Zimbabwe at the time of application, and while participating in the program</li>
3596	<li>Not have applied for an immigrant visa to the United States, or participated in a visa lottery in the past five years</li>
3597	<li>Be able to obtain a U.S. visa</li>
3598	<li>Not hold U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. legal permanent resident</li>
3599</ul>
3600Apply here:  <strong><a title="https://www.techwomen.org/application/" href="https://www.techwomen.org/application/" target="_blank">https://www.techwomen.org/application/</a></strong>
3601
3602<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: February 3, 2014 at 23:59 Cairo time.
3603
3604&nbsp;
3605
3606&nbsp;
3607
3608&nbsp;
3609
3610&nbsp;
3611
3612&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2282,post_date:"2013-12-20 01:59:40",post_date_gmt:"2013-12-20 00:59:40",post_modified:"2013-12-20 01:59:40",post_modified_gmt:"2013-12-20 00:59:40",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-2014-techwomen-program",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Algeria"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Cameroon"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Egypt"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Jordan"},{__cdata:"Kenya"},{__cdata:"Lebanon"},{__cdata:"Libya"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mentoring"},{__cdata:"Morocco"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Rwanda"},{__cdata:"Sierra Leone"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"techbiz"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"TechWomen"},{__cdata:"the Palestinian Territories"},{__cdata:"Tunisia"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Yemen"},{__cdata:"Youths"},{__cdata:"Zimbabwe"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_d243fe45bccee6b1542b51f5bcf2d1c1",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Scholarship for African Students "}

3612,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/12/25/scholarship-for-african-students/",pubDate:"Wed, 25 Dec 2013 01:40:18 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2286",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) at Georgetown University is offering a full-tuition scholarship for a talented graduate student from sub-Saharan Africa.
3613
3614MSFS is a two-year, full-time graduate degree program in international affairs. Students will take courses in international relations, international trade, international finance, statistics and analytical tools and history. In addition, students choose an area of concentration such as Global Politics and Security, International Development or Global Business and Finance.
3615
3616Applicants must have:
3617<ul>
3618	<li>A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited university with a strong academic record.</li>
3619	<li>A TOEFL score of at least 100, or an IELTS score of at least 7.0.</li>
3620	<li>Completed a course in microeconomics and a course in macroeconomics, or must be able to complete both courses *before* the beginning of the MSFS program in fall 2014.</li>
3621	<li>Have professional experience, ideally in a field related to their future professional goals.</li>
3622	<li>Have an average of four years of work experience before joining MSFS.</li>
3623	<li>Special consideration will be given to applicants from: Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa.</li>
3624	<li>To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must submit all required application documents (online application, personal statement, official transcripts and test scores, letters of recommendation). Only students who have applied to the program will be considered for the scholarship.</li>
3625</ul>
3626<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: January 15, 2014.
3627
3628Learn more <a title="http://msfs.georgetown.edu/story/1242706918282.html" href="http://msfs.georgetown.edu/story/1242706918282.html" target="_blank">here</a>:<strong> <a title="http://msfs.georgetown.edu/story/1242706918282.html" href="http://msfs.georgetown.edu/story/1242706918282.html" target="_blank">http://msfs.georgetown.edu/story/1242706918282.html</a></strong>
3629
3630&nbsp;
3631
3632&nbsp;
3633
3634&nbsp;
3635
3636&nbsp;
3637
3638&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2286,post_date:"2013-12-25 02:40:18",post_date_gmt:"2013-12-25 01:40:18",post_modified:"2013-12-25 02:42:02",post_modified_gmt:"2013-12-25 01:42:02",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"scholarship-for-african-students",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Engagement"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"learning"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Possiblities"},{__cdata:"scholarship"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Win $5000: GrowthHub Agribusiness for Innovation Program"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2013/12/30/win-5000-growthhub-agribusiness-for-innovation-program/",pubDate:"Mon, 30 Dec 2013 03:33:56 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2290",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Are you an entrepreneur and/or an innovator with a mature agribusiness idea?
3639
3640The GrowthHub Agribusiness for Innovation Incubator programme, based in <strong>Nairobi</strong>, invites 12 agribusiness startups with mature ideas to work together with facilitators, mentors and like-minded entrepreneurs in the same environment for 16 weeks.
3641
3642The 2014 GrowthHub Agribusiness for Impact incubator and accelerator program is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the most innovative solutions to some of the most pressing problems faced in agriculture to take their idea and build it into an innovative product or service that creates both financial and social impact. The program consists of a cohort of 12 for-profit teams that are operating in any stage of the agricultural value chain other than actual farming.
3643
3644<strong>Eligibility</strong>
3645
3646To be eligible for GrowthHub, you should have:
3647
3648- A mature idea that you have already thought through within Agribusiness,
3649- Achieved customer validation and proof of concept from your targeted audience,
3650- You want to build a sound product/service and pilot it thereafter,
3651- You have team members or intend to have. We prefer start-ups that are more than one person,
3652- You and your team members must be working full-time on this venture,
3653- You are a registered for profit company or intend to be.
3654
3655<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: January 9th, 2014
3656
3657Apply <strong><a title="http://www.thegrowthhub.com/application-form-for-the-2014-growthhub-agribusiness-innovation-incubator-programme/" href="http://www.thegrowthhub.com/application-form-for-the-2014-growthhub-agribusiness-innovation-incubator-programme/" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <a title="http://www.thegrowthhub.com/application-form-for-the-2014-growthhub-agribusiness-innovation-incubator-programme/" href="http://www.thegrowthhub.com/application-form-for-the-2014-growthhub-agribusiness-innovation-incubator-programme/" target="_blank">http://www.thegrowthhub.com</a>
3658
3659&nbsp;
3660
3661&nbsp;
3662
3663&nbsp;
3664
3665&nbsp;
3666
3667&nbsp;
3668
3669&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2290,post_date:"2013-12-30 04:33:56",post_date_gmt:"2013-12-30 03:33:56",post_modified:"2013-12-30 04:33:56",post_modified_gmt:"2013-12-30 03:33:56",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"win-5000-growthhub-agribusiness-for-innovation-program",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

3669,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"agribusiness"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"GrowthHub"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Incubator"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"innovator"},{__cdata:"Kenya"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nairobi"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Three-day Hackathon with MEST and UNICEF Ghana "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/01/03/three-day-hackathon-with-mest-and-unicef-ghana/",pubDate:"Fri, 03 Jan 2014 14:38:06 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2300",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`UNICEF Ghana in partnership with MEST introduces the MEST-UNICEF Hackathon, a three-day product development competition hosted by the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) and UNICEF Ghana.
3670
3671Over 3 Days, find team members, select a problem (from a list of problems presented by UNICEF Ghana ) and develop a mobile or web-based solution to the selected problem. On the final day, pitch your solution to a panel of judges- after which a winner will be announced.
3672
3673<strong>How it works? </strong>
3674
3675The MEST-UNICEF Hackathon is all about creating a real-world solution / product.
36761. At the beginning of the event, you will be presented with a set of 'problems', out of which you select one that you are most interested in.
36772. Pitch to an audience a 60-second solution to your chosen 'problem'.
36783. Find team members at the event, form teams of up to 5 members to develop those solutions.
36794. Teams will have the remainder of the event time to build a working prototype (minimum viable product) and simple business plan for their idea. Lunch, &amp; dinner will be provided.
36805. Finally, teams will have an opportunity to pitch their products to a panel of judges. The judges will select the top three products to receive prizes!
3681
3682<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: January 14
3683
3684Apply <strong><a title="http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mest-unicef-hackathon-tickets-9699867565" href="http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mest-unicef-hackathon-tickets-9699867565" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <a title="http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mest-unicef-hackathon-tickets-9699867565" href="http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mest-unicef-hackathon-tickets-9699867565" target="_blank">http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mest-unicef-hackathon-tickets-9699867565</a>
3685
3686&nbsp;
3687
3688&nbsp;
3689
3690&nbsp;
3691
3692&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2300,post_date:"2014-01-03 15:38:06",post_date_gmt:"2014-01-03 14:38:06",post_modified:"2014-01-03 15:38:06",post_modified_gmt:"2014-01-03 14:38:06",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"three-day-hackathon-with-mest-and-unicef-ghana",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Ghana"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"hackathon"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"MEST"},{__cdata:"mobile apps"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"Unemployment"},{__cdata:"UNICEF Ghana"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/d5yikusti2H"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/2UBLtFroHP"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_2b7e818497c3a02c152b9d801acee125",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Moremi Initiative for Women's Leadership in Africa"}

3692,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/01/07/moremi-initiative-for-womens-leadership-in-africa/",pubDate:"Tue, 07 Jan 2014 00:23:31 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2310",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The MILEAD Fellows Program is a long-term leadership development program designed to identify, develop, and promote emerging young African Women leaders to attain and thrive in leadership in their community and Africa as a whole.
3693
3694The program targets dynamic young women interested in developing transformational leadership skills that help them address issues facing women and girls across communities in Africa. The MILEAD Program equips Fellows with the world-class knowledge, skills, values and networks they need to succeed as 21st century women leaders. Applications are welcome from young African women between <strong><em>19 – 25</em> </strong>years of age, living in Africa and the Diaspora.
3695
3696The MILEAD Fellowship will be awarded to 25 outstanding young women who have exhibited leadership potential in their community, organization, and/or profession. To be eligible for the program, an applicant must be African, living on the continent or in the Diaspora; agree to participate in all required activities related to MILEAD – beginning with a three-week residential Summer Institute in Ghana; and commit to a community change project.
3697
3698Specific requirements of the program and related dates are outlined in the application package. Please review program and application guidelines carefully, before completing your application.
3699
3700<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: Friday, March 14
3701
3702Learn more <strong><a title="http://www.moremiinitiative.org/milead-fellows/2014-application" href="http://www.moremiinitiative.org/milead-fellows/2014-application" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <a title="http://www.moremiinitiative.org/milead-fellows/2014-application" href="http://www.moremiinitiative.org/milead-fellows/2014-application" target="_blank">http://www.moremiinitiative.org/milead-fellows/2014-application</a>
3703
3704&nbsp;
3705
3706&nbsp;
3707
3708&nbsp;
3709
3710&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2310,post_date:"2014-01-07 01:23:31",post_date_gmt:"2014-01-07 00:23:31",post_modified:"2014-01-07 01:23:31",post_modified_gmt:"2014-01-07 00:23:31",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"moremi-initiative-for-womens-leadership-in-africa",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Fellows"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"leaders"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"MILEAD"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"young"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/ETGDbGvCvzo"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/GIP7KZGGyU"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"AWP Lagos Event: Meet the Panelists"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/01/13/awp-lagos-event-meet-the-panelists/",pubDate:"Sun, 12 Jan 2014 23:00:14 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2317",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2321" src="http://staging.awpnet

3710work.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/3804ce6.jpg" alt="Clara Ohakim " width="189" height="189" /><a title="http://ng.linkedin.com/pub/clara-ohakim/78/680/aab" href="http://ng.linkedin.com/pub/clara-ohakim/78/680/aab" target="_blank"><strong>Clara Ohakim</strong></a> is CEO of Fine Dining by COCO Ltd. Prior to founding Fine Dining by COCO Ltd, she held the position of Director of Operations at MAD Hospitality (a London-based hospitality Management Company). She has also worked at Shell Petroleum Development Company, KPMG, and City Index. Ohakim holds a degree in Business Economics and Financial Management from the University of Hull, United Kingdom and a diploma in Entrepreneurship and Venture Management from Lagos Business School (EDC).
3711
3712&nbsp;
3713
3714&nbsp;
3715
3716<strong><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2320" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/nkem.jpg?w=300" alt="Nkem Begho " width="300" height="225" /><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/04/24/african-techpreneur-wins-the-etisalat-prize-for-innovation/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/04/24/african-techpreneur-wins-the-etisalat-prize-for-innovation/" target="_blank">Nkemdilim Begho</a></strong> is managing director of Future Software Resources. Begho has successfully re-branded the company, changing its focus from stand-alone solutions to a web-based educational enterprise and business solutions company. Prior to her appointment at Future Software Resources, Begho has contributed to various research projects, to include: the wazobia linux initiative, the e-government interoperability framework, NITDA open standards framework, as well as the deployment of e-commerce and e-portal solutions in the Nigerian public and private sector. Her company, Future Software Resources is also winner of the Etisalat Nigeria Prize for Innovation which created the iConnect project, focused on making ICT and education more accessible to Nigerian youths. Nkemdilim is an active board member of the World Summit Youth Award and co-founder of The Bake for Change Development Foundation.
3717
3718&nbsp;
3719
3720<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-418" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/hgy.jpg?w=300" alt="Ayomide Condotti, Africholidays " width="300" height="300" /><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/07/09/yes-i-started-my-business-with-my-mobile-phone/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/07/09/yes-i-started-my-business-with-my-mobile-phone/" target="_blank"><strong>Ayomide Condotti</strong></a> is CEO of Africholidays Travel. Prior to starting the business, Condotti worked as a banker and investment manager at the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Treasury Unit. She holds a Master’s degree in Investment Management from the Sir John Cass Business School in London. She has done a wonderful job combining her passion for travelling with her love for business. Africholidays provides low-cost travel to exotic places in and outside Africa. Packages include trips to Gambia, Accra, Zanzibar, Mombasa, Maldives, Seychelles, Cape Town, Dubai, and exotic cruises.
3721
3722&nbsp;
3723
3724&nbsp;
3725
3726&nbsp;
3727
3728&nbsp;
3729
3730<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2318" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/bilikissheadshot.jpg?w=199" alt="Bilikiss" width="199" height="300" /><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/01/from-mit-to-nigeria-finding-business-opportunity-in-recycling-waste-for-developing-countries/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/01/from-mit-to-nigeria-finding-business-opportunity-in-recycling-waste-for-developing-countries/" target="_blank"><strong>Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola</strong></a> is co-founder of Wecyclers, a for-profit social enterprise working to help communities reclaim their neighborhoods from unmanaged waste. Founded in 2012, Wecyclers, in partnership with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), utilizes low-cost cargo bicycles called “wecycles” to provide convenient recycling services to households in Lagos using a SMS-based incentives system. Adebiyi-Abiola is a graduate of Fisk University, Vanderbilt University, and MIT Sloan School of Management. While at MIT, Adebiyi-Abiola was a Legatum Fellow. She is currently an Echoing Green Fellow, Tech Award recipient, and laureate of the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards.
3731
3732&nbsp;
3733
3734&nbsp;
3735
3736&nbsp;
3737
3738&nbsp;
3739
3740&nbsp;
3741
3742&nbsp;
3743
3744<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2319" src="http://staging.awpnet

3744work.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/oreoluwa-somolu2.jpg?w=279" alt="Oreoluwa Somolu" width="279" height="300" /><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/12/02/the-2013-awp-network-power-list/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/12/02/the-2013-awp-network-power-list/" target="_blank"><strong>Oreoluwa Somolu</strong></a> is an Ashoka fellow and executive director of the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre, a non-profit working to encourage Nigerian girls to use technology to empower themselves socially and economically. W.TEC’s work is carried out through projects, which helps women build their technology skills and supports them through mentoring. Notable among these programs is the Girls Technology Camp, which seeks to help girls develop an early interest in computers. Somolu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Essex University, U.K., and a Master’s degree in Analysis, Design and Management of Information Systems from the London School of Economics &amp; Political Science. She is the recipient of the Anita Borg Change Agent Award for her commitment to issues of women in computing.
3745
3746&nbsp;
3747
3748&nbsp;
3749
3750<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2326" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mary-olushoga1.jpg?w=300" alt="Mary Olushoga" width="300" height="169" /><strong>About the Founder</strong>:
3751<a title="http://awpnetwork.com/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Mary Olushoga</a> is founder of awpnetwork.com, an online platform powering small business success for African entrepreneurs.
3752
3753The AWP Network is recognized by the United Nations World Summit Youth Awards (WSYA) and was listed as an Apps4Africa Innovation by the United States Department of State. The AWP Network is also known to be one of the leading organizations supporting<a title="http://innov8tiv.com/7-awesome-organizations-for-women-professionals-in-tech/#.Urylmcffrgx.twitter" href="http://innov8tiv.com/7-awesome-organizations-for-women-professionals-in-tech/#.Urylmcffrgx.twitter" target="_blank"> African Women in Technology</a>. Olushoga is the first-ever GOOD Maker/Oxfam America International Women’s Day Challenge Winner, a Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) Associate, and an Oxfam America Sisters on the Planet Ambassador. Olushoga received a bachelor's degree from Union College in Schenectady, New York and a Master of Science degree from Baruch College. She has served as a Public Policy Fellow at the University at Albany, Center for Women in Government and Civil Society and most recently participated in the Sub-Saharan African Women In Public Service Fall Institute.
3754
3755Olushoga has featured on <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/02/26/maryonbbc/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/02/26/maryonbbc/" target="_blank">BBC World New</a>s, <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/09/awp-network-working-to-uplift-the-next-generation-of-african-innovators/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/09/awp-network-working-to-uplift-the-next-generation-of-african-innovators/" target="_blank">Black Enterprise</a>, <a title="http://www.iwantherjob.com/work/interview/mary-olushoga" href="http://www.iwantherjob.com/work/interview/mary-olushoga" target="_blank">iwantherjob.com</a>, <a title="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ2yvwPlQJI" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ2yvwPlQJI" target="_blank">AFK Insider</a>, <a title="http://www.applauseafrica.com/events/36-africans-creating-technology-event-hosted-in-new-york" href="http://www.applauseafrica.com/events/36-africans-creating-technology-event-hosted-in-new-york" target="_blank">Applause Africa</a>, <a title="http://www.bet.com/news/global/2013/03/27/african-women-power-network-s-mary-olushoga-talks-business.html" href="http://www.bet.com/news/global/2013/03/27/african-women-power-network-s-mary-olushoga-talks-business.html" target="_blank">BET Networks</a>, and has presented her work on women entrepreneurs at the Columbia University Africa Economic Forum, the United States Department of Labor Strategy Meeting on Inclusion, Entrepreneurship, and Disability, W!se Institute, the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, the United Nations ECOSOC Youth Employment Forum, and the Rockefeller Foundation Tech Salon. Olushoga also writes for GE Ideas Lab and the Huffington Post.
3756
3757<strong>Contact us</strong>:
3758We want to hear from you!
3759
3760Follow the event hashtag: <strong>#awpLagos2014</strong>
3761
3762<strong>Location</strong>: 294 Herbert Macaulay Rd, Lagos, Nigeria
3763<strong>Website</strong>: www.awpnetwork.com
3764<strong>Twitter</strong>: <a title="https://twitter.com/AfricWomenPower" href="https://twitter.com/AfricWomenPower" target="_blank">@Africwomenpower</a>
3765<strong>Facebook</strong>:<a title="https://www.facebook.com/awpnetwork" href="https://www.facebook.com/awpnetwork" target="_blank"> https://www.facebook.com/awpnetwork</a>
3766<strong>Email</strong>

3766: [email protected]`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2317,post_date:"2014-01-13 00:00:14",post_date_gmt:"2014-01-12 23:00:14",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:29:33",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:29:33",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"awp-lagos-event-meet-the-panelists",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Africholidays Travel"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Ayomide Condotti"},{__cdata:"Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Clara Ohakim"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Fine Dining by COCO Ltd"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nkemdilim Begho"},{__cdata:"Oreoluwa Somolu"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"women CEO"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"women leadership"},{__cdata:"WTEC"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/XzVuM2aJKdd"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/cEgWpV9DjT"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_b1ffc06ba1b69532e251d70c722c140f",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_5fbadfd709a50aa005c5b47264140a8a",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_9e944aaad1c26a00fb2a303d744066f9",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_2db9bb033dbe9e53f30c9b11414a3854",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:2336,comment_author:{__cdata:"“Africa’s Power Women” discuss Business, Ideas & Execution in Nigeria at AWP’s Networking Event in Lagos | Bella Naija"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.bellanaija.com/2014/03/10/africas-power-women-discuss-business-ideas-execution-in-nigeria-at-awps-networking-event-in-lagos/",comment_author_IP:"198.211.98.44",comment_date:"2014-03-10 10:12:05",comment_date_gmt:"2014-03-10 09:12:05",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] AWP was founded by Mary Olushoga. At the event guests learned from highly qualified women leaders who have been selected for the Nigeria Leadership Initiative, Echoing Green Fellowship, Cartier Women’s Initiative Award, Tech Award, Ashoka Fellowship, Etisalat Nigeria Prize for Innovation, and who are listed as Africa’s Power Women. You can learn more about the panelists HERE. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1394629562"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1394629562.544332981109619140625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-03-10 09:12:05"}}]},{comment_id:5795,comment_author:{__cdata:"Why More African Entrepreneurs Need to Embrace Failure"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.updatesnews.com/why-more-african-entrepreneurs-need-to-embrace-failure/",comment_author_IP:"108.167.133.33",comment_date:"2014-12-04 22:11:16",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-04 21:11:16",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

37660;] Clara Ohakim, founder of Fine Dining by Coco Ltd described failure as a golden opportunity to get it right. Failure, she said, &#8220;is an adventure everyone must seek to go on to get better at doing something.&#8221; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1417731322.542088985443115234375;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1417727476.7781789302825927734375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1417742807"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1417742807.843924045562744140625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:8699,comment_author:{__cdata:"Why More African Entrepreneurs Need to Embrace Failure | Young Naija Entrepreneurs"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.youngnaijaentrepreneurs.com/2016/06/13/african-entrepreneurs-need-embrace-failure/",comment_author_IP:"198.46.81.15",comment_date:"2016-06-13 19:32:53",comment_date_gmt:"2016-06-13 18:32:53",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Clara Ohakim, founder of Fine Dining by Coco Ltd described failure as a golden opportunity to get it right. Failure, she said, “is an adventure everyone must seek to go on to get better at doing something.” [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1465842773.991365909576416015625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1465861503"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1465846703.5451030731201171875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1465861504.2486550807952880859375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs - I Am My Own Biggest Challenge "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/01/27/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-i-am-my-own-biggest-challenge/",pubDate:"Mon, 27 Jan 2014 06:29:24 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2364",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_2366" align="alignleft" width="225"]<img class="wp-image-2366 size-medium" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/rl.jpg?w=225" alt="Founder, RSL Management Servies " width="225" height="300" /> Founder, RSL Management Services[/caption]
3767
3768The AWP Network met with <strong>Ronke Lawal</strong>, Founder of RSL Management Services and business mentor at the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. Lawal has served as a business mentor since June 2013.
3769
3770Her company, RSL Management Services specializes in marketing, brand development, and PR services. The company offers a unique service to businesses committed to increasing the sales and marketing potential of their organisation without the pressure of big agency fees.
3771
3772Since starting her business over a decade ago, Lawal has remained committed to giving back and inspiring the next generation of African women entrepreneurs. In this interview, she shares business tips, challenges, and how she continues to push herself to be better.
3773
3774<strong>How did you come up with the name of your business?</strong>
3775My business name is derived from my initials. I wanted something that evoked power and certainty so I chose my name.
3776
3777<strong>What inspired you to start your business?</strong>
3778I founded my company at a time in my life when I was hungry for change. At the time, I was not satisfied with my job and was working in a role that was not for me but paid the bills. For so long, I had suppressed my entrepreneurial spirit however, starting RSL Management Services was realizing my dream.
3779
3780I started the business while I still had my job. I saved all my money, and drew up a concise business plan. When I started my business, my focus was to improve my networking skills (even though I was never taught how to network, I understood the principle.) Over time, I have realized that networking is crucial to my business growth.
3781
3782<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
3783SMEs with strong growth potential.
3784
3785<strong>How have you financed your business?</strong>
3786My business is completely self-financed. Now, this has its pros and cons but it has meant one thing: I am completely and utterly focused on the continued growth and success of the business.
3787
3788<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
3789I am an authentic and integral business owner. This means that I do n

3789ot say that I can do something unless I can. I am transparent and I work with my clients to get the very best out of their marketing campaigns without promising them the world. This sets me apart from my competitors and highlights my values in business.
3790
3791<strong>What is the long-term plan for your business?</strong>
37922014 will mark ten (10) years of being a business owner. I am focused on what’s next. I want to work on grassroots issues.
3793
3794<strong>What challenges do you face?</strong>
3795I am my own biggest challenge. I have had to constantly coach myself to believe in myself and in all honesty, I think that there have been stages in my business life where I have actually sabotaged my own success. I got in my own way because I felt like a fraud when I started to become successful. Perhaps other women can relate to that feeling of constant self-doubt and uncertainty.
3796
3797<em>It can be the most detrimental of all obstacles, everything else can be overcome through practice but it takes a lot to silence that voice that tries to convince you that you are a fraud with your own success. It may not always be silent but I recognize that voice now and know what to say when it starts up again...."I am worthy."</em>
3798
3799I have come to realize that there are absolutely no guarantees in life and that you have to create your own path and follow through with it. Always learn from your mistakes and  pick yourself back up. I have been able to stay focused and motivated, despite the challenges.
3800
3801<strong>What five (5) key things have you learned since starting your business idea?</strong>
38021. I am fully responsible for my own success and happiness.
38032. Even though the customer may not always be right, they deserve the best that you can offer them.
38043. Money matters!
38054. Though Number 3 is certainly true, nothing means more than finding something you love and deriving true happiness from it (the money will always come.)
38065. To never step over others through my journey to success. I believe that supporting others is a sure-fire way to receive so much more in life.
3807
3808<strong>What five (5) things do start-up entrepreneurs need to know?</strong>
38091. Find out what you really love and enjoy doing.
38102. Find a mentor or mastermind circle to help you along the way.
38113. "Keep your mind on your money and your money on your mind." Do not focus so much on the lack of money that it will stop you. There are so many opportunities and ways to start a business with minimal budgets. There is no excuse, but once you start making the money from your business, stay sharp and focused on long-term growth.
38124. Set objectives for your business and be flexible.
38135. Be humble enough to ask for help but not so modest that you don't let your business shine!
3814
3815<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
3816Be creative! Start the business in steps and stages. Also, look for investors even if it's from friends or family (however, make sure you get agreements in place before borrowing any money.) Look for grants and funding opportunities in your local area.
3817
3818<strong>How do you think African youths can continue to support each other?</strong>
3819We can support each other by sharing our stories. By working together to create a better image of Africa and by being positive about what the future holds.
3820
3821<strong>How many jobs have you created so far?</strong>
3822Around ten (10) over the course of my business career.
3823
3824<strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Africa?</strong>
3825Innovation comes from an environment willing to embrace change. With the willingness to embrace change we can improve sustainable innovation for future generations. This is an exciting time for our generation and organizations like yours are making a superb difference to how we view enterprise and innovation across Africa.
3826
3827&nbsp;
3828
3829<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2367" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/rsl-logo1.jpg?w=300" alt="RSL Management Services" width="300" height="224" />
3830
3831Contact Ronke here:
3832
3833<a title="http://uk.linkedin.com/in/ronkelawal" href="http://uk.linkedin.com/in/ronkelawal" target="_blank">RSL Marketing Management Services</a>
3834Website: <a title="http://www.rslmanagementservices.co.uk/" href="http://www.rslmanagementservices.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.rslmanagementservices.co.uk</a>
3835Twitter: @<a title="https://twitter.com/ronkelawal" href="https://twitter.com/ronkelawal" target="_blank">ronkelawal</a> <a title="https://twitter.com/rslmanagement" href="https://twitter.com/rslmanagement" target="_blank">@rslmanagement</a>
3836Phone: (+4420) 07984 141 169
3837152-160 Kemp House,
3838City Road, London EC1V 2NX
3839
3840&nbsp;
3841
3842&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2364,post_date:"2014-01-27 07:29:24",post_date_gmt:"2014-01-27 06:29:24",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:31:02",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:31:02",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-i-am-my-own-biggest-challenge",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Aderonke Lawal"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African"},{__cdata:"African women power"}

3842,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"branding"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"Business tips"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Diaspora"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Europe"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"London"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"PR Services"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Ronke Lawal"},{__cdata:"RSL Management services"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"United Kingdom"},{__cdata:"voices"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2366"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:""}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/GheJVKjyel"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:7:"twitter";a:1:{i:376404104;b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:6974,comment_author:{__cdata:"Young African Women Entrepreneurs Offer Advice on How to Start a Business With No Money &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/05/19/young-african-women-entrepreneurs-offer-advice-on-how-to-start-a-business-with-no-money/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.197",comment_date:"2015-05-19 12:41:51",comment_date_gmt:"2015-05-19 11:41:51",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] borrowing any money.) Look for grants and funding opportunities in your local area.&#8221;  &#8212;Ronke Lawal, Ariatu [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1432035746.8554019927978515625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1432035746"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1432035711.1719760894775390625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs: Nollywood Producer Means Business"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/02/03/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-nollywood-producer-means-business/",pubDate:"Mon, 03 Feb 2014 04:35:25 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2396",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_2397" align="alignleft" width="200"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2397" alt="Co-Founder, Royal Arts Academy" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/uduak-isong-ogunaman.jpg?w=200" width="200" height="300" /> Co-Founder, Royal Arts Academy[/caption]
3843
3844Nollywood, Nigeria's film industry is the second largest film industry in the world. Its rapid expansion is as a result of the innovative use and quick adaptation of new media and digital technology.
3845
3846The AWP Network met with leading Nollywood writer, executive producer, and co-founder of the <a title="https://www.facebook.com/RoyalArtsAcademy" href="https://www.facebook.com/RoyalArtsAcademy" target="_blank">Royal Arts Academy</a>, <strong><em>Uduak Isong</em></strong>.
3847
3848Founded in 2009 with business partner, <strong><em><a title="https://twitter.com/Ememisong" href="https://twitter.com/Ememisong" target="_blank">Emem Isong</a></em></strong>, the Royal Arts Academy offers courses on various aspects of the film industry with an emphasis on script writing, acting, directing, dance, and children's theater. The academy's mission is to train, develop, and improve the skills of actors, writers, and directors in Nollywood.
3849
3850The Royal Arts Academy has produced films such as Bursting Out, Uyai, Edikan, Guilty Pleasures, Nollywood Hustlers, Waterfalls, Reloaded, Memories of My Heart,Timeless Passion, Kiss and Tell, I'll Take My Chances, Okon Lagos, Holding Hope, Misplaced Affections, Okon Goes to School, Udeme Mi, and Kokoma.
3851
3852Uduak Isong holds a degree in Communications from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and a Master's degree in New Media and Society from the University of Leicester, England. Her short stories have won international awards such as the commonwealth short story competition and her film, <em>Okon Lagos</em> was nominated for best comedy at the African Film Festival and Academy Awards. In this interview, Isong shares business tips, challenges, and how she continues to push herself to be better.
3853
3854<strong>How did you come up with the name of the business?</strong>
3855The name of the business? do you mean the Royal Arts Academy? My partner, Emem Isong, came up with that. The academy is her idea.
3856
3857<strong>What inspired you to go into the Nollywood/movie business?</strong>
3858I have always been a writer so it is only natural to go into the mov

3858ie business. I write everything from poetry to prose therefore, it just made sense to make the transition. Nollywood is lucrative and I found that I could express myself easily and without limitations or restrictions.
3859
3860<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
3861Everyday Nigerians. I write stories that the average Nigerian can relate to. I try to do more family stories. There isn’t a lot of that so I am making an attempt to fill in that gap - movies that the family can sit and enjoy together. I find that I can hardly watch Nigerian movies with my kids because many of the movies are not family friendly. I am always reaching for the remote to forward some [explicit] scenes.
3862
3863<strong>How have you financed your movies/business?</strong>
3864I finance my business through my personal funds and family. My first movie was financed by family and I don't stop borrowing from them. I always pay them back, so it's easy to go back to ask for more.
3865
3866<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
3867My experience, my passion, and my hard work. Also, I have a very good team. Everyone that I work with is very passionate and dedicated – I am glad to have them on board.
3868
3869<strong>What is the long-term plan for your business?</strong>
3870My plan is to make 'that' movie and also, to expand our distribution network. I would  like to own my own distribution network. As they say "content is king" but distribution is “king-kong.” I think that our movies can do so much better commercially but we have to do more to make sure that it becomes easily accessible to the consumer. People keep talking about better quality movies (I'm not sure what they mean) but I won't raise my budget unless I am guaranteed my money back.
3871
3872&nbsp;
3873
3874<strong>What challenges do you face or have you faced thus far?</strong>
3875<em>The lack of electricity is a major challenge. Generators make too much noise. We make a joke on set that the software to remove the background generator noise is yet to be invented. The next major challenge is funding. I always work with a tight budget, it would be nice to have more than enough money at one's disposal.</em>
3876
3877<strong>What five (5) key things have you learned since joining Nollywood?</strong>
3878
3879I don’t know about five (5) key things but I have learned that all things are possible. If you want it badly enough, and you are willing to work hard, you will get it. No one will give it to you on a platter; you have to fight for it.
3880
3881<strong>What five (5) key things do start-up movie producers/writers need to know?</strong>
3882
3883(1) Just do it.
3884
3885(2) Work with what you have and take it seriously. Sometimes people think that the movie industry is still an informal sector and that they don't need to work so hard. Even though I am self-employed, I am always on time and ensure that I am in the office before 9am.
3886
3887(3) There are no shortcuts to success. Acquire knowledge - this is important for a writer. You cannot be a writer, if you are not a reader first. Work for free if you must, the experience will come in handy. Sorry, did you say 5?
3888
3889<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
3890
3891Money is good but the lack of it should not stop YOU. Think of ideas that won't cost much money. Save and work towards the big idea. Again, if you want it badly enough, you will work hard to get it.
3892
3893I think young people want things to happen overnight. Well, it won't. Tuface has history, so does Emem Isong. It's a process, a journey, and young people must be ready to walk the walk. <em>Okon Lagos</em> was not the first script that I wanted to produce but I knew that no one would give a newbie like me more than a certain amount of money so I thought of an inexpensive script that I could easily raise money for. I still haven't produced that first script - I am still waiting for the right time.
3894
3895<strong>How do you think African youths can continue to support each other?</strong>
3896
3897<em>I want young people to know that an encouraging word can go a long way.</em> I met a young man at TedXIfe, he owns a platform called <a title="http://www.insidify.com/" href="http://www.insidify.com/" target="_blank">Insidify</a>. I supported him by advertising his business in my movie at no cost. Musicians also collaborate with us and let us use their songs for free. We must support each other. We are all we've got.
3898
3899<strong>How many jobs have you created so far?</strong>
3900
3901We work with an average of forty (40) crew members on each set and we probably shoot every other month - so that is 40 by 6 (240) crew members every year. The Royal Arts Academy has twenty (20) permanent staff. We also create jobs indirectly. For example, we host our crew in hotels while filming. Currently, we are filming in Bayelsa and have reserved about twenty (20) hotel rooms for about three (3) weeks. We spend money when we film, and we help keep jobs.
3902
3903<strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Africa?</strong>
3904
3905Less of the hate, more encouragement. We seem to concentrate on faults here, almost looking out for them. There are two sides to every coin, but we seem to prefer the complaints. We also need to remove the “class consciousness” from our minds. Class should not matter. <em>If a good idea comes from Mushin or Victoria Island, a bright idea is a bright idea</em>. I think sometimes we feel, if it didn't come from us, we won't support it or it can't be good enough.
3906
3907&nbsp;
3908
3909http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lco1VPoRnxQ
3910
3911Contact <strong>Uduak</strong> here:
3912
3913Facebook: <a title="https://www.facebook.com/uduakiki" href="https://www.facebook.com/uduakiki" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/uduakiki</a>
3914
3915Twitter:<a title=" https://twitter.com/Uduakisong" href="https://twitter.com/Uduakisong" target="_blank"> https://twitter.com/Uduakisong</a>
3916
3917Website: <a title="http://www.uduakisong.com/" href="http://www.uduakisong.com/" target="_blank">http://www.uduakisong.com/</a>
3918
3919Email: <a title="[email protected]" href="[email protected]" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>
3920
3921&nbsp;
3922
3923&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2396,post_date:"2014-02-03 05:35:25",post_date_gmt:"2014-02-03 04:35:25",post_modified:"2014-02-03 05:35:25",post_modified_gmt:"2014-02-03 04:35:25",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-nollywood-producer-means-business",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

3923,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Emem Isong"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"film"},{__cdata:"film innovators"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"industry"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Innovators"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Jobs"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"myvoicematters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nollywood"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Royal Arts Academy"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"storytelling"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"Uduak Isong"},{__cdata:"voices"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2397"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/gpd5xLnHEj6"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/7hneJYfpFn"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_bb56dfca4d061f1bd4f1d749f8791f28",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_f135edfbb3eea0f90c8ab86ba7086354",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_3713692137377fb24e84339c06d12a77",meta_value:{__cdata:'<div class="embed-youtube"><iframe title="Half Empty or Half Full Glass: Uduak Isong Oguamanam at TEDxIfe" width="750" height="563" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lco1VPoRnxQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_3713692137377fb24e84339c06d12a77",meta_value:{__cdata:"1727431164"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_a2673023707297848e8059f2afa7b955",meta_value:{__cdata:'<div class="wp-embed"><div class="player"><div class="embed-youtube"><iframe title="Half Empty or Half Full Glass: Uduak Isong Oguamanam at TEDxIfe" width="635" height="476" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lco1VPoRnxQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_a2673023707297848e8059f2afa7b955",meta_value:{__cdata:"1732318222"}}],comment:[{comment_id:3119,comment_author:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs: Nollywoo..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/women-in-business-2/p/4023946698/2014/07/02/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-nollywood-producer-means-business",comment_author_IP:"89.30.118.151",comment_date:"2014-07-02 12:47:48",comment_date_gmt:"2014-07-02 11:47:48",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Nollywood, Nigeria&#039;s film industry is the second largest film industry in the world. Its rapid expansion is as a result of the innovative use and quick adaptation of new media and digital technolog...&nbsp; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1404393142"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1404393142.924335002899169921875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1404301668.9598810672760009765625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-07-02 11:47:50"}}]},{comment_id:5846,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2014 AWP Network Power List &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.86.62",comment_date:"2014-12-08 23:27:26",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-08 22:27:26",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

39230;] Uduak Isong (Nigeria): is a Nollywood writer, executive producer, and co-founder of the Royal Arts Academy, [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077646.5852930545806884765625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1418077927"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077928.2332999706268310546875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6968,comment_author:{__cdata:"Young African Women Entrepreneurs Offer Advice on How to Start a Business With No Money &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/05/19/young-african-women-entrepreneurs-offer-advice-on-how-to-start-a-business-with-no-money/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.197",comment_date:"2015-05-19 12:41:40",comment_date_gmt:"2015-05-19 11:41:40",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] &#8212;  Executive producer, and co-founder of the Royal Arts Academy, Uduak Isong [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1432035700.480247020721435546875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1432035757"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1432035758.04181003570556640625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Vital Voices Grow Fellowship "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/02/06/apply-vital-voices-grow-fellowship/",pubDate:"Thu, 06 Feb 2014 14:54:40 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2433",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Based on its experience with women business owners around the world, Vital Voices has launched the <strong><em>VV GROW Fellowship Program</em></strong>, a one-year competitive program to support growth-oriented women business owners to take their businesses and leadership to the next level. The program supports women-owned enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East and North Africa, to set and achieve business growth goals with a unique blend of online learning, in-person training, and tailored support services.
3924
3925The one-year program timeline consists of 4 components:
3926<ul>
3927	<li>A competitive participant selection process and business needs assessment</li>
3928	<li>Online preparatory sessions with Harvard Manage Mentor and Vital Voices advisors before the training, that guide program participants in drafting a business plan that they will refine throughout the training</li>
3929	<li>A 4-day, in-person regional training</li>
3930	<li>An opportunity to access follow-on services such as technical advising, webinars featuring technical experts, business to business opportunities, mentors, and small grants</li>
3931	<li>Implemented at the regional level, the program is localized to ensure that the program is applicable to women business owners and the business environments in which they operate.</li>
3932</ul>
3933<strong>Who can apply?</strong>
3934
3935Vital Voices is seeking applications from women business owners from Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East and North Africa, who:
3936<ul>
3937	<li>Own a businesses that has been in operation for at least 3 years,</li>
3938	<li>Employ at least 3 staff (including temporary and/or seasonal workers), and</li>
3939	<li>Generate at least USD $40,000 in annual sales</li>
3940</ul>
3941<strong>As an interested applicant, you:</strong>
3942<ul>
3943	<li>Are motivated to build the skills and make the changes needed to grow your business,</li>
3944	<li>Are excited to participate in a one year program including on-line and in-person training and access to business growth opportunities, and</li>
3945	<li>Recognize the value of and participate in the tracking of the growth of your business for up to 3 years through methods such as surveys, calls, or additional opportunities.</li>
3946</ul>
3947The <strong>application deadlines</strong> are:
3948
3949Africa:  Sunday, March 2, 2014
3950
3951Latin America/Carribean:  Sunday, March 2, 2014
3952
3953MENA:  Saturday, March 15th, 2014
3954
3955Learn more <strong><a title="http://www.vitalvoices.org/what-we-do/issues/economic-empowerment/vv-grow-fellowship" href="http://www.vitalvoices.org/what-we-do/issues/economic-empowerment/vv-grow-fellowship" target="_blank">here</a></strong>:<a title="http://www.vitalvoices.org/what-we-do/issues/economic-empowerment/vv-grow-fellowship" href="http://www.vitalvoices.org/what-we-do/issues/economic-empowerment/vv-grow-fellowship" target="_blank"> http://www.vitalvoices.org/what-we-do/issues/economic-empowerment/vv-grow-fellowship</a>
3956

3957 
3958
3959 
3960
3961 
3962
3963 
3964
3965 `},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2433,post_date:"2014-02-06 15:54:40",post_date_gmt:"2014-02-06 14:54:40",post_modified:"2014-02-06 16:58:59",post_modified_gmt:"2014-02-06 15:58:59",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-vital-voices-grow-fellowship",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"change agents"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Fellowship"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"process"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"vital voices"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"World Bank"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/AtdUEvqZjSm"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/t7bA84Yv1n"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: The Thomson Reuters Foundation-Nokia Photo Award"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/02/10/apply-the-thomson-reuters-foundation-nokia-photo-award/",pubDate:"Mon, 10 Feb 2014 02:52:53 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2442",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`DEADLINE: Tuesday, February 11, 2014
3966
3967The Thomson Reuters Foundation and Nokia are inviting aspiring photographers and photojournalists to submit images capturing the many aspects of women’s empowerment around the world. This is an incredible opportunity to use pictures to spark positive debate on women’s rights, and to help foster social change.
3968
3969Photos will be judged by a public vote, alongside a distinguished panel of photography, journalism, and women’s rights experts. Ten finalists will be chosen and asked to put the new Nokia Lumia 1020 to the test by using the smart phone to create a portfolio of photos that capture the empowerment of women.
3970
3971The winner of the competition will receive the first Thomson Reuters Foundation–Nokia Photography Award, which includes:
3972<ul>
3973	<li>an all-expenses paid trip to attend a week long professional training on mobile journalism organized and run by the Thomson Reuters Foundation,</li>
3974	<li>a Nokia Lumia 1020 smartphone,</li>
3975	<li>full promotion across Talenthouse’s global platform,</li>
3976	<li>and the opportunity to have his or her work published on the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s award-winning website.</li>
3977</ul>
3978If you are ready to make a difference with your camera, get snapping!
3979
3980Don't forget to use <strong>#click4change</strong> when sharing.
3981
3982Learn more here: <a title="http://www.trust.org/spotlight/click-for-change/" href="http://www.trust.org/spotlight/click-for-change/" target="_blank">http://www.trust.org/spotlight/click-for-change/</a>
3983
3984<a title="https://www.facebook.com/Thomson.Reuters.Foundation" href="https://www.facebook.com/Thomson.Reuters.Foundation" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Thomson.Reuters.Foundation</a>
3985
3986<a title="http://www.talenthouse.com/photograph-for-thomson-reuters-foundation-and-click-4-change" href="http://www.talenthouse.com/photograph-for-thomson-reuters-foundation-and-click-4-change" target="_blank">http://www.talenthouse.com/photograph-for-thomson-reuters-foundation-and-click-4-change</a>
3987
3988&nbsp;
3989
3990&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2442,post_date:"2014-02-10 03:52:53",post_date_gmt:"2014-02-10 02:52:53",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:31:53",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:31:53",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-the-thomson-reuters-foundation-nokia-photo-award",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

3990,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"award"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nokia"},{__cdata:"Photo"},{__cdata:"photo contest"},{__cdata:"Photography"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Thomson Reuters Foundation"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/JkEJ2NkTGEr"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/x64XU2pHAg"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: 2014 SEED Awards "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/02/12/apply-2014-seed-awards/",pubDate:"Wed, 12 Feb 2014 01:46:35 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2446",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Do you have an entrepreneurial and innovative idea that is locally-driven and has the potential to contribute significantly to sustainable development in countries with developing or transition economies?
3991
3992The SEED Awards for Entrepreneurs in Sustainable Development is an annual awards scheme designed to find the most promising, innovative, and locally led start-up social and environmental entrepreneurs in countries with developing and emerging economies. An international jury of experts selects enterprises which have the potential to make real improvements in poverty eradication and environmental sustainability while contributing to a greener economy.
3993
3994In summary, in 2014 up to <strong>55 SEED Awards</strong> are made available:
3995<ul>
3996	<li>30 SEED Africa Awards for enterprises in Ethiopia, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania and Uganda;</li>
3997	<li>12 SEED South Africa Awards for enterprises in South Africa, four of which to enterprises in the provinces of Free State, Limpopo and KwaZulu Natal;</li>
3998	<li>10 SEED Low Carbon Awards for enterprises in Colombia, India, Tanzania, Uganda and Viet Nam;</li>
3999	<li>3 SEED Gender Equality Awards, for enterprises in other countries (except countries that are OECD or EU members).</li>
4000</ul>
4001Unlike most other competitions, the SEED Award does not carry only a monetary prize. Experience from working with social and environmental entrepreneurs has shown that in many instances such enterprises often require access to knowledge, expertise, and networks as much as to financial support. SEED meets this need by offering winners a package of individually tailored support to their enterprises.
4002
4003Learn more <a title="http://www.seedinit.org/awards/about/eligibility-criteria.html#3-1-i-run-or-owned-by-a-woman-or-women-and-prioritise-gender-equality-and-or-women’s-empowerment-as-a-core-objective" href="http://www.seedinit.org/awards/about/eligibility-criteria.html#3-1-i-run-or-owned-by-a-woman-or-women-and-prioritise-gender-equality-and-or-women’s-empowerment-as-a-core-objective" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a>: <strong><a title="http://www.seedinit.org/awards/about/eligibility-criteria.html#3-1-i-run-or-owned-by-a-woman-or-women-and-prioritise-gender-equality-and-or-women’s-empowerment-as-a-core-objective" href="http://www.seedinit.org/awards/about/eligibility-criteria.html#3-1-i-run-or-owned-by-a-woman-or-women-and-prioritise-gender-equality-and-or-women’s-empowerment-as-a-core-objective" target="_blank">SEED Awards </a></strong>
4004
4005<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: April 08, 2014
4006
4007&nbsp;
4008
4009&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2446,post_date:"2014-02-12 02:46:35",post_date_gmt:"2014-02-12 01:46:35",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:32:25",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:32:25",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-2014-seed-awards",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

4009,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Ethiopia"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Malawi"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Morocco"},{__cdata:"Mozambique"},{__cdata:"Namibia"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"SEED Award"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Tanzania"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"Uganda"},{__cdata:"UN Women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/LpSeF1G42kB"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/4sAcsDlv6r"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"2014 Anzisha Prize – $75,000 Prize for Young African Entrepreneurs"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/02/14/2014-anzisha-prize-75000-prize-for-young-african-entrepreneurs/",pubDate:"Fri, 14 Feb 2014 03:23:02 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2454",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The Anzisha Prize is the premier award for African entrepreneurs aged 15-22 who have developed and implemented innovative businesses or social ventures. Finalists travel to South Africa and share in over $75,000 in cash awards, as well as access to lifelong mentorship and support.
4010
4011Before you begin, make sure you are eligible to enter:
4012<ul>
4013	<li>You must be between the ages of 15 and 22 years old.</li>
4014	<li>Your business or project must be up and running. The Anzisha Prize is not for great ideas or business plans – you must have already started, and be able to prove it!</li>
4015	<li>Your business, invention, or social project can be in any field or industry (science and technology, civil society, arts and culture, sports, etc.). Any kind of venture is welcome to apply.</li>
4016	<li>Groups or teams can apply (for example, maybe you have 2 or 3 co-founders who started your business or project together), however you must choose one person to apply for the prize, on behalf of the group. This individual must be one of the founding members.</li>
4017</ul>
4018To be selected as one of our 12 Anzisha Fellows, your business or project will be judged on the following 3 criteria:
4019<ul>
4020	<li>Impact: Does your venture have a demonstrated, measurable and positive social and economic impact.</li>
4021	<li>Ingenuity: Have you taken a new or better approach to a pressing problem or business opportunity within your community.</li>
4022	<li>Scalability: Does your business or social project have the potential to grow or be replicated with support and investment.</li>
4023</ul>
4024Apply <strong><a title="http://www.anzishaprize.org/apply/application-form-en/" href="http://www.anzishaprize.org/apply/application-form-en/" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <a title="http://www.anzishaprize.org/apply/application-form-en/" href="http://www.anzishaprize.org/apply/application-form-en/" target="_blank">Anzisha</a>
4025
4026<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: April 1, 2014
4027
4028&nbsp;
4029
4030&nbsp;
4031
4032&nbsp;
4033
4034&nbsp;
4035
4036&nbsp;
4037
4038&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2454,post_date:"2014-02-14 04:23:02",post_date_gmt:"2014-02-14 03:23:02",post_modified:"2014-02-14 04:23:02",post_modified_gmt:"2014-02-14 03:23:02",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"2014-anzisha-prize-75000-prize-for-young-african-entrepreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

4038,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"anzisha prize"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Opportunity"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/8cEEc4w8AVr"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/TYmI0UTug0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Coca-Cola and UN Women Create Partnership to Empower Women "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/02/20/coca-cola-and-un-women-create-partnership-to-empower-women/",pubDate:"Thu, 20 Feb 2014 14:09:37 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2458",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<h1></h1>
4039<strong>Coca-Cola South Africa and UN Women partner to economically empower women. </strong>
4040
4041Coca-Cola South Africa and UN Women yesterday announced a newly launched program to promote the advancement and economic empowerment of women.
4042
4043This new program in South Africa is part of The Coca-Cola Company’s global <strong>5by20</strong> initiative, which aims to enable the economic empowerment of 5 million women entrepreneurs across the company’s value chain by 2020. Specifically, that means the small businesses the company works with in over 200 countries around the world. From fruit farmers to artisans, this initiative aims to help women overcome the barriers they face to business success.
4044
4045The collaboration aims to identify and address barriers facing women entrepreneurs and provide women with business skills, leadership training, mentoring, peer networking skills and access to financial assets. This new program is part of a broader partnership announced by The Coca-Cola Company and UN Women in 2011. The two organizations have pledged to reach more than 40,000 women in South Africa, Egypt and Brazil by the end of 2015.
4046
4047Learn more here:  <a title="http://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/5by20/" href="http://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/5by20/" target="_blank">www.5by20.com</a>
4048
4049&nbsp;
4050
4051&nbsp;
4052
4053&nbsp;
4054
4055&nbsp;
4056
4057&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2458,post_date:"2014-02-20 15:09:37",post_date_gmt:"2014-02-20 14:09:37",post_modified:"2014-02-20 15:09:37",post_modified_gmt:"2014-02-20 14:09:37",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"coca-cola-and-un-women-create-partnership-to-empower-women",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Coca-Cola"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"UN Women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women empowerment"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/ayKvv5ySDG3"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/hFG16eq5zp"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Microsoft 4Afrika Scholarship Program"}

4057,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/02/21/apply-microsoft-4afrika-scholarship-program/",pubDate:"Fri, 21 Feb 2014 13:48:36 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2465",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: Friday - February 28, 2014
4058
4059The Regenesys Foundation is pleased to introduce the Microsoft 4Afrika Scholarship Program.This initiative is designed to groom future leaders by providing access to quality, online tertiary business education, from higher certificate to diploma. The program will make available 1000 scholarships to deserving candidates through Regenesys Business School, a global leader in management and leadership development. This great new initiative will help you to empower yourself and change your life.
4060
4061Apply today if you are:
4062<ul>
4063	<li>   between the ages of 18 – 34</li>
4064	<li>   living and studying/working in Africa</li>
4065	<li>  in need of financial support</li>
4066	<li>  academically talented</li>
4067	<li>  able to access the Internet</li>
4068	<li>  able to meet the minimum qualification entry requirements</li>
4069	<li>  passionate about developing Africa</li>
4070	<li> proficient and able to study in English</li>
4071</ul>
4072Before you apply, please make sure you have the following ready:
4073<ul>
4074	<li>Completed application form</li>
4075	<li>Resume/CV (maximum three pages)</li>
4076	<li>Certified copy of Identity Document/Passport</li>
4077	<li>Certified copy of Highest Qualifications</li>
4078	<li>Certified copy of statement of results</li>
4079	<li>One page motivation letter</li>
4080</ul>
4081Apply <strong><a title="http://bursary.regenesys.org/bursary/" href="http://bursary.regenesys.org/bursary/" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <a title="http://bursary.regenesys.org/bursary/" href="http://bursary.regenesys.org/bursary/" target="_blank">http://bursary.regenesys.org/bursary/</a>
4082
4083&nbsp;
4084
4085&nbsp;
4086
4087&nbsp;
4088
4089&nbsp;
4090
4091&nbsp;
4092
4093&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2465,post_date:"2014-02-21 14:48:36",post_date_gmt:"2014-02-21 13:48:36",post_modified:"2014-02-21 14:48:36",post_modified_gmt:"2014-02-21 13:48:36",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-microsoft-4afrika-scholarship-program",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business school"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Microsoft"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"online"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Regenesys Foundation"},{__cdata:"scholarship"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"Unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/S3DhXyzGqDK"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/7RXhcz2Fpr"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: 2014 World Summit Youth Award"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/02/25/apply-2014-world-summit-youth-award/",pubDate:"Tue, 25 Feb 2014 01:49:42 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2471",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: June 15, 2014
4094
4095The World Summit Youth Award (WSYA) is a unique global contest which brings together young developers and digital entrepreneurs - under 30 years of age - who use internet and mobile technology to put the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) into action and make a difference.
4096
4097The World Summit Youth Award (WSYA) selects and promotes best practices in e-content and new media. The award shows young people’s potential to create outstanding digital content and serves as a platform for people from all UN member states to work together in the efforts to put UN Millennium Development Goals into action.
4098
4099The best projects will be invited to the WSYA Winners’ Event and will have an opportunity to present their project on an international stage and meet other engaged people. Be presented and promoted through the WSYA network and become part of a vibrant and lively community!
4100

4101Engaged talents or young professionals under 30 can enter their projects within the six (6) following categories:
4102
41031. Fight Poverty, Hunger and Disease
4104
41052. Education for All
4106
41073. Power 2 Women
4108
41094. Create your Culture
4110
41115. Go Green
4112
41136. Pursue Truth
4114
4115For any assistance please contact: <a title="[email protected]" href="[email protected]" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>
4116
4117Learn more <strong><a title="http://youthaward.org/news/all-about-contest" href="http://youthaward.org/news/all-about-contest" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://youthaward.org/news/all-about-contest" href="http://youthaward.org/news/all-about-contest" target="_blank">youthaward</a></strong>
4118
4119&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2471,post_date:"2014-02-25 02:49:42",post_date_gmt:"2014-02-25 01:49:42",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:33:10",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:33:10",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-2014-world-summit-youth-award",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Digital Content"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Global"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"Unemployment"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"World Summit Youth Award"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/drZkoqHWno"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:""}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:7:"twitter";a:1:{i:376404104;b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Capital Square Lagos Launches Business Courses for Entrepreneurs"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/02/27/capital-square-lagos-launches-business-courses-for-entrepreneurs/",pubDate:"Thu, 27 Feb 2014 14:17:15 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2478",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`CapitalSquare Lagos is a co-working space for young creative entrepreneurs.  The creative hub has partnered with BAU Online and Strategy Q  to run a 12-week business course titled "Entrepreneurship &amp; Innovation."
4120
4121The courses will take place on Saturdays from 11:30am until 2:30pm and will be a hybrid of online classes, practical workshops, business clinics, and participants will receive a certificate of completion and a business plan.
4122
4123Classes Start: March 10, 2014
4124
4125Have questions? Email:  <a title="[email protected]" href="[email protected]" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>
4126
4127&nbsp;
4128
4129&nbsp;
4130
4131&nbsp;
4132
4133&nbsp;
4134
4135&nbsp;
4136
4137&nbsp;
4138
4139&nbsp;
4140
4141&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2478,post_date:"2014-02-27 15:17:15",post_date_gmt:"2014-02-27 14:17:15",post_modified:"2014-04-01 00:01:07",post_modified_gmt:"2014-03-31 23:01:07",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"capital-square-lagos-launches-business-courses-for-entrepreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business clinics"},{__cdata:"business plan"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"capitalsquare"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/2vZymXJujSk"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/G9jQXo0VRe"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Join the Crans Montana African Women's Forum"}

4141,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/02/28/join-the-crans-montana-african-womens-forum/",pubDate:"Fri, 28 Feb 2014 15:46:55 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2481",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The founding meeting of the Crans Montana African Women’s Forum will take place in Brussels (Belgium) on March 21 to 22, 2014 jointly with the Crans Montana Forum on Africa and South-South Cooperation.
4142
4143The Crans Montana African Women’s Forum has multiple objectives, which will be defined and clarified over time, thanks to those who join the Forum’s activities. The essential basis of these objectives are as follows:
4144<ul>
4145	<li>Provide African women with a platform for expressing themselves that enjoys a visibility they have never before had</li>
4146	<li>Open debates, discussions, and sharing of experiences to women and men from all over the world, so that in-depth, high-quality exchanges can stimulate a deeper exploration of thinking, thus allowing the means and tools for action to be defined</li>
4147	<li>Create national and regional activities that translate reflections begun during the annual meeting into reality</li>
4148	<li>The Crans Montana African Women’s Forum will alternate one annual session in Africa, then one outside of Africa.</li>
4149</ul>
4150Want to attend: <strong><a title="http://www.cmf.ch/events/2014-03-22-2014-crans-montana-african-womens-forum-founding-meeting" href="http://www.cmf.ch/events/2014-03-22-2014-crans-montana-african-womens-forum-founding-meeting" target="_blank">CRANS MONTANA</a></strong>
4151
4152Have questions? Email here: <a title="[email protected]" href="[email protected]" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>
4153
4154&nbsp;
4155
4156&nbsp;
4157
4158&nbsp;
4159
4160&nbsp;
4161
4162&nbsp;
4163
4164&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2481,post_date:"2014-02-28 16:46:55",post_date_gmt:"2014-02-28 15:46:55",post_modified:"2014-02-28 16:46:55",post_modified_gmt:"2014-02-28 15:46:55",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"join-the-crans-montana-african-womens-forum",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Crans Montana"},{__cdata:"Engaged Conversations"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Forum for African Women"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"platform"},{__cdata:"policy"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"women and girls"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/PmoNqJskMQS"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/xH27XjOWyW"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: PIVOT East 2014 "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/03/03/apply-pivot-east-2014/",pubDate:"Mon, 03 Mar 2014 18:48:31 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2484",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`PIVOT East aims to catalyze the growth of mobile startups, so as to amplify and consolidate the gains of East Africa’s Mobile developer and entrepreneurship ecosystem.  The key objective for this year’s event is “to facilitate discovery of the next wave of high potential mobile startups in the region.”
4165
4166The competition has five categories which are; Mobile Finance, Mobile Enterprise, Mobile Entertainment, Mobile Society and Mobile Utility. Each category will feature five finalists who will pitch to an audience of Investors, Development Partners, Government Representatives, Telecom Operators and other key mobile industry players from East Africa. The five category winners will attract investment from the m:lab, who are the organizers of the competition.
4167
416825 finalists in the competition will receive training, coaching, and mentorship on how to arrive at repeatable and scalable business models. The finalists will also receive training and coaching on how to pitch to investors. PIVOT East is the primary route for startups to secure support through the m:lab’s residential and virtual incubation programs.
4169
4170Eligibility criteria to participate in PIVOT East 2014:
4171<ul>
4172	<li>Participating startups must be domiciled in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Somalia or DR Congo</li>
4173	<li>Entries to the competition will be considered to be startups as per the universal definition of a “startup”* or a startup company (*as done below)</li>
4174	<li>Participating startups must indicate details of at least two members of their team in their application profile</li>
4175	<li>Companies that reached final 25 lists of PIVOT 2011, PIVOT 2012 and PIVOT 2013 may not compete with products/services previously submitted for the competition, the judging panel will have discretion to disqualify entries in breach of this requirement.</li>
4176	<li>

4176Competitors selected to the final 25 list must have set up a legal entity (business name, limited company etc) for their business by 15th May 2014. Competitors with legal entities already set up will have an added advantage at all judging stages.</li>
4177	<li>Decisions of the judging committees at all competition stages will be final.</li>
4178</ul>
4179<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: April 11, 2014
4180
4181Apply <strong><a title="http://startups.pivoteast.com/" href="http://startups.pivoteast.com/" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <a title="http://startups.pivoteast.com/" href="http://startups.pivoteast.com/" target="_blank">http://startups.pivoteast.com/</a>
4182
4183Have questions, Email: <a title="[email protected]" href="[email protected]">[email protected]</a>
4184
4185&nbsp;
4186
4187&nbsp;
4188
4189&nbsp;
4190
4191&nbsp;
4192
4193&nbsp;
4194
4195&nbsp;
4196
4197&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2484,post_date:"2014-03-03 19:48:31",post_date_gmt:"2014-03-03 18:48:31",post_modified:"2014-03-03 19:48:31",post_modified_gmt:"2014-03-03 18:48:31",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-pivot-east-2014",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"DR Congo"},{__cdata:"Ethiopia"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Kenya"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mentorship"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"PIVOT East"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Rwanda"},{__cdata:"Somalia"},{__cdata:"South Sudan"},{__cdata:"Startup"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"Tanzania"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"training"},{__cdata:"Uganda"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/eCr3zXaq3D9"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/UmMPfPALqe"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: MassChallenge 2014 "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/03/05/apply-masschallenge-2014/",pubDate:"Wed, 05 Mar 2014 03:07:46 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2488",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<span class="userContent">The MassChallenge is the world's largest startup accelerator and the first to support entrepreneurs with no strings attached. There are over $1.5 million in grants and $10 million of in-kind benefits awarded annually, with n<span class="text_exposed_show">o equity taken.
4198</span></span>
4199
4200<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">African Startups please apply.</span></span>
4201
4202<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">
4203Additional benefits of the four-month program in Boston include world-class mentorship and training, free office space, access to funding, legal advice, media attention, and more.</span></span>
4204
4205Our Objectives:
4206<ul>
4207	<li>  Promote innovation, collaboration and commercialization</li>
4208	<li>  Address the seed-stage investment gap, empowering novice entrepreneurs</li>
4209	<li>  Provide educational opportunities for entrepreneurs</li>
4210	<li> Showcase entrepreneurship assets and infrastructure locally, nationally, and internationally</li>
4211</ul>
4212<!-- [if gte mso 9]&gt;-->
4213
4214<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: April 2, 2014
4215
4216Apply <a title="http://www.masschallenge.org/apply" href="http://www.masschallenge.org/apply" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.masschallenge.org/apply" href="http://www.masschallenge.org/apply" target="_blank">MassChallenge </a></strong>
4217
4218&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2488,post_date:"2014-03-05 04:07:46",post_date_gmt:"2014-03-05 03:07:46",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:35:17",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:35:17",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-masschallenge-2014",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"access"},{__cdata:"Africa"}

4218,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Funding"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"grants"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"impact"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"MassChallenge"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"Startup"},{__cdata:"startups"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"techbiz"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/0NPMy8J8p4"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/ezbEDVCEK47"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:2319,comment_author:{__cdata:"A.P.Enabulele"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://apemonki.wordpress.com",comment_author_IP:"107.14.54.3",comment_date:"2014-03-06 04:54:48",comment_date_gmt:"2014-03-06 03:54:48",comment_content:{__cdata:'Reblogged this on <a href="http://thestudiocreativ.wordpress.com/2014/03/05/apply-masschallenge-2014/" rel="nofollow">The Studio Creativ :: News &amp; Updates</a>.'},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:15110447,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1394078088.969563961029052734375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:11:"apenabulele";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1394230663"}},{meta_key:"reblog_ping",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1394230663"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1394230664.222114086151123046875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-03-06 03:54:48"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network Nominated for the Women4Africa Awards "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/03/07/the-awp-network-nominated-for-the-women4africa-awards/",pubDate:"Fri, 07 Mar 2014 22:17:03 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2503",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Please join the AWP Network on Saturday, May 10 at the <strong><a title="http://www.women4africa.com/" href="http://www.women4africa.com/" target="_blank">Women4Africa</a></strong> Awards.
4219
4220Learn more about the finalists <strong><a title="http://www.women4africa.com/finalists-2014" href="http://www.women4africa.com/finalists-2014" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <a title="http://www.women4africa.com/finalists-2014/" href="http://www.women4africa.com/finalists-2014/" target="_blank">http://www.women4africa.com/finalists-2014</a>
4221
4222The <strong><a title="http://www.women4africa.com/" href="http://www.women4africa.com/" target="_blank">Women4africa</a></strong> Awards’ celebrates and honors African women. The award ceremony is held annually and a number of nominated women are awarded for their hard work and creativity.`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2503,post_date:"2014-03-07 23:17:03",post_date_gmt:"2014-03-07 22:17:03",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:36:01",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:36:01",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-nominated-for-the-women4africa-awards",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"empowerment"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"London"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nomination"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"recognition"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"United Kingdom"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Women4Africa"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/19YrTBGTcU2"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/O1uxrcIhzg"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Prize for Innovation and Entrepreneurship"}

4222,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/03/10/prize-for-innovation-and-entrepreneurship/",pubDate:"Mon, 10 Mar 2014 00:59:57 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2510",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The Royal Academy of Engineering just announced the launch of the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation and has called for entries from engineers connected with universities and research institutions in sub-Saharan African countries.
4223
4224The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation is Africa's biggest prize devoted to engineering innovation, covering all disciplines from mechanical, civil and computing to biomedical, oil and gas, mining and electronic engineering.The prize is set to reward innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.
4225
4226<strong>Winner receives: £25,000</strong>
4227
4228Every shortlisted entrant will receive six months of extensive mentoring, training and support in commercializing their innovation, as part of the Academy's commitment to international development.
4229
4230"This new competition is designed to incentivize engineers to use their passion to develop innovative solutions to their country's challenges. The Africa Prize will demonstrate how engineering is at the heart of economic development."
4231
4232The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation aims to recognize the importance of African engineers and to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship, while encouraging young people to become engineers by creating successful role models.
4233
4234Learn more about the prize <strong><a title="http://www.raeng.org.uk/prizes/africa/default.htm" href="http://www.raeng.org.uk/prizes/africa/default.htm" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://www.raeng.org.uk/prizes/africa/default.htm" href="http://www.raeng.org.uk/prizes/africa/default.htm" target="_blank">Africa Engineering</a> </strong>
4235
4236DEADLINE: Friday, May 30, 2014
4237
4238Have questions? Email: <a title="[email protected]" href="[email protected]" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>
4239
4240&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2510,post_date:"2014-03-10 01:59:57",post_date_gmt:"2014-03-10 00:59:57",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:36:29",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:36:29",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"prize-for-innovation-and-entrepreneurship",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation"},{__cdata:"African Engineers"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"civil and computing to biomedical"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"electronic engineering."},{__cdata:"Engineering"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mechanical"},{__cdata:"Mining"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"oil and gas"},{__cdata:"Prize"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/HVdDtpHSeN4"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/hzwMc0rZad"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply:  2014 FIRE Awards"}

4240,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/03/12/apply-2014-fire-awards/",pubDate:"Wed, 12 Mar 2014 13:14:00 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2525",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The African Network Information Center – AFRINIC announces the call for entries for the 2014 FIRE Awards.
4241
4242The Fund for Internet Research and Education (FIRE) aims at encouraging ICT development innovations that contribute to sustainable development in Africa.  The FIRE programme Awards is granted to initiatives already completed or in their final implementation phase and that are aligned with the three funding categories:
4243
42441) Innovation on Access provision: fostering ICT growth in Africa by ensuring that the delivery mechanism is available, reliable and scalable;
4245
42462) E-development: the development, deployment and enhancement of content, applications and solutions.
4247
42483) Freedom of Expression: initiatives related to freedom of expression, freedom of association, privacy, security, consumer's rights, new forms of intellectual property in the digital environment, and a wider range of issues related to Internet and human rights.
4249
4250The FIRE Programme invites African organisations, entrepreneurs, and innovators to propose projects under one of three categories.
4251
4252<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: March 31, 2014
4253
4254Have questions? Email: <a title="[email protected]" href="[email protected]" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>
4255
4256Learn more about the award <strong><a title="http://www.fireafrica.org/theme/default/files/advert_en-1.pdf" href="http://www.fireafrica.org/theme/default/files/advert_en-1.pdf" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <a title="http://www.fireafrica.org/theme/default/files/advert_en-1.pdf" href="http://www.fireafrica.org/theme/default/files/advert_en-1.pdf" target="_blank">Fire Awards</a>
4257
4258&nbsp;
4259
4260&nbsp;
4261
4262&nbsp;
4263
4264&nbsp;
4265
4266&nbsp;
4267
4268&nbsp;
4269
4270&nbsp;
4271
4272&nbsp;
4273
4274&nbsp;
4275
4276&nbsp;
4277
4278&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2525,post_date:"2014-03-12 14:14:00",post_date_gmt:"2014-03-12 13:14:00",post_modified:"2014-03-12 14:14:00",post_modified_gmt:"2014-03-12 13:14:00",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-2014-fire-awards",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"access"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African Network Information Center"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"ICT"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Innovators"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Participation"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/3om5zisjxZu"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/UMOLx4SN2y"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"This Year, Plan to Create Your Own Reality"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/03/24/this-year-plan-to-create-your-own-reality/",pubDate:"Mon, 24 Mar 2014 15:30:24 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2530",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1816" src="http://staging.awpnet

4278work.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/image7.jpg" alt="image7" width="224" height="225" />The day that I resigned from my job, November 4, 2011, coincidentally was the same day my niece, Eliza Olushoga, was born. After years of working a routine 9 to 5 job, I suddenly felt empowered and determined to create my own reality. I set out to do something different, exciting, and out of the ordinary. What I wanted to do, I did not know. Weeks after my resignation, I did the following: applied for a PhD program at UC Berkeley, applied for the YouWin Nigeria grant, and the Echoing Green fellowship. All of my applications were rejected.
4279
4280After these setbacks, I pondered on what to do next. Here I was with all of the time in the world and I was not going to misuse it. I drew up a plan and set out to accomplish my goals. With a sense of direction and purpose, I did the following: meditated, prayed, and wrote down everything I dreamt of doing but had not had the opportunity to do due to work or school commitments.
4281
4282January 1, 2012, I took action. I was determined to do something out of the ordinary; I was determined to make a difference. I wanted a meaningful life not defined by or limited to a 9 to 5 paycheck. With a renewed sense of clarity and the combination of luck, timing, and prayers, I launched the AWP Network -- an innovative online platform powering small business success for African entrepreneurs through business resources, educational tools, and community support. After I went live with the idea, I was invited to <a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/02/26/maryonbbc/" target="_hplink">speak on the BBC program</a> 'World Have Your Say'. This experience was a realization of one of my dreams and I could not believe it happened. During this period of elation, I received a phone call to present my work on African women entrepreneurs at the <a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/04/22/the-awp-network-at-columbia-u

4282niversitys-9th-african-economic-forum/" target="_hplink">Columbia University Africa Economic Forum</a> alongside ambassadors and longtime bureaucrats.
4283
4284What next? I thought to myself, then I became the first-ever <a href="http://oxfamamerica.maker.good.is/projects/awpnetwork123" target="_hplink">Oxfam America/Good Maker</a> International Women's Day Challenge winner. My work with the AWP Network also featured on <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/06/awp-network-on-bet/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/06/awp-network-on-bet/" target="_blank">BET.com</a>, <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/09/awp-network-working-to-uplift-the-next-generation-of-african-innovators/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/09/awp-network-working-to-uplift-the-next-generation-of-african-innovators/" target="_blank">Black Enterprise</a>, Oxfam America, the <a href="http://www.makeeverywomancount.org/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=4075%3Aour-highlight-of-the-month-with-the-african-women-power-awp&amp;catid=58%3Aour-monthly-highlight&amp;Itemid=163" target="_hplink">Make Every Women Count</a> blog, and in San-Francisco based magazine, <a href="http://www.good.is/posts/a-businesswoman-s-best-friend-an-online-network-supports-african-entrepreneurs" target="_hplink">GOOD</a>. I was also<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6PjYbjiDNc&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_hplink">recognized at the World Summit Youth Award</a> as one of the young people using the power of the Internet and mobile phones to put the United Nations Millennium Development Goals into action. One by one, I checked off most of my goals and wrote down new ones.
4285
4286Creating your own reality is no easy task but doing so is worth every step. There is nothing more powerful and liberating than taking ownership of your life and working hard to attain your goals. To make an impact you have to be connected to your purpose, obtain some sense of clarity, and be determined to create your own reality. I truly believe that within us lie so much power, hope, and ability to live the kind of life that we truly want. More often we should take the time to dream and trust that the universe will give us the reality that we desire. Many of us have forgotten what it's like to live, love, dream, and take risks.
4287
42882012 remains a defining moment for me. I leave you with these words of encouragement. The first is to remind you that dreams come true. Secondly, believe in your abilities and take that leap of faith. Lastly, keep going. Realize that the journey to gaining a sense of purpose and clarity will not be easy, smooth, or perfect but this year, I urge you to write down your goals, set a plan, dream a little, and choose to create your own reality.
4289
4290&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2530,post_date:"2014-03-24 16:30:24",post_date_gmt:"2014-03-24 15:30:24",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:37:05",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:37:05",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"this-year-plan-to-create-your-own-reality",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"BBC World Have Your Say"},{__cdata:"BET"},{__cdata:"Black Enterprise"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"Business Resources"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Huffington Post"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Reality"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Vision"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/3wjUXCaMdBR"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/sZ24T2ndDR"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:5671,comment_author:{__cdata:"Bee"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"196.46.246.172",comment_date:"2014-11-22 05:44:10",comment_date_gmt:"2014-11-22 04:44:10",comment_content:{__cdata:"Kudos. I really like your courage"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1416631450.50763988494873046875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1416844654"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1416844654"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1416844655.1461029052734375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1416635401.6584489345550537109375;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women Forum"}

4290,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/03/25/the-awp-network-at-the-united-nations-commission-on-the-status-of-women-forum/",pubDate:"Tue, 25 Mar 2014 15:00:45 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2535",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The NGO CSW Forum is an open process, a democratic space where boys and girls, men and women can advocate for gender equality, development and peace.
4291
4292CSW58 took place March 9 - 21, 2014 at the United Nations Plaza. AWP Network founder, <strong>Mary Olushoga</strong> spoke on “Critical Impediments in Attaining Sustainable Health and Education Programs in Global Communities."
4293
4294See pictures from the event below:
4295
4296[gallery type="slideshow" link="file" ids="2548,2544,2536,2537,2538,2546,2543,2545,2541,2540,2542,2539,2547"]
4297
4298&nbsp;
4299
4300&nbsp;
4301
4302[gallery type="rectangular" ids="2548,2540,2542,2547,2539,2543"]`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2535,post_date:"2014-03-25 16:00:45",post_date_gmt:"2014-03-25 15:00:45",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:37:56",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:37:56",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-at-the-united-nations-commission-on-the-status-of-women-forum",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"advocacy"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"Carolina Velasco"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"Commission on the Status of Women"},{__cdata:"CSW58"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Honorable Jackie Weatherspoon"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Karen Block"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"LinkedIn"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"United Nations"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2542"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/4GoYqYiVwoN"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/9TPFxyUGrj"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"You are Invited! "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/03/27/you-are-invited/",pubDate:"Thu, 27 Mar 2014 13:06:29 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2554",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Junior Chamber International Nigeria will host its first impact series program with the AWP Network.
4303
4304When: March 30, 2014
4305
4306Time: 2pm
4307
4308Where: Radisson Blu, Victoria Island, Lagos
4309
4310Register<strong><a title="https://plus.google.com/events/ceggsu0hsj363sr9m6u8jcemtac?authkey=CLjB5bH40_-l8wE" href="https://plus.google.com/events/ceggsu0hsj363sr9m6u8jcemtac?authkey=CLjB5bH40_-l8wE" target="_blank"> here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="https://plus.google.com/events/ceggsu0hsj363sr9m6u8jcemtac?authkey=CLjB5bH40_-l8wE" href="https://plus.google.com/events/ceggsu0hsj363sr9m6u8jcemtac?authkey=CLjB5bH40_-l8wE" target="_blank">JCI-AWP Network</a></strong> Event is <a title="https://plus.google.com/events/ceggsu0hsj363sr9m6u8jcemtac?authkey=CLjB5bH40_-l8wE" href="https://plus.google.com/events/ceggsu0hsj363sr9m6u8jcemtac?authkey=CLjB5bH40_-l8wE" target="_blank"><strong>FREE</strong></a> to attend but seating is limited.
4311
4312Follow the event hashtags: #JCINigeria #AWPNetwork #IMPACTSeries
4313
4314<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BjipZXjCQAEDW_h.jpg:large"><img class="alignleft wp-image-2555 size-full" src="http://staging.awpnet

4314work.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1898624_828843908141_1601626384_o.jpg" alt="" width="1006" height="374" /></a>
4315
4316&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2554,post_date:"2014-03-27 14:06:29",post_date_gmt:"2014-03-27 13:06:29",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:40:13",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:40:13",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"you-are-invited",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Arrey Obenson"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Impact Series"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"JCI"},{__cdata:"JCI Nigiera"},{__cdata:"Kola Osinowo"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"voices"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Jjuvyx5qowj"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/6YJC8rtKWS"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2555"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: LeadPath Accelerator Program"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/03/31/apply-leadpath-accelerator-program/",pubDate:"Mon, 31 Mar 2014 21:57:21 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2567",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`LeadPath Nigeria’s $1.5 million seed fund is focused on startups doing business in software applications, mobile applications, electronic payments and big data.
4317
4318LeadPath Nigeria will also offer office space, mentorship and other services such as (legal, accounting, tax, etc) to their investees, helping them achieve scale and success in a promising but challenging market.
4319
4320You can receive up to $100,000 in seed funding.
4321
4322Apply <a title="http://www.f6s.com/leadpathaccelerator-pathfinders?utm_source=techcabal&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_campaign=techcabal_april" href="http://www.f6s.com/leadpathaccelerator-pathfinders?utm_source=techcabal&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_campaign=techcabal_april" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.f6s.com/leadpathaccelerator-pathfinders?utm_source=techcabal&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_campaign=techcabal_april" href="http://www.f6s.com/leadpathaccelerator-pathfinders?utm_source=techcabal&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_campaign=techcabal_april" target="_blank">LeadPath Nigeria</a></strong>
4323
4324<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: April 25, 2014
4325
4326&nbsp;
4327
4328&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2567,post_date:"2014-03-31 22:57:21",post_date_gmt:"2014-03-31 21:57:21",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:40:40",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:40:40",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-leadpath-accelerator-program",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"applications"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"LeadPath"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"software"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"startups"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"techbiz"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:""}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/HeSbycgbDE"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:7:"twitter";a:1:{i:376404104;b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Voices of Young African Entrepreneurs: The Rave about Printivo"}

4328,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/04/03/voices-of-young-african-entrepreneurs-the-rave-about-printivo/",pubDate:"Thu, 03 Apr 2014 15:28:37 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2576",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2577" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/1388771975964_3.png" alt="Printivo" width="610" height="160" />
4329
4330&nbsp;
4331
4332&nbsp;
4333
4334&nbsp;
4335
4336&nbsp;
4337
4338Satisfied customers have raved about Printivo.com on social media. We followed the comments and reached out to the company to learn more about the services they provide.
4339
4340Printivo.com is recognized as Nigeria\`s leading online print provider. The company works with a community of designers who upload their portfolios to a database of customized templates. From this, customers are then able to make design selections.
4341
4342<a title="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/oluyomiojo" href="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/oluyomiojo" target="_blank">Olu'yomi Ojo</a> founded the company early this year. We meet with him to ask a few questions about his company and learn more about his strategies for growth and sustainability.
4343
4344<strong>How did you come up with the name of your business?</strong>
4345Printivo for me means awesome print. Instead of saying “print it,” we tell our customers to "Printivo it."
4346
4347<strong>What does your company do?</strong>
4348Printivo.com is disrupting the Nigerian printing industry through its efficie

4348nt printing process, wide range of design templates, and internet reach. We take away the hassle and stress of having to find quality printers in Nigeria's busy cities. Our product line ranges from letterheads, business cards, envelopes, greeting cards, paper bags, and jotters - we will continue to expand our product range.
4349
4350<strong>What inspired you to start this business?</strong>
4351Printivo.com fills a need. We focus on SMEs interested in printing items at a reduced cost and with urgency. Our delivery process is fast, quick, and efficient.
4352
4353<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
4354Printivo focuses on SMEs, startups, and large corporations that needs to get printing jobs done quickly and efficiently.
4355
4356<strong>How have you financed your business?</strong>
4357Bootstrapping. I launched printivo.com with my savings. We wanted to  ensure that we had an execution strategy and a solid idea first, before seeking funds for the business.
4358
4359<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
4360(1) High quality prints (2) Unrivaled turnaround time (3) Do-It-Yourself approach to print ordering (4) Wide range of print product design templates (5) Great customer service
4361
4362<strong>What is the five (5) year plan for your business?</strong>
4363To become West Africa's No.1 online printing solution.
4364
4365<img class="alignleft wp-image-2579 size-full" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2.png" alt="Printivo" width="480" height="320" />
4366
4367&nbsp;
4368
4369&nbsp;
4370
4371&nbsp;
4372
4373&nbsp;
4374
4375&nbsp;
4376
4377&nbsp;
4378
4379&nbsp;
4380
4381&nbsp;
4382
4383&nbsp;
4384
4385&nbsp;
4386
4387&nbsp;
4388
4389<strong>What challenges do you face?</strong>
4390While finding the right talent is a challenge for every startup in Nigeria, the lack of electricity has been an enormous challenge.
4391
4392<strong>What key things have you learned since starting your business idea?</strong>
4393(1) Expect unforeseen circumstances even after crossing your "T's and dotting your I's."
4394(2) The customer is the blood of any business.
4395(3) The business of e-commerce is more about people than technology.
4396
4397<strong>What five things do start-up entrepreneurs need to know?</strong>
4398(1) Only build and develop products that people will use.
4399(2) Think about how you will make money. Think about your revenue source from day one.
4400(3) Build a business not just a business plan.
4401(4) Leverage on the Nigerian startup ecosystem, no tree can make a forest.
4402Lastly, it is important to note that this is one of the best times to build a startup in Nigeria. You are lucky if you have already joined the race (but don't get too excited because to whom much is given, much is expected).
4403
4404<strong>What advice do you have for young people looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
4405(1) Start from where you are and with what you have.
4406
4407(2) The best way to build credibility is to start something no matter how small and grow with it. Also, do not be afraid to share your idea with people who can make it happen. A failed idea is better than an idea that never happened.
4408
4409<strong>How can Nigerian youths continue to support each other?</strong>
4410Collaboration is one of the best ways to make greatness happen. Great things happen when people with different skill sets and experience come together to build – this is where innovation takes place.
4411
4412<strong>How many jobs have you created thus far?</strong>
4413Printivo has created six (6) jobs. We also have several contract jobs. We are looking to expand and will continue to hire as we grow.
4414
4415<strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Nigeria or Africa?</strong>
4416We need to start with the simple things. How can we talk about drones on a continent that still battles with polio, electricity, or bad roads? We don't need to build cyborgs; we need to build businesses that will make life easier for Africans, simple things done in big ways.
4417
4418&nbsp;
4419
4420Want to get in touch?
4421
4422Printivo Limited
442318, Bajulaiye Road,
4424Jibowu, Lagos. Nigeria
4425
4426<strong>Phone</strong>: +234-1-3426975, +2348099561000
4427<strong>Facebook</strong>: <a title="https://www.facebook.com/printivo" href="https://www.facebook.com/printivo" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/printivo</a>
4428<strong>Twitter</strong>: <a title="https://twitter.com/printivo" href="https://twitter.com/printivo" target="_blank">www.twitter.com/printivo</a>
4429<strong>Instagram</strong>: <a title="http://instagram.com/printivong" href="http://instagram.com/printivong" target="_blank">www.instagram.com/printivong</a>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2576,post_date:"2014-04-03 16:28:37",post_date_gmt:"2014-04-03 15:28:37",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:42:42",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:42:42",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"voices-of-young-african-entrepreneurs-the-rave-about-printivo",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African"}

4429,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Oluyomi Ojo"},{__cdata:"Printivo"},{__cdata:"printivo.com"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2579"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Gsyek7cCAkR"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/qYqvBN8A3p"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:2541,comment_author:{__cdata:"Ekemini INKCRAFTs Joseph"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.ekeminiwrites.mywapblog.com",comment_author_IP:"199.190.46.56",comment_date:"2014-04-06 14:35:09",comment_date_gmt:"2014-04-06 13:35:09",comment_content:{__cdata:"I love this! I am inspired. Thanks"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1396791309.245275020599365234375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1396828399"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1396828399.25440692901611328125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1396828399"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-04-06 13:35:09"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"IsDB Business Plan Competition for Sub-Saharan Countries"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/04/07/isdb-business-plan-competition-for-sub-saharan-countries/",pubDate:"Mon, 07 Apr 2014 00:07:42 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2615",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The business plan competition is a recently introduced initiative of the IsDB Group. In this competition, candidates come together to develop and further refine their business plans to launch their start-ups or grow ventures, while competing for the cash prizes.
4430
4431IsDB Group invites all eligible entrepreneurs from Sub-Saharan African Member Countries to participate in its 1st Annual Business Plan Competition. This event aims the following:
4432<ul>
4433	<li>Contribute to the development of entrepreneurship eco-system in Sub-Saharan Africa,</li>
4434	<li>Stimulate and promote entrepreneurial initiatives in the region,</li>
4435	<li>Help the entrepreneurs to move their plans from “idea” to “launch” and eventually to “growth” stages,</li>
4436	<li>Encourage Sub-Saharan entrepreneurs with several financial and n

4436on-financial benefits.</li>
4437</ul>
4438Participating to this competition will provide several benefits including;
4439<ul>
4440	<li>Cash prizes,</li>
4441	<li>Training materials on business plan development,</li>
4442	<li>Mentorship from prominent entrepreneurs,</li>
4443	<li>Networking opportunities with well-known entrepreneurs, investors, and potential partners,</li>
4444	<li>Media exposure for finalist entrepreneurs</li>
4445</ul>
4446<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: April 30, 2014
4447
4448Apply <strong><a title="http://idb-bpcompetition.com/?q=online-form" href="http://idb-bpcompetition.com/?q=online-form" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://idb-bpcompetition.com/?q=online-form" href="http://idb-bpcompetition.com/?q=online-form" target="_blank">IsDB</a></strong>
4449
4450&nbsp;
4451
4452&nbsp;
4453
4454&nbsp;
4455
4456&nbsp;
4457
4458&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2615,post_date:"2014-04-07 01:07:42",post_date_gmt:"2014-04-07 00:07:42",post_modified:"2014-04-07 01:07:42",post_modified_gmt:"2014-04-07 00:07:42",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"isdb-business-plan-competition-for-sub-saharan-countries",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business plan competition"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"IsDB"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"plan"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:""}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/wuxpcptLwu"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:7:"twitter";a:1:{i:376404104;b:1;}}'}}],comment:[{comment_id:2559,comment_author:{__cdata:"Kofo Durosinmi-Etti"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://nextgenafricanfarmers.com",comment_author_IP:"41.58.193.81",comment_date:"2014-04-09 11:37:45",comment_date_gmt:"2014-04-09 10:37:45",comment_content:{__cdata:'Reblogged this on <a href="http://nextgenafricanfarmers.com/2014/04/09/isdb-business-plan-competition-for-sub-saharan-countries/" rel="nofollow">NextGenAfricanFarmers</a>.'},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:47218365,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1397039866"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1397039866.9430510997772216796875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:12:"kofoworolade";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1397039867"}},{meta_key:"reblog_ping",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-04-09 10:37:45"}}]},{comment_id:2566,comment_author:{__cdata:"abass adekunle (@kunlab11)"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://twitter.com/kunlab11",comment_author_IP:"41.138.188.173",comment_date:"2014-04-11 12:55:37",comment_date_gmt:"2014-04-11 11:55:37",comment_content:{__cdata:"the program is taking how many days to materalised."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1397520394"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1397520394.7974340915679931640625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1397217337.6022450923919677734375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"hc_post_as",meta_value:{__cdata:"twitter"}},{meta_key:"hc_avatar",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://abs.twimg.com/sticky/default_profile_images/default_profile_1_normal.png"}},{meta_key:"hc_foreign_user_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2183865307"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1397520394"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-04-11 11:55:37"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Are African Female Techpreneurs Lagging Behind? "}

4458,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/04/09/are-african-female-techpreneurs-lagging-behind/",pubDate:"Wed, 09 Apr 2014 00:36:22 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2620",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<em>originally published by Mary Olushoga for the <a title="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-olushoga/" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-olushoga/" target="_blank">Huffington Post</a></em>
4459
4460<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2326" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mary-olushoga1.jpg?w=300" alt="Mary Olushoga" width="300" height="169" />On February 8, I saw a tweet from the <a href="http://commtech.gov.ng/" target="_blank">Nigerian Federal Ministry of Communication Technology</a> asking tweeps to check out its recently launched and newly revamped website. I followed the link to review its changes and one thing in particular stood out to me. On the front page of the site, there were several pictures, and I noticed that the pictures on the website predominately featured men. One of the pictures in particular highlights the Minster's support of one of Nigeria's leading technology hubs, the <a href="http://cchubnigeria.com/" target="_blank">Co-creation hub</a>, an organization supporting young Nigerian techpreneurs and software developers. This picture also features mostly men. I am left with the question: where are Africa's female techpreneurs? And what can be done to increase their participation in the tech space? In response to this observation, I tweeted back almost immediately to the Ministry, "<a href="https://twitter.com/ngrcommtech" target="_blank">@ngrcommtech</a> I like the new website... now let's get more women and girls disrupting the tech space in Nigeria -- mostly men in that #cchub pic." I visited the website of other African tech hubs and notice a similar trend -- where are the women?
4461
4462The Co-Creation Hub is not the only techspace with this problem. Organizations like the <a href="http://www.fatefoundation.com/" target="_blank">FATE Institute for Venture Design</a> (IVD) also struggle with recruiting female techpreneurs. In 2011, the FATE IVD recruited its first class and out of the 16 fellows, 15 were men. In the summer of 2012, the <a href="http://aiti.mit.edu/program/nigeria-summer-2012/" target="_blank">MIT AITI</a> program worked on a project with the University of Lagos in Nigeria and of the 53 participants, only eight students were female. In Ghana, of the 42 program participants, only eight students were female. Similar trends can be found among tech hubs throughout Africa: Activspaces in Cameroon, KLab in Rwanda, or Ihub in Kenya. In thinking about solutions, how do we ensure that African women and girls are included in conversations about Africa's technological innovation and development?
4463
4464UNESCO reports that African women constitute 29 percent of researchers in science and technology in Africa, and more must be done to increase gender equity, equality and empowerment to ensure an integrated, developed and prosperous continent. The number of women who pursue science and engineering programs in higher education institutions are indeed fewer than men. Last year, I met Nigeria's first Minister of Communication Technology, Honorable Omobola Johnson at the <a href="http://www.wcit2012.org/en/" target="_blank">18th World Congress on Information Technology</a> in Montreal. In addition to discussing Nigeria's progress in the ICT sector on a global platform, the minister also attended presentations by the<a href="http://youthaward.org/winners/online-webinars-african-women-and-girls" target="_blank">World Summit Youth Award</a> program where young techpreneurs were recognized for using the internet and mobiles to put the United Nations Millennium Development Goals into Action. In my discussion with the Minister and her Special Assistants, I stressed why gender inclusion was important as she thought about various ICT initiatives -- particularly why mentoring and empowerment programs are crucial to creating a solid pipeline and ecosystem of African women and girl techpreneurs.
4465
4466Indeed, certain cultural norms have shaped biased institutional strongholds that will take time to change, but women and girls cannot continue to put their success or lives on hold. Early this year while in Lagos, I had dinner with one of Nigeria's well-known young techpreneurs, Nkemdilim Uwaje, CEO at <a href="http://www.futuresoft-ng.com/" target="_blank">Futuresoft Nigeria</a>. In our conversation, I asked her what it's like being a young African female techpreneur, and she said that, "when it comes to ICT I don't do the gender thing to be honest, there are just not enough Africans in the tech pipeline. The IT literacy rates here are so low across board that gender does not make much difference. We need better qualified IT people regardless of gender." While she spots no particular gender difference, she mentioned that her father started her business. She said, "My dad started the business in 1999. He always told me that it was my company, so when I was ready to start my own business in 2008, I inherited it." Nwaje's father served as her role model and mentor into a male-dominated industry.
4467
4468Nwaje gives back by mentoring girls at the <a href="http://www.w-teconline.org/" target="_blank">Women's Technology Empowerment Centre</a> (W-TEC), a non-profit based in Nigeria working to encourage Nigerian women to use technology to empower themselves. She says, "I do career talks for girls regarding ICT at the WTEC summer camp every year. So that girls can understand that ICT is a good career, but I also do the same at universities and both male and female students need that, as their exposure to ICT is very, very limited."
4469
4470Lagos-based ICT consultant, John Ajah talks about his college experience. He said "I studied engineering in university and in a class of 85 we had seven ladies, and five of the ladies were in the top 15 percent of the class. So imagine the possibilities of women and girls, when in a predominantly male class we've got ladies leading the show. It will be good to see more ladies interested in tech and getting involved at an early age, because it takes time and commitment to build a career in this line."
4471
4472In the past five years, many institutions and hubs throughout Africa have been established to facilitate technological innovation and development but many of these institutions and hubs should do more to increase the participation of women and girl techpreneurs. These institutions and hubs have a responsibility because they have a platform that attracts various types of resources and stakeholders such as investors, and government officials. Funders should also ensure that hubs strategically work to increase the participation of women and girls through marketing, extensive grassroots outreach and empowerment programs. They could also foster partnerships and collaborative efforts with entrepreneurs, non-profits, policymakers, and educational institutions to come up with strategies that may increase the participation of women and girl techpreneurs. Mentorship will also be effective in helping female techpreneurs understand entrepreneurial opportunities available in the ICT sector.
4473
4474Individually, African women are pushing the envelope in how business is done in Africa using technology as an effective tool and platform for change but collectively and collaboratively, more needs to be done. Many of these institutions and technological hubs ought to look ten years ahead and as they engage the next group of fellows or tech innovators they ought to be inclusive and help facilitate a solid pipeline and eco-system of African women techpreneurs. Women like Nkem Uwaje, Dorothy Gordon, Omobola Johnson, Ory Okolloh, Oreoluwa Somolu are doing their bit but more needs to be done. More collaborative platforms need to be created to mentor and empower the next generation of African women and girls tech innovators and entrepreneurs especially as these newly created institutions and technological hubs promote, create, develop and enable innovation in Africa using technology -- let us be sure to increase the participation and include the voices of African women and girls.`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2620,post_date:"2014-04-09 01:36:22",post_date_gmt:"2014-04-09 00:36:22",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:44:47",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:44:47",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"are-african-female-techpreneurs-lagging-behind",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

4474,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Huffington Post"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"Vision"},{__cdata:"voices"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2326"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/wvbQ8vKXVB"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:""}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:7:"twitter";a:1:{i:376404104;b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:9051,comment_author:{__cdata:"The AWP Network ‘Get Connected Business Series’ – Meet the Speakers « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2017/04/21/the-awp-network-get-connected-business-series-meet-the-speakers/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.87.241",comment_date:"2017-04-21 17:08:51",comment_date_gmt:"2017-04-21 16:08:51",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Nkemdilim Begho is the founder of Future Software Resources. Begho has successfully re-branded the company, thus changing its focus from a standalone solution to a web-based educational and business solutions enterprise. Prior to her appointment at Future Software, Begho has contributed to various research projects to include: the wazobia linux initiative, the e-government interoperability framework, NITDA open standards framework, as well as the deployment of e-commerce and e-portal solutions in the Nigerian public and private sector. Her company, Future Software Resources is the winner of the Etisalat Nigeria Prize for Innovation. She is a board member of the World Summit Youth Award, co-founder of the Bake for Change Development Foundation, and co-founder of a clothing manufacturing company. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1492790992"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1492790993.32077693939208984375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1492790931.550591945648193359375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Mara Mentor Tanzania Program "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/04/10/apply-mara-mentor-tanzania-program/",pubDate:"Thu, 10 Apr 2014 00:22:41 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2624",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Mara One-on-One aims to support the start-up and growth of young businesses in Dar es Salaam by connecting successful businessmen and businesswomen with passionate entrepreneurs for six (6) months.
4475
4476The <strong>Mara Mentor</strong> initiative is designed to help young enterprises survive the cut-throat world of business by creating alliances with strong players who have already succeeded in running successful companies. Through this program, young entrepreneurs  position their businesses for sustainable growth through one-on-one sessions with a mentor drawn from the top of the business world.
4477
4478Selected entrepreneurs will be invited to a matching event on the 25th of April where they will hold a 4 minutes pitch to each mentor.
4479
4480<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: April 20, 2014
4481
4482Apply <strong><a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16kajZj9Yy0S4blxCzp564I8loVaNkGtTfJkRl4OqoXo/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16kajZj9Yy0S4blxCzp564I8loVaNkGtTfJkRl4OqoXo/viewform" target="_blank">Here</a></strong>:<strong><a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16kajZj9Yy0S4blxCzp564I8loVaNkGtTfJkRl4OqoXo/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16kajZj9Yy0S4blxCzp564I8loVaNkGtTfJkRl4OqoXo/viewform" target="_blank"> Mara Mentor Tanzania </a></strong>
4483
4484&nbsp;
4485
4486&nbsp;
4487
4488&nbsp;
4489
4490&nbsp;
4491
4492&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2624,post_date:"2014-04-10 01:22:41",post_date_gmt:"2014-04-10 00:22:41",post_modified:"2014-04-10 01:22:41",post_modified_gmt:"2014-04-10 00:22:41",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-mara-mentor-tanzania-program",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

4492,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mara Foundation"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mentoring"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Tanzania"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:""}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/ok7t0Qli9X"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:7:"twitter";a:1:{i:376404104;b:1;}}'}}]},{title:{__cdata:"2014 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/04/15/2014-africa-awards-for-entrepreneurship/",pubDate:"Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:22:37 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2632",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The <strong>Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship</strong> (AAE) recognizes and awards exceptional entrepreneurial leaders who serve as role models to Africa's aspiring entrepreneurs and demonstrate business excellence, innovation, and profitability.
4493
4494AAE was established in 2007 to recognize business leaders who demonstrate innovation, profitability, and business excellence while serving as role models to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. Since its inception, AAE has attracted more than 7,000 applications from outstanding African businesses and awarded prizes of over USD 1.6 million to 30 leading African companies.
4495
4496The AAE’s objectives are to:
4497<ul>
4498	<li>Create a platform to spotlight and celebrate business excellence in Africa,</li>
4499	<li>Build a strong network of African entrepreneurs as role models and a source of best practice,</li>
4500	<li>Promote entrepreneurship as a driving force for Africa’s prosperity,</li>
4501	<li>Encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship,</li>
4502	<li>Attract venture capital inflows towards good businesses across the continent.</li>
4503</ul>
4504<strong>Eligibility</strong>
4505
4506The 2014 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship is open to Africa-based entrepreneurs with firms that are fully registered in the continent and that:
4507<ul>
4508	<li>Have revenues of over USD 150,000 for social entrepreneurs and over USD 500,000 for all other categories;</li>
4509	<li>Have been profitable for the last two consecutive years;</li>
4510	<li>Are independent, that is, not a subsidiary of a foreign entity;</li>
4511	<li>Are free of legal actions.</li>
4512</ul>
4513There are five (5) award categories which recognize entrepreneurs at different stages of the entrepreneurial cycle:
4514<ul>
4515	<li><strong>LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD</strong> – Awarded to a senior African business leader who has served as an entrepreneurial icon for several decades and has left an enduring legacy of success in Africa;</li>
4516	<li><strong>TRANSFORMATIONAL BUSINESS AWARD</strong> – Awarded to a leading business with revenues greater than USD 50 million that has created significant socio-economic impact in Africa under the direction of a notable business leader;</li>
4517	<li><strong>OUTSTANDING MATURE BUSINESS AWARD</strong> – A USD 100,000 prize to an established company led by a strong business leader who has generated revenues between USD 5 million and USD 50 million;</li>
4518	<li><strong>OUTSTANDING GROWING BUSINESS AWARD</strong> – A USD 50,000 prize to a young remarkable African business with revenues between USD 500,000 and USD 5 million;</li>
4519	<li><strong>OUTSTANDING SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARD</strong> – A USD 50,000 prize awarded to an organization that demonstrates outstanding innovation and entrepreneurship while sustainably addressing the socioeconomic development of low-income communities in Africa. To be eligible, the organization, which may be structured as a non-profit or for-profit must: have been founded or be currently run by an African citizen; demonstrate annual revenues of between USD 150,000 and USD 2.5 million in the last financial year; and be primarily focused on social return.</li>
4520</ul>
4521<strong>Selection Process</strong>
4522
4523Nominees will be selected through a rigorous and transparent selection process. A vetting team of business analysts, auditors, market and sector experts will review and shortlist the most outstanding nominations across each of the five categories, considering the entrepreneur’s story as well as key performance indicators of business excellence.
4524The Finalists are judged by an international panel of leading business experts through interviews and comprehensive reviews of company reports based on the following criteria:
4525<ul>
4526	<li>Sustainability and innovation</li>
4527	<li>Profitability and growth</li>
4528	<li>Long-term business strategy</li>
4529	<li>Leadership, culture and values</li>
4530	<li>Investment in employees</li>
4531	<li>Social and economic impact on communities</li>
4532</ul>
4533No financial data on the selected companies will be divulged without the companies’ consent. The decisions of AAE with respect to all aspects of the selection process are final and binding on all applicants without the right to appeal.
4534
4535The 2014 Awards gala will be held in Kigali, Rwanda in November 2014 during the African Leadership Network's fifth annual gathering.
4536
4537Apply <a title="http://africaawards.com/nominate-an-entrepreneur/e

4537nglish-application-form" href="http://africaawards.com/nominate-an-entrepreneur/english-application-form" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://africaawards.com/nominate-an-entrepreneur/english-application-form" href="http://africaawards.com/nominate-an-entrepreneur/english-application-form" target="_blank">Africa Awards </a></strong>
4538
4539Have questions? Email: <a title="[email protected]" href="[email protected]">[email protected]</a>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2632,post_date:"2014-04-15 01:22:37",post_date_gmt:"2014-04-15 00:22:37",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:45:23",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:45:23",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"2014-africa-awards-for-entrepreneurship",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Enterpreneurs"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Kenya"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"recognition"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:7:"twitter";a:1:{i:376404104;b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:""}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/EaU0jrz8GR"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Language and Culture – How Genii Games is Using Technology to Spark Innovation"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/04/17/language-and-culture-how-genii-games-is-using-technology-to-spark-innovation/",pubDate:"Thu, 17 Apr 2014 19:05:27 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2637",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft wp-image-2642 size-large" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_05721.png?w=635" alt="IMG_0572[1]" width="635" height="476" />Innovator and entrepreneur, <a href="http://ng.linkedin.com/pub/adebayo-adegbembo/17/1aa/961">Adebayo Adegbembo</a> founded <a href="https://twitter.com/technobayo">Genii Games</a> shortly after participating in the <a href="http://tech-in.org/education/">tech-in-education hackathon</a> organized by the <a href="http://cchubnigeria.com/">Co-creation hub</a>.
4540
4541Genii Games is the parent company of <strong>Asa</strong> – a growing collection of interactive mobile applications that teach Nigerian culture and languages.  Asa uses animation, voice, text, colorful graphics, and interactive games to capture the interest of its target audience. These games are available across multiple mobile platforms (Android, iOS, and Blackberry.)  Asa has earned recognition from the Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation, the BlackBerry10 mobile app competition, and the Mobile Web West African mobile app competition.
4542
4543<strong>How did you come up with this idea? </strong>
4544
4545Genii Games was born out of the tech-in-education hackathon organized by the Co-creation hub in Lagos. The goal of the hackathon was to come up with solutions that addressed issues in the education sector.
4546
4547I always had an interest in culture, child education, and languages so I focused on that. I wanted to start a movement that encouraged Nigerian children to learn more about their cultural heritage.
4548
4549Agreed - we live in a global community but that shouldn't mean that we forget about our culture. These days we focus on, and want everything western. Not many African children take the time to learn their own language. Nigerians would rather learn the Chinese, French, German, or Spanish languages but what is wrong in learning Yoruba? Igbo? Hausa? Or any other local language - absolutely nothing.
4550
4551<em>I believe that our local languages should remain relevant. It is part of our identity.</em>
4552
4553<strong>What did you study in college? </strong>
4554
4555I studied Surveying and Geoinformatics at the University of Lagos. I have also taken some certification courses in computer programming, graphic design, and animation.
4556
4557<strong>How did you come up with the name of the company? </strong>
4558
4559Do you mean Genii or Asa? well, Genii comes from the word ‘geniu

4559s’ and Asa, means ‘culture’ in the Yoruba language.
4560
4561<strong>Who is your target market? </strong>
4562
4563Genii games serves middle to upper-class parents with children ages 2 to 12.
4564
4565<strong>How have you financed your business? </strong>
4566
4567I have raised funds from friends and family. The Co-creation hub has also been very helpful – connecting us to various funding streams. Also, we have received funding and support from the Tony Elemelu Foundation, the Blackberry10 Mobile App Competition, and the Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation.
4568
4569Customer acquisition and retention is also very important to our business. Customers pay to download our mobile apps. We charge 99 cents for each purchase. We are also moving towards mobile advertising.
4570
4571<strong>What is your competitive edge?  </strong>
4572
4573We have a comprehensive and strategic approach to teaching language and we use interactive gaming technology to drive interest in our products.  More importantly, we are content developers. To increase our customer base, the content that we provide has to be stimulating and engaging.  Our prices are also affordable.
4574
4575<strong>What five (5) keys things have you learned since starting your business? </strong>(1) Entrepreneurship is a journey.
4576
4577(2) It is important to create value and provide solutions.
4578(3) Trust and credibility are crucial to building a solid customer base.
4579(4) It is important to build a system and product that works.
4580(5) To make money, have a sustainable business model.
4581
4582&nbsp;
4583
4584<strong>What key things do startup entrepreneurs need to know?</strong>
4585(1) There is no such thing as overnight success.
4586(2) Have confidence in your abilities. It is important to build your self-confidence. The truth of the matter is that if you do not believe in yourself, it becomes more difficult for someone else to believe in you.
4587(3) Keep a journal. Entrepreneurship will make a philosopher out of you. Owning a business is an exciting journey and writing in a journal encourages you to reflect – that way you can look back 10, 15 years from now and see how far you’ve come.
4588(4) Collaboration is essential. Leverage on the strength of others to make a difference. Don’t be opposed to sharing your ideas.
4589(5) Make use of social media. Use this platform to expand your network.
4590(6) Know your strengths and weaknesses.
4591(7) Build a solid team – I don’t believe anyone can work alone. We have to learn how to work with others and collaborate. Accept that you do not need to have all the answers.
4592(8) Hold on to your vision, don’t be afraid, and run a purposeful course.
4593
4594<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2639" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/asa_logo_nu_plain.png?w=300" alt="Asa_logo_nu_plain" width="300" height="212" />
4595
4596<strong>What challenges do you face?</strong>
45971) Finding the right talent. It is not easy to find people with the right set of skills. We are constantly on the lookout for graphic designers, voice over artists, and content developers. We welcome people who can deliver and willing to work hard.
45982) Marketing Support: we want to create awareness and would like more Africans in the diaspora to learn more about our work.
4599
4600<strong>What advice do you have for young people looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
4601I want young people to know that you do not need to have money to start a business. All you need is an idea, passion, and the right set of skills. Sit down and think about what it will require to bring your ideas to life – this is where the work is.
4602
4603<strong><em>Bringing an idea to life doesn’t require money, it requires creativity</em></strong>. So be creative. Don’t pressure yourself to know it all. Also, be willing to put in the sweat equity. I find that many people are unwilling to work hard for what they want, they'd rather see all the obstacles and complain rather than the numerous opportunities.
4604
4605Many young people in Africa have the erroneous notion that business is solely about retail and that’s why we have so many people in the retail industry. Our idea of business should not be limited to buying and selling clothes, shoes, and handbags. We have to think differently and dream big.
4606
4607<strong>How many jobs have you created thus far?</strong>
4608Genii Games has created five (5) jobs. We work on a per project basis and hire as we grow.
4609
4610<strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Nigeria or Africa?</strong>
4611Innovation is not about being perfect. We need to understand that it is okay to fail. Hubs are a starting point to spurring innovation. This is how we got started at Genii Games so I am a fan of hubs. Also, we need to revamp our education system. There are many people with potential here in Africa – we have lots of young people here and we have to work hard to ensure that their skills and talents don’t go to waste.
4612
4613<em>We are the one-stop shop for Nigerian languages.</em>
4614
4615<em>80 percent of our customers are Africans in the diaspora.</em>
4616
4617Contact <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/technobayo">Genii Games</a></strong> here:
4618
4619Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/geniigames">https://www.facebook.com/geniigames</a>
4620
4621Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Genii_Games">https://twitter.com/Genii_Games</a>
4622
4623Website: <a href="http://www.geniigames.com/">http://www.geniigames.com/</a>
4624
4625Youtube: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVMNi4lvy1c">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVMNi4lvy1c</a>
4626
4627&nbsp;
4628
4629&nbsp;
4630
4631&nbsp;
4632
4633&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2637,post_date:"2014-04-17 20:05:27",post_date_gmt:"2014-04-17 19:05:27",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:49:16",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:49:16",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"language-and-culture-how-genii-games-is-using-technology-to-spark-innovation",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African stories"}

4633,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Africans in technology"},{__cdata:"Android"},{__cdata:"app"},{__cdata:"Asa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Blackberry"},{__cdata:"BlackBerry10 mobile competition"},{__cdata:"branding"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation"},{__cdata:"french"},{__cdata:"Genii Games"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"hackathon"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"igbo"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"iOS"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"languages"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"Mobile Web West African"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nigerian education sector"},{__cdata:"possibilities"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"stories"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"tech in education"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"yoruba"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2638"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/5u1L9XYCM3Y"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/o2byHYVajX"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:4167,comment_author:{__cdata:"Founder of Genii Games Launches New App « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/08/13/founder-of-genii-games-launches-new-app/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.81.29",comment_date:"2014-08-13 03:23:02",comment_date_gmt:"2014-08-13 02:23:02",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] and entrepreneur, Adebayo Adegbembo founded Genii Games shortly after participating in the tech-in-education hackathon organized by […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-08-13 02:23:02"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1407896612"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1407896613.20026302337646484375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1407896582.976358890533447265625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"The WIE Africa Symposium"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/04/22/the-wie-network-africa-symposium/",pubDate:"Tue, 22 Apr 2014 00:29:51 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2669",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The second annual WIE Africa symposium will take place in Lagos on Saturday, May 3 2014.
4634
4635WIE Africa aims to challenge the perception of Africa as a whole by showcasing successful African women and innovation. The theme for this year’s symposium is “The Global Leader.” WIE, which stands for Women: Inspiration and Enterprise, first launched in 2010 in New York and is designed to celebrate excellence, and empower the next generation of women leaders.
4636
4637The WIE Symposium is a dynamic gathering of women leaders who share their stories and work together to achieve social change. Over the years, WIE has attracted an incredible lineup of speakers including Graca Machel, Donna Karan, Isha Sesay, HE Toyin Saraki, Tyra Banks, Melinda Gates, Diane von Furstenberg, Nancy Pelosi, Jill Biden, Cherie Blair, Precious Motsepe, Baroness Valerie Amos, Ted Turner, Alek Wek, Christy Turlington and Iman.
4638

4639Register <strong><a title="https://www.wienetwork.org/wieafrica2014/" href="https://www.wienetwork.org/wieafrica2014/" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="https://www.wienetwork.org/wieafrica2014/" href="https://www.wienetwork.org/wieafrica2014/" target="_blank">WIE Africa 2014</a></strong>
4640
4641<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2670" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/evite_v3_fb.png" alt="evite_v3_FB" width="610" height="610" />
4642
4643&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2669,post_date:"2014-04-22 01:29:51",post_date_gmt:"2014-04-22 00:29:51",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:50:41",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:50:41",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-wie-network-africa-symposium",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"empowerment"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"WIE"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/TLfJCQVfmxr"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/wNv61ZSyCL"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"African Girls in Technology: WITIN Forum Uncovers New Innovations"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/04/28/african-girls-in-technology-witin-forum-uncovers-new-innovations/",pubDate:"Mon, 28 Apr 2014 14:56:24 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2675",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`by <strong><em>Olufemi Omotayo</em></strong> (Director - AWP Network)
4644
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4646
4647&nbsp;
4648
4649<strong>Nigerian girls are techies too!</strong>
4650
4651Women in Technology in Nigeria (<a href="http://www.witin.org/">WITIN</a>) provides networking, entrepreneurship, and professional development opportunities for women and girls.
4652
4653WITIN educates, inspires and equips women and girls to pursue and keep careers in STEM while embracing the emerging tech market as inventors and innovators. WITIN's most recent initiative, <a href="http://witin.org/tech4d/">Tech 4D</a> is an annual forum that explores current technological trends and needs of society.
4654
4655The organization partnered with local schools such as Honeywell College, Vivian Fowler girls, International School Lagos, Princeton College Lagos, King David Model College, Our Lady of Nigeria Secondary School, Delta state; Mastermind College, and Doregos Private Academy.
4656
4657Students designed mobile applications that tackled problems within their communities. Their solutions addressed issues like the calculation of electricity bills, entrepreneurship, fashion and style, career decisions, fitness and diet. Other mobile applications included tackling depression, safety and transportation, situation reporting, and shopping.
4658
4659Last year's w<a href="http://mywitin.blogspot.com/2013/09/first-lady-celebrates-2013-winners-of.html">inners</a> represented Nigeria at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISeOIchChpY">Technovation 2013</a> and emerged top 10 globally, beating China, India and Jordan. The girls pitched their traffic app at the Twitter headquarters in California in May 2013. Hon (Mrs) Abike Dabiri-Erewa presented certificates to last year’s winners as well as this year’s participants.
4660
4661Mrs Dabiri-Erewa spoke briefly on how technology makes an impact in the lives of young women. She spoke passionately about the missing 200+ school girls in Borno and the killings in Nyanya, Abuja. She charged women to come together and get more involved in governance.
4662
4663“We need a Nigeria that will give girls a future. We need mothers who believe in the progress and security of our children.”
4664
4665<a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/04/24/african-techpreneur-wins-the-etisalat-prize-for-innovation/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/04/24/african-techpreneur-wins-the-etisalat-prize-for-innovation/" target="_blank">Mrs Nkemdilim Begho</a>, MD Futuresoft gave a brief presentation encouraging girls to pursue a degree in STEM fields.
4666
4667<a href="https://twitter.com/SchorrItu">Susan Schorr</a> from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) talked about empowering more women to embrace technology. <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/vickysleight">Vicky Sleight</a> spoke on the benefit of being part of her organisation, the GSMA; while <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rachelsthomas">Rachel Thomas</a>, the president of Lean In Foundation talked about how people can form ‘lean in’ circles.
4668
4669Girls gave their project presentations in the morning session. The women gathered in the afternoon to explore how to make better use of technology. Mrs. Iyabo Funmilola Osifeso, Permanent Secretary at the Lagos State Education District VI waited after performing her ‘motherly’ role in the morning and was an active participant in the afternoon session. Ms. Chioma Okoli, Head, Google Apps Enterprise, Upperlink Limited and Ms Odukoya of MTN 

4669Nigeria took participants in different practical tech sessions.
4670
4671Mrs Martha Alade, WITIN Chairperson/Founder, also emphasised on the myriad of opportunities technology offers. In a brief conversation with the AWP Network, she said, “we should have rewarded the girls for the apps they've created but we could not get the needed support, despite writing to many organisations.”
4672
4673“Yet, we should be happy because the event is a huge success,” she said.
4674
4675The event could yet be described by how Mrs Begho concluded her presentation.
4676
4677She quoted Ray Bradbury:
4678
4679<em>“Everyone must leave something behind when he dies, my grandfather said. A child or a book or a painting or a house or a wall built or a pair of shoes made. Or a garden planted. Something your hand touched some way so your soul has somewhere to go when you die, and when people look at that tree or that flower you planted, you’re there.</em>
4680
4681<em>It doesn't matter what you do, he said, so long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that’s like you after you take your hands away. The difference between the man who just cuts lawns and a real gardener is in the touching, he said. The lawn-cutter might just as well not have been there at all; the gardener will be there a lifetime.”</em>
4682
4683&nbsp;
4684
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AWP Network Presents the HR || PR Business Series"}

4685,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/04/29/the-awp-network-presents-the-hr-pr-business-series/",pubDate:"Tue, 29 Apr 2014 20:34:34 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2710",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The AWP Network recently developed a PR || HR Business series for young people who want to become entrepreneurs. AWP touted for its unique ability to turn dreams into reality, carries out its mission through an online platform that shares the inspirational and entrepreneurial stories of African women and youths.
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4687On Thursday, May 8 2014 (<strong>3:30pm</strong> West African Time) or (10:30am EST), Ann Ayinde - Product Lead at Career Solutions Africa will highlight key HR tools entrepreneurs can use when hiring.
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4689This program is geared towards entrepreneurs looking to hire the right talent.
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4691Register for the event <a title="https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/c5kcdtsvuamqdm6vabv8f2du1e8?authkey=CIjAkc_qz8GL3gE" href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/c5kcdtsvuamqdm6vabv8f2du1e8?authkey=CIjAkc_qz8GL3gE" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><em><a title="https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/c5kcdtsvuamqdm6vabv8f2du1e8?authkey=CIjAkc_qz8GL3gE" href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/c5kcdtsvuamqdm6vabv8f2du1e8?authkey=CIjAkc_qz8GL3gE" target="_blank">AWP HR || PR Business Series</a></em></strong>
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4693&nbsp;
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4695<a title="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/annayinde" href="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/annayinde" target="_blank"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2712" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_26951.jpg?w=203" alt="Ann Ayinde" width="203" height="300" /></a>
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4699<a title="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/annayinde" href="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/annayinde" target="_blank">Ann Ayinde</a> serves as HR Manager at <a title="http://www.careersolutionsafrica.com/" href="http://www.careersolutionsafrica.com/" target="_blank">Career Solutions Africa</a> and Product Manager for HR4SMEs - a tool tailored to SMEs to help manage their HR processes and systems. With over 8 years of experience spanning between the financial services sector and customer relationship management, Ann believes in the strategic function of Human Resources and is a strong proponent of Human Capital Development and Intrapreneurship. She wants to see mindsets change regarding jobs, careers, and people management.
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4725&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2710,post_date:"2014-04-29 21:34:34",post_date_gmt:"2014-04-29 20:34:34",post_modified:"2014-05-19 20:55:32",post_modified_gmt:"2014-05-19 19:55:32",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-presents-the-hr-pr-business-series",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Ann Ayinde"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business Series"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"Career Solutions"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"HP"},{__cdata:"Human Resources"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"PR"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:""}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/3j1ZycoLF

4725R"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:7:"twitter";a:1:{i:376404104;b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:2955,comment_author:{__cdata:"Slides: HR || PR Business Series | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/06/04/slides-hr-pr-business-series/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.82.101",comment_date:"2014-06-04 15:51:37",comment_date_gmt:"2014-06-04 14:51:37",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] AWP Network conducted a google chat series with Ann Ayinde, HR Manager at Career Solutions Africa and [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1401893497.85581111907958984375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-06-04 14:51:37"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1401893543"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1401893543.133696079254150390625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:2755,comment_author:{__cdata:"Ann Ayinde"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://annayinde.wordpress.com",comment_author_IP:"41.58.89.13",comment_date:"2014-05-08 13:48:06",comment_date_gmt:"2014-05-08 12:48:06",comment_content:{__cdata:`Reblogged this on <a href="http://annayinde.wordpress.com/2014/05/08/awp-presents-the-hr-pr-business-series/" rel="nofollow">Ann Ayinde Speaks</a> and commented: 
4726Join us in a few hours!`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:61229787,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1399565707"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1399565707.04934406280517578125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1399565707"}},{meta_key:"reblog_ping",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1399553286.67846393585205078125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:9:"annayinde";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-05-08 12:48:06"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: The Emerging Institutions Fellowship"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/05/02/apply-the-emerging-institutions-fellowship/",pubDate:"Fri, 02 May 2014 13:20:36 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2741",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The Emerging Institutions Fellowship Program (EIFP) provides hands-on service opportunities for young business and development professionals from around the world at Africa’s leading for-profit and nonprofit firms. The fellowship is designed to match the financial capital invested in emerging African businesses with the human capital needed to take these institutions to scale.
4727
4728<strong>Who are Emerging Institution Fellows?</strong>
4729Fellows come to the EIFP with a diverse set of backgrounds and skills set. At a minimum, all fellows are required to have an undergraduate degree, a commitment to excellence, be 35 years or less and be fluent in English. Host organizations may also designate other specific skill requirements for their Fellows. Other requirements include:
4730<ul>
4731	<li>Two to ten years of professional experience</li>
4732	<li>MBA candidate or early to mid-level professional with interest in/familiarity with emerging markets</li>
4733	<li>Professional background in business, management consulting, strategy, finance, and social enterprise and international development.</li>
4734	<li>Interest in building a career in Africa after the fellowship</li>
4735</ul>
4736<strong>Application Process</strong>
4737
47381. Apply: Send an email with your resume, a cover letter and two (2) letters of recommendation to <a title="http://www.ldiafrica.org/africa-fellowship/" href="http://www.ldiafrica.org/africa-fellowship/" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>
4739
47402. Letters of Recommendation: LDI Africa requires two letters of recommendation from individuals who know you in a professional capacity and can write about your skills and experiences as well as your potential for success an LDI Africa Fellow.
4741
47423. Review Process: Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. Phone interviews will be conducted with semi-finalists. Host organizations will conduct Skype video interviews with selected finalists. Host organizations will make their final recommendations to LDI Africa and LDI Africa will notify the selected candidates.
4743
4744<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: May 17, 2014
4745
4746Apply <a title="http://www.ldiafrica.org/africa-fellowship/" href="http://www.ldiafrica.org/africa-fellowship/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.ldiafrica.org/africa-fellowship/" href="http://www.ldiafrica.org/africa-fellowship/" target="_blank">Emerging Institutions Fellowship Program</a></strong>
4747
4748&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2741,post_date:"2014-05-02 14:20:36",post_date_gmt:"2014-05-02 13:20:36",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:51:41",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:51:41",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-the-emerging-institutions-fellowship",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

4748,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Emerging Institutions Fellowship Program"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Fellowship"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"LDI Africa"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/NeAskAWFfUM"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/9qNGFJAYCaw"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/MH1FEl4SJT"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: 2014 International Mathematical Olympiad "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/05/06/apply-2014-international-mathematical-olympiad/",pubDate:"Tue, 06 May 2014 13:56:26 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2744",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The 55th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from July 3 to 13, 2014.
4749
4750The IMO is a problem-solving contest for high school students, held in a different country in July every year. The first IMO was held in Romania in 1959, with seven countries taking part. Today, more than 100 countries take part, representing over 90% of the world's population. The IMO is the oldest, biggest and most prestigious of all the international science Olympiads.
4751
4752The 2014 IMO is presented by the South African Mathematics Foundation and will take place at the University of Cape Town. The event is endorsed by the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Science and Technology of the Republic of South Africa.
4753
4754Apply <strong><a title="http://www.imo2014.org.za/articles/17/online-registration" href="http://www.imo2014.org.za/articles/17/online-registration" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://www.imo2014.org.za/articles/17/online-registration" href="http://www.imo2014.org.za/articles/17/online-registration" target="_blank">IMO </a></strong>
4755
4756&nbsp;
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4764&nbsp;
4765
4766&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2744,post_date:"2014-05-06 14:56:26",post_date_gmt:"2014-05-06 13:56:26",post_modified:"2014-05-06 14:56:26",post_modified_gmt:"2014-05-06 13:56:26",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-2014-international-mathematical-olympiad",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"Cape Town"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Foundation"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Mathematics"},{__cdata:"Problem-solving"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/FtmTssLnVCY"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/CBMXVyWo3Bb"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/xcwfgTKQu0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: 2014 IndiAfrica Young Visionaries Fellowship"}

4766,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/05/07/apply-2014-indiafrica-young-visionaries-fellowship-2014/",pubDate:"Wed, 07 May 2014 13:54:13 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2747",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`IndiAfrica Young Visionaries Fellowship seeks to identify promising young entrepreneurs in India and Africa to offer them opportunities for growth and collaboration across the two geographies.
4767
4768Entries are invited from entrepreneurs <em>under 40 years of age </em>from Africa and India, who have demonstrated success in terms of achieving significant profit and/or substantial social impact through a venture in any of the following industry sectors:
4769
4770• Creative &amp; Cultural Industries (Art, Music, Handicraft, Design, Cinema ...)
4771• Education
4772• Energy
4773• Environment
4774• Agriculture, Food &amp; Nutrition
4775• Healthcare
4776• Information &amp; Communication Technologies
4777
477810 Indians and 10 Africans will be selected as Young Visionaries. The final announcement will be made on June 10 during the Awards Function of the IndiAfrica Business Venture Competition at Accra.
4779
4780Each winner will receive a cash grant of $2000 and will be invited to attend a 5-day boot camp in Delhi between June 23rd and 27th, 2014 with a view to exploring possibilities of new collaborative business ventures between Africa and India.
4781
4782The boot camp will close with a valedictory function on the 27th of June, likely to be attended by all African Heads of Mission in Delhi and top decision makers from government, media, academia, and business.
4783
4784Apply <strong><a title="http://www.indiafrica.in/RegisterYVFellowships2014.php" href="http://www.indiafrica.in/RegisterYVFellowships2014.php" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://www.indiafrica.in/RegisterYVFellowships2014.php" href="http://www.indiafrica.in/RegisterYVFellowships2014.php" target="_blank">IndiAfrica</a></strong>
4785
4786DEADLINE: May 18, 2014
4787
4788&nbsp;
4789
4790&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2747,post_date:"2014-05-07 14:54:13",post_date_gmt:"2014-05-07 13:54:13",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:52:47",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:52:47",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-2014-indiafrica-young-visionaries-fellowship-2014",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business plan competition"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"India"},{__cdata:"IndiAfrica"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/2cnxYfTibin"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/XH5umaB14qN"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/5RbCCuWzQx"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Yale Young African Scholars Program"}

4790,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/05/12/apply-yale-young-african-scholars-program/",pubDate:"Mon, 12 May 2014 17:20:39 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2762",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The Yale Young African Scholars Program (YYAS) is a high-intensity five-day program designed for African students who will graduate from secondary school in 2015 or 2016, are 18 years or younger at the time of the program, and have the talent, drive, energy, and ideas to make meaningful impacts as young leaders, even before they begin their university studies. The Yale Young African Scholars Program is an official program of Yale University.
4791
4792This is a new initiative that is modeled off of the Yale Young Global Scholars Program. These sessions, in Ghana and Ethiopia, are the first sessions to take place outside of Yale’s campus in New Haven, Connecticut. These sessions are intended solely for African students attending secondary school on the African continent.
4793
4794The 2014 inaugural Yale Young African Scholars programs will be hosted by Yale University in two locations:
4795
4796Ghana from 11 - 15 August 2014
4797Ethiopia from 18 - 22 August 2014
4798
4799Apply <a title="http://globalscholars.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/16%20May_YYAS%20Application%20%2B%20Evaluation%205_7.pdf" href="http://globalscholars.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/16%20May_YYAS%20Application%20%2B%20Evaluation%205_7.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://globalscholars.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/16%20May_YYAS%20Application%20%2B%20Evaluation%205_7.pdf" href="http://globalscholars.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/16%20May_YYAS%20Application%20%2B%20Evaluation%205_7.pdf" target="_blank">Yale Africa</a></strong>
4800
4801<strong>Deadline</strong>: May 16, 2014`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2762,post_date:"2014-05-12 18:20:39",post_date_gmt:"2014-05-12 17:20:39",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:52:22",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:52:22",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-yale-young-african-scholars-program",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/5cpyBrX5eLH"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/AaSN1SBm1dQ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/ML8ADRrilw"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Future Young Leaders in Education "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/05/13/apply-future-young-leaders-in-education/",pubDate:"Tue, 13 May 2014 14:10:59 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2766",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`WISE Learners' Voice brings the all-important views of students to the issue of rethinking education. The Program builds their communication, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills - to ensure that decision-makers hear their views and that they are equipped to take on leading roles in their fields and in the world of education.
4802
4803The Program is based on the conviction that when students are co-creators of their learning environments they become active participants, invested collectively as stakeholders in their learning environment.
4804
4805WISE is looking for a group of outstanding young learners aged 18 to 25 to apply or be nominated to join this growing global community and will attend the WISE Summit in Doha from November 4 to 6, as well as a pre-Summit workshop that will start on November 2. Participants will be involved in year-long activities during the rest of 2014 and throughout 2015.
4806
4807<strong>Deadline</strong>: June 1, 2014
4808
4809Apply <strong><a title="http://www.wise-qatar.org/sites/default/files/wise_learners_voice_criteria_2014.pdf" href="http://www.wise-qatar.org/sites/default/files/wise_learners_voice_criteria_2014.pdf" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://www.wise-qatar.org/sites/default/files/wise_learners_voice_criteria_2014.pdf" href="http://www.wise-qatar.org/sites/default/files/wise_learners_voice_criteria_2014.pdf" target="_blank">Future Leaders</a></strong>
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4844
4845&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2766,post_date:"2014-05-13 15:10:59",post_date_gmt:"2014-05-13 14:10:59",post_modified:"2014-05-13 15:13:18",post_modified_gmt:"2014-05-13 14:13:18",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-future-young-leaders-in-education",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

4845,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/XxftBdBRMtd"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/TbV81cTt7Fj"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/SGdAZK5dy6"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: USADF - Power Africa Off-Grid Energy Challenge"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/05/15/apply-usadf-power-africa-off-grid-energy-challenge/",pubDate:"Wed, 14 May 2014 23:00:40 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2774",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Are you an entrepreneur or part of a dynamic organization or company that works on off-grid technologies in one of the six <em>Power Africa</em> countries? Do you have a winning idea to provide energy to underserved communities in your country?
4846
4847<span style="color:#000000;">USADF is accepting proposals for Off-Grid solutions from the following countries: </span><span class="style2" style="color:#000000;">Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Liberia, Tanzania, Ghana.</span><span class="style2" style="font-weight:bold;color:#000000;"> </span><span style="color:#000000;">We want to hear from you!</span>
4848
4849<strong>Winner receives $100,000</strong>
4850
4851Apply <a title="http://www.usadf.gov/offgrid/documents/RFPInstructionsRoundII.pdf" href="http://www.usadf.gov/offgrid/documents/RFPInstructionsRoundII.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.usadf.gov/offgrid/documents/RFPInstructionsRoundII.pdf" href="http://www.usadf.gov/offgrid/documents/RFPInstructionsRoundII.pdf" target="_blank">Power Africa</a> </strong>
4852
4853<strong>Deadline</strong>: <span style="color:#000000;">June 20, 2014</span>
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4873&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2774,post_date:"2014-05-15 00:00:40",post_date_gmt:"2014-05-14 23:00:40",post_modified:"2014-05-14 22:22:12",post_modified_gmt:"2014-05-14 21:22:12",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-usadf-power-africa-off-grid-energy-challenge",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Ethiopia"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Ghana"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Kenya"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Liberia"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Power Africa"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Tanzania"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"USADF"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/9SjYKDDdi3q"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/StgHTHSRNay"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/47adFS75Pn"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network Presents the HR || PR Business Series"}

4873,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/05/19/the-awp-network-presents-the-hr-pr-business-series-2/",pubDate:"Mon, 19 May 2014 19:54:10 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2779",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The AWP Network recently developed a PR || HR Business series for young people who want to become entrepreneurs. AWP touted for its unique ability to turn dreams into reality, carries out its mission through an online platform that shares the inspirational and entrepreneurial stories of African women and youths.
4874
4875On Friday, May 23, 2014 (<strong>4:30pm</strong> West African Time) or (<strong>11:30am</strong> EDT), Yvonne Unubun, Founder and PR Consultant at Mayven PR  will inform young entrepreneurs on how (PR) tools can help move business ideas forward.
4876
4877This program is geared towards entrepreneurs interested in learning how PR tools can help grow business ideas.
4878
4879Register for the event <strong><a title="https://plus.google.com/events/c5kcdtsvuamqdm6vabv8f2du1e8?authkey=CIjAkc_qz8GL3gE" href="https://plus.google.com/events/c5kcdtsvuamqdm6vabv8f2du1e8?authkey=CIjAkc_qz8GL3gE" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="https://plus.google.com/events/c5kcdtsvuamqdm6vabv8f2du1e8?authkey=CIjAkc_qz8GL3gE" href="https://plus.google.com/events/c5kcdtsvuamqdm6vabv8f2du1e8?authkey=CIjAkc_qz8GL3gE" target="_blank">AWP Business Series </a></strong>
4880
4881[caption id="attachment_2780" align="alignleft" width="250"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2780" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/yu_profile2.jpg?w=250" alt="Yvonne Unubun" width="250" height="300" /> Yvonne Unubun[/caption]
4882
4883Yvonne Unubun is the founder of Mayven PR, a boutique public relations firm based in New York City. Mayven PR focuses on providing a variety of public relations services including but not limited to consulting, publicity, event coordinating, and writing services to clients in entertainment, fashion, politics and non-profit organizations. Yvonne leverages her digital marketing experience, advertising/public relations educational background, diverse network and passion for creative strategy building, and detailed brand execution to develop successful integrated marketing campaigns.
4884
4885Yvonne has a Bachelor in Communications from City College (CUNY), and continues to work as an account manager at a reputable digital marketing company in New York City.  Mayven PR remains the official PR partner to the Nigeria Entertainment Awards, and continues to partner with other small businesses to host informational panel sessions and networking events aimed at providing entrepreneurs and young professionals with great resources to grow their businesses and brands.
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4887&nbsp;
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4889&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2779,post_date:"2014-05-19 20:54:10",post_date_gmt:"2014-05-19 19:54:10",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:53:32",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:53:32",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-presents-the-hr-pr-business-series-2",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business development"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"business sustainability"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Mayven PR"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"PR"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"tools"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"},{__cdata:"Yvonne Unubun"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2780"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Lr6LsxzZYC8"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/bFNLxpPPMq5"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/hACgPQYQ4l"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:2977,comment_author:{__cdata:"Slides: HR||PR Business Series | The AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/06/09/slides-hrpr-business-series/",comment_author_IP:"66.135.48.142",comment_date:"2014-06-09 02:36:41",comment_date_gmt:"2014-06-09 01:36:41",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

48890;] AWP Network conducted a google chat series with Yvonne Unubun, Founder and PR Consultant at Mayven PR. [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1402533530"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1402533530.73769092559814453125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1402277801.685058116912841796875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-06-09 01:37:02"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Attend:  The 4th Africa CEO Roundtable"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/05/22/attend-the-4th-africa-ceo-round-table/",pubDate:"Thu, 22 May 2014 14:49:24 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2790",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2791" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/6239100317-1.jpg" alt="" width="280" height="200" />The 4th Africa CEO Roundtable and Conference on Corporate Sustainability &amp; Responsibility (AR-CSR) will hold June 19–20, 2014 in Tinapa, Calabar.
4890
4891This year's program will focus on the intersection where financial inclusion fosters economic sustainability and enhances societal benefit. The AR-CSR™ platform remains relevant in discussing issues of Sustainable Corporate and Economic Development, Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility, as well as the enhancement of a public-private synergy for the attainment of a credible business environment in Africa.
4892
4893The financial industry plays a critical role for society at large: serving individuals, families, businesses, governments, civic institutions, and other stakeholders. The sector performs indispensable functions such as enabling financial inclusion, facilitating saving and investment, providing protection from risks and supporting the creation of new jobs and enterprises. It is critical that the sector operates to provide these functions for society in a stable, sustainable way, and increases awareness of its activities in this area.
4894
4895To attend, register <a title="http://ar-csr.com/register/register-now" href="http://ar-csr.com/register/register-now" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://ar-csr.com/register/register-now" href="http://ar-csr.com/register/register-now" target="_blank">CEO Roundtable </a></strong>
4896
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4913&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2790,post_date:"2014-05-22 15:49:24",post_date_gmt:"2014-05-22 14:49:24",post_modified:"2014-05-22 15:53:09",post_modified_gmt:"2014-05-22 14:53:09",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"attend-the-4th-africa-ceo-round-table",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Corporate Sustainability"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"ThistlePraxis Consulting"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/fpMUfSAK2xw"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/SoSEyUQRqbv"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/ZB2jDXaijd"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"440 NG to Invest in Nigerian Startups "}

4913,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/05/23/440-ng-to-invest-in-nigerian-startups/",pubDate:"Fri, 23 May 2014 14:30:12 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2798",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<span style="font-weight:300;color:#484848;"><a title="http://www.88mph.ac/" href="http://www.88mph.ac/" target="_blank">88mph</a> has teamed up with <a title="http://www.l5lab.com/index.html#about" href="http://www.l5lab.com/index.html#about" target="_blank">L5 Lab</a> to bring early-stage investing to Nigeria. 440 NG is a joint venture between 88mph and L5Lab. The company provides startups with a $20k-110k investment for a 10-25% equity. 440 NG will focus on startups that target the African markets and are scalable via web or mobile. The company accepts up to 10 startups per program with a focus on refining products, business models, and go-to-market. Learn more about their investment terms <a title="http://www.440.ng/terms.html" href="http://www.440.ng/terms.html" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.440.ng/terms.html" href="http://www.440.ng/terms.html" target="_blank">440 NG </a></strong></span>
4914
4915<strong>Applications close: August 1, 2014 </strong>
4916
4917All startups will be notified by August 31st. Program runs from September 10th till December 10th.
4918
4919Apply<a title="http://platform.88mph.ac/signup" href="http://platform.88mph.ac/signup" target="_blank"> here</a>: <strong><a title="http://platform.88mph.ac/signup" href="http://platform.88mph.ac/signup" target="_blank">440NG</a></strong>
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4943&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2798,post_date:"2014-05-23 15:30:12",post_date_gmt:"2014-05-23 14:30:12",post_modified:"2014-05-23 15:30:12",post_modified_gmt:"2014-05-23 14:30:12",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"440-ng-to-invest-in-nigerian-startups",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"440NG"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"impact"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"investments"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"startups"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/A6uv11qQLbc"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/8P85ujHbWEx"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/Ibq0eS6Pe2"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year Competition"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/05/26/apply-2014-sanlam-business-partners-entrepreneur-of-the-year-competition/",pubDate:"Mon, 26 May 2014 00:59:45 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2805",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2806" src="http://staging.awpnet

4943work.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/eoy.jpg?w=300" alt="EOY" width="300" height="286" />The <em>Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year</em> competition aims to honor, benefit and uplift South African SMEs.
4944
4945This annual competition celebrates excellence in South African entrepreneurship and serves as an inspiration to others to succeed in the world of business.
4946
4947To enter the Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year competition, you must be based in South Africa and comply with the minimum criteria of the categories outlined below.
4948
4949Entrepreneurs who enter may be considered for the following categories in the Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year competition:
4950
4951<strong><em>Emerging Entrepreneur</em>: </strong>An entrepreneur who is in business for a maximum of 5 years and with a turnover not exceeding R5 million on the date the entry form is received by the steering committee.
4952
4953<strong><em>Small Business Entrepreneur</em>: </strong>An entrepreneur who runs a business, irrespective of length of time during which it has been active, with a turnover of between R5 million and R20 million in the tax year immediately preceding the date of entering the competition.
4954
4955<strong><em>Medium Business Entrepreneur</em>: </strong>An entrepreneur who runs a business, irrespective of the length of time during which it has been active, with a turnover of R20 million or more in the tax year immediately preceding the date of entering the competition. Controlling owner must be stated.
4956
4957<strong><em>Job Creator of the Year</em>: </strong>An entrepreneur who not only employs a significant number of employees, but also plays a key role in uplifting, up-skilling and training them. They help towards making a dent in the unemployment rate of the community, area, province, and country where the business is situated.
4958
4959<strong><em>Lifetime Achiever Award</em>: </strong>An entrepreneur who has, over the years, shown fortitude and strength in the entrepreneurial arena, and developed a business that has size, longevity and profitability.
4960
4961<em><strong>Innovator of the Year</strong></em>
4962
4963An entrepreneur with the ability to:
4964<ul>
4965	<li>Reinvent the way business is done in his/her industry; and/or</li>
4966	<li>Be innovative in the product or service being offered to the market; and/or</li>
4967	<li>Finds a way of drawing the best qualified and technical people in the industry and keeping them because of creating a special environment where employees can flourish.</li>
4968</ul>
4969Apply <a title="http://www.eoy.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/entry-form-2014-web.pdf" href="http://www.eoy.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/entry-form-2014-web.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.eoy.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/entry-form-2014-web.pdf" href="http://www.eoy.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/entry-form-2014-web.pdf" target="_blank">Sanlam 2014</a></strong>
4970
4971<strong>Deadline: June 16, 2014</strong>
4972
4973&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2805,post_date:"2014-05-26 01:59:45",post_date_gmt:"2014-05-26 00:59:45",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:54:15",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:54:15",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-2014-sanlam-business-partners-entrepreneur-of-the-year-competition",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"award"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business Partners"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Determination"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneur of the Year"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Sanlam"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2806"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/dMPiERdgMzi"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/YXmcC1Gu8pe"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/92Pk8E3xQi"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Technology Innovation Program"}

4973,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/05/28/apply-technology-innovation-program/",pubDate:"Wed, 28 May 2014 19:24:05 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2816",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:` 
4974
4975<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2818" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/techlaunch.jpg" alt="techlaunch" width="360" height="130" />The <strong><em>techlaunchpad</em></strong> program is a public-private partnership focused on promoting software technology development among local entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
4976
4977The objectives of techlaunchpad are as follows:
4978
4979To assist the tech startups admitted through the techlaunchpad programme in building their skills in areas such as:
4980• Technical skills,
4981• Business skills,
4982• Management skills,
4983• Provide the requisite support and mentorship to the startups in ensuring that their solution adhere to international quality standard and have relevance to the industry through mentoring,
4984• Facilitate access to fund and market.
4985
4986<strong>Eligibility</strong>:
4987The beta solution must meet the requirements below:
4988
4989• Must be innovative and not infringe on any known copyright,
4990• Application and solution documentation must be in English Language,
4991• Solution should not yet have been introduced into the market; but should require short lead time to commercialization (18 months or below);
4992
4993<em>Application must be within the stated areas of scope under the following industries:</em>
4994• Agriculture and Logistics
4995• Building and Construction
4996• Telecommunication
4997• Health
4998
4999<em>Existing, new and aspiring software developers (company or individuals):</em>
5000• Nationality
5001• Participants must be Nigerian citizens
5002• Participants must be of a minimum of 18 years
5003• Participants must be available in Nigeria throughout the duration of the programme
5004• Participants with business entities must be registered in Nigeria with a minimum of 51% local equity (i.e.. At least 51% of the company should be owned by Nigerians)
5005
5006<strong>Deadline</strong>:  June 8, 2014
5007
5008Apply <a title="http://techlaunchpad.com.ng/apply" href="http://techlaunchpad.com.ng/apply" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://techlaunchpad.com.ng/apply" href="http://techlaunchpad.com.ng/apply" target="_blank">Techlaunchpad</a></strong>
5009
5010&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2816,post_date:"2014-05-28 20:24:05",post_date_gmt:"2014-05-28 19:24:05",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:57:42",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:57:42",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-technology-innovation-program",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Africa. Nigeria"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Creativity"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"ICT"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"investments"},{__cdata:"Launch"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"software development"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Techlaunchpad"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/3whpArEjvpA"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/Tbgr99z493w"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/Pw20KzFjXl"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Fearless and Bold: Iheoma Obibi Opens Nigeria’s First Online Adult Novelty Store"}

5010,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/06/03/fearless-and-bold-iheoma-obibi-opens-nigerias-first-online-adult-novelty-store/",pubDate:"Tue, 03 Jun 2014 03:26:10 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2844",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_2845" align="alignleft" width="250"]<img class="wp-image-2845" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/pne_391s2.jpg?w=610" alt="Founder, Intimate Pleasures" width="250" height="400" /> Founder, Intimate Pleasures[/caption]
5011
5012<em>The inspiration for my business came after I attended a breakout session organized by Life Coach, Esther Passaris, at the African Feminist Forum in Kampala,Uganda (2010). </em>
5013
5014<em>At the time, I had a growing customer base but did not know how to take the business idea to the next level. Passaris got me to identify obstacles preventing me from implementing my goals. The limitation of course, was in my mind - I was afraid and extremely fearful of operating out of my comfort zone. </em>
5015
5016<em>Today however, I have moved forward with the business idea, worked hard to overcome my fears, and I have not looked back since.</em>
5017
5018<strong>How did you come up with your business name?</strong>
5019Intimate Pleasures is a sex-positive adult novelty store for women and their partners. The name <em>Intimate Pleasures Desires of the Heart</em> came after speaking with friends, my husband, and researching what competitors had named their business. I needed to be creative.
5020<p style="text-align:left;"><strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
5021My customers are women. Cultural norms coupled with religion means that regardless of age, women are yet to enjoy or make demands of a sexual nature within their relationships. My business takes a holistic approach to supporting the sexual health and intimate needs of the Nigerian woman. A woman should be entitled to a healthy sex life. She should also have the ability to ask questions in a safe space without being judged.</p>
5022<img class="alignnone  wp-image-2847" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2013-787.jpg?w=610" alt="2013 787" width="610" height="457" />
5023
5024<strong>Why sex toys?</strong>
5025
5026Those of us in this business say, “adult novelty toys” rather than “sex toys.” I started this business in 2010 and competition is fierce.
5027
5028Why not adult novelty toys?  There is a need for the products in the marketplace and I am comfortable selling them. I ask my clients, Is the sexual experience enjoyable? Can it get any better?
5029
5030<strong>How have you financed your business?</strong>
5031
5032I funded this business with my savings. I also asked my husband to assist with his line of credit. Recently, I asked a few friends for a soft loan. I bootstrap - ensuring that any money earned goes back into the business. This means making sure that financial obligations to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) are met, even during months when I have no sales. So far, it has been both stressful and rewarding.
5033
5034<strong>What is your competitive edge? </strong>
5035
5036Intimate Pleasures is Nigeria's first adult novelty store. In addition to this, our business activities are as follows: (1) we organize a quarterly “wellness and intimacy ladies only” afternoons, (2) we offer counselling services and are often invited to speak to groups of women, men, or couples on a diverse range of issues, (3) we organize bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and (4) as “Madam Butterfly” we are on several radio shows giving advice and answering general questions regarding intimacy. As you can see, we do not only sell adult novelty toys, we provide a sex-positive holistic package.
5037
5038<strong>What is the long-term plan for your business?</strong>
5039
5040Initially, counselling was not part of my business plan but I had to re-visit this idea because it is what my customers want. Customers want to speak with someone about issues related to sex and intimacy.
5041
5042<strong>What challenges do you face?</strong>
5043
5044We have several challenges. The first is challenging the perception that I can start a business focused on selling adult novelty toys in Nigeria. Also, the distribution channel. Some local firms are not time efficient as I would like. The first local courier my company used, closed down. Now we are revisiting how we want to engage partners in the distribution process.
5045
5046The eCommerce part is a challenge. <strong><em>Nigerians still do not fully trust purchasing anything online</em></strong>. Lastly, the Nigerian market is flooded with fake adult novelty toys. This confuses customers who may not be able to tell the difference between the fake and real toys. Fake toys are dangerous.
5047
5048<strong>What key things have you learned since starting this idea?</strong>
5049
5050(1) <em>Be honest about your capabilities</em>. You will need a clear assessment of yourself to run your business. For instance, there is no need engaging in PR, if you are timid and shy. Be brutally honest with yourself and then begin to do the work.
5051
5052(2) <em>Understand financial planning</em> and its implications for your business. I had to learn this as it was necessary for my business growth.
5053
5054(3) <em>Be patient</em>. Not everyone will work at your pace; therefore don't get upset when a key person works at a slower pace than you.
5055
5056(4) <em>Use social media as a marketing tool.</em> I quickly had to learn what Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook pages could do for my business.
5057
5058(5) <em>Network. Network. Network</em>: Networking has helped me get the word out about my business. I have learned to become my own advocate. My business is extremely personal, therefore it is important to explain the why of my business.
5059
5060&nbsp;
5061
5062<strong>What five (5) things do start-up entrepreneurs need to know?</strong>
5063
50641. Learn how the tax system works. The system here in Lagos, is almost geared for penalties and little way is made for SMEs.
5065
50662. Develop a business and strategic plan.
5067
50683. Be appreciative of your family. Family is important so be grateful and humble. It is important to know this because they are the ones to sooth your frayed nerves after a stressful day.
5069
50704. Get insurance. You need to know where to get insurance from. This will affect your products in terms of pricing especially if your business involves being couriered to you through customs.
5071

50725. Know your competitors. You need to know who your competitors are and how the market is shaped because you will always need to be innovative and up-to-date on products that you sell.
5073
5074<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
5075
5076Yes, you need money to start a business, but is it possible to bootstrap your ideas? Start small and work your way towards your identified goal. You can also hold on to a part-time job if you have one.
5077
5078<strong>How do you think African youths can continue to support each other?</strong>
5079
5080Young Africans can support each other by speaking up about their experiences, and being passionate about implementing their goals.
5081
5082<strong>How many jobs have you created so far?</strong>
5083
5084Since we started, we have created about ten (<strong>10)</strong> jobs, including but not limited to hiring a lawyer, web designer, operations manager, and a dispatch rider. Also, we use part-time staff for trade fairs and public events.
5085
5086<strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Africa?</strong>
5087
5088We have to encourage an enabling environment for organic innovation to take root and develop. Often times, getting the needed support is tedious and exhausting - we have to supp

5088ort our entrepreneurs.
5089
5090 
5091
5092We are currently the only<a title="http://www.lelo.com/" href="http://www.lelo.com/" target="_blank"> www.lelo.com</a> distributors in Nigeria. Products can be purchased at<a title="http://www.konga.com/intimate-pleasures" href="http://www.konga.com/intimate-pleasures" target="_blank"> www.konga.com/intimate-pleasures</a>
5093
5094<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2863" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2013-754.jpg?w=300" alt="2013 754" width="300" height="225" />
5095
5096Learn more about <strong><em>Intimate Pleasures</em></strong> here:
5097
5098<strong>Phone</strong>: +(234) 0818 480 8686
5099
5100<strong>Website</strong>: <a title="http://www.myintimatepleasureshop.com/" href="http://www.myintimatepleasureshop.com/" target="_blank">www.myintimatepleasureshop.com </a>
5101
5102<strong>Facebook</strong>: <a title="www.facebook.com/naijadesires " href="www.facebook.com/naijadesires%20" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/naijadesires </a>
5103
5104<strong>Email</strong>: <a title="[email protected]

5104om" href="[email protected]" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>
5105
5106<strong>Instagram</strong>: <a title="http://instagram.com/naijadesires" href="http://instagram.com/naijadesires" target="_blank">http://instagram.com/naijadesires </a>
5107
5108&nbsp;
5109
5110&nbsp;
5111
5112&nbsp;
5113
5114&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2844,post_date:"2014-06-03 04:26:10",post_date_gmt:"2014-06-03 03:26:10",post_modified:"2014-06-05 02:19:08",post_modified_gmt:"2014-06-05 01:19:08",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"fearless-and-bold-iheoma-obibi-opens-nigerias-first-online-adult-novelty-store",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"adult novelty"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African Feminist Forum"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"ecommerce"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"employment"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Iheoma Obibi"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Intimate Pleasures"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"possibilities"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"retail"},{__cdata:"sales"},{__cdata:"sex toys"},{__cdata:"sex-positive"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"smallbiz"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"store"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Uganda"},{__cdata:"Unemployment"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2847"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/V6k8CmvXmCJ"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/CwgpJQGfv1y"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/TfBPu5rL5k"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_d2f324c6c931f6503abb7c97c6658c99",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_4ed8e9cd3cd2b81cfa30efb0f4f15aa8",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_7dbf5da23a2005026c282c793a9578c0",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:5847,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2014 AWP Network Power List &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.86.62",comment_date:"2014-12-08 23:27:28",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-08 22:27:28",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Iheoma Obibi (Nigeria): is a women’s rights advocate and owner of Intimate Pleasures, a novelty store for [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077648.4198551177978515625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1418077925"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077926.1135909557342529296875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6973,comment_author:{__cdata:"Young African Women Entrepreneurs Offer Advice on How to Start a Business With No Money &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/05/19/young-african-women-entrepreneurs-offer-advice-on-how-to-start-a-business-with-no-money/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.197",comment_date:"2015-05-19 12:41:49",comment_date_gmt:"2015-05-19 11:41:49",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

51140;] Iheoma Obibi, Intimate […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1432035747"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1432035748.5336589813232421875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1432035709.4567470550537109375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:6484,comment_author:{__cdata:"Fearless and Bold: Iheoma Obibi Opens Nigeria&r..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/women-in-business-africa/p/4036783741/2015/02/07/fearless-and-bold-iheoma-obibi-opens-nigeria-s-first-online-adult-novelty-store",comment_author_IP:"185.32.100.72",comment_date:"2015-02-07 11:20:40",comment_date_gmt:"2015-02-07 10:20:40",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] The inspiration for my business came after I attended a breakout session organized by Life Coach, Esther Passaris, at the African Feminist Forum in Kampala,Uganda (2010). At the time, I had a grow...  […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1423304441.2549560070037841796875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1423322561"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1423308800.422483921051025390625;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1423322562.1920440196990966796875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:9053,comment_author:{__cdata:"The AWP Network ‘Get Connected Business Series’ – Meet the Speakers « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2017/04/21/the-awp-network-get-connected-business-series-meet-the-speakers/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.87.241",comment_date:"2017-04-21 17:08:59",comment_date_gmt:"2017-04-21 16:08:59",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Iheoma Obibi is the founder of Intimate Pleasures, Nigeria’s first online sex shop. Obibi is a feminist, writer and human rights activist with extensive experience providing training to rural and urban poor communities in Africa and to marginalized communities in London. Currently, she is the Executive Director of Alliances for Africa an international non-governmental organization engaged in human rights training, legislative advocacy, public policy and community development. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1492790991.1834609508514404296875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1492790939.33446502685546875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1492790990"}}]},{comment_id:9378,comment_author:{__cdata:"mustapha habib imam"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"105.112.16.59",comment_date:"2017-07-10 16:14:28",comment_date_gmt:"2017-07-10 15:14:28",comment_content:{__cdata:"pls notify me if you have sex toys or low density shockwave for men and cost price with your office adress."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1499699669.2582681179046630859375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1499704861.5454909801483154296875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1500327147"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1500327147"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1500327148.322719097137451171875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:9074,comment_author:{__cdata:"The AWP Network Honors Itoro Eze-Anaba, Founder of the Mirabel Rape Crisis Center « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2017/05/08/the-awp-network-honors-itoro-eze-anaba-founder-of-the-mirabel-rape-crisis-center/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.87.125",comment_date:"2017-05-08 19:58:43",comment_date_gmt:"2017-05-08 18:58:43",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

51140;] Representative of the Stand To End Rape Initiative, Iheoma Obibi – Ashoka Fellow, Feminist and Founder of Intimate Pleasures, Nigeria’s first online adult novelty shop, Blessing Timidi Digha-Omolere – Women Deliver Young […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1494270004"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1494270005.555819034576416015625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1494269923.747191905975341796875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:9205,comment_author:{__cdata:"Kc blessed"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://Www.my%20intimatepressureshop.com",comment_author_IP:"197.210.44.90",comment_date:"2017-06-08 04:54:28",comment_date_gmt:"2017-06-08 03:54:28",comment_content:{__cdata:"Hi madam, pls I want to buy sex toy for female"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1497639567"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1497398212"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497398213.4065840244293212890625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1496898736.4737789630889892578125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497639558.6763188838958740234375;s:5:"event";s:11:"recheck-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497639568.2619359493255615234375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497639527.45693492889404296875;s:5:"event";s:17:"status-unapproved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1496894068.203977108001708984375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:9818,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"108.41.238.130",comment_date:"2018-01-16 15:25:11",comment_date_gmt:"2018-01-16 14:25:11",comment_content:{__cdata:"Hello Natallia, you have been sent an email by the owner of this company. do check your inbox. "},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:9812,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1516112713"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1516112712"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1516112712.65081310272216796875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:9812,comment_author:{__cdata:"Natallia U"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"82.145.223.65",comment_date:"2018-01-13 11:47:48",comment_date_gmt:"2018-01-13 10:47:48",comment_content:{__cdata:"I want some sex toys. I want to know the price range."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1515840468.4668118953704833984375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1516112721.5105569362640380859375;s:5:"event";s:17:"status-unapproved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1516112722.6610939502716064453125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1516112721.1562769412994384765625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1516112718.746820926666259765625;s:5:"event";s:17:"status-unapproved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1516030520.8425800800323486328125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1516112722"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1516030520"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1515845253.519093036651611328125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:11214,comment_author:{__cdata:"Okey"}

5114,comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"105.112.45.99",comment_date:"2018-11-29 08:51:49",comment_date_gmt:"2018-11-29 07:51:49",comment_content:{__cdata:"Please do you have office in Lagos? If yes, where is the address?"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1543482141.520078;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1543477909.860398;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1543608624"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1543608624"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1543608624.86098;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:9482,comment_author:{__cdata:"Fearless and Bold: Iheoma Obibi Opens Nigeria’s First Online Adult Novelty Store | VUOMGE"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"https://vuomgesite.wordpress.com/2017/08/29/fearless-and-bold-iheoma-obibi-opens-nigerias-first-online-adult-novelty-store/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.89.102",comment_date:"2017-08-29 19:27:00",comment_date_gmt:"2017-08-29 18:27:00",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Source: Fearless and Bold: Iheoma Obibi Opens Nigeria’s First Online Adult Novelty Store [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1504031220.631700038909912109375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1505753956"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1505753956.657579898834228515625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1504036110.319365024566650390625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Slides: HR || PR Business Series "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/06/04/slides-hr-pr-business-series/",pubDate:"Wed, 04 Jun 2014 14:51:34 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2917",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/04/29/the-awp-network-presents-the-hr-pr-business-series/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/04/29/the-awp-network-presents-the-hr-pr-business-series/" target="_blank">AWP Network</a></strong> conducted a google chat series with Ann Ayinde, HR Manager at <a title="http://www.careersolutionsafrica.com/" href="http://www.careersolutionsafrica.com/" target="_blank">Career Solutions Africa</a> and Product Manager for <em>HR4SMEs</em> – a tool designed to help SMEs manage their HR processes and systems.
5115
5116See Slides below. <em><strong>Have questions?</strong></em> Email: Ann [at] careersolutionsafrica.com
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5120,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/06/09/slides-hrpr-business-series/",pubDate:"Mon, 09 Jun 2014 01:36:35 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2960",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/05/19/the-awp-network-presents-the-hr-pr-business-series-2/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/05/19/the-awp-network-presents-the-hr-pr-business-series-2/"><strong>AWP Network</strong></a> conducted a google chat series with <a title="https://www.facebook.com/MayvenPR?ref=stream&amp;filter=2" href="https://www.facebook.com/MayvenPR?ref=stream&amp;filter=2" target="_blank">Yvonne Unubun</a>, Founder and PR Consultant at <a title="http://www.mayvenpr.com/" href="http://www.mayvenpr.com/" target="_blank">Mayven PR</a>. She informed entrepreneurs how key (PR) tools can move business ideas forward.
5121
5122See Slides below. <em><strong>Have questions?</strong></em> Email: info [at] mayvenpr.com
5123
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5125
5126<img class="alignleft wp-image-2964 size-large" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/page-31.jpg?w=610" alt="page-3" width="610" height="457" />`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:2960,post_date:"2014-06-09 02:36:35",post_date_gmt:"2014-06-09 01:36:35",post_modified:"2014-06-09 02:36:35",post_modified_gmt:"2014-06-09 01:36:35",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"slides-hrpr-business-series",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"HR"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"PR"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Slides"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2966"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/VNfxCEu2M3v"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/UAAJTYz1hEh"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/sBxmz2TUmz"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:5849,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2014 AWP Network Power List &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.86.62",comment_date:"2014-12-08 23:27:31",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-08 22:27:31",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Yvonne Unubun (New York/Nigeria): is the official publicist for the Nigerian Entertainment Awards, and the [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077651.9337298870086669921875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1418077923"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077924.2367560863494873046875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network at the Crans Montana Forum"}

5126,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/06/12/the-awp-network-at-the-crans-montana-forum/",pubDate:"Thu, 12 Jun 2014 03:10:57 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=2977",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Founder of the AWP Network, Mary Olushoga attended the Crans Montana Forum in Brussels where she was selected as a 'New Leader for Tomorrow.' The event brought together Heads of State, Ministers, International Organizations, MPs and Businesses from Europe, Africa, the Arab world, Central Asia, South America, and Far East. The event in Brussels also launched the Crans Montana African Women's Forum.
5127
5128<strong><em>See pictures below.</em></strong>
5129
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5133
5134<strong>Prizes: </strong>
5135
5136The winner will receive the JC Gammon Launchpad Award, a<strong> £15K cash prize</strong> to set up the business, a trophy, and mentoring and support, as well as the opportunity to pitch to a number of leading UK Angel groups within 6-9 months of being awarded. The winner will also be invited to join the Academy’s Enterprise Hub where they will receive on-going mentoring as well as invitations to attend a number of exclusive workshops and events.
5137
5138<strong>Criteria</strong>:
5139<ul>
5140	<li>Applicants must be between the ages of 16-25 on the application closing date.</li>
5141	<li>The Award will be given to an individual or to a small team (maximum of three members) demonstrating entrepreneurial promise.</li>
5142	<li>Applicants should have a viable and commercial business proposition with a large market opportunity.</li>
5143	<li>The proposed technology must be an innovation or invention in engineering and/or technology.</li>
5144	<li>Applicants must show commitment to the objectives of the competition and aim to establish a business.</li>
5145</ul>
5146<strong>Deadline:</strong> Monday, June 30, 2014
5147
5148For further details please email:  <a title="http://www.raeng.org.uk/prizes/launchpad/default.htm" href="http://www.raeng.org.uk/prizes/launchpad/default.htm" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>
5149

5150 `},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3089,post_date:"2014-06-16 15:37:15",post_date_gmt:"2014-06-16 14:37:15",post_modified:"2014-08-08 20:59:11",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 19:59:11",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-jc-gammon-award",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Europe"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Invention"},{__cdata:"JC Common Award"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Royal Academy of Engineering"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"smallbiz"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"techbiz"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"UK"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/dKuB9emMd7m"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/NPS3DEvoPY7"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/kgZxGcexiq"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network to Train Women Farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/06/24/the-awp-network-to-train-women-farmers-in-taraba-state-nigeria/",pubDate:"Tue, 24 Jun 2014 14:08:23 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3096",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The AWP Network recently made the commitment to train women farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria.
5151
5152<strong><em>The AWP Agropreneur Program</em></strong> will teach innovative farming techniques through collaborative learning and workshops. This program will allow women farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria to hone in on their entrepreneurial skills, increase farming productivity, and household income.
5153
5154With this, we are happy to announce our partnership with locally based entrepreneur<a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/11/05/voices-of-young-african-entrepreneurs-farmer-shares-business-tips/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/11/05/voices-of-young-african-entrepreneurs-farmer-shares-business-tips/" target="_blank"> Zanau Hassan Maikusuwa</a>, a seasoned farmer and CEO of Farmfields Agro-Allied Services. Zanau Hassan will coordinate and manage the day-to-day activities of this program.
5155
5156The AWP Network remains to committed to supporting the growth, development, and entrepreneurial efforts of African women.
5157
5158Want to learn more about this program? Have questions or concerns, email: theawpnetwork {at} gmail.com
5159
5160<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3097" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/awp-farming-project.jpg" alt="AWP Farming Project" width="610" height="430" />
5161
5162&nbsp;
5163
5164&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3096,post_date:"2014-06-24 15:08:23",post_date_gmt:"2014-06-24 14:08:23",post_modified:"2014-08-08 21:00:05",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 20:00:05",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-to-train-women-farmers-in-taraba-state-nigeria",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

5164,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"agribusiness"},{__cdata:"agriculture"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"business sustainability"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Farmers"},{__cdata:"Farmfields Agro-Allied Services"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Taraba State"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"training"},{__cdata:"Voices of Women Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"},{__cdata:"Zanau Hassan Maikusuwa"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3097"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/YS3YXXE7UTT"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/PXJFBx7dEVL"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/JdYoaJOusG"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:3100,comment_author:{__cdata:"Nubia"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"68.28.115.112",comment_date:"2014-06-29 17:26:09",comment_date_gmt:"2014-06-29 16:26:09",comment_content:{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga  & AWP Network are taking Empowerment to the Next Level! Using Innovative Agri-technology and  blending it with hands on Education is a Dynamic Way to Empower the People of Nigeria. Keep up the Blessed Work!"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1404156897"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1404156897.2916181087493896484375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-06-29 16:26:09"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1404059170.3708999156951904296875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1404156897"}}]},{comment_id:8637,comment_author:{__cdata:"12 Young Entrepreneurs Who Make Me Feel Optimistic About Nigeria’s Future - Nigerian Young Professionals Forum"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.nypforum.org/12-young-entrepreneurs-make-feel-optimistic-nigerias-future/",comment_author_IP:"162.144.122.88",comment_date:"2016-05-04 11:22:39",comment_date_gmt:"2016-05-04 10:22:39",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] (7) Zanau Hassan Maikasuwa is a seasoned farmer and founder of Farmfields Agro-Allied Services, which supports local farmers and agricultural investors dealing with all aspects of farming – animals and crops. Zanau also helped to launch the AWP Network Agropreneur project for Women Farmers. [&#823

51640;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1462408736.915607929229736328125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1462357360.4987709522247314453125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1462408736"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1462360954.8170149326324462890625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:8750,comment_author:{__cdata:"9 top young Nigerian entrepreneurs in agriculture - Entrepreneurship in Africa"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://enterprise54.com/10-top-young-nigerian-entrepreneurs-in-agriculture/",comment_author_IP:"37.139.22.227",comment_date:"2016-08-10 17:35:04",comment_date_gmt:"2016-08-10 16:35:04",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Zanau is one of  the young farmers thriving in crop  farming. From humble beginnings, his company has  grown crops on several acres of land. This has driven  him  to   expand  his  business to meet the rising demand for crops from neighbouring northern states. Zanau has a livestock segement and also helped to launch the AWP Network Agropreneur project for Women Farmers. [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1471280044"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1471280045.2227609157562255859375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1470846904.9953830242156982421875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1470852112.2775409221649169921875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Women of West Africa Entrepreneurship Conference "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/06/25/women-of-west-africa-entrepreneurship-conference/",pubDate:"Wed, 25 Jun 2014 17:25:20 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3106",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-3107" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/wowe.jpg?w=610" alt="WoWe" width="610" height="454" />The WOWe 2014 Conference provides a high level networking platform that aims to connect the most influential women entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and dialogue on issues related to entrepreneurship and leadership.
5165
5166<strong>WHEN</strong>: June 26 - 27, 2014
5167
5168<strong>WHERE</strong>: Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos
5169
5170Register <strong><a title="http://www2.greenexhibitions.co.za/exweb3/exweb.dll/Register?e=5246F35A44C14F9C868E0CDF255DB81C&amp;g=D18911B7586B43CB8821827664137EDC" href="http://www2.greenexhibitions.co.za/exweb3/exweb.dll/Register?e=5246F35A44C14F9C868E0CDF255DB81C&amp;g=D18911B7586B43CB8821827664137EDC" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://www2.greenexhibitions.co.za/exweb3/exweb.dll/Register?e=5246F35A44C14F9C868E0CDF255DB81C&amp;g=D18911B7586B43CB8821827664137EDC" href="http://www2.greenexhibitions.co.za/exweb3/exweb.dll/Register?e=5246F35A44C14F9C868E0CDF255DB81C&amp;g=D18911B7586B43CB8821827664137EDC" target="_blank">WOWE Conference</a> </strong>
5171
5172Contact <em>Tori Abiola</em> for additional information:  + (234) 08095050568
5173
5174&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3106,post_date:"2014-06-25 18:25:20",post_date_gmt:"2014-06-25 17:25:20",post_modified:"2014-08-08 21:00:43",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 20:00:43",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"women-of-west-africa-entrepreneurship-conference",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"conference"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship Conference"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"possibilities"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"Speakers"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Tori Abiola"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Women of Women Africa"},{__cdata:"WoWe Conference"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/9WUfEFzhwmm"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/4NcxEE2XoL3"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/FaP8ZJZEXk"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:5843,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2014 AWP Network Power List &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.86.62",comment_date:"2014-12-08 23:27:15",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-08 22:27:15",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

51740;] Tori Abiola (Nigeria): is managing director of Montgomery West Africa , a platform that organizes the Women of [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1418077932"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077933.489160060882568359375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077635.5835149288177490234375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs: 15 Lessons for Entrepreneurs"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/06/26/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-15-lessons-for-entrepreneurs/",pubDate:"Thu, 26 Jun 2014 14:35:14 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3116",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_1547" align="alignleft" width="206"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1547" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/shosho.jpg" alt="Subomi Plumptre" width="206" height="364" /> Subomi Plumptre[/caption]
5175
5176For the past 15 years, I have worked with entrepreneurs – as a member of the Management team at Alder Consulting.
5177
5178I have had ringside seats at management tables and gained incredible perspectives on how to run an enterprise at an operational level. I have learned that to grow a credible organization beyond a one-man operation and to retain talent, certain principles are non-negotiable. You will find that most of them are about people.
5179
5180Here are some of my top lessons:
5181
51821. <strong>Vision does not produce great products</strong>; operations and people do.You must match the scale and brilliance of your vision with the quality of your operations.  To bring your vision to life, you must invest in a well-oiled production machine.
5183
51842. <strong>Give talented people operational and financial responsibility</strong>. To develop your management cadre, allow staff to run business lines; giving them freedom to hire, fire, and operate the balance sheet. If you do not trust them to do so after a couple of years, you have not replicated yourself in them or they do not have the capacity for leadership. Then, you need to seriously consider recruiting managers from outside the company.
5185
51863. <strong>Encourage your staff to join boards and volunteer</strong>, deploying latent skills outside your company. After a couple of years in an organisation, staff begin to lose their competitive edge and may develop tunnel vision. Working on external projects refreshes them and exposes them to new ways of doing things.
5187
51884. <strong>Reward them and show appreciation</strong>. Always remember that many of your top managers put their lives on hold to help you achieve your vision. Do not let them regret it.  Money isn’t everything. Managers need to know they matter and that their contributions are appreciated.
5189
51905. <strong>Create a plan for staff development</strong>. Any appraisal system that isn't characterised by reward, punishment, and a clear plan for staff development is useless. Without these factors actively operating within your system, hardworking managers will become disillusioned and demoralised.
5191
51926.<strong> Demand performance</strong>. You should not keep chasing staff for deliverables. You will be mentally exhausted. Your best managers are those who require the least supervision. Retain them because without them you will never have the freedom to enjoy the fruit of your labour. You will be too busy working on mundane things.
5193
51947. <strong>Hire people who like what they do</strong>. Do not hire people who just need the money. They will make excuses for everything under the sun and eventually leave when they’ve built a nest egg at your expense.
5195
51968.<strong> Hire people who are as smart</strong> or smarter than you and hire young people for generational perspectives. You need quality minds to rub against yours or you won’t produce groundbreaking solutions.
5197
51989.<strong> Every organization needs a manager</strong> who looks out for staff. Many times CEOs are consumed with the business vision and staff issues are not at the top of their minds. This doesn't mean they are uncaring.
5199
520010. <strong>Communicating the vision is key</strong>. Regularly tell your managers where the company is headed or else they'll lose passion and drift away.
5201
520211. <strong>

5202Never judge people</strong> for expressing their minds or dissatisfaction. Address the issues or else people will never tell you the truth again.
5203
520412. <strong>Create a deliberate wealth plan for staff</strong>. Determine that if people give their lives in service to your vision, in the future, they'll build houses, send their kids to great schools, and live well. Plan for this.
5205
520613. <strong>Money Matters</strong>. When a business unit persistently loses money, don't wait forever to act. Take drastic steps to fix it or discontinue it.
5207
520814. <strong>Don't spend money you don't have</strong>. Use the money you make for specific projects. Transfer funds from central accounts to project accounts and put them to use immediately. That way, you can't conveniently reach for funds in an “emergency”. (You should have savings for emergencies). If you do not fund the future and keep spending the present, you will never create growth or wealth.
5209
521015. <strong>You don’t have exclusivity of knowledge</strong>. When in doubt, ask those who have successfully done what you’re trying to achieve.
5211
5212&nbsp;
5213
5214<strong>About the Author: </strong>
5215
5216<a title="http://subomiplumptre.com/" href="http://subomiplumptre.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Subomi Plumptre</strong></a> heads the corporate practice at Alder Consulting, Nigeria’s leading brand consulting firm. At Alder, she consults on idea development, business strategy, social media strategy, and brand development. She sits on the Board of A Figment of Imagination, and is a member of the Board of Trustees for The Leke Alder Foundation. She is also co-chair of the Management Board of the Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) and an Associate of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).
5217
5218Follow her on twitter: <a title="https://twitter.com/subomiplumptre" href="https://twitter.com/subomiplumptre" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/subomiplumptre</a>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3116,post_date:"2014-06-26 15:35:14",post_date_gmt:"2014-06-26 14:35:14",post_modified:"2014-08-08 21:03:04",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 20:03:04",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-15-lessons-for-entrepreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Alder Consulting"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business lessons"},{__cdata:"business 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of African Women Entrepreneurs: Subomi P..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/women-in-business-2/p/4023814765/2

5218014/06/30/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-subomi-plumptre-s-15-lessons-for-entrepreneurs",comment_author_IP:"89.30.118.151",comment_date:"2014-06-30 11:00:16",comment_date_gmt:"2014-06-30 10:00:16",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs: 15 Lessons for Entrepreneurs. By awpnetwork ... To develop your management cadre, allow staff to run business lines; giving them freedom to hire, fire, and operate the balance sheet.&nbsp; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1404156895"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1404156896.015964984893798828125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-06-30 10:00:16"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1404122416.406115055084228515625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]},{comment_id:3099,comment_author:{__cdata:"Nubia"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"68.28.115.112",comment_date:"2014-06-29 17:19:53",comment_date_gmt:"2014-06-29 16:19:53",comment_content:{__cdata:"Lots of wisdom in this article, well done. This is a self-critiquing article. I have a great vision but executing the operations with limited resources is challenging. Lack of resources makes it extremely challenging to create quality products or services. One may have the vision but not the capcity to create the impact they desire... I know the Pyramids werent built in a day, but the challenges in operations can make you lose out on opportunities. Great Article Plumptre &amp; Thank You AWP Network!"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"25013188299"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1404156901"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1404156901"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1404156901.5839560031890869140625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-06-29 16:19:53"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1404058794.293548107147216796875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1404058794"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Drive Growth"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/06/27/empowering-women-entrepreneurs-to-drive-growth-2/",pubDate:"Fri, 27 Jun 2014 13:47:04 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3127",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong><em> Are you A Female Entrepreneur in Need of a Big Break?</em></strong>
5219
5220<img class="alignleft wp-image-3132 size-large" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/bid.jpg?w=635" alt="BID" width="635" height="489" />Participate in the 5th edition of the business plan competition for women entrepreneurs in emerging markets. The competition is open to women entrepreneurs of emerging countries who have created a business plan, which fulfills the eligibility and evaluation criteria.
5221
5222Since its creation in 2009, Women in Business has provided support, coaching, visibility, and finance to over 600 women heading businesses in emerging countries. 15 finalists have been supported and coached, 4 of whom have been awarded as laureates.
5223
5224<strong>Criteria</strong>:
5225<ul>
5226	<li>Be a female entrepreneur from an emerging economy country.</li>
5227	<li>Have a business plan that meets the eligibility criteria.</li>
5228	<li>Have a financial need of US$10,000 to US$5,000,000 over the next five (5) years.</li>
5229	<li>Have a business with a positive social and/or environmental impact.</li>
5230</ul>
5231Whether or not you become a finalist, all high quality business plans are eligible for the BiD Network Investor Matchmaking Services. Need help when applying? Contact<strong> <a title="http://women.bidnetwork.org/en/challenge/5th-women-in-business-competition" href="http://women.bidnetwork.org/en/challenge/5th-women-in-business-competition" target="_blank">

5231[email protected]</a></strong>
5232
5233<strong><em>You may win: </em></strong>
5234<ul>
5235	<li>A business trip for training, B2B and investor meetings,</li>
5236	<li>Access to a network of more than 50,000 like-minded entrepreneurs, coaches and investors,</li>
5237	<li>Compete for a €5,000 prize.</li>
5238</ul>
5239<strong><em>After you submit your plan:</em></strong>
5240<ul>
5241	<li>July- August 2014: Jury process,</li>
5242	<li>September 12th, 2014: 10 finalists are announced,</li>
5243	<li>November, 2014: Women in Business Challenge Award Ceremony.</li>
5244</ul>
5245<strong>Deadline</strong>: July 6, 2014
5246
5247Apply<a title="http://www.bidnetwork.org/en/present-your-business" href="http://www.bidnetwork.org/en/present-your-business" target="_blank"> here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.bidnetwork.org/en/present-your-business" href="http://www.bidnetwork.org/en/present-your-business" target="_blank">Bid Network </a></strong>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3127,post_date:"2014-06-27 14:47:04",post_date_gmt:"2014-06-27 13:47:04",post_modified:"2014-08-08 21:04:35",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 20:04:35",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"empowering-women-entrepreneurs-to-drive-growth-2",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"BID Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business plan"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Emerging Markets"},{__cdata:"empowering women"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Women in Business"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/9FGuwDuHs7C"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/Twx7kV26pxr"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/W6ATUMvd72"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Sharefair 2014: Inspiring Change for Rural Women"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/07/01/sharefair-2014-inspiring-change-for-rural-women-2/",pubDate:"Tue, 01 Jul 2014 14:12:00 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3155",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-824" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/zanau11.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" />The <strong><em>Sharefair 2014</em></strong> on Rural Women’s Technologies to Improve Food Security, Nutrition and Productive Family Farming invites submissions of technologies and innovations that support rural female smallholder farmers.
5248
5249<em><strong>Eligible Countries</strong></em>: Burundi, D.R. of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
5250The objectives expected to result from Sharefair 2014 are as follows:
5251<ul>
5252	<li>Accelerated programmatic and policy attention to gender and agriculture and practical ways to overcome current gender-related technology, food security, and nutrition challenges,</li>
5253	<li>Generation of a technology repository comprising a menu of technology options that meet the needs of women farmers and that can serve the sector and the region will be a lasting contribution,</li>
5254	<li>Identifying new and scaling up of existing technologies through linking farmers to entrepreneurs, investors and policy makers,</li>
5255	<li>Further anchor of the Regional Network to translate into deepened collaborations on gender and agriculture and food security,</li>
5256	<li>

5256Sharefair 2014 constitutes a flagship activity on the Regional Network on gender and rural livelihoods and will draw from the collective expertise and active participation of its members.</li>
5257</ul>
5258<strong>Deadline</strong>: August 15, 2014
5259<strong>Email</strong>: <a title="http://www.empowerwomen.org/sharefair2014/call-for-technologies" href="http://www.empowerwomen.org/sharefair2014/call-for-technologies" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>
5260Apply <strong><a title="http://www.empowerwomen.org/sharefair2014/call-for-technologies" href="http://www.empowerwomen.org/sharefair2014/call-for-technologies" target="_blank">Here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://www.empowerwomen.org/sharefair2014/call-for-technologies" href="http://www.empowerwomen.org/sharefair2014/call-for-technologies" target="_blank">Rural Women</a></strong>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3155,post_date:"2014-07-01 15:12:00",post_date_gmt:"2014-07-01 14:12:00",post_modified:"2014-08-08 21:05:25",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 20:05:25",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"sharefair-2014-inspiring-change-for-rural-women-2",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"agribusiness"},{__cdata:"agriculture"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Burundi"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"D.R. of Congo"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Djibouti"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"employment"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Eritrea"},{__cdata:"Ethiopia"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Farmers"},{__cdata:"Gender"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Inspiring Change"},{__cdata:"Kenya"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Malawi"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"Mozambique"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Rural Women"},{__cdata:"Rwanda"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"Somalia"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"South Sudan"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"Sudan"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Tanzania"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Uganda"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"},{__cdata:"Zambia"},{__cdata:"Zimbabwe"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"824"}},{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/MNH7dLWog9g"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/g3udVrNcnSo"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/eoyzwzSQd5"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Working to Advance STEM Education for African Girls "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/07/03/working-to-advance-stem-education-for-african-girls/",pubDate:"Thu, 03 Jul 2014 13:33:25 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3163",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3164" src="http://staging.awpnet

5260work.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/girlswindmill.jpg" alt="girlsWindmill" width="384" height="254" />The <a title="http://www.waawfoundation.org/" href="http://www.waawfoundation.org/" target="_blank">STEM camp</a> for African girls will hold July 27th - August 2nd, 2014 at the Global International School, plot 12, Block 26, Admiralty way, Lekki, Lagos.
5261
5262The camp is aimed at African girls between the ages of 13 and 17 and who are currently enrolled in Senior Secondary School SS1 - SS3. Girls from all African countries are encouraged to apply.
5263
5264&nbsp;
5265
5266<strong>Cost:</strong>
5267• N30, 000 ($200) for private school students and other individuals
5268• Free/ Full Scholarships and reduced cost for public school students
5269
5270<strong>Program activities:</strong>
5271<ul>
5272	<li>Students will learn to build exciting robots on the NXT platform,</li>
5273	<li>Students will build renewable energy systems such as solar and Wind Mill systems,</li>
5274	<li>Students will learn basic computer science concepts and be introduced to programming using Arduino and raspberry pi platform, playing with blockly program,</li>
5275	<li>Students will be introduced to app building for Andriod platform using MITs app builder,</li>
5276	<li>Students will learn to program in Javascript and Python,</li>
5277	<li>Students will participate in team building exercises,</li>
5278	<li>All activities are very focused on hands on, integrative learning that promotes creativity, innovation and problem solving using locally available resources.</li>
5279</ul>
5280<strong>Deadline</strong>: July 20, 2014
5281
5282Have questions? Email: <a title="http://www.waawfoundation.org/stem-camp/" href="http://www.waawfoundation.org/stem-camp/" target="_blank">[email protected] </a>
5283
5284Apply<a title="https://waawfoundation.wufoo.com/forms/2014-robotics-stem-camp-application/" href="https://waawfoundation.wufoo.com/forms/2014-robotics-stem-camp-application/" target="_blank"> here</a>: <strong><a title="https://waawfoundation.wufoo.com/forms/2014-robotics-stem-camp-application/" href="https://waawfoundation.wufoo.com/forms/2014-robotics-stem-camp-application/" target="_blank">STEM Africa</a></strong>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3163,post_date:"2014-07-03 14:33:25",post_date_gmt:"2014-07-03 13:33:25",post_modified:"2014-08-08 21:06:16",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 20:06:16",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"working-to-advance-stem-education-for-african-girls",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"applications"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"Girls education"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"science"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"STEM"},{__cdata:"STEM Camp for African girls"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Unoma Odili"},{__cdata:"Waaw Foundation"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3164"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/XgSrbcU5uc8"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/9nWhq25foNJ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/8gGiEEeNm9"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation"}

5284,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/07/07/apply-etisalat-pan-african-prize-for-innovation/",pubDate:"Mon, 07 Jul 2014 01:58:41 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3179",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3180" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/etisalat.png" alt="Etisalat" width="598" height="389" />Mobile Broadband in Africa</strong>
5285
5286Broadband is primarily mobile across the African continent and critical to our economic development. A rise of ten mobile phones per 100 people boosts GDP growth by 0.6%, resulting in improved market information flow and assisting SME’s and Entrepreneurs to grow business and improve links.
5287
5288Entries will need to show demonstrable impact (or potential impact for an idea) on broadband usage, impressive uptake from customers and have made a visible commercial or social impact on the community for the launched product/service.
5289
5290Etisalat has a lauded track record for innovation in the Nigerian market and it remains one of the strategic imperatives of the business. Since starting commercial operations in 2008, a number of Etisalat’s products and services have been innovative first, including the first to launch an environment-friendly SIM in Africa, EcoSIM, and first to launch fast &amp; affordable mobile broadband over 3.75G.
5291
5292Etisalat believes innovation should go beyond improvements in existing products and services, and instead have real valuable social or economic impact to customers.
5293
5294&nbsp;
5295
5296<strong>Prizes</strong>:
5297<em>Sub-Category 1: Existing product or service</em> (launched in the last 18 months)
5298• $25,000 cash prize
5299• 2 Smartphones/Tablets/Mobile Devices
5300• Etisalat Mifi (with free data for one year)
5301• Business Development Mentoring (in-House)
5302• Promotion of product using Etisalat Online Platforms
5303
5304<em>Sub-Category 2: Innovative Idea (SME or individual)</em>
5305• $10,000 cash prize
5306• 2 Smartphones/Tablets/Mobile Devices
5307• Etisalat Mifi (with free data for one year)
5308• Business Development Mentoring (in-House)
5309
5310<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: August 7, 2014
5311
5312Apply here: <strong><a title="http://prizeforinnovation.etisalat.com.ng/" href="http://prizeforinnovation.etisalat.com.ng/" target="_blank">Etisalat</a></strong>
5313
5314&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3179,post_date:"2014-07-07 02:58:41",post_date_gmt:"2014-07-07 01:58:41",post_modified:"2014-08-08 21:07:10",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 20:07:10",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-etisalat-pan-african-prize-for-innovation",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Africans in technology"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business development"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Etisalat"},{__cdata:"Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation"},{__cdata:"Etisalat prize for Innovation"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovate"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mentoring"},{__cdata:"mobile"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"smart phone"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"tech"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"telecommunications"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3180"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/2zv4VGbd1xr"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/DM6gxUhpLTp"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/umWH4ELb4t"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Unilever Young Entrepreneurs Awards"}

5314,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/07/08/apply-unilever-young-entrepreneurs-awards/",pubDate:"Mon, 07 Jul 2014 23:00:14 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3187",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Building on the success of the 2013 Awards, Unilever is inviting young people to come up with practical and innovative solutions to some of the world’s biggest sustainability challenges and enter them in the Unilever Sustainable Living Young Entrepreneurs Awards.
5315
5316Young entrepreneurs (aged 30 or under) are invited to submit inspiring initiatives that tackle the challenge of sustainable living.
5317
5318<strong>Prizes: </strong>
5319<ul>
5320	<li>Six (6) finalists will receive cash prizes of €10,000, along with support and mentorship (worth €10,000).</li>
5321	<li>One winner will receive €50,000 cash prize and will be awarded the HRH The Prince of Wales Young Sustainability Entrepreneur Prize at a prestigious dinner event in London in January 2015 and €25,000 worth of support and mentoring.</li>
5322</ul>
5323All will benefit from exposure to a range of leading sustainability experts, entrepreneurs and investors during the process, along with recognition via Unilever’s global channels and the global networks of the University of Cambridge and Ashoka.
5324
5325<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: August 1, 2014
5326
5327Apply <a title="http://www.changemakers.com/sustliving2014#" href="http://www.changemakers.com/sustliving2014#" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.changemakers.com/sustliving2014#" href="http://www.changemakers.com/sustliving2014#" target="_blank">Unilever</a></strong>
5328
5329http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_Dm9l4Zt3M
5330
5331&nbsp;
5332
5333&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3187,post_date:"2014-07-08 00:00:14",post_date_gmt:"2014-07-07 23:00:14",post_modified:"2014-08-08 21:08:59",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 20:08:59",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-unilever-young-entrepreneurs-awards",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"award"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business Solutions"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Unilever"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/SrqnL5Es3LW"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/UMKzHyQ7ryU"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/iWN2NB1w5X"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_ff3f83dde0d28e99dd313cdea910881a",meta_value:{__cdata:'<span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe class="youtube-player" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r_Dm9l4Zt3M?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_ff3f83dde0d28e99dd313cdea910881a",meta_value:{__cdata:"1727431181"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_0540e851b83f9f9697611707814b0b49",meta_value:{__cdata:'<div class="wp-embed"><div class="player"><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe class="youtube-player" width="635" height="358" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r_Dm9l4Zt3M?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span></div></div>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_0540e851b83f9f9697611707814b0b49",meta_value:{__cdata:"1732411013"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Five (5) Business Lessons from WorldCup 2014"}

5333,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/07/09/five-5-business-lessons-from-worldcup-2014/",pubDate:"Tue, 08 Jul 2014 23:12:37 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3196",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft wp-image-3200 size-large" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/brazil.jpg?w=610" alt="Brazil" width="610" height="346" />
5334
5335&nbsp;
5336
5337<em>post written by Mary Olushoga</em>
5338
5339(1) <strong><em>Winning is not always guaranteed</em></strong>.
5340
5341(2) Lessons from #BRAvsGER, just like in life, <strong><em>there are no restart or reset buttons</em></strong>. Play hard and play well. You can choose to move on and do better, but technically, there are no reset or restart buttons.
5342
5343(3) Lessons from #USAvsGhana, <strong><em>never underestimate your opponent</em></strong>. You don’t know how hard they’ve trained. Be prepared. Be ready.
5344
5345(4) When you win or ‘score a goal,’ <strong><em>take the time to rejoice</em></strong>, to celebrate your achievements and successes.
5346
5347(5) <strong><em>Be a team player</em></strong>. Don’t know how to be a team player? Go and learn. This is a very important skill in business and in life.
5348
5349&nbsp;
5350
5351&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3196,post_date:"2014-07-09 00:12:37",post_date_gmt:"2014-07-08 23:12:37",post_modified:"2014-08-08 21:10:26",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 20:10:26",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"five-5-business-lessons-from-worldcup-2014",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Brazil"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business lessons"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Fifa"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Lessons"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"WorldCup"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/719DhBmp24p"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/P2iR1JMPLfW"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/0obwACaKGQ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3200"}}],comment:[{comment_id:3407,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"24.30.224.142",comment_date:"2014-07-14 15:13:00",comment_date_gmt:"2014-07-14 14:13:00",comment_content:{__cdata:"Thank you for your feedback. Truly appreciated."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:3405,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1405347180"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-07-14 14:13:01"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1405347180"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1405347180.7847239971160888671875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:3405,comment_author:{__cdata:"Ngozi Ogbonna"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.75.200.248",comment_date:"2014-07-14 14:45:50",comment_date_gmt:"2014-07-14 13:45:50",comment_content:{__cdata:"Thanks for taking time out to note these lessons.  They are absolutely useful applications to life."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1405345550.5954380035400390625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1405346007"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-07-14 13:45:52"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1405346007"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1405346007.4494609832763671875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:3316,comment_author:{__cdata:"olaleye1"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://optimumconfusion.wordpress.com",comment_author_IP:"162.129.251.20",comment_date:"2014-07-10 16:49:29",comment_date_gmt:"2014-07-10 15:49:29",comment_content:{__cdata:"I wish these were slightly expanded upon ...but great lessons all the same"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:31361700,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1405007369.2558419704437255859375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:8:"olaleye1";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1405007535"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-07-10 15:49:31"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1405007535"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1405007535.5309810638427734375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network Congratulates 2014 Winners of the Women4Africa Awards"}

5351,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/07/10/the-awp-network-congratulates-2014-winners-of-the-women4africa-awards/",pubDate:"Thu, 10 Jul 2014 13:23:20 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3216",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" ids="3217,3218"]
5352
5353<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3218" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/women4africa.jpg" alt="Women4Africa" width="519" height="746" />`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3216,post_date:"2014-07-10 14:23:20",post_date_gmt:"2014-07-10 13:23:20",post_modified:"2014-07-10 14:23:20",post_modified_gmt:"2014-07-10 13:23:20",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-congratulates-2014-winners-of-the-women4africa-awards",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Gallery"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3218"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/KpiTXxpAQi1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/8iKbgdMXZgv"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/RjfEUW4tJp"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:3406,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"24.30.224.142",comment_date:"2014-07-14 15:12:41",comment_date_gmt:"2014-07-14 14:12:41",comment_content:{__cdata:"Thank you Edna-Stella~"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:3315,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1405347161"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1405347161.6112520694732666015625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1405347161"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-07-14 14:12:42"}}]},{comment_id:3315,comment_author:{__cdata:"Edna-Stella FAYOMI"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://fayomiednastella.wordpress.com",comment_author_IP:"154.72.112.12",comment_date:"2014-07-10 15:44:16",comment_date_gmt:"2014-07-10 14:44:16",comment_content:{__cdata:"Congratulations!"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:54876291,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1405004910"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1405004911.1479818820953369140625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1405004910"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-07-10 14:44:18"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1405003456.892242908477783203125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:16:"fayomiednastella";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}}]},{comment_id:7273,comment_author:{__cdata:"Apply: Women4Africa 2016 Awards &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/08/13/apply-women4africa-2016-awards/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.82.14",comment_date:"2015-08-13 17:33:04",comment_date_gmt:"2015-08-13 16:33:04",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

53530;] will be treated in confidence and only viewed by the selection panel and category sponsors.   Women4Africa has continuously grown and is widely considered the premier platform for celebrating African women [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1439483584.20458507537841796875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1439484853"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1439484853.829246997833251953125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Women Building Communities"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/07/11/women-building-communities/",pubDate:"Fri, 11 Jul 2014 18:46:03 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3221",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3222" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/wbc-wrc-image.png?w=270" alt="WBC WRC Image" width="270" height="300" />The <strong><a title="http://woyen.org/" href="http://woyen.org/" target="_blank">Women and Youth Empowerment Network</a></strong>, a UK based non-governmental organization, in collaboration with the Network for Development, will host an African Women capacity building program titled: '<em>Women Building Communities</em>' in November. This program is geared at enhancing the capacity building skills and participation of African women in community development projects.
5354
5355Activities planned for the event include training workshops and community visits. There will also be a relationship building networking session where women from Africa, African women in the Diaspora and development organizations will meet, share ideas, and experiences on how best to work together and develop communities in Africa.
5356
5357<strong>Email</strong>: <a title="http://woyen.org/internationalevent/" href="http://woyen.org/internationalevent/" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>
5358
5359<strong>Register</strong> <a title="http://woyen.org/internationalevent/" href="http://woyen.org/internationalevent/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://woyen.org/internationalevent/" href="http://woyen.org/internationalevent/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">WOYEN</span></a></strong>
5360
5361&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3221,post_date:"2014-07-11 19:46:03",post_date_gmt:"2014-07-11 18:46:03",post_modified:"2014-08-08 21:11:14",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 20:11:14",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"women-building-communities",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Women and Youth Empowerment Network"},{__cdata:"Women Building Communities"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Woyen"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/BEMhVtNb78w"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/JPRPEgQRS62"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/NvJK1uF16G"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oxford-post-cache",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:15:"featured-images";a:1:{i:0;s:4:"3222";}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Young Innovators Competition"}

5361,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/07/14/apply-young-innovators-competition/",pubDate:"Mon, 14 Jul 2014 14:12:05 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3237",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft wp-image-3238 size-full" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/yic.jpg" alt="YIC" width="602" height="402" />The young innovators competition seeks gifted young entrepreneurs with ideas for innovative social enterprises. The Young Innovators Competition is looking for 18-30 year old entrepreneurs from around the world with social start-ups which use open source technologies for disaster management. This could include disaster preparedness, early warning, emergency communication and response, and recovery from natural disasters.We urgently need new tools to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters on this increased scale. The tools we need could include communication technologies, teaching tools, new equipment to save lives during a disaster, and new tools to help clean up, recover and rebuild after the event.
5362
5363<strong>Prizes: </strong>
5364
5365Two (2) winners will be selected per challenge, and will receive up to $10,000 of seed funding, in addition to mentorship, dedicated workshops and an opportunity to showcase at the Innovation Space of ITU Telecom World 2014 in Doha, Qatar.
5366
5367<strong>Deadline</strong>: July 31st, 2014
5368
5369Got a great idea? Apply <strong><a title="https://ideas.itu.int/category/" href="https://ideas.itu.int/category/" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="https://ideas.itu.int/category/" href="https://ideas.itu.int/category/" target="_blank">Young Innovators </a></strong>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3237,post_date:"2014-07-14 15:12:05",post_date_gmt:"2014-07-14 14:12:05",post_modified:"2014-08-08 21:11:59",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 20:11:59",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-young-innovators-competition",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"disaster management"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"financing"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"innovative social enterprises"},{__cdata:"Innovators"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"seed funding"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3238"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/7NJbyvnFcuv"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/FMQiib8zYCD"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/53XoNTlWF2"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oxford-post-cache",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:15:"featured-images";a:1:{i:0;i:0;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Global Awards for Outstanding Work in Technology for Gender Equality "}

5369,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/07/16/global-awards-for-outstanding-work-in-technology-for-gender-equality/",pubDate:"Wed, 16 Jul 2014 19:22:14 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3244",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-3251" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/un-women.jpg?w=610" alt="UN women" width="610" height="133" />The <strong><em>International Telecommunication Union</em></strong> (ITU) and <strong><em>UN Women</em></strong> are partnering to launch a new global technology award that recognizes outstanding contributions from women and men in leveraging the potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to promote gender equality.
5370
5371The annual GEM-TECH Awards will be conferred on seven winners from government, the private sector, academia and civil society at ITU’s Plenipotentiary Conference, which will be held in Busan, Korea, from 20 October - 7 November. Winners will travel to Busan to accept their award and join a global celebration on 21 October promoting the power of ICTs to transform lives.
5372
5373<strong>Seven (7) Award Categories  </strong>
5374
53751. ICT Applications, Content, Production Capacities and Skills for Women's Social, Political Empowerment and Women's Empowerment Linkages with Sustainable Development.
5376
53772. ICT Applications, Content, Production Capacities and Skills for Women's Economic Empowerment and Poverty Reduction.
5378
53793. Promoting Women in ICT Sector - initiatives aimed at attracting, retaining and promoting women within the ICT sector and into decision-making positions (private and public sector).
5380
53814. Enabling Girls to Become ICT Creators - initiatives aimed towards providing girls with an opportunity to become not just active users but also creators of ICTs and content.
5382
53835. Closing the ICT Gender Gap - Ensuring ICT accessibility for women, such as digital literacy training and ensuring affordable and meaningful access to ICTs by women. Initiatives aimed at measuring the ICT gender gap including research and data on women's engagement with ICTs and their impact.
5384
53856. Efforts to Reduce Threats Online and Building Women's Confidence and Security in the Use of ICTs.
5386
53877. ICT and Broadband strategies policies, framework that promote women's digital empowerment.
5388
5389<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: September 5, 2014
5390
5391Apply <a title="http://www.itu.int/en/action/women/gem/Pages/award.aspx" href="http://www.itu.int/en/action/women/gem/Pages/award.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.itu.int/en/action/women/gem/Pages/award.aspx" href="http://www.itu.int/en/action/women/gem/Pages/award.aspx" target="_blank">GEM-TECH </a></strong>
5392
5393&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3244,post_date:"2014-07-16 20:22:14",post_date_gmt:"2014-07-16 19:22:14",post_modified:"2014-08-08 21:13:35",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 20:13:35",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"global-awards-for-outstanding-work-in-technology-for-gender-equality",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"content"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"equality"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"GEM Tech"},{__cdata:"Gender"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"ICT"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile applications"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"tech"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"UN Women"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/D3pNA4PBrn1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/Bd1m3vqqzZj"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/k2nNXPk3H7"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3251"}},{meta_key:"_oxford-post-cache",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:15:"featured-images";a:1:{i:0;i:0;}}'}}],comment:[{comment_id:5478,comment_author:{__cdata:"Nigeria’s Minister of Communication Technology Wins GEM Tech Award &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/10/28/nigerias-minister-of-communication-technology-wins-gem-tech-award/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.81.168",comment_date:"2014-10-28 15:13:33",comment_date_gmt:"2014-10-28 14:13:33",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

53930;] GEM-TECH Awards is organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UN Women, and recognizes [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1414505637"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1414505638.44521999359130859375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1414505613.8705189228057861328125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]},{comment_id:7184,comment_author:{__cdata:"Apply: GEM-TECH Awards 2015 &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/07/28/apply-gem-tech-awards-2015/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.82.19",comment_date:"2015-07-28 18:06:36",comment_date_gmt:"2015-07-28 17:06:36",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] UN Women and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) announce the launch of the 2015 Gender Equality and Mainstreaming in Technology (GEM-TECH) Awards nominations. This year, the global community commits to a new UN framework for sustainable development for the next 15 years and in the current draft, the use of ICTs is included as an important means of implementing gender equality commitments. The year 2015 also marks the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action. The GEM-TECH Awards are an opportunity to highlight ways in which women’s meaningful access, use and development of technology can be achieved and to inform thinking and investments as we look forward. [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1438103296"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1438103297.0057880878448486328125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1438103196.2793750762939453125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"W.TEC Girls Technology Camp"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/07/18/w-tec-girls-technology-camp/",pubDate:"Fri, 18 Jul 2014 12:30:39 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3253",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3255" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/oreoluwa-1-615w.jpg?w=300" alt="Oreoluwa-1-615w" width="300" height="195" /><strong>W.TEC Girls Technology Camp</strong> is a two-week technology education and mentoring program organized by W.TEC, with the objective to help girls develop an early interest in computers and other information technology.
5394
5395For the camp duration, girls will participate in technology workshops. The long-term goal is to increase the numbers of Nigerian women using technology productively for learning, professional, and leadership activities.
5396
5397The camp is open to (30) girls and workshops will include scratch programming, mobile application designing (using App Inventor), digital photography, digital video production, digital advocacy, and excursions to technology companies.
5398
5399During the camp, girls participate in technology workshops and leadership activities. Evaluations of previous camps show enhanced leadership skills; creativity; and problem-solving and communication abilities in the girls as a result of attending the camp.
5400
5401<em>Target Audience</em>: this is a girls-only camp and the criteria are girls who are:
5402<ul>
5403	<li>Intelligent, ambitious and currently in JSS 2 – SSS 2 (no younger than 11 years),</li>
5404	<li>Interested in and enjoys using computers and exploring the Internet,</li>
5405	<li>Planning or exploring a career using computers and/or other information and communication technology (ICTs) e.g. telecommunications,</li>
5406</ul>
5407W.TEC Girls Technology Camp takes place in Lagos, Nigeria from <strong>August 3 to 16, 2014.</strong>
5408
5409<strong>Fee:</strong>

5409 N 50,000 per student (Covers tuition, feeding, boarding, educational resources and excursions.) Scholarships are available for public school students.
5410
5411Apply<strong><a title="http://www.w-teconline.org/apply-to-girls-technology-programme/" href="http://www.w-teconline.org/apply-to-girls-technology-programme/" target="_blank"> here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://www.w-teconline.org/apply-to-girls-technology-programme/" href="http://www.w-teconline.org/apply-to-girls-technology-programme/" target="_blank">W.TEC</a></strong>
5412
5413&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3253,post_date:"2014-07-18 13:30:39",post_date_gmt:"2014-07-18 12:30:39",post_modified:"2014-08-08 21:14:33",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 20:14:33",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"w-tec-girls-technology-camp",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Africans in technology"},{__cdata:"applications"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"digital solutions"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"Girls education"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Oreoluwa Somolu"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"science"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"STEM"},{__cdata:"STEM Camp for African girls"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"tech camp"},{__cdata:"tech camp for girls in Nigeria"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"technology camp"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"W-TEC"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women and girls technology camp"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"WTEC"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3255"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/BZJBuqwHYnm"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/9fsgjA3baRp"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/SacvpS7pcq"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oxford-post-cache",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:15:"featured-images";a:1:{i:0;i:0;}}'}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Co-Founder of Jumia Nigeria Launches New Startup "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/07/21/co-founder-of-jumia-nigeria-launches-new-startup/",pubDate:"Mon, 21 Jul 2014 01:05:04 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3265",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-3266" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/supermart.jpg?w=610" alt="Supermart" width="610" height="378" /><a title="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/raphaelafaedor" href="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/raphaelafaedor" target="_blank">Raphael Afaedor</a>, former managing director at Jumia, recently launched a company with <a title="http://ng.linkedin.com/pub/gbolahan-fagbure/4/4a2/548" href="http://ng.linkedin.com/pub/gbolahan-fagbure/4/4a2/548" target="_blank">Gbolahan Fagbure</a>, Jumia’s former director of operations. Their new project, <a title="http://www.supermartng.com/" href="http://www.supermartng.com/" target="_blank">Supermartng.com</a> is an online grocery delivery service serving the Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki areas of Lagos. The service allows customers to 

5413shop from a wide selection of grocery items that can be delivered to the home or office. The AWP Network met with Fagbure who told us how he got started, what inspired him, and how he plans to transform the e-commerce landscape in Nigeria.
5414
5415<strong>What inspired you to start </strong><strong>Supermart?</strong>
5416
5417The e-commerce market in Nigeria has mainly targeted the non-essential needs of customers for items like electronics, phones, and fashion; truly, it’s the consumer’s market. This is my third year in the e-commerce space and I believe that my team and I can make a significant contribution to this sector.
5418
5419With this service, customers shop more conveniently for groceries. In Lagos for instance, there is so much traffic; customers can spend up to three (3) to four (4) hours going from one store to the other to get the groceries they need. They get to the store and may spend an additional thirty (30) minutes trying to find parking. They get out of the car, into the store, select the items that they would like to purchase, queue at the cashier and that literally can take another one (1) to two (2) hours. The customer experience that I describe here, are inconveniences my partner and I hope to improve upon and this is what inspired us to start.
5420
5421<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
5422At Supermart, we want to create an effortless experience for our customers. They work long hours and spend a sizeable part of their day in traffic. This target segment wants to experience great customer service.
5423
5424Our customers:
5425• Would rather spend their free time resting or doing things that they enjoy, instead of driving around Lagos going from one supermarket to the other.
5426• Live in an urban city. We are currently based in Lagos, the commercial heart of the country.
5427• Place value on their time. They also see value in a professional service like Supermart.
5428
5429At Supermart, we take care of your grocery needs so that you can spend your time on other activities (working, spending time with loved ones, or even sleeping.) Let us be the one to worry about your groceries.
5430
5431<strong>What is your competitive edge? </strong>
5432
5433We provide exceptional customer service. The convenience we offer to our customers also helps. We deliver grocery items to your door step quickly, efficiently, and conveniently. Customers choose from a vast selection of products from four (4) different stores and can have them delivered quickly and conveniently. No other store in Nigeria allows you to combine items from a supermarket, pharmacy, stationery store, and a bookshop all in one order. Our offering is unique because no other store (physical or online) has the variety of items that we have.
5434
5435<strong>What is the long-term plan for this business?</strong>
5436
5437Our goal is to expand the scope of how retail is fulfilled. A significant portion of retail products in Nigeria are sold in the informal market. We want to formalize some of these channels. Regardless of what we choose to do in the future, our focus will always be on saving our customers time and money, as well as help to reduce stress.  We also want to increase accessibility, ease, and convenience.
5438
5439<strong>What business challenges do you face?</strong>
5440
5441We have set the bar high for the kind of people we want to work with and finding such people is tasking. For every delivery driver we say yes to, we probably turn down thirty (30) applications.  It’s the same for our personal shoppers and of course, we deal with the daily challenges of the power (electricity) situation as well as maneuvering through traffic in a densely populated city; but this is not unique to us, we endure it along with millions of other businesses in Lagos. We could also do with faster and more reliable internet connectivity. I know the ICT Minister, Omobola Johnson is working vigorously on the Nigerian National Broadband Plan so it is my hope that we see a steady improvement between now and its full implementation in 2018.
5442
5443&nbsp;
5444
5445<strong>What five (5) key things have you learned since starting this business idea?</strong>
5446
5447(1)            <strong>Find a trustworthy business partner. </strong>Finding a business partner may help ease the stress of starting a new business.
5448
5449(2)            <strong>You have not figured it all out.</strong> Before most people start their business, they think that they have figured it all out but this hardly ever happens to be the case. The natural evolution of any business is that you find out things as you develop (especially in the earlier stages) and adapt to meet contingencies.
5450
5451(3)            <strong>Be Flexible.</strong> When we started out, we had an idea of stores we wanted to partner with, but as we’ve progressed, we have refined the list to ensure that we only establish partnerships with stores that are professional in their business dealings and have a long-term approach to partnerships.
5452
5453(4)            <strong>Be Realistic.</strong>  Initially, we wanted to launch the service in multiple locations but later on decided it was operationally better to start in a specific location before expanding.
5454
5455(5)            <strong>Let Data Guide Some of Your Decisions.</strong> Everything we learned in the first couple of months, delivering items in Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki and Lagos Island has benefited us a great deal. We recently expanded our service to include Ikeja, Yaba, Surulere and surrounding areas.
5456
5457&nbsp;
5458
5459<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
5460
5461I would say that if you are certain about your idea and your plans are well thought-out, start small and grow gradually but with aggressive and ambitious goals.
5462
5463<strong>How has technology enhanced your business idea? And what is the future of e-commerce in Nigeria?</strong>
5464
5465We are an e-commerce company and technology definitely enhances our operations. However, I would also say that we define our company as a retail business driven by technology and less as a technology business seeking retail customers. We offer a value-ad

5465ded service and look to make a profit. Technology is one part of a complex process that helps us achieve our goals.
5466
5467Lastly, with the rising popularity of e-commerce businesses in Nigeria, there is the increasing debate about who e-commerce targets and should target. A key question is whether e-commerce can displace offline shopping methods as a preferred means to buying everything from groceries to mobile phones. While there is strong potential for the reach of online retailers, the size of the target market and the speed of penetration are often exaggerated. All e-commerce businesses in Nigeria do not solely rely on the internet. They operate a hybrid model whereby they combine both offline and online strategies and I believe this will continue for years to come. E-commerce is growing but still a while away in Nigeria and probably throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa.
5468
5469 
5470
5471<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3268" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/supermart-ng-logo.jpg?w=300" alt="Supermart.ng Logo" width="300" height="128" />
5472
5473<strong>Website</strong>: <a title="http://www.supermartng.com/" href="http://www.supermartng.com/" target="_blank">www.supermart.ng</a>
5474<strong>Twitter</strong>: <a title="https://twitter.com/supermartng" href="https://twitter.com/supermartng" target="_blank">@supermartng</a>
5475<strong>Facebook</strong>: <a title="https://www.facebook.com/supermartngr" href="https://www.facebook.com/supermartngr" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/supermartngr</a>
5476
5477&nbsp;
5478
5479&nbsp;
5480
5481&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3265,post_date:"2014-07-21 02:05:04",post_date_gmt:"2014-07-21 01:05:04",post_modified:"2014-08-08 19:01:12",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 18:01:12",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"co-founder-of-jumia-nigeria-launches-new-startup",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business development"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"e-commerce"},{__cdata:"ecommerce"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Gbolahan Fagbure"},{__cdata:"grocery"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Jumia"},{__cdata:"Jumia Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"online delivery service"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Raphael Afaedor"},{__cdata:"shopping"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"Supermart Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Supermart.ng"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3266"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/3DMX92TzT3g"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/eXnKFqPWi8F"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/CU7ho729df"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oxford-post-cache",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:15:"featured-images";a:1:{i:0;i:0;}}'}}],comment:{comment_id:4231,comment_author:{__cdata:"First Bank, PayPal partnership opens a great door of opportunity for everyone, hop in! | The Morebise Post"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://themorebisepost.com/2014/07/23/first-bank-

5481paypal-partnership-opens-a-great-door-of-opportunity-for-everyone-hop-in/",comment_author_IP:"178.62.178.189",comment_date:"2014-08-16 05:59:48",comment_date_gmt:"2014-08-16 04:59:48",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Raphael Afaedor, Co-Founder of Jumia, one of Nigeria&#8217;s first major online stores has started a new project, Supermartng.com is an online grocery delivery service serving the Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki areas of Lagos. Check out this interview he granted. [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-08-16 04:59:49"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1408165188.693706035614013671875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1408394315"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1408394316.0981070995330810546875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network at the Harvard IDEASpHERE Forum "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/07/23/the-awp-network-at-the-harvard-ideasphere-forum/",pubDate:"Wed, 23 Jul 2014 13:32:50 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3288",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`IDEAS<em>p</em>HERE was a two-day celebration of <em>powerful</em> ideas. The event featured innovative talks, presentations, simulations, and interactive discussions delivered by inspirational members of the HKS community. Learn more about the event <a title="http://ideasphere.hks.harvard.edu/" href="http://ideasphere.hks.harvard.edu/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://ideasphere.hks.harvard.edu/" href="http://ideasphere.hks.harvard.edu/" target="_blank">Harvard Ideasphere</a></strong>
5482
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5488
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5490
5491&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3288,post_date:"2014-07-23 14:32:50",post_date_gmt:"2014-07-23 13:32:50",post_modified:"2014-08-08 21:16:24",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 20:16:24",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-at-the-harvard-ideasphere-forum",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Forum"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Harvard"},{__cdata:"HKS"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Ideasphere"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Innovative Ideas"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"President Sirleaf Johnson"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3308"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Me4tLpdeiqH"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/SoV1AQo9rWZ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/nG5x6yLe5k"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oxford-post-cache",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:15:"featured-images";a:1:{i:0;s:4:"3308";}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Help Change the Future of Electricity "}

5491,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/07/24/help-change-the-future-of-electricity/",pubDate:"Wed, 23 Jul 2014 23:00:13 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3316",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3317" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/application.jpg?w=300" alt="Application" width="300" height="223" />Register to compete for $1 million and help change the future of electricity.
5492
5493<strong>The goal</strong>: design and build a <abbr title="kilowatt">kW-</abbr>scale inverter with the highest power density (at least 50 Watts per cubic inch).
5494
5495Inverters are the essential boxes that take direct current from devices such as solar panels and batteries and turn it into alternating current for use in homes, businesses, and cars.
5496
5497The problem is household inverters are too big—roughly the size of a picnic cooler. Making them smaller would enable more solar-powered homes, more efficient distributed electrical grids, and could help bring electricity to the most remote parts of the planet.
5498
5499That’s where you come in: figure out how to shrink an inverter down to something smaller than a small laptop (a reduction of &gt; 10× in volume) and smaller than everyone else, and you will win a million dollars (and help revolutionize electricity for the next century).
5500
5501<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: September 20,2014; applicants contemplating competing in the prize must register their team by the registration
5502
5503Register<a title="https://www.littleboxchallenge.com/" href="https://www.littleboxchallenge.com/" target="_blank"> here</a>: <strong><a title="https://www.littleboxchallenge.com/" href="https://www.littleboxchallenge.com/" target="_blank">Future of Electricity</a></strong>
5504
5505&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3316,post_date:"2014-07-24 00:00:13",post_date_gmt:"2014-07-23 23:00:13",post_modified:"2014-08-08 19:05:24",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 18:05:24",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"help-change-the-future-of-electricity",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Electricity"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"ideas"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Inverters"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Power inverters"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/4F7Af6h82ji"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/4MrDijn3dq6"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/LguWMs8Sfn"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oxford-post-cache",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:15:"featured-images";a:1:{i:0;i:0;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Akachi Nwoke on Why the AWP Network is Important "}

5505,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/07/25/akachi-nwoke-on-why-the-awp-network-is-important-2/",pubDate:"Fri, 25 Jul 2014 18:06:55 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3355",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3332" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/940843_10200554604201457_1583580305_n.jpg?w=160" alt="940843_10200554604201457_1583580305_n" width="160" height="300" />My name is <a title="http://ng.linkedin.com/pub/akachi-nwoke/19/448/776" href="http://ng.linkedin.com/pub/akachi-nwoke/19/448/776" target="_blank">Akachi Nwoke</a> and I am a makeup artist. Last year, I applied to the <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/07/08/the-awp-network-entrepreneurial-photo-competition/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/07/08/the-awp-network-entrepreneurial-photo-competition/" target="_blank">AWP Network photography contest</a> and I am glad I did. Although I came in third place, the competition helped me realize that I was not yet ready to start my business.  You may read more about my story <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/10/07/a-young-african-on-what-entrepreneurship-means-to-her/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/10/07/a-young-african-on-what-entrepreneurship-means-to-her/" target="_blank">here</a></strong>.
5506
5507I was a university graduate and had been jobless for several years. This circumstance left me helpless but somehow I found the strength to start my business, it was a total transformation. I went from being jobless and feeling helpless, to starting a business and becoming a source of inspiration and financial support to my family.
5508
5509Yes, I started a business but with the mentoring, coaching, and support from the AWP Network, I realized that I needed more professional training and experience in my field.  The mentoring, coaching, and support provided by the AWP Network also helped me to realize that I needed to surround and align myself with those who are more successful in my field and there’s no other place to start than to work at the <a title="http://www.houseoftara.com/" href="http://www.houseoftara.com/" target="_blank">House of Tara</a>.
5510
5511I currently work as a sales assistant at the House of Tara and the company operates like a bank. There, I am learning about the various aspects of running a business. I have learned about bookkeeping, sales strategies, marketing, operations, HR (how to hire, who to hire), and I have also been able to hone in on my customer service skills. More importantly, I am learning about branding and the necessary skills required to become an entrepreneur. For example, I have learned that bookkeeping is an important aspect of running a business. Taking account of your finances and implementing an effective sales strategy is something that should never be joked with. I have learned a little bit about auditing and internal control, as well as the importance of the personnel who oversees operations. There was so much that I did not know about the process of running and operating a successful business.
5512
5513<strong>How has the AWP Network helped me?</strong> The coaching, mentoring, and support helped me to understand that  (1) running a business requires certain skills, (2) that it is important to acquire these skills if I plan to operate a successful and sustainable business and lastly, (3) running a business is fun but it is also no easy task.
5514
5515After the photo contest, I relocated to Enugu and I intend to push the House of Tara brand like it's my own. As a sales assistant, I plan to make the kind of profit that I would like my future employees to make for my own company and after all is said and done, when it is time to leave, it will be fondly said of me, "Akachi Nwoke was here."
5516
5517As you can see, I am learning so much at my current place of employment and I believe that there is so much more to learn. As a makeup artist at the House of Tara International, Enugu branch, I intend to learn all the skills needed to relaunch my business.  I hope that the AWP Network will continue to support my efforts.
5518
5519The cash prize I won has helped me immensely. I used the funds to purchase more makeup supplies and beauty products.  In addition to working as a makeup artist, I also sell House of Tara cosmetics and included the L.A. Colors cosmetics line to my supplies. After the contest, I felt that more was expected of me, so I continue to remain focused and will work hard towards my goals.
5520
5521<strong><em>My advice to young Africans is to start a business, keep trying, and keep going.</em></strong>
5522
5523I cannot thank you enough for following through and keeping in touch. Also, thank you for the wakeup call, mentoring, coaching and support.
5524
5525<em>Akachi Nwoke  </em>
5526
5527Sales Assistant, House of Tara International
5528
5529Owner, Visages Parfait Beauty Place
5530
5531<img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-2002" src="http://staging.awpnet

5531work.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/vp-workmaking-a-bride-look-awesome.jpg?w=610" alt="" width="610" height="405" />`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3355,post_date:"2014-07-25 19:06:55",post_date_gmt:"2014-07-25 18:06:55",post_modified:"2014-08-08 21:17:49",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 20:17:49",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"akachi-nwoke-on-why-the-awp-network-is-important-2",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Akachi Nwoke"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"cosmetics"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"employment"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Enugu"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"House of Tara"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"makeup supplies"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nigerian youth"},{__cdata:"Photo competition"},{__cdata:"photo contest"},{__cdata:"photo essay"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"Startup"},{__cdata:"startup stories"},{__cdata:"stories"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"Success Stories"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"testimonials"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Unemployment"},{__cdata:"Visages Parfait"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2002"}},{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/QMasaXK417d"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/PPQr6GtjwmU"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/NBcH7PY78A"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oxford-post-cache",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:15:"featured-images";a:1:{i:0;i:0;}}'}}]},{title:{__cdata:"The Stakes Are High: Starting Your Business While Working 9 – 5"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/08/01/the-stakes-are-high-starting-your-business-while-working-9-5/",pubDate:"Fri, 01 Aug 2014 00:27:51 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3362",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Most small businesses are started by individuals who work a regular job while launching their startup. It is not always easy to think about starting a new business when working a full-time job, this takes careful planning and excellent time management skills.  The question becomes, how do you properly transition from being an employee to being an entrepreneur?
5532
5533In line with its mission, the <strong><a title="http://www.bellanaija.com/2014/03/10/africas-power-women-discuss-business-ideas-execution-in-nigeria-at-awps-networking-event-in-lagos/" href="http://www.bellanaija.com/2014/03/10/africas-power-women-discuss-business-ideas-execution-in-nigeria-at-awps-networking-event-in-lagos/" target="_blank">AWP Network</a></strong> will host this event with the <strong><a title="http://www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/nycbiz/html/home/home.shtml" href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/nycbiz/html/home/home.shtml" target="_blank">NYC Business Solutions Center</a></strong>. Entrepreneurs will lead an insightful and engaging conversation on what it takes to 

5533start a business while working a full-time job. The panel will be moderated by <a title="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-olushoga/" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-olushoga/" target="_blank"><strong><em>Mary Olushoga</em></strong></a>, Founder of the AWP Network.
5534
5535Register <strong><a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Pukwx-jr_o9h2cV7d-WyEFn3vefYshR_eBnSlcmcedI/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Pukwx-jr_o9h2cV7d-WyEFn3vefYshR_eBnSlcmcedI/viewform" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Pukwx-jr_o9h2cV7d-WyEFn3vefYshR_eBnSlcmcedI/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Pukwx-jr_o9h2cV7d-WyEFn3vefYshR_eBnSlcmcedI/viewform" target="_blank"><strong>AWPNY2014</strong></a>
5536
5537<img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-3364" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/slide11.jpg?w=610" alt="Slide1" width="610" height="457" />
5538
5539&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3362,post_date:"2014-08-01 01:27:51",post_date_gmt:"2014-08-01 00:27:51",post_modified:"2014-08-08 21:18:23",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 20:18:23",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-stakes-are-high-starting-your-business-while-working-9-5",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Anie Akpe"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Bronx"},{__cdata:"Brooklyn"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"Community2Community"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu"},{__cdata:"Innov8tiv.com"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Manhattan"},{__cdata:"Marie-Yolaine Eusebe"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"MUI-The PR Company"},{__cdata:"MUIPR"},{__cdata:"New York City"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"NYC Business Solutions"},{__cdata:"Orobosa Owie"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"program development"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Queens"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"stories"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"UNA-YP"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3364"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/82WuNYBBsBM"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/N5pJKqbJbrH"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/ZhAIiU80bi"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oxford-post-cache",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:15:"featured-images";a:1:{i:0;i:0;}}'}}]},{title:{__cdata:"$100,000 for Innovative African Solutions to African Challenges"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/08/04/150000-for-innovative-african-solutions-to-african-challenges-2/",pubDate:"Mon, 04 Aug 2014 01:53:15 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3375",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3377" src="http://staging.awpnet

5539work.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ipa_logo.jpg" alt="IPA_Logo" width="595" height="310" />The <strong><em>African Innovation Foundation</em></strong> (AIF) is calling on all African innovators to submit their entries for the fourth edition of the <em>Innovation Prize for Africa</em> (IPA) competition. The IPA is presented annually, enabling and encouraging African pioneers to develop creative ideas and techniques to overcome some of the challenges faced by the continent and support sustainable development.
5540
5541“At the African Innovation Foundation, we are passionate about Africa and its potential, that we firmly believe will be led by empowering a new generation of African innovators and entrepreneurs.  But we also recognize that this new generation needs the resources and the opportunities to realize their ambition,” said AIF and IPA founder Jean-Claude Bastos de Morais.
5542
5543"IPA provides a platform to encourage and harness these entrepreneurial skills to help improve the lives of Africans and to help realize untapped potential. The prize is also a great way of unleashing creativity and promoting growth within the African continent.”
5544
5545All innovations are evaluated based on the following criteria:
5546
5547(1) originality,
5548
5549(2) marketability,
5550
5551(3) scalability,
5552
5553(4) social impact and Scientific/technical aspects.
5554
5555<strong>Prizes</strong>
5556
5557The best submission will be awarded a grand prize of USD 100,000.  The second prize of USD 25,000 will be awarded to an innovator with an innovation which has the best commercial and business potential. An additional award is a special prize granted to the innovator whose innovation has the best social impact in the community.
5558
5559The IPA encourages entries in<strong> five (5) key</strong> categories:
5560
5561(1) Agriculture and Agribusiness,
5562
5563(2) Environment,
5564
5565(3) Energy and Water, Health and Wellbeing,
5566
5567(4) ICT applications,
5568
5569(5) Manufacturing and Services Industries.
5570
5571<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: October 31, 2014
5572
5573Apply <strong><a title="http://innovationprizeforafrica.org/apply-now/" href="http://innovationprizeforafrica.org/apply-now/" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://innovationprizeforafrica.org/apply-now/" href="http://innovationprizeforafrica.org/apply-now/" target="_blank">Innovation Prize</a> </strong>
5574
5575&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3375,post_date:"2014-08-04 02:53:15",post_date_gmt:"2014-08-04 01:53:15",post_modified:"2014-08-08 18:59:34",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 17:59:34",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"150000-for-innovative-african-solutions-to-african-challenges-2",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African Innovation"},{__cdata:"African Innovation Foundation"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Innovation Prize for Africa"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"making a difference"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3377"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/XHqnzQ8eALu"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/92SdqVTJdLp"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/XIwmroy0Ab"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oxford-post-cache",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:10:"char-count";i:1962;s:15:"featured-images";a:1:{i:0;i:0;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:7215,comment_author:{__cdata:"Apply: $150,000 Innovation Prize for Africa &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/08/03/apply-150000-innovation-prize-for-africa/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.80.54",comment_date:"2015-08-03 15:34:39",comment_date_gmt:"2015-08-03 14:34:39",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

55750;] your answer is YES to the above, then you are invited to participate in the Innovation Prize for Africa. The IPA is an initiative of the African Innovation Foundation (AIF) and was established in 2011. [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1438612537"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1438612538.4263999462127685546875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1438612479.3988649845123291015625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Women4Africa 2015 Awards "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/08/06/apply-women4africa-2015-awards/",pubDate:"Wed, 06 Aug 2014 16:20:56 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3391",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1407337783552_15593" class="yiv0899449000"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-3393" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/untitled.png?w=635" alt="Untitled" width="635" height="303" /></div>
5576<div class="yiv0899449000"></div>
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5592<div class="yiv0899449000"></div>
5593<div class="yiv0899449000"></div>
5594<div class="yiv0899449000">Nominations are open for the 4th Annual <strong>Women4Africa Awards</strong> night to be held in Kensington, London in May 2015. All nominations will be treated in confidence and only viewed by the selection panel and category sponsors.</div>
5595<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1407337783552_15771" class="yiv0899449000"><span class="yiv0899449000"> </span></div>
5596<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1407337783552_15773" class="yiv0899449000"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1407337783552_15772" class="yiv0899449000"><strong>Women4Africa</strong> has continuously grown and is widely considered the premier platform for celebrating African women achievers from around the world. </span>Every year, the organization hosts guests from around the world who thoroughly enjoy the sold out awards night.</div>
5597<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1407337783552_15778" class="yiv0899449000"><span class="yiv0899449000"> </span></div>
5598<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1407337783552_15783" class="yiv0899449000">
5599
5600<strong><em>Eligibility:</em></strong>
5601A woman is eligible to enter the ‘ <a title="http://www.women4africa.com/how-to-nominate/" href="http://www.women4africa.com/how-to-nominate/" target="_blank">Women4Africa Awards UK</a>’ 2014 if;
5602• She is resident in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man and has been so for a period of 12 months before the date of application. (This does not apply to those in the ‘International Category.’)
5603• If she was born on the continent of Africa; or if she is born into an ethnic group or had at least two parents born into an ethnic group or groups, of African origin.
5604• Please note all nominees must be older than 18 on December 31, 2014.
5605
5606If you would like to nominate yourself or someone you know who falls into any of the listed categories (see categories link) please check that you or the person is eligible then send to an email to<a title="http://www.women4africa.com/2015-categories/" href="http://www.women4africa.com/2015-categories/" target="_blank"><strong> [email protected]</strong></a> including the following:
5607<ul>
5608	<li>A picture of the nominee,</li>
5609	<li>A brief profile in no more than 100 words as to why the nominee fits the chosen category,</li>
5610	<li>A referee (someone who can verify the nominee) name and contact details,</li>
5611	<li>Please state which African country the nominee is from,</li>
5612	<li>Please include a contact email for the nominee.</li>
5613</ul>

5614 
5615
5616See highlights of the 2014 awards [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpLD3cLJq5M]
5617
5618 
5619
5620 
5621
5622 
5623
5624 
5625
5626 
5627
5628</div>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3391,post_date:"2014-08-06 17:20:56",post_date_gmt:"2014-08-06 16:20:56",post_modified:"2014-08-08 18:58:40",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 17:58:40",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-women4africa-2015-awards",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Europe"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"recognition"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"UK"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Women4Africa"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/CZwvnMRjbRR"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/D9z9tg5VwVi"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/PGigxB2t3Q"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"U.S. - Africa Business Forum: Investments Announced for African Women Entrepreneurs "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/08/07/u-s-africa-business-forum-investments-announced-for-african-women-entrepreneurs/",pubDate:"Thu, 07 Aug 2014 15:54:33 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3417",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-3418" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/awp-networking-event-bellanaija-march2014008.jpg?w=635" alt="AWP-Networking-Event-BellaNaija-March2014008" width="635" height="423" />Caterpillar Foundation</strong> announced a partnership with the <strong>U.S. Department of State’s African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP)</strong> to create the first ever AWEP-<em>Women’s Entrepreneurial Centers of Resources, Education, Access, and Training for Economic Empowerment</em> (WECREATE) in sub-Saharan Africa. Caterpillar Foundation and the U.S. State Department are providing $1 million each to create these self-sustaining women’s business centers where women can gain the tools, resources, support and education they need to become successful entrepreneurs and exporters. By being in control of their own financial destiny, women helped by the Centers will help to end the cycle of poverty faced by many girls and women in developing countries and catalyze economic development, prosperity and job creation in their respective countries.
5629
5630&nbsp;
5631
5632<strong>Intel</strong> announced a new collaboration with the <strong>U.S. Agency for International Development</strong> <strong>(USAID)</strong> called the Women and the Web Alliance. The Alliance will catalyze a group of partners to address the gender and Internet gap by bringing more than 600,000 young women online in Nigeria and Kenya in the next 3 years. The Alliance consists of USAID, Intel, NetHope, World Pulse, World Vision, UN Women, and Women in Technology in Nigeria, combining efforts to transform girls’ and women’s lives and livelihoods in Africa through digital literacy training, relevant content, policy work, and online social networks.
5633
5634&nbsp;
5635
5636<strong>Walmart</strong>, through its Global Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative, has committed to train one million farmers, half of which will be women, by the end of 2016. Today, through $3 million in grants and in partnership with leading NGOs and <strong>USAID</strong> – which is working with the <strong>Feed the Future</strong> initiative – Walmart is accelerating the pace of training and aiming to deliver training to more than 135,000 farmers - 80,000 of which will be women - in Kenya, Rwanda, and Zambia. Kenyan farmers taking part in the program should see farm incomes double in just one growing season.
5637
5638Learn more <a title="http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/texttrans/2014/08/20140806305223.html?CP.rss=true#axzz39eI9UsKG" href="http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/texttrans/2014/08/20140806305223.html?CP.rss=true#axzz39eI9UsKG" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/texttrans/2014/08/20140806305223.html?CP.rss=true#axzz39eI9UsKG" href="http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/texttrans/2014/08/20140806305223.html?CP.rss=true#axzz39eI9UsKG" target="_blank">U.S. Embassy</a></strong>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3417,post_date:"2014-08-07 16:54:33",post_date_gmt:"2014-08-07 15:54:33",post_modified:"2014-08-08 18:57:46",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 17:57:46",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"u-s-africa-business-forum-investments-announced-for-african-women-entrepreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African Women's Entrepreneurship Program"}

5638,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"empowerment"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"Global Women's Economic Empowerment Initiative"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Intel"},{__cdata:"investments"},{__cdata:"Investors"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Office of the First Lady"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"training"},{__cdata:"Walmart"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3418"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/af6GeYRVydn"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/2PREqRVmuE3"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/d3d8llf5il"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:4140,comment_author:{__cdata:"U.S. &ndash; Africa Business Forum: Investments..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/secrets-of-success-for-women-entrerpreneurs/p/4026061452/2014/08/10/u-s-africa-business-forum-investments-announced-for-african",comment_author_IP:"89.30.118.151",comment_date:"2014-08-10 15:48:00",comment_date_gmt:"2014-08-10 14:48:00",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Caterpillar Foundation announced a partnership with the U.S. Department of State&#039;s African Women&#039;s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) to create the first ever AWEP-Women&#039;s Entrepreneurial Centers of Resources, ...&nbsp; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-08-10 14:48:02"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1407682081.28205204010009765625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1407771283"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1407771284.635982036590576171875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Innovation and Health: Nigerian Entrepreneur Creates Website to Educate Africans on Ebola"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/08/08/innovation-and-health-nigerian-entrepreneur-creates-website-to-educate-africans-on-ebola/",pubDate:"Fri, 08 Aug 2014 17:02:41 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3450",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-3435" src="http://staging.awpnet

5638work.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/unnamed-1.jpg?w=635" alt="unnamed (1)" width="635" height="315" />As a direct response to the crisis ravaging through communities in West Africa, and as Nigeria braces for more Ebola cases, medical doctor and techpreneur, <strong>Seyi Taylor</strong> has created an interactive website to inform and educate the public on the deadly virus.
5639
5640His company, Big Cabal Media recently launched <a title="http://ebolafacts.com/" href="http://ebolafacts.com/" target="_blank">EbolaFacts.com</a>. The site aims to capitalize on the growing number of tech-savvy Africans who use the internet on their mobile phones as the first point of call when searching for information.
5641
5642Since the launch of <a title="http://ebolafacts.com/" href="http://ebolafacts.com/" target="_blank">EbolaFacts.com</a>, the site has received over 600,000 unique visitors and content from the site will soon be translated into various languages to include: French, Swahili, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and Pidgin.
5643
5644In a press statement, Seyi Taylor wrote, "with the launch of <a title="http://ebolafacts.com/" href="http://ebolafacts.com/" target="_blank">EbolaFacts.com</a>, we acknowledge the millions of Africans who are regular internet users and we hope that they will use this site as a first point of call for all information on the Ebola virus."  He continued, "<a title="http://ebolafacts.com/" href="http://ebolafacts.com/" target="_blank">EbolaFacts.com</a> is extremely accessible and easy to navigate on all tech platforms - mobile being the no. 1 platform here on the continent. We hope that people will share the available information as part of the global effort to contain the Ebola outbreak."
5645
5646&nbsp;
5647
5648<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3441" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/unnamed1.jpg?w=167" alt="unnamed" width="167" height="300" />
5649
5650Seyi Taylor is co-founder of Big Cabal Media. He earned a degree in medicine from the University of Lagos. Learn more here <a title="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/seyitaylor" href="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/seyitaylor" target="_blank">Big Cabal Media</a>
5651
5652&nbsp;
5653
5654&nbsp;
5655
5656&nbsp;
5657
5658&nbsp;
5659
5660&nbsp;
5661
5662&nbsp;
5663
5664&nbsp;
5665
5666&nbsp;
5667
5668&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3450,post_date:"2014-08-08 18:02:41",post_date_gmt:"2014-08-08 17:02:41",post_modified:"2014-08-08 18:56:38",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-08 17:56:38",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"innovation-and-health-nigerian-entrepreneur-creates-website-to-educate-africans-on-ebola",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"access"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Bankole Oluwafemi"},{__cdata:"Big Cabal Media"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Ebolafacts.com"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"information"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Public Health"},{__cdata:"Seyi Taylor"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3435"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/7oBnnwqAogf"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/6oCRCUsWkm5"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/fDwalfSAxx"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Mobile Impact Ventures Program"}

5668,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/08/11/apply-mobile-impact-ventures-program/",pubDate:"Mon, 11 Aug 2014 15:47:52 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3555",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3556" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/untitle.jpg" alt="Untitle" width="400" height="200" />The <strong>Mobile Impact Ventures Program</strong>, Mlab East Africa’s accelerator program for impact ventures with innovative solutions in agriculture, health &amp; water and education, is currently seeking applications for its second cohort.
5669
5670The program supports social ventures for 3 months through a tailor-made acceleration process, which targets the ventures’ business models, technology, and customer development through intensive business masters classes, coaching with business experts and mentoring with sector specialists. Other interventions include meetups with domain practitioners for knowledge exchange and to build the ventures’ social capital.
5671
5672Also offered by the program is needs based coaching and training on mobile technologies. The ventures also get support on user experience and graphics designs for their products. The program assists graduates to raise impact investments and gives $5,000 to selected ventures for traction proof. Marketing support is also included for market ready products.
5673
5674DEADLINE: <b>August 27, 2014</b>
5675
5676Apply <a title="http://mlab.co.ke/mivpsignup/" href="http://mlab.co.ke/mivpsignup/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://mlab.co.ke/mivpsignup/" href="http://mlab.co.ke/mivpsignup/" target="_blank">mLab</a></strong>
5677
5678&nbsp;
5679
5680&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3555,post_date:"2014-08-11 16:47:52",post_date_gmt:"2014-08-11 15:47:52",post_modified:"2014-08-11 16:48:32",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-11 15:48:32",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-mobile-impact-ventures-program",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"agriculture"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business models"},{__cdata:"East Africa"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"health &amp; water"},{__cdata:"impact ventures"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mLab"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/1Cn49Xa1tgU"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/2N2WCsjadwm"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/y4Cq08CMUd"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Attend: Tech4Africa Conference in Cape Town "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/08/12/attend-tech4africa-conference-in-cape-town/",pubDate:"Tue, 12 Aug 2014 14:00:51 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3563",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3564" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/tech4africa_ft6.jpg" alt="Tech4Africa_Ft~6" width="292" height="170" />The annual<strong> Tech4Africa</strong> conference will take place in Cape Town. Tech4Africa focuses on deep technical workshops and sessions for practitioners who impart knowledge, perspective, African context, and inspiration.
5681

5682The conference places emphasis on learning, interaction, engagement, and discussion - a place for new ideas, and to encourage people to make and change things.
5683
5684 
5685
5686Want to attend? Register here: <strong><a title="http://register.tech4africa.com/" href="http://register.tech4africa.com/" target="_blank">Tech4Africa </a></strong>
5687
5688&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3563,post_date:"2014-08-12 15:00:51",post_date_gmt:"2014-08-12 14:00:51",post_modified:"2014-08-12 15:00:51",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-12 14:00:51",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"attend-tech4africa-conference-in-cape-town",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Cape Town"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"Tech4Africa"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Q3wLmDWRRwU"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/G4NfQM7WUeo"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/385mAz8G5b"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Founder of Genii Games Launches New App "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/08/13/founder-of-genii-games-launches-new-app/",pubDate:"Wed, 13 Aug 2014 02:22:54 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3574",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-3575" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/tort.jpg?w=635" alt="Tort" width="635" height="235" />Innovator and entrepreneur, <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/04/17/language-and-culture-how-genii-games-is-using-technology-to-spark-innovation/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/04/17/language-and-culture-how-genii-games-is-using-technology-to-spark-innovation/" target="_blank">Adebayo Adegbembo</a> founded <a title="https://twitter.com/genii_games" href="https://twitter.com/genii_games" target="_blank">Genii Games</a> the parent company of <strong>Asa</strong> – a growing collection of interactive mobile applications that teaches Nigerian culture and languages. Read his<a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/04/17/language-and-culture-how-genii-games-is-using-technology-to-spark-innovation/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/04/17/language-and-culture-how-genii-games-is-using-technology-to-spark-innovation/" target="_blank"> interview</a> with the AWP Network <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/04/17/language-and-culture-how-genii-games-is-using-technology-to-spark-innovation/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/04/17/language-and-culture-how-genii-games-is-using-technology-to-spark-innovation/" target="_blank">here</a></strong>.
5689
5690The new app, <a title="http://tortoise.geniigames.com/" href="http://tortoise.geniigames.com/" target="_blank">Adventures of the Tortoise</a>, is a collection of African folktales. The audience follows the Tortoise on his adventures through various African cultures and app users may also explore the unique features of these cultures to include: folksongs, names, customs, diversity, etiquette, and much more. Adventures of the Tortoise is a blend of stories that aim to serve the following purposes:
5691<ul>
5692	<li>teach African folksongs,</li>
5693	<li>serve as an educative tool to stimulate children's reading habits,</li>
5694	<li>serve as a tool for explaining life’s values and morals,</li>
5695	<li>serve as a bridge between various cultures,</li>
5696	<li>serve as an entertainment piece for bedtime stories.</li>
5697</ul>
5698Learn more about the app <a title="http://tortoise.geniigames.com/" href="http://tortoise.geniigames.com/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://tortoise.geniigames.com/" href="http://tortoise.geniigames.com/" target="_blank">Genii Games</a></strong>
5699
5700&nbsp;
5701
5702http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiLoRQI0n2A
5703
5704&nbsp;
5705
5706&nbsp;
5707
5708&nbsp;
5709
5710&nbsp;
5711
5712&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3574,post_date:"2014-08-13 03:22:54",post_date_gmt:"2014-08-13 02:22:54",post_modified:"2014-08-13 15:04:25",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-13 14:04:25",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"founder-of-genii-games-launches-new-app",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Adebayo Adegbembo"},{__cdata:"Adventures of the Tortoise"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African folktales"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"Children"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"culture"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Genii Games"},{__cdata:"language"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile apps"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"Startup"},{__cdata:"tech"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3575"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/14q4hDKC6h3"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/Z8pBXpyHCMs"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/EDvbeQ9hjl"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_facebook",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_google_plus",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_twitter",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_linkedin",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_tumblr",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_path",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_49fc41cc00db7fe9661d3281d179cb7e",meta_value:{__cdata:'<div class="embed-youtube"><iframe title="Adventures of the Tortoise App" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WiLoRQI0n2A?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;

5712 web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_49fc41cc00db7fe9661d3281d179cb7e",meta_value:{__cdata:"1727431185"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_de078abd46f46fd0049f58a470c61bc7",meta_value:{__cdata:'<div class="embed-youtube"><iframe title="Adventures of the Tortoise App" width="584" height="329" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WiLoRQI0n2A?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_de078abd46f46fd0049f58a470c61bc7",meta_value:{__cdata:"1732673953"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Fashion Entrepreneur Creates Luxury Brand for African Women"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/08/14/fashion-entrepreneur-creates-luxury-brand-for-african-women/",pubDate:"Thu, 14 Aug 2014 21:32:09 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3588",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" link="file" ids="3594,3589,3590"]
5713
5714Owner and Creative Director at <a title="http://www.elizabethwaldorf.com/" href="http://www.elizabethwaldorf.com/" target="_blank"><strong><em>Elizabeth Waldorf</em></strong></a>, <strong>Jane Ole</strong> founded her company to create timeless designs for African women who appreciate luxury, elegance, and style. The AWP Network met with Jane to learn more about how she got started and her plans for growing the company.
5715
5716<strong>How did you come up with the name of your business?</strong>
5717
5718My sister inspired the name of the company. Her name is Elizabeth and it means ‘God’s promise.’ Waldorf on the other hand, is a German name and it means 'a village in the woods.' To me however, it means 'fruitfulness and prosperity.' Together, Elizabeth Waldorf means “God’s promise for prosperity.”
5719
5720<strong>What inspired you to start this business?</strong>
5721
5722I have been designing since I was a teenager and I can say that it’s my passion. One day I thought to myself, why not create a business out of this? Creating and designing gives me the most sense of accomplishment, I cannot imagine doing anything else - I love designing beautiful clothes for women.
5723
5724<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
5725
5726The Elizabeth Waldorf brand attracts women who appreciate luxury, elegance, and style. We create timeless designs and pay careful attention to detail.
5727
5728<strong>How have you been able to penetrate the fashion Industry in Nigeria?</strong>
5729
5730We have the kindest customers. Many of our clients come through referrals. We have customers who are very excited about our work and gladly share what we do with others.  I call them the Elizabeth Waldorf brand ambassadors.
5731
5732<strong>How have you financed your business?</strong>
5733
5734Long story short, bootstrapping. It’s not easy to access loans from financial institutions and seeking equity from potential investors is also never quite easy.
5735
5736<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
5737
5738At Elizabeth Waldorf, we aim to please and want to exceed our client’s expectations. We provide excellent customer service and we truly believe that the “customer is king.” We don't just say this, our customers can attest to what we do.
5739
5740<strong>What is the five (5) year plan for your business?</strong>
5741
5742My dream is to build a global brand. We want to build a strong brand and be well-known around the world.
5743
5744<strong>What business challenges do you face?</strong>
5745
5746Like many other small businesses in Nigeria, I’d say electricity. I think more businesses would thrive and save more of their profits if only we can fix the power issue.
5747
5748<strong>What key things have you learned since starting your business idea?</strong>
5749
5750(1)   Never expect everyone to say yes to you,
5751
5752(2)   Always believe in yourself,
5753
5754(3)   Understand that it is okay to fail as long as you learn from your mistakes. Also, when you fail, never quit. Keep going,
5755
5756(4)  Build and develop a reliable team - a great team is a great asset,
5757
5758(5)  I have also learned to trust my instincts.
5759
5760<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start a business idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
5761

5762There will never be a time when there will be money so my advice is to start now and start small.
5763
5764<strong>How do you think African youths can continue to support each other?</strong>
5765
5766Young people can support one another by establishing common goals, sharing ideas, and by providing solutions to growing challenges.
5767
5768<strong>How many jobs have you created so far?</strong>
5769
5770We have created five (5) jobs in the last two years.
5771
5772<strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Africa?</strong>
5773
5774We can agree that the government has a lot of work to do; however, we cannot continue to solely rely on the government. Private organizations and philanthropists should invest more in young people and businesses. We know that small businesses are important to the growth of the economy.
5775
5776Lastly, I would like to add that I strongly believe in the power of dreams. Growing the Elizabeth Waldorf brand has taught me that with passion, consistency, and determination, anything is achievable and possible.
5777
5778<strong>Website</strong>: <a title="http://www.elizabethwaldorf.com/" href="http://www.elizabethwaldorf.com/" target="_blank">www.elizabethwaldorf.com</a>
5779
5780<strong>Facebook</strong>: <a title="https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethWaldorfLuxury" href="https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethWaldorfLuxury" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/elizabethwaldorfluxury</a>
5781
5782<strong>Twitter</strong>: <a title="https://twitter.com/ewluxury" href="https://twitter.com/ewluxury" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/ewluxury</a>
5783
5784<strong>Pinterest</strong>: <a title="http://www.pinterest.com/jwaldorfine/elizabeth-waldorf-fashion/" href="http://www.pinterest.com/jwaldorfine/elizabeth-waldorf-fashion/" target="_blank">Elizabeth Waldorf</a>
5785
5786<strong>Phone</strong>: 234-7747224`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3588,post_date:"2014-08-14 22:32:09",post_date_gmt:"2014-08-14 21:32:09",post_modified:"2014-08-29 16:03:16",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-29 15:03:16",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"fashion-entrepreneur-creates-luxury-brand-for-african-women",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Elizabeth Waldorf"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Fashion Entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Jane Ole"},{__cdata:"Luxury Brand"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3594"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/ZWpKHGD11pR"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/e5uDdQgPj6h"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/PYVTdbua7J"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_380385c3190939a44e8088a760470917",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_6780d8e1a864130ef8260ef956730897",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_4cfaf86e156bffa2ab088d2fcadaf142",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:4426,comment_author:{__cdata:"Fashion Entrepreneur Creates Luxury Brand for A..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/secrets-of-success-for-women-entrerpreneurs/p/4026883581/2014/08/25/fashion-entrepreneur-creates-luxury-brand-for-african-women",comment_author_IP:"89.30.118.151",comment_date:"2014-08-25 21:39:55",comment_date_gmt:"2014-08-25 20:39:55",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

57860;] Owner and Creative Director at Elizabeth Waldorf, Jane Ole founded her company to create timeless designs for African women who appreciate luxury, elegance, and style. The AWP Network met with Jane...  […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1408999195.72082996368408203125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-08-25 20:39:56"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1408999974"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1408999974.6038100719451904296875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:5845,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2014 AWP Network Power List « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.86.62",comment_date:"2014-12-08 23:27:23",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-08 22:27:23",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Jane Ole (Nigeria): is owner and creative director of luxury brand, Elizabeth Waldorf, which creates timeless […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077643.39188289642333984375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1418077929"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077930.4596140384674072265625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6971,comment_author:{__cdata:"Young African Women Entrepreneurs Offer Advice on How to Start a Business With No Money « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/05/19/young-african-women-entrepreneurs-offer-advice-on-how-to-start-a-business-with-no-money/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.197",comment_date:"2015-05-19 12:41:45",comment_date_gmt:"2015-05-19 11:41:45",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] be a time when there will be money so my advice is to start now and start small.”  —- Jane Ole, Elizabeth Waldorf […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1432035705.9969789981842041015625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1432035750"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1432035750.9426219463348388671875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Fashion Entrepreneur Launches Luxury Brand With Kickstarter Campaign"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/08/18/fashion-entrepreneur-launches-luxury-brand-with-kickstarter-campaign/",pubDate:"Mon, 18 Aug 2014 21:33:55 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3622",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" link="file" ids="3624,3625,3623"]
5787
5788Founded on a mission to create jobs for local artisans in Kenya, fashion entrepreneur <a title="http://ke.linkedin.com/pub/mugo-muna/36/ba8/5b9" href="http://ke.linkedin.com/pub/mugo-muna/36/ba8/5b9" target="_blank"><strong>Mugo Muna</strong></a> started borawear.com after graduating from Cornell University. <a title="http://borawear.com/" href="http://borawear.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Bora Wear</strong></a> is a luxury fashion brand for African men. The company makes one-of-a-kind handmade belts and employs a community of local Kenyan artisans to handcraft each buckle through a sand casting method – after which, the mold is then destroyed – ensuring each piece is 100% unique.
5789
5790Bora Wear offers socially responsible products to include, belt buckles and high-quality leather belts. In an effort to expand his reach and to finance his business, Mugo Muna recently launched a kickstarter campaign, he plans to raise about $17,000. You may support his work <strong><a title="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/998017811/bora-wear-belts-that-matter" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/998017811/bora-wear-belts-that-matter" target="_blank">here</a></strong>. <strong><a title="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/998017811/bora-wear-belts-that-matter" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/998017811/bora-wear-belts-that-matter" target="_blank">Click to donate</a>.</strong> The AWP Network met with Mugo to learn more about his business. He shares with us his passion for fashion, inspiration for starting, and how he plans to grow the company.
5791
5792<strong>How did you come up with the name of your business?</strong>
5793
5794Bora in Swahili means “better” or “excellent.” I believe this word best represents my brand. I am inspired by the word ‘Bora’ because I want to make Kenya a better place by starting a business that will create jobs.
5795
5796<strong>What inspired you to start your business?</strong>
5797
5798If not us then who? We as Africans, need to work together to make the continent a better place. I want to make a difference and I believe that my company will create jobs in Kenya.
5799
5800<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
5801
5802Young African men who appreciate one-of-a-kind buckles and belts.
5803
5804<strong>How have you been able to penetrate the fashion industry?</strong>
5805
5806I am just starting out and still in the early stages of the business. My focus is more on figuring out what people want and not so much on fitting into the “industry.” Once we know 

5806what people want then we can worry about penetrating the industry.
5807
5808<strong>How have you financed your business?</strong>
5809
5810With my savings.
5811
5812<strong>What is your competitive edge? </strong>
5813
5814Each belt is handmade by local artisans in Kenya, using the highest quality materials. Each mold is destroyed after the belt is made, making each belt buckle one-of-a-kind.  Aside from the materials and the manufacturing process, all of the artisans we work with are locally trained in Kibera, an informal housing settlement here in Nairobi. The manufacturer pays all artisans a living wage.
5815
5816<strong>What is the five (5) year plan for your business?</strong>
5817
5818Our goal is to supply to various retail outlets. We want to build a global brand and strengthen the company’s online presence. We also want to increase our capacity and ability to supply wholesale and deliver bulk orders. Once this happens, I strongly believe that we will make a significant and profound impact on lives here in Kenya.
5819
5820<strong>What challenges do you face?</strong>
5821
5822(1) Quality assurance and the ability to fill large orders,
5823
5824(2) Finding people with the right skill set and who can pay great attention to detail. Currently, we do not have the capital to train people therefore, many things have happened through the trial and error method, which is fine but we need to find a reliable group of people who understand our need for quality production.
5825
5826<strong>What three (3) things do start-up entrepreneurs need to know?</strong>
5827<ul>
5828	<li><strong>Motivate yourself.</strong> You will not be motivated to work on your business all the time, so you need to find a way to work in that situation.</li>
5829	<li><strong>Delegate.</strong> Figure out what you are good at and delegate the rest of the tasks (if you can). Things will take a lot longer than you anticipate.</li>
5830	<li><strong>Find a partner.</strong> The sooner you can find a partner/ co-founder the happier and more secure you will feel about your business.</li>
5831</ul>
5832<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
5833
5834Any young person who says there is no money, lacks imagination. I would also say that they are not yet ready to start a business. I mean, there are your traditional routes to funding like, angel investors and venture capitalists, but even beyond that there are so many crowdfunding platforms out there, friends and family, or any other kind of means to funding your idea.
5835
5836<strong>How do you think African youths can continue to support each other?</strong>
5837
5838It is nice to have a platform and to have someone to speak with about your startup problems, I want more young people coming together to share ideas and to provide solutions to  challenges. I think that this is critical to the small business process and development. I also believe that having such conversations really helps to keep people motivated and accountable to a larger group.
5839
5840<strong>How many jobs have you created so far?</strong>
5841
5842Right now, we are providing work for about 60 artisans. We plan to expand and I believe that when we get more orders, we can create more jobs.
5843
5844<strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Africa?</strong>
5845
5846I think it comes down to encouraging people to take more risks and trying out their ideas – you know, moving from idea to execution. You have to give things a shot to find out whether an idea will work or not.
5847
5848<strong>Website</strong>: <a title="http://borawear.com/" href="http://borawear.com/" target="_blank">Borawear</a>
5849
5850<strong>Facebook</strong>: <a title="https://www.facebook.com/borawear" href="https://www.facebook.com/borawear" target="_blank">facebook.com/borawear</a>
5851
5852<strong>Twitter</strong>: <a title="https://twitter.com/borawear" href="https://twitter.com/borawear" target="_blank">twitter.com/borawear</a>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3622,post_date:"2014-08-18 22:33:55",post_date_gmt:"2014-08-18 21:33:55",post_modified:"2014-08-29 15:22:55",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-29 14:22:55",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"fashion-entrepreneur-launches-luxury-brand-with-kickstarter-campaign",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

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58520;] Mugo Muna, founder of Borawear states, &#8220;I really did not consider any other platform other than Kickstarter. The biggest attribute that swayed my thinking is the data Kickstarter shares on its blog and the regression analysis provided me with information on how best to run a campaign. While doing my research, I learned more about Kickstarter, watched interviews with the founder of the platform, saw some campaigns go viral and saw how entrepreneurs raised millions of dollars for their ideas. Not that there was anything wrong with any other platform, but Kickstarter seemed to have a lot of blockbuster campaigns reaching over a million dollars in pledges.&#8221; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1441311352.7908179759979248046875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1441313158"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1441313158.81042194366455078125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Employee by Day, Startup CEO By Night: Meet the Speakers"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/08/20/employee-by-day-startup-ceo-by-night-meet-the-speakers/",pubDate:"Wed, 20 Aug 2014 16:59:58 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3641",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_3642" align="alignleft" width="223"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-3642" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/anie.jpg?w=223" alt="Anie Akpe" width="223" height="300" /> Anie Akpe[/caption]
5853
5854<i></i><strong>Anie Akpe</strong> is founder of Innov8tiv magazine and IBOM LLC. She is also Vice President of mortgage operations at Municipal Credit Union where she manages a $575 million portfolio.
5855
5856As founder of IBOM LLC, Akpe aids small businesses around the world, particularly those owned by African entrepreneurs in the Diaspora, guiding business development and leading sound results in the completion of their business goals.
5857
5858<a title="http://www.innov8tiv.com/" href="http://www.innov8tiv.com/" target="_blank"><b>Innov8tiv.com</b></a> is a subsidiary of IBOM LLC, adding to <a title="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n68DO_8LpaM" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n68DO_8LpaM" target="_blank">her company’s mission to not only advocate for entrepreneurship</a> among global professionals of color, but dynamic technology information, resources, events, and media. Akpe holds a bachelor's degree and MBA from Dowling College in Long Island, N.Y. An avid reader, traveler and bike rider with a passion for entrepreneurship, she resides in Brooklyn, N.Y
5859
5860&nbsp;
5861
5862&nbsp;
5863
5864&nbsp;
5865
5866[caption id="attachment_3644" align="alignleft" width="188"]<img class="size-full wp-image-3644" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/maries-headshot.jpg" alt="Marie-Yolaine Eusebe" width="188" height="294" /> Marie-Yolaine Eusebe[/caption]
5867
5868<strong>Marie-Yolaine Eusebe</strong> is CEO+FireStarter at Community2Community(C2C). Humanitarian, speaker, facilitator and social entrepreneur Marie-Yolaine Eusebe is no stranger to the non-profit world. After the devastating earthquake in Haïti on January 12, 2010, Marie-Yolaine was compelled to take action.  In May of that year, she resigned from her position at American Express to launch <a title="http://community2community.info/" href="http://community2community.info/" target="_blank">Community2Community</a> (C2C), a non-profit service organization dedicated to creating self-sufficient communities by working with the community.
5869
5870Focusing on the areas of Business Development, Education, Health and Infra-structure Rebuilding, C2C launched the Haïti Restoration and Transformation Pilot Project in April 2011, in Petit Goâve, a small coastal town 42 miles outside of Port-au-Prince with the goal of replicating it throughout the country and offering Haitians across the Diaspora and those with a heart for Haïti the opportunity to be a part of something greater than themselves. Marie is also a sought after motivational speaker, selected to kick-off the 2011 Princeton TEDx event to speak on community and “Becoming a FireStarter” followed by a Haitian history performance piece at the Wall Street TEDx event sponsored by Landau Leadership.
5871
5872&nbsp;
5873
5874[caption id="attachment_3649" align="alignleft" width="219"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-3649" src="http://staging.awpnet

5874work.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ijeoma-muipr-4.jpg?w=219" alt=" Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu" width="219" height="300" /> Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu[/caption]
5875
5876With years of data, analytics and communications experience, <strong>Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu</strong> co-founded <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/01/15/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/01/15/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs/" target="_blank">MUI-The PR Company</a> (MUIPR) to strategically advise clients on  how they can be successful within their distinct markets.
5877
5878Under her direction, Genevieve’s MUIPR represents multiple business segments and leaders across three strategic brand public relations (PR) areas: social/digital media, events, and traditional PR. Genevieve has a strong background in executing revenue growth strategies and development of go-to-market approaches for new-new markets.
5879
5880Genevieve also has experience in harnessing scientific research for behavior change communications. She has  engineered research and evaluation efforts for public health brands in NYC and co-authored original empirical work in  top tier journals on a number of topics. She has also led studies that have examined the impact of ad campaigns on the attitudes, perceptions and behavioral intentions of target audiences in NYC.  Genevieve holds dual Masters Degrees from Boston University and Columbia University.
5881
5882&nbsp;
5883
5884[caption id="attachment_3646" align="alignleft" width="168"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-3646" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/picture.jpg?w=168" alt="Orobosa Owie " width="168" height="300" /> Orobosa Owie[/caption]
5885
5886<a title="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/orobosa-owie/72/4b/89" href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/orobosa-owie/72/4b/89" target="_blank"><strong>Orobosa Owie</strong></a> is Director of the African Affairs Committee at the United Nations Association Southern NY State Division for Young Professionals, a program that forges high-level relationships between young professionals in New York City interested in Africa with the United Nations and the United Nations Association to increase the visibility of the United Nation’s current initiatives in Africa.
5887
5888Orobosa is an experienced public speaker who believes that the power of effective change lies within each individual. In 2007, Orobosa spent six months in Nigeria as a Youth Campaign Manager during the country’s political elections to ensure that the youth of her assigned constituency had the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. Since then, Orobosa has worked with various UN agencies, NGOs and nonprofit organizations to build multi-cultural platforms that encourage civic engagement and international program development.
5889
5890&nbsp;
5891
5892&nbsp;
5893
5894&nbsp;
5895
5896&nbsp;
5897
5898&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3641,post_date:"2014-08-20 17:59:58",post_date_gmt:"2014-08-20 16:59:58",post_modified:"2014-08-20 17:59:58",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-20 16:59:58",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"employee-by-day-startup-ceo-by-night-meet-the-speakers",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Anie Akpe"},{__cdata:"AWP"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"Community2Community"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"IBOM LLC"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu"},{__cdata:"Innov8tiv magazine"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Marie-Yolaine Eusebe"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"MUI-The PR Company"},{__cdata:"MUIPR"},{__cdata:"Orobosa Owie"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3364"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/FY58VHywSwn"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/GRP97BQUcAt"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/AYGME4svvI"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Scholarship for African Girls in STEM"}

5898,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/08/26/scholarship-for-african-girls-in-stem/",pubDate:"Tue, 26 Aug 2014 14:41:43 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3673",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-3674" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/10599565_786517584703244_2574814584591273541_n.jpg?w=635" alt="10599565_786517584703244_2574814584591273541_n" width="635" height="420" />WAAW foundation’s annual scholarship initiative is aimed at supporting need-based African female STEM-focused college education. <a title="http://www.waawfoundation.org/scholarships/" href="http://www.waawfoundation.org/scholarships/" target="_blank">WAAW Foundation</a> awards annual scholarships to students who demonstrate need and prove their status as full-time students in a STEM related course in an African University. Award recipients will become WAAW Ambassadors in their respective communities. Candidates must also demonstrate financial need and excellent academic record.
5899
5900<strong>Eligibility: </strong>
5901
5902(a) Female students of African origin, living and studying in Africa.
5903(b) Currently enrolled in undergraduate B.S.degree program.
5904(c) Studying STEM related courses in a University or college in Africa.
5905(d) Demonstrable financial need, and
5906(e) Excellent Academic Record.
5907(f) Below the age of <strong>32 years</strong>.
5908(g) Graduation date is after December of award year
5909
5910<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: October 31, 2014
5911
5912Apply <strong><a title="http://waawfoundation.wufoo.com/forms/z7x3k7/" href="http://waawfoundation.wufoo.com/forms/z7x3k7/" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://waawfoundation.wufoo.com/forms/z7x3k7/" href="http://waawfoundation.wufoo.com/forms/z7x3k7/" target="_blank">WAAW Scholarship</a></strong>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3673,post_date:"2014-08-26 15:41:43",post_date_gmt:"2014-08-26 14:41:43",post_modified:"2014-08-26 15:41:43",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-26 14:41:43",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"scholarship-for-african-girls-in-stem",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African girls"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"STEM"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Waaw Foundation"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3674"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Z6ZLqTkcMYy"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/4qxxWPcrv3M"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/oZ0wJ2FJ5P"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:4442,comment_author:{__cdata:"oyetunde Aanuoluwapo"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"82.145.220.248",comment_date:"2014-08-26 15:54:23",comment_date_gmt:"2014-08-26 14:54:23",comment_content:{__cdata:"pls i am Aanuoluwapo oyetunde from nigeria and i really want to put in for the STEM schorlaship please i would be Happy if my request is granted..tankx"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1409066579"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-08-26 14:54:24"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1409066579"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1409066579.2570819854736328125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1409064863.325808048248291015625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"MobileWeb in Africa: App Developer Competition  "}

5912,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/08/27/mobileweb-in-africa-app-developer-competition/",pubDate:"Wed, 27 Aug 2014 15:55:19 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3685",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-3686" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/mweb.jpg?w=635" alt="MWEB" width="635" height="218" />Are you a top app developer?
5913
5914The fifth edition of the most interactive mobile focused event in Sub-Saharan Africa, returns to Johannesburg on the 10th &amp; 11th of September.
5915
5916AppCircus brings together a global community of app developers through events and an online incubation platform. In only 3 years, AppCircus has organized more than 100 events in cities in over 30 countries, building a community with over 20,000 users. AppCircus events give visibility to new app talent on a local and global scale. With its unique online incubation platform called Hack-at-Home, AppCircus connects app makers with business opportunities and helps them build innovative high quality apps.
5917
5918For <strong><a title="http://mobilewebafrica.com/2014/app-developer-competition/" href="http://mobilewebafrica.com/2014/app-developer-competition/" target="_blank">MWA2014</a></strong>, they have teamed up with Intel, AppCircus, and Mobile Monday South Africa to deliver its biggest app developer competition yet.
5919
5920<strong>Prizes: </strong>
5921
5922The winner will receive:
5923— Free entrance to Mobile Web Africa 2014
5924— A flight to Barcelona, a ticket to Mobile World Congress 2015 and a chance to compete for the grand prize
5925— Other goodies
5926
5927The other finalists will get:
5928— Free entrance to Mobile Web Africa 2014
5929— A runner-up prize
5930— The chance to showcase your app and your work to the leading players in the mobile ecosystem in Africa
5931
5932<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: September 1, 2014
5933
5934Apply <a title="http://appcircus.com/join" href="http://appcircus.com/join" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a>: <strong><a title="http://appcircus.com/join" href="http://appcircus.com/join" target="_blank">Mobile Africa</a></strong>
5935
5936&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3685,post_date:"2014-08-27 16:55:19",post_date_gmt:"2014-08-27 15:55:19",post_modified:"2014-08-27 16:57:13",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-27 15:57:13",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"mobileweb-in-africa-app-developer-competition",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"app competition"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile"},{__cdata:"Mobile Web in Africa"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"Startup"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"tech"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women developers"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/74eJmvWpsY4"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/KnETFqvnn9R"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/D9Q86Xe794"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Impact Investment Competition for Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs"}

5936,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/08/28/impact-investment-competition-for-nigerian-women-entrepreneurs/",pubDate:"Thu, 28 Aug 2014 14:42:33 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3690",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="alignleft wp-image-3691 size-medium" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/wimbiz.jpg?w=300" alt="Wimbiz" width="300" height="282" />The 13<sup>th</sup> <strong><a title="http://wimbiz.org/staticpage.php?id=71" href="http://wimbiz.org/staticpage.php?id=71" target="_blank">WIMBIZ</a> </strong>Annual Conference themed Nigeria Rising: Accelerating Transformation will feature a nationwide pre-conference competition for young Nigerian women.
5937
5938The competition is designed to support outstanding start-up businesses owned by young Nigerian female entrepreneurs to ensure their success and sustainability. The competition which is open to women between the ages of 21-30.
5939
5940&nbsp;
5941
5942&nbsp;
5943
5944&nbsp;
5945
5946&nbsp;
5947
5948<strong>Prizes</strong>
5949<ul>
5950	<li>One million naira will be awarded to the top (3) businesses,</li>
5951	<li>The top (10) applicants will be granted scholarships to attend the Annual Conference,</li>
5952	<li>Awards will be presented to the winners during the closing ceremony of the Annual Conference,</li>
5953	<li>The winners will be assigned mentors on the platform of the WIMBIZ mentoring program.</li>
5954</ul>
5955<strong>Eligibility</strong>
59561. You must be a citizen of Nigeria
59572. You must be a woman between the ages of 21-30
59583. Your business must be situated in Nigeria and should have a sustainability component for Nigeria
59594. The value of your request should not exceed 300,000NGN
59605. The business must be in the start-up phase and should not be more than 12 months old
59616. The owner must demonstrate commitment and interest in the business
5962
5963<strong>DEADLINE</strong>:  September 5, 2014
5964
5965Apply <a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YZCGztn8eY_ClAzVULA2u4zY6K3hPMGxCQx8_ih95Aw/viewform?c=0&amp;w=1" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YZCGztn8eY_ClAzVULA2u4zY6K3hPMGxCQx8_ih95Aw/viewform?c=0&amp;w=1" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YZCGztn8eY_ClAzVULA2u4zY6K3hPMGxCQx8_ih95Aw/viewform?c=0&amp;w=1" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YZCGztn8eY_ClAzVULA2u4zY6K3hPMGxCQx8_ih95Aw/viewform?c=0&amp;w=1" target="_blank">WimBiz</a></strong>
5966
5967&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3690,post_date:"2014-08-28 15:42:33",post_date_gmt:"2014-08-28 14:42:33",post_modified:"2014-08-28 15:43:37",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-28 14:43:37",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"impact-investment-competition-for-nigerian-women-entrepreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"WimBiz"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/7oBnasjCpJU"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/9sstx1XdjLo"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/EmBd3KblBc"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"How Technology is Making African Fashion More Accessible"}

5967,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/08/29/how-technology-is-making-african-fashion-more-accessible/",pubDate:"Fri, 29 Aug 2014 15:49:20 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3718",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<em>Let’s put these numbers into perspective, mobile devices account for 37 percent of our overall website traffic and 23 percent of sales. </em><em>Of course, technology plays a huge role in enhancing our business process and operations. We were one of the first Pan-African inspired fashion houses to launch a mobile app for iOS devices (iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch). Technology remains a significant part of our business model and competitive edge.</em>
5968
5969<em>Over time, technology has made African fashion more accessible to global customers through the use of e-commerce platforms and social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest - with the emergence of these e-commerce solutions, it will only become easier for African designers to share and sell their products on the web.</em>
5970
5971[gallery type="slideshow" link="file" ids="3710,3726,3709"]
5972
5973<strong>What inspired you to start this business?</strong>
5974Nana and I have always wanted to make a difference in the world. I would say that it was a burning desire to create a conscious movement through fashion. Although we did not go to school for fashion, we truly believe that we can make a difference in this industry.
5975
5976Fashion should not just be about aesthetics; rather it should be the thread that interweaves cultures, identities, and displays a pattern of pride and self-expression. At 54 Kingdoms, we pride ourselves in creating pieces that have educational expressions and can create conversations.
5977
5978The concept for <a title="https://www.54kingdoms.com/kulture/kcc.html" href="https://www.54kingdoms.com/kulture/kcc.html" target="_blank">54 Kingdoms</a> began in 2006 at Central Connecticut State University. While sitting in class his final year in college, Nana asked himself a series of questions, “can I create a clothing line that integrates designs and concepts from the African diaspora and use that to tell Pan-African stories?” “can I use the diaspora as a source of inspiration for making Pan-African fashion?” These questions helped to inspire the company name, 54 Kingdoms. The number 54 signifies the number of countries in Africa and the word “kingdoms,” means that each country is part of a larger kingdom, to include the diaspora.
5979
5980After college, Nana Poku founded 54 Kingdoms with me - Kwaku Awuah. 54 Kingdoms is a fashion company inspired by Pan-African stories, creatives, history, and culture. Our company motto is, “It’s a kulture, not just a brand.”
5981
5982[caption id="attachment_3722" align="aligncenter" width="409"]<img class="wp-image-3722 size-full" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/progress.jpg" alt="progress" width="409" height="398" /> Co-founders: Kwaku Awuah, Nana Poku - 54 Kingdoms[/caption]
5983
5984<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
5985Men and women aged 18-35 interested in unique fashion trends and have expressive lifestyles.
5986
5987<strong>How have you financed your business?</strong>
5988Bootstrapping – we use our savings. Securing investment in the fashion industry is not the easiest but with a proven track record; we anticipate this happening in the near future.
5989
5990<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
5991
5992Our major strength lies in analyzing cultural and historical content and using current trends as a basis for selecting fabric, color, and style. Our end goal is to create and design a product of value in the marketplace and use that as a way to tell powerful and inspiring stories.
5993
5994Due to the extensive historical and cultural meaning behind each crafted piece, every item purchased is accompanied with a descriptor detailing the inspiration for the particular product.
5995
5996<strong>What is the long-term plan for your business?</strong>
5997
5998(1) To create a recognizable brand with a culture-driven trademark carried by various retailers around the globe.
5999(2) To expand our mobile app to Andriod users;
6000(3) To build a hub for African fashion, a place where everything is produced in-house. Our end goal is to build a legacy that is sustainable and will continue to add value to the lives of those in the creative industry.
6001
6002<strong>What challenges do you face?</strong>
6003
6004• <strong>Financing</strong> – it is tough to raise investment capital or to find the funds needed to expand and support your business growth.
6005• <strong>Production</strong> is a challenge due to the lack of manufacturers with proper infrastru

6005ctures and up-to-date technology.
6006• <strong>Accessibility</strong> - breaking into the international market is a challenge. We find that there’s a stigma attached to Pan-African designers - that we only design for a specific demographic and this hinders our international market exposure and potential.
6007
6008<strong>What five (5) key things have you learned since starting your business idea?</strong>
6009
6010(1) Develop excellent time management skills,
6011(2) Develop SMART goals,
6012(3) Keep up with new trends in technology,
6013(4) Be patient - understand that success does not happen overnight,
6014(5) Pay your taxes.
6015
6016<strong>What five (5) things do start-up entrepreneurs need to know?</strong>
6017
6018• Execution matters - having a great idea is never enough,
6019• Build a team - it’s not just about having a team, but building the right team – pick your partners wisely.
6020• It will not always be easy. Be mentally prepared for the dark days and tough challenges.
6021• Always think and plan ahead –regardless of the size of your company.
6022• Lastly, use your passion to make money; don't lose your passion trying to make money.
6023
6024<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
6025
6026Money will always be available. It really comes down to how valuable the idea is and the determination or passion exhibited by the owner (s) of the company. Our main advice to young people is to develop ideas that solve a problem or fill a void.
6027
6028It is also important to remember that most investors want to see your track record before they fund your business. You’ll always hear, “if it doesn’t make dollars, it doesn’t make sense.” Long story short, have a sustainable business model.
6029
6030<strong>How do you think African youths can continue to support each other?</strong>
6031
6032Young Africans should be open-minded. I believe that it is through this that we can obtain a larger vision for ourselves. Sometimes, we get into the notion of trying to make it on our own that we forget about the power and importance of collaboration.
6033
6034<strong>How many jobs have you created so far?</strong>
6035
6036None - we are yet to create jobs. However, we always provide intensive training and mentoring opportunities to youths and college students. One of our trainees was recently selected to participate in President Obama’s Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI).
6037
6038<strong>How can we support innovation in Africa? </strong>
6039
6040Technology in Africa is growing and that is a good thing. There are challenges but that is okay. I believe that knowledge sharing platforms are one way to support and improve innovation in Africa. Knowledge sharing platforms make it easy to collaborate on projects, share ideas, conduct effective discussions, and educate each other on new advancements, and even make new discoveries – this is how I believe innovation happens.
6041
6042<strong><em>Website</em></strong>: <a title="https://www.54kingdoms.com/kulture/kcc.html" href="https://www.54kingdoms.com/kulture/kcc.html" target="_blank">54 Kingdoms</a>
6043
6044<strong><em>Facebook</em></strong>: <a title="https://www.facebook.com/54kingdoms" href="https://www.facebook.com/54kingdoms" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/54kingdoms</a>
6045
6046<strong><em>Twitter</em></strong>: <a title="https://twitter.com/54kingdoms" href="https://twitter.com/54kingdoms" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/54kingdoms</a>
6047
6048<strong><em>Instagram</em></strong>: <a title="http://instagram.com/54kingdoms" href="http://instagram.com/54kingdoms" target="_blank">http://instagram.com/54kingdoms</a>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3718,post_date:"2014-08-29 16:49:20",post_date_gmt:"2014-08-29 15:49:20",post_modified:"2014-08-29 17:20:15",post_modified_gmt:"2014-08-29 16:20:15",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"how-technology-is-making-african-fashion-more-accessible",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"54 Kingdoms"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Fashion"},{__cdata:"fashion entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Ghana"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Kwaku Awuah"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nana Poku"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"Startup"},{__cdata:"startup stories"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/L29dvgjEknZ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/28rYBbKRCkV"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/nVRhLklJSu"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3751"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_3fcb01634af2c3a803d4bd0bef03c23a",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_e8d26a9a679253f245f1f962492444bc",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_6fede35f9502e10d917c318e085de368",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_8475bf9a20cf6bc34c12c57b828acb91",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_6d64ae13dd49ae5086b623554822a789",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_117646829a4d10b963f3bc9d6fe23de3",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_4372a7f0df8bd50a1f4333d7d84e4a3b",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:7418,comment_author:{__cdata:"How Technology is Making African Fashion More Accessible |"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://fbafrica.com/2015/10/02/how-technology-is-making-african-fashion-more-accessible/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.38.27",comment_date:"2015-10-02 08:21:50",comment_date_gmt:"2015-10-02 07:21:50",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

60480;] HOW TECHNOLOGY IS MAKING AFRICAN FASHION MORE ACCESIBLE       Posted in CEO Talk, Creatives, Daily News, Digital, e-Commerce, Fashion Tech, Founder Stories, Market Pulse, People, Trends, Week in Review and tagged 54 Kingdoms, Africa, African Business, African Fashion, Bespoke, Brand, Business of Fashion, Designer, e-commerce, Fashion, Fashion Business Africa, FBA, FBAfrica, Kwaku Awuah, Nana Poku. Bookmark the permalink. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1443770511.0704100131988525390625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1444066955"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1444066956.4792079925537109375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1443775243.50102901458740234375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:8924,comment_author:{__cdata:"Binta"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"154.66.31.242",comment_date:"2016-12-22 12:41:48",comment_date_gmt:"2016-12-22 11:41:48",comment_content:{__cdata:"Great job guys, with your brand, Zuvaa and Dressmeoutlet.com African fashion sure is expanding."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1482858540"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1482858541.6575310230255126953125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1482858540"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1482406916.7383959293365478515625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1482410600.4748270511627197265625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:10928,comment_author:{__cdata:"Fashion Entrepreneurs to Host ‘Storytellers in Fashion’ Event « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2018/10/31/fashion-entrepreneurs-to-host-storytellers-in-fashion-event-2/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.101.247",comment_date:"2018-10-31 15:39:16",comment_date_gmt:"2018-10-31 14:39:16",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] 54 Kingdoms is an apparel and accessory company that brings the Pan-African creative, history, and culture to the doorstep of global fashion. Through the seamless integration of symbolic, cultural, and historical content, together with current trends in fabric, color, and style. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1540996831"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1540996832.366895;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1540996757.269555;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:9731,comment_author:{__cdata:"Fashion Entrepreneurs to Host ‘Storytellers in Fashion’ Event « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2017/11/30/fashion-entrepreneurs-to-host-storytellers-in-fashion-event/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.87.232",comment_date:"2017-11-30 18:42:18",comment_date_gmt:"2017-11-30 17:42:18",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] 54 Kingdoms is an apparel and accessory company that brings the Pan-African creative, history, and culture to the doorstep of global fashion. Through the seamless integration of symbolic, cultural, and historical content inspired by Africa and its Diaspora, together with current trends in fabric, color, and style, 54 Kingdoms designs products with unique storylines that are marketable to the global community. [&#823

60480;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1512063738.0799911022186279296875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1512073793"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1512067953.5686690807342529296875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1512073794.6391260623931884765625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Web Series Launched for Afro-Caribbean Women"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/01/web-series-launched-for-afro-caribbean-women/",pubDate:"Mon, 01 Sep 2014 04:40:35 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3752",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" link="file" ids="3753,3754,3756,3755"]
6049
6050Media entrepreneur, <strong><a title="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/marisa-mitchell/50/27a/588" href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/marisa-mitchell/50/27a/588" target="_blank">Marisa Mitchell</a></strong> recently launched the <strong><a title="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brango/1435546596711490" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brango/1435546596711490" target="_blank">Brango show</a> </strong>- a web series created to inform Caribbean women on various topics pertaining to everyday life. The Brango show will be hosted by Kizzi Belfon, Marisa Mitchell, Noreen Wall and Stephanie Fleary, all of whom are from Grenada. The show will be directed and produced by Chantal Jones. Topics discussed on the show will be selected by the hosts based on what they feel are relevant to women in their community. Brango is hitting the ground running with mini-web clips on Facebook and YouTube, giving a sneak peek of what the show is really about.
6051
6052<strong>Why Do You Brango? </strong>
6053
6054http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6pKunUCQyQ
6055
6056&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3752,post_date:"2014-09-01 05:40:35",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-01 04:40:35",post_modified:"2014-09-01 05:40:35",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-01 04:40:35",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"web-series-launched-for-afro-caribbean-women",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Afro-Caribbean"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Brango Show"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Kizzi Belfon"},{__cdata:"launch series"},{__cdata:"Marisa Mitchell"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Noreen Wall"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"Stephanie Fleary"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3753"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/b1n6feeaAbg"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/8Bd3zpZc6Vc"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/KmrtdvJS8P"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_2a25d3d18614fa03854ea4df9a374f4f",meta_value:{__cdata:'<div class="embed-youtube"><iframe title="Do You Brango: Grenada Day Edition" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S6pKunUCQyQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;

6056 web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_2a25d3d18614fa03854ea4df9a374f4f",meta_value:{__cdata:"1727431188"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_97bb366a1de9aaec08e4c8f69e64427c",meta_value:{__cdata:'<div class="wp-embed"><div class="player"><div class="embed-youtube"><iframe title="Do You Brango: Grenada Day Edition" width="635" height="357" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S6pKunUCQyQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_97bb366a1de9aaec08e4c8f69e64427c",meta_value:{__cdata:"1732266324"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Start a Business on the Ampion Venture Bus  "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/01/start-a-business-on-the-ampion-venture-bus/",pubDate:"Mon, 01 Sep 2014 08:46:42 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3763",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3764" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/untitled.jpg" alt="Untitled" width="504" height="415" /><strong><a title="http://www.ampion.org/#!leer/c1eb6" href="http://www.ampion.org/#!leer/c1eb6" target="_blank">Ampion</a></strong> is looking for business people, designers, and coders. If you are passionate about developing new ideas or creating a new business, then this is the perfect trip. You will spend a week with other incredible creators looking to build something great as part of a brilliant road trip.
6057
6058Being part of Ampion means that you collaborate with people who have the skills you don't have. Have a great idea but lack the technical ability to get it done? Meet coders. Have you developed a great product but don't know how to take it to market? Meet entrepreneurs. Wish you could present a beautiful business idea with the style it deserves? Meet designers.
6059
6060Buses run from September to November 2014
6061West Africa: Lagos to Abidjan,
6062East Africa: Dar Es Salaam to Kigali,
6063Southern Africa: Harare to Cape Town,
6064North Africa: Rabat to Tunis
6065
6066Apply <a title="http://www.ampion.org/#!leer/c1eb6" href="http://www.ampion.org/#!leer/c1eb6" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.ampion.org/#!leer/c1eb6" href="http://www.ampion.org/#!leer/c1eb6" target="_blank">Ampion Africa</a></strong>
6067
6068&nbsp;
6069
6070&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3763,post_date:"2014-09-01 09:46:42",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-01 08:46:42",post_modified:"2014-09-01 09:46:42",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-01 08:46:42",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"start-a-business-on-the-ampion-venture-bus",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Ampion Venture Bus"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"Startup"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/LhsEmCmJESt"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/AzoKDi4HtfB"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/

6070dD6GVFhWYq"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Supplier Event for Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/03/supplier-event-for-women-entrepreneurs-in-nigeria/",pubDate:"Tue, 02 Sep 2014 23:00:02 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3768",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3769" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/matchmaker-sessions-5792.jpg" alt="Matchmaker Sessions-5792" width="400" height="267" /><strong>ExxonMobil Foundation</strong>, in partnership with <strong>WEConnect International</strong> – the leading global supplier of diversity initiatives and the leading advocate of women-owned businesses as suppliers to global and national corporations and government bodies- is organizing a one day workshop for about 200 majority (51%) female owned businesses across Nigeria.
6071
6072This event will present an opportunity for WEConnect Certified Women Business Enterprises and current or potential suppliers to ExxonMobil to understand how to interact and transact business with Multinational Companies. The events are scheduled to hold at the following ExxonMobil operational areas:
6073
6074Akwa Ibom- September 19th, 2014
6075Lagos- September 30th, 2014
6076Abuja- October 20th, 2014
6077Rivers- October 28th, 2014
6078
6079<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: September 5, 2014
6080
6081Apply <strong><a title="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=h0hLoNNWoub%2b5feMXcIwsCEvjZgSa%2fKSzew1v45NAF0%3d" href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=h0hLoNNWoub%2b5feMXcIwsCEvjZgSa%2fKSzew1v45NAF0%3d" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=h0hLoNNWoub%2b5feMXcIwsCEvjZgSa%2fKSzew1v45NAF0%3d" href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=h0hLoNNWoub%2b5feMXcIwsCEvjZgSa%2fKSzew1v45NAF0%3d" target="_blank">Meet the Buyer</a> </strong>
6082
6083&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3768,post_date:"2014-09-03 00:00:02",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-02 23:00:02",post_modified:"2014-09-02 22:30:27",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-02 21:30:27",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"supplier-event-for-women-entrepreneurs-in-nigeria",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"ExxonMobil Foundation"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"supplier event"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"WEConnect International"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3769"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/AR2pAcK1jLk"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/KeLpzyJtgx6"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/BxifUbHTrp"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Scholarship for African Students"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/08/scholarship-for-african-students-2/",pubDate:"Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:59:26 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3773",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnet

6083work.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/georgetown.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3774" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/georgetown.jpg?w=291" alt="Georgetown" width="291" height="300" /></a>As of fall 2014, the Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) at Georgetown University began offering a <strong>full-tuition scholarship</strong> for a talented graduate student from sub-Saharan Africa.
6084
6085MSFS is a two-year, full-time graduate degree program in international affairs. Students will take courses in international relations, international trade, international finance, statistics and analytical tools, and history. In addition, students choose an area of concentration such as Global Politics and Security, International Development, or Global Business and Finance.
6086
6087<hr />
6088
6089Application requirements include:
6090
6091A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited university and a strong academic record,
6092
6093Test scores: TOEFL/IELTS or GRE/GMAT,
6094
6095Completion of a course in microeconomics and a course in macroeconomics, or ability to complete both courses *before* the beginning of the MSFS program in fall 2015,
6096
6097Professional work experience, ideally in a field related to their future professional goals. Students have an average of four years of work experience prior to joining MSFS.
6098
6099To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must submit all required application materials (online application, personal statement, official transcripts and test scores, letters of recommendation). The scholarship will be awarded based on the strength of the student's application in the admissions process.
6100
6101Special consideration will be given to applicants from:
6102<ul>
6103	<li>Côte d'Ivoire</li>
6104	<li>Ghana</li>
6105	<li>Kenya</li>
6106	<li>Liberia</li>
6107	<li>Nigeria</li>
6108	<li>Senegal</li>
6109	<li>South Africa</li>
6110</ul>
6111<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: January 15, 2015
6112
6113Apply <strong><a title="http://msfs.georgetown.edu/admissions/howtoapply" href="http://msfs.georgetown.edu/admissions/howtoapply" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://msfs.georgetown.edu/admissions/howtoapply" href="http://msfs.georgetown.edu/admissions/howtoapply" target="_blank">Georgetown</a> </strong>
6114
6115&nbsp;
6116
6117&nbsp;
6118
6119&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3773,post_date:"2014-09-08 16:59:26",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-08 15:59:26",post_modified:"2014-09-08 16:59:26",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-08 15:59:26",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"scholarship-for-african-students-2",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"Côte d’Ivoire"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Georgetown"},{__cdata:"Georgetown University"},{__cdata:"Ghana"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Kenya"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Liberia"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Senegal"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3774"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/RERGMwgidtp"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/3piMHHmY5JH"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/KXqyjy5CL0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Malawi Young Women's Feminist Leadership Program"}

6119,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/09/apply-malawi-young-womens-feminist-leadership-program/",pubDate:"Tue, 09 Sep 2014 00:45:04 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3785",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/girls-empowerment-network-malawi-fi-2.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-3786" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/girls-empowerment-network-malawi-fi-2.jpg?w=635" alt="Girls-empowerment-network-Malawi-FI-2-" width="635" height="247" /></a><strong>Girls Empowerment Network</strong> (GENET), MoVe! A Young Women’s Movement for Justice and Development  in partnership with the Open Society Initiative of Southern Africa (OSISA) invites applications to the National Feminist Leadership course scheduled to take place November 3  - 12, 2014.
6120
6121The aim of the course is to enhance the leadership capacities of young women and enable them to apply feminist thinking frameworks in developing and influencing strategies, policies and programs that promote gender equality at personal, community, national and regional levels.
6122
6123The training will be facilitated by feminist scholars and activists.
6124
6125<strong>Eligibility Criteria</strong>:
6126
6127Applicants who meet the following criteria will be considered:
6128<ul>
6129	<li>Must be a young woman of between 18 and 35 years of age,</li>
6130	<li>Be a citizen and resident of Malawi,</li>
6131	<li>Must have attained or is studying towards a qualification from a recognized tertiary institution,</li>
6132	<li>Experience working in an organization or program related to gender equality or women’s rights,</li>
6133	<li>English proficiency is critical (the course will be delivered in English only),</li>
6134	<li>Demonstrate commitment to participate for the duration of the full course.</li>
6135</ul>
6136<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: October 15, 2014
6137
6138<strong>APPLY</strong> <strong><a title="http://www.genetmalawi.org/index.php/news-events/item/31-call-for-applications-to-attend-the-2014-malawi-young-women-s-feminist-leadership-programme#sthash.yUpco07P.4FKmeWXA.dpbs" href="http://www.genetmalawi.org/index.php/news-events/item/31-call-for-applications-to-attend-the-2014-malawi-young-women-s-feminist-leadership-programme#sthash.yUpco07P.4FKmeWXA.dpbs" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://www.genetmalawi.org/index.php/news-events/item/31-call-for-applications-to-attend-the-2014-malawi-young-women-s-feminist-leadership-programme#sthash.yUpco07P.4FKmeWXA.dpbs" href="http://www.genetmalawi.org/index.php/news-events/item/31-call-for-applications-to-attend-the-2014-malawi-young-women-s-feminist-leadership-programme#sthash.yUpco07P.4FKmeWXA.dpbs" target="_blank">Malawi Girls</a></strong>
6139
6140&nbsp;
6141
6142&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3785,post_date:"2014-09-09 01:45:04",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-09 00:45:04",post_modified:"2014-09-09 01:51:16",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-09 00:51:16",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-malawi-young-womens-feminist-leadership-program",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Girls Empowerment Network"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Malawi"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"National Feminist Leadership"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Open Society Initiative of Southern Africa"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3786"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/5qebLwNzFDr"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/j325bMS8vN4"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/IAibBpCsZs"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Africa Data Challenge"}

6142,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/10/apply-africa-data-challenge/",pubDate:"Wed, 10 Sep 2014 01:11:59 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3794",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/untitl.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-3795" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/untitl.jpg?w=635" alt="Untitl" width="635" height="285" /></a>The<strong> Planet Earth Institute</strong> (PEI) is an international NGO and charity working for the scientific independence of Africa. The organization invites you to be part of the <a title="http://planetearthinstitute.org.uk/events/second-scienceafrica-unconference-coming/" href="http://planetearthinstitute.org.uk/events/second-scienceafrica-unconference-coming/" target="_blank"><strong>Africa Data Challenge</strong></a> and pitch your ideas for projects that can help translate this agenda to those on the continent. It could be a local student training program, a workshop series for policy-makers or helping connect people online who could benefit from better understanding about making the most of data. It could be a new pilot app or platform, a university-wide campaign or mentoring of a small number of African students. It’s up to you!
6143
6144Initial ideas are invited on a broad spectrum of themes and areas, as long as they will be:
6145<ul>
6146	<li>Delivered in the next 12 months for a budget of &lt;£5,000,</li>
6147	<li>Designed to have a human impact (whether students, academics, civil society, government or other),</li>
6148	<li>Pitched with the support of an academic institution or related organisation in Africa,</li>
6149	<li>Proposed with a clear understanding and appreciation of data privacy, access and availability in Africa,</li>
6150	<li>Developed to include dissemination or findings and conclusions,</li>
6151</ul>
6152Interested parties are invited to send brief proposals of around 500 words outlining their project and how it would address the points above.
6153
6154Shortlisted candidates will be invited to pitch their ideas in a 10-15 minute slot at the PEI UnConference on 18th November, 2014 in London and deliver the project with support of PEI and our partners throughout.
6155
6156<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: October 10, 2014
6157
6158&nbsp;
6159
6160&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3794,post_date:"2014-09-10 02:11:59",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-10 01:11:59",post_modified:"2014-09-10 02:11:59",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-10 01:11:59",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-africa-data-challenge",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Africa Data Challenge"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"PEI Unconference"},{__cdata:"Planet Earth Institute"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3795"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/PKt6Gvhh1t2"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/BconFWprCuw"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/TvDGHWQ4HU"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"AWP Network Event: Employee by Day, Startup CEO By Night"}

6160,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/11/awp-network-event-employee-by-day-startup-ceo-by-night/",pubDate:"Thu, 11 Sep 2014 02:48:36 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3799",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" ids="3815,3814,3818,3819,3820,3822,3823,3817,3812,3821,3813,3826,3828,3829,3830,3824"]
6161
6162Most small businesses are started by individuals who work a regular job while launching their startup. It is not always easy to think about starting a new business while working a full-time job, this takes careful planning and excellent time management skills. The question becomes, how do you properly transition from being an employee to being an entrepreneur?
6163
6164The <strong>AWP Network</strong> hosted this event with the <strong>NYC Business Solutions Center</strong>. Women entrepreneurs led an insightful conversation on what it takes to start a business while working a full-time job. Here are some pictures from the event.
6165
6166&nbsp;
6167
6168[gallery type="rectangular" ids="3829,3821,3833,3823,3812,3815,3824"]
6169
6170&nbsp;
6171
6172&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3799,post_date:"2014-09-11 03:48:36",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-11 02:48:36",post_modified:"2014-09-11 03:48:36",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-11 02:48:36",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"awp-network-event-employee-by-day-startup-ceo-by-night",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Anie Akpe"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"China Mouka"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"Community2Community"},{__cdata:"conversations"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Engaged Conversations"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"IBOM LLC"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Jessica Sosa"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Marie-Yolaine Eusebe"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"MUIPR"},{__cdata:"NYC Business Solutions Center"},{__cdata:"Orobosa Owie"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"Startup"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Voices of Women Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/Vq6j82MalW"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/Q5kWgqhe13X"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3815"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/inyWF3Ud2Kg"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}}],comment:{comment_id:4753,comment_author:{__cdata:"AWP Network Event: Employee by Day, Startup CEO..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/women-in-business-africa/p/4027913062/2014/09/12/awp-network-event-employee-by-day-startup-ceo-by-night",comment_author_IP:"89.30.118.151",comment_date:"2014-09-12 18:08:29",comment_date_gmt:"2014-09-12 17:08:29",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Most small businesses are started by individuals who work a regular job while launching their startup. It is not always easy to think about starting a new business while working a full-time job, th...&nbsp; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1410541710.451755046844482421875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-09

6172-12 17:08:32"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1410652681"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1410652681.919001102447509765625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:" AWP Network Event: From Idea to Execution"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/12/awp-network-event-from-idea-to-execution/",pubDate:"Fri, 12 Sep 2014 02:19:28 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3844",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" ids="3845,3846,3847,3848,3854,3849,3850,3851,3855,3856,3857,3858,3853,3859,3852,3860,3862,3863,3864,3897,3865,3866,3867,3868,3869,3870,3871,3872,3873,3874,3875,3876,3900,3877,3899,3878,3879,3880,3881,3882,3884,3885,3886,3893,3891,3898,3883,3906,3909,3890,3887"]
6173
6174Many people have ideas but may not know how to move from idea to execution. The <strong>AWP Network</strong> hosted this event to teach start-up entrepreneurs in Lagos, Nigeria how to properly execute their vision, move their business ideas forward despite Nigeria’s challenging business climate and more importantly, learn about advantageous strategies on how to proceed with ease.
6175
6176Those who attended this event, learned from highly qualified <strong>women leaders</strong> who have been selected for the following prestigious programs: the Nigeria Leadership Initiative, Echoing Green Fellowship, Cartier Women’s Initiative Award, Tech Award, Ashoka Fellowship, Etisalat Nigeria Prize for Innovation, and who are listed as Africa’s Power Women. Here are some pictures from the event.
6177
6178[gallery type="rectangular" ids="3845,3913,3897,3847,3908,3848,3909,3914,3899,3901"]
6179
6180&nbsp;
6181
6182&nbsp;
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6186&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3844,post_date:"2014-09-12 03:19:28",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-12 02:19:28",post_modified:"2014-09-12 03:22:05",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-12 02:22:05",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"awp-network-event-from-idea-to-execution",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Africholidays"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Ayomide Condotti"},{__cdata:"Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"Clara Ohakim"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"execution"},{__cdata:"Future Software Resources"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nigeria Leadership Initiative"},{__cdata:"Nkem Uwaje"},{__cdata:"Oreoluwa Somolu"},{__cdata:"possibilities"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"The Dover Hotel"},{__cdata:"unemployed youths"},{__cdata:"Voices of Women Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"W-TEC"},{__cdata:"WeCyclers"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Women Power"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3897"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/K4v1SWS4qck"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:""}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/JEzIKygj80"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_62a334e058792342a957861f6e279d0b",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:{comment_id:9121,comment_author:{__cdata:"Dr kehinde"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.220.68.137",comment_date:"2017-05-20 11:02:15",comment_date_gmt:"2017-05-20 10:02:15",comment_content:{__cdata:"Interested in joining awp network"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497639529.320972919464111328125;s:5:"event";s:17:"status-unapproved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1495274535.93906688690185546875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1495278184.49246501922607421875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497639554.4405190944671630859375;s:5:"event";s:11:"recheck-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497639574.7431049346923828125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1497639574"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1496166871"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1496166871.80615711212158203125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"AWP Network Event: Agribusiness Forum for Women Farmers"}

6186,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/14/awp-network-event-agribusiness-forum-for-women-farmers/",pubDate:"Sun, 14 Sep 2014 01:36:54 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3922",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" link="file" ids="3925,3924,3928,3927,3929,3930,3931,3932,3934,3933,3935,3936,3937,3938,3939,3940,3941,3942,3943,3944,3926,3947,3945,3946"]
6187
6188The <strong>AWP Network</strong> worked with women farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria. For this training session, AWP partnered with locally-based entrepreneur <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/11/05/voices-of-young-african-entrepreneurs-farmer-shares-business-tips/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/11/05/voices-of-young-african-entrepreneurs-farmer-shares-business-tips/" target="_blank"><strong>Zanau Hassan Maikusuwa</strong></a>, a seasoned farmer and CEO of <strong>Farmfields Agro-Allied Services</strong>.
6189
6190Zanau Hassan will continue to coordinate and manage the day-to-day activities of the program. The program aims to teach innovative farming techniques through collaborative learning and workshops. The program will allow women farmers in Taraba to hone in on their entrepreneurial skills, increase farming productivity, and household income.
6191
6192<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-olushoga/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>Mary Olushoga</strong></a> stated, “<em>at the AWP Network, we remain committed to supporting the growth, development, and entrepreneurial efforts of African women. We recognize that women farmers need encouragement and business support. More women also need access to financing to purchase agricultural equipments. We are certainly open to working with various financial institutions to make this happen. Indeed, there’s more work to be done.</em>“
6193
6194[gallery type="rectangular" ids="3925,3927,3946,3936,3929,3931,3940,3932,3947"]
6195
6196&nbsp;
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6200&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3922,post_date:"2014-09-14 02:36:54",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-14 01:36:54",post_modified:"2014-09-14 02:36:54",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-14 01:36:54",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"awp-network-event-agribusiness-forum-for-women-farmers",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African women"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"agribusiness"},{__cdata:"agriculture"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"entrepreneurial skills"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Farmers"},{__cdata:"Farmfields Agro-Allied Services"},{__cdata:"farming"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Taraba State"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Voices of Women Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"women farmers"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"},{__cdata:"Zanau Hassan Maikasuwa"},{__cdata:"Zanau Hassan Maikusuwa"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3929"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/hfWNfrb4wdz"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/M8MeiyM8VVa"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/WEvLyiK0iv"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_7bbb9996415f8d737abf8471bed20771",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:6256,comment_author:{__cdata:"Planet Earth Institute Invests in the AWP Network Agropreneur Project &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/01/13/planet-earth-institute-invests-in-the-awp-network-agropreneur-project/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.82.33",comment_date:"2015-01-13 16:12:54",comment_date_gmt:"2015-01-13 15:12:54",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

62000;] The Planet Earth Institute (PEI), an international NGO working for the scientific independence of Africa has made a commitment to fund the AWP Network Agropreneur project.  […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1421162003"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1421162003.8042109012603759765625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1421161975.1393299102783203125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]},{comment_id:6648,comment_author:{__cdata:"Founder of the AWP Network to Receive Award at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/03/12/founder-of-the-awp-network-to-receive-award-at-the-house-of-lords-palace-of-westminster/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.34",comment_date:"2015-03-12 14:09:53",comment_date_gmt:"2015-03-12 13:09:53",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Learn more about the AWP Network Project for Women Farmers in Nigeria. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1426165793.9850990772247314453125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1426165909"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1426165909.9454491138458251953125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:7441,comment_author:{__cdata:"14 Leading Organizations Changing the Lives of Nigerian Women and Girls « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/10/13/14-leading-organizations-changing-the-lives-of-nigerian-women-and-girls/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.80.143",comment_date:"2015-10-13 01:02:58",comment_date_gmt:"2015-10-13 00:02:58",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] the leading platform for African entrepreneurs. AWP has launched several initiatives to include the AWP Network Agropreneur Project, a training program helping women farmers hone their entrepreneurial skills, increase farming […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1444694605"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1444694605.7283689975738525390625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1444694578.0717780590057373046875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:8473,comment_author:{__cdata:"AWP Network Agribusiness Training for Women « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/03/21/awp-network-agribusiness-training-for-women/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.112.106",comment_date:"2016-03-21 18:49:34",comment_date_gmt:"2016-03-21 17:49:34",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] The AWP Network continues to work with women farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria. For this training session, AWP partnered with locally-based entrepreneur Zanau Hassan Maikusuwa, a seasoned farmer and CEO of Farmfields Agro-Allied Services with funding support from the Planet Earth Institute. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1458582660"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";

6200d:1458582661.6317141056060791015625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1458582575.6898019313812255859375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:9130,comment_author:{__cdata:"Abubakar Adedotun"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://[email protected]",comment_author_IP:"185.26.180.195",comment_date:"2017-05-22 10:25:36",comment_date_gmt:"2017-05-22 09:25:36",comment_content:{__cdata:`Good day sir/ma.Am an final year  student of federal university of Agriculture Abeokuta studying home science extension ,which  is majorly for extending innovations and  inventions to the rural women and families.Building a better life for them just as what ur organization is doing .
6201pls I will love to be part of this team as soon as I drop my last pen,coz am really having passion for this set of people due to d fact that I grew up in such environment and I know what they are going tru.
6202I will be glad to hear back from u .Thanks in anticipation.
6203My number is 08168685042`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1495449413.466062068939208984375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497639529.1345860958099365234375;s:5:"event";s:17:"status-unapproved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497639554.883831024169921875;s:5:"event";s:11:"recheck-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497639574.0453948974609375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1497639573"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1496166869"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1496166870.5053501129150390625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1495445136.245853900909423828125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:10483,comment_author:{__cdata:"Mopelola Afonja"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"197.149.66.10",comment_date:"2018-06-22 12:02:09",comment_date_gmt:"2018-06-22 11:02:09",comment_content:{__cdata:`Dear Sir/Ma,
6204Kindly assist with how I can become a member of AWP`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"19237511414"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1529669053.452862;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1529673758"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1529673759"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1529673759.494499;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1529665330.321254;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Join the AWP Network and Innov8tiv Magazine for a Conversation on Technology "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/15/join-the-awp-network-and-innov8tiv-for-a-conversation-on-technology/",pubDate:"Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:10:36 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3961",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/10679632_10204594959904781_8435690017499607475_o.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-3962" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/10679632_10204594959904781_8435690017499607475_o.jpg?w=635" alt="10679632_10204594959904781_8435690017499607475_o" width="635" height="635" /></a>
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6258&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3961,post_date:"2014-09-15 19:10:36",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-15 18:10:36",post_modified:"2014-09-15 19:15:07",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-15 18:15:07",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"join-the-awp-network-and-innov8tiv-for-a-conversation-on-technology",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Akaliza Keza Gara"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Edel Technology"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Ethel Cofie"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Innov8tiv magazine"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Shaking Sun"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"techbiz"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Urban tech"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Women in Tech"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3962"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Y27dXdoxsG8"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/51QZXANM3th"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/rxDb3CVPix"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_facebook",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_linkedin",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_tumblr",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_path",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Andela Fellowship"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/16/apply-andela-fellowship/",pubDate:"Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:04:21 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3973",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/andela.png"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-3970" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/andela.png?w=635" alt="Andela" width="635" height="175" /></a>The <strong>Andela Fellowship</strong> is a highly selective, 4-year, paid professional opportunity to work with some of Nigeria's leading technology companies.
6259
6260The fellowship is a new kind of academic experience. It is like a university, except instead of paying tuition, you earn an income. The initial months of the Andela Fellowship involves immersion training in full-stack (front-end and back-end) development skills. After 1,000 hours of instruction, we place you on projects as you continue training to ensure that you are equipped to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
6261
6262<strong>Overview</strong>
6263
6264Boot Camp (2 weeks):
6265<strong>Group 1</strong>: Oct. 6-17, 2014 (Application deadline: Sept 26)
6266<strong>Group 2</strong>: Oct 20-31, 2014 (Application deadline: Oct 6)
6267
6268This is a FREE two-week-long training program that will allow you to gain valuable programming skills. When it’s over, the highest-performing participants will receive job offers to join Andela full-time as Andela Fellows.
6269
6270<strong>Immersion Training</strong> (3 months): Nov 3, 2014 - Feb 3, 2015: During a three-month-long immersion training program, Andela Fellows will receive a monthly stipend. After three months of training, you’ll be qualified to work on client projects with top technology companies.
6271
6272<strong>Full-Time Employment</strong>: At the end of Immersion Training, employees will be eligible for continued training and employment with Andela.
6273
6274Apply <a title="https://app.plum.io/apply/lagos_office_it_training_and_job.html?pos=386" href="https://app.plum.io/apply/lagos_office_it_training_and_job.html?pos=386" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="https://app.plum.io/apply/lagos_office_it_training_and_job.html?pos=386" href="https://app.plum.io/apply/lagos_office_it_training_and_job.html?pos=386" target="_blank">Andela</a></strong>
6275
6276&nbsp;
6277
6278&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}

6278],post_id:3973,post_date:"2014-09-16 15:04:21",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-16 14:04:21",post_modified:"2014-09-16 15:07:17",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-16 14:07:17",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-andela-fellowship",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Andela"},{__cdata:"Andela Fellowship"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"training"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3970"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/VyKWoXSpxEm"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/jWQBKm9QTms"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/x35wUdDtII"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:7271,comment_author:{__cdata:"awpnetwork"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com",comment_author_IP:"66.234.227.18",comment_date:"2015-08-13 15:21:56",comment_date_gmt:"2015-08-13 14:21:56",comment_content:{__cdata:`Hi Grace - thank you kindly for your email. Someone from Andela will reach out to you shortly. 
6279
6280Regards,
6281AWP Network.`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:7262,comment_user_id:28970466,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1439475717"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1439475718.1092040538787841796875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"13691998290"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1439475718"}}]},{comment_id:7262,comment_author:{__cdata:"Grace Mijide"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.206.42.66",comment_date:"2015-08-10 08:12:45",comment_date_gmt:"2015-08-10 07:12:45",comment_content:{__cdata:`Hi,
6282Can my daughter who has done ATC level one and is studying for level 2 join  Andela?. And do you offer courses in Accounting?. apart from IT?.`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1439475690.5013339519500732421875;s:5:"event";s:17:"status-unapproved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1439475692.4212100505828857421875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1439475552.02672100067138671875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1439475551"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1439475691"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"13691985580"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1439190765.5870048999786376953125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1439190765"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1439195217.8864309787750244140625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: The Green Pioneer Accelerator Program"}

6282,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/16/apply-the-green-pioneer-accelerator-program/",pubDate:"Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:49:17 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3980",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/green-businesses-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-3981 size-full" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/green-businesses-2.jpg" alt="green-businesses-2" width="400" height="317" /></a>The 2015 <a title="http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2014/09/apply-the-2015-green-pioneer-accelerator-program-launches-in-kenya-and-south-africa/" href="http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2014/09/apply-the-2015-green-pioneer-accelerator-program-launches-in-kenya-and-south-africa/" target="_blank"><strong>Green Pioneer Accelerator program</strong></a> just launched in Kenya and South Africa. This acceleration program targets green entrepreneurs looking to take their innovations to scale in Africa.
6283
6284Are you an entrepreneur working on a highly scalable product or services that mitigates the effects of climate change? Does your business introduce renewable energy sources to market or reduce energy consumption? Maybe you are working on a different innovation that makes our society and planet both greener and healthier? If this is case, consider joining the 2015 Green Pioneer Acceleration Program and participate in either the <strong><a title="https://vc4africa.biz/hivos/2015-green-cohort-kenya/" href="https://vc4africa.biz/hivos/2015-green-cohort-kenya/" target="_blank">Kenya</a></strong> or <strong><a title="https://vc4africa.biz/hivos/2015-green-cohort-south-africa/" href="https://vc4africa.biz/hivos/2015-green-cohort-south-africa/" target="_blank">South Africa</a>.</strong>
6285
6286The Green Pioneer Accelerator Program is for early stage companies looking to position themselves for scale. Applicants should either have a working prototype with clear market demand and/or already be generating revenue. The program is designed to support entrepreneurs who have ambitions to take the next step in growing their business to a national and regional scale.
6287
6288Upon successful graduation, the 10 enterprises in each program will be showcased to a group of investors including impact-focused as well as impact-agnostic angel investors and early stage VC funds. The showcase will be done through VC4Africa’s online platform and culminates with interested parties participating in a physical 1-day networking session in both the East Africa and Southern Africa locations.
6289
6290<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: December 1, 2014
6291
6292<strong>Apply here</strong>: <strong><a title="https://vc4africa.biz/hivos/2015-green-cohort-kenya/" href="https://vc4africa.biz/hivos/2015-green-cohort-kenya/" target="_blank">Kenya</a></strong>, <strong><a title="https://vc4africa.biz/hivos/2015-green-cohort-south-africa/" href="https://vc4africa.biz/hivos/2015-green-cohort-south-africa/" target="_blank">South Africa</a></strong>
6293
6294&nbsp;
6295
6296&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3980,post_date:"2014-09-16 15:49:17",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-16 14:49:17",post_modified:"2014-09-16 15:51:01",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-16 14:51:01",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-the-green-pioneer-accelerator-program",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Green Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Green Pioneer Accelerator Program"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Kenya"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3981"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/feyHd1Ls8hR"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/XHrubQtQDms"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/yUz3by0GeP"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: West African Clean Energy Business Plan Competition"}

6296,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/17/west-african-clean-energy-business-plan-competition/",pubDate:"Wed, 17 Sep 2014 15:15:35 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3987",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/hey.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-3988 size-full" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/hey.jpg" alt="Hey" width="485" height="157" /></a>The <strong>African Development Bank</strong> (AfDB) through its Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa  (SEFA), the Climate Technology Initiative – Private Financing Advisory Network (CTIPFAN) and the Regional Clean Energy Investment Initiative (RCEII) of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), together with their West Africa CTI PFAN partners are inviting West African entrepreneurs with promising clean energy projects (renewable energy resources and energy efficiency) to enter into a business plan competition for the chance to participate at the second edition of the West Africa Forum for Clean Energy Financing (WAFCEF).
6297
6298<strong>Prizes</strong>:
6299
6300West African businesses selected through the business plan competition will receive:
6301<ul>
6302	<li>free mentoring to help them polish their business plans,</li>
6303	<li>develop convincing investment pitches,</li>
6304	<li>formulate a commercially, financially, socially and environmentally viable growth strategy that in turn will significantly enhance the possibility of obtaining financing.</li>
6305</ul>
6306Ten (10) qualified projects will have the opportunity to present their business plans to invited investors and make a pitch for financing. As part of the competition, an expert panel including investors, industry specialists and business executives with a keen interest in enabling cleaner and greener projects in West Africa, will judge the Finalists’ presentations and select the top three projects for the West African Clean Energy Financing Awards.
6307
6308<strong>Eligibility requirements</strong> include clean energy projects in an ECOWAS country not exceeding US $50 million. For more information on the terms and conditions of WAFCEF II, see the documents in the documents section on the side of this page (guidelines for the competition and the application form for the project).
6309
6310<strong>DEADLINE</strong>:  October 19, 2014
6311
6312Learn more <strong><a title="http://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Generic-Documents/WAFCEF_-_West_Africa_Forum_for_Clean_Energy_Financing_-2_Competition_Guideline_English.pdf" href="http://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Generic-Documents/WAFCEF_-_West_Africa_Forum_for_Clean_Energy_Financing_-2_Competition_Guideline_English.pdf" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Generic-Documents/WAFCEF_-_West_Africa_Forum_for_Clean_Energy_Financing_-2_Competition_Guideline_English.pdf" href="http://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Generic-Documents/WAFCEF_-_West_Africa_Forum_for_Clean_Energy_Financing_-2_Competition_Guideline_English.pdf" target="_blank">Clean Energy</a></strong>
6313
6314&nbsp;
6315
6316&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3987,post_date:"2014-09-17 16:15:35",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-17 15:15:35",post_modified:"2014-09-17 16:16:04",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-17 15:16:04",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"west-african-clean-energy-business-plan-competition",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African Development Bank"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business plan competition"},{__cdata:"clean energy"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"green business"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"West Africa Forum for Clean Energy"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3988"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/UvRyq5kTWLz"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/VLvURNRtD4B"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/nuRBOLFkzJ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Join Dee Poku and the WIE Network in New York "}

6316,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/17/join-dee-poku-and-the-wie-network-in-new-york/",pubDate:"Wed, 17 Sep 2014 15:32:15 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=3995",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/image.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-3996" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/image.jpg?w=635" alt="image" width="635" height="425" /></a><strong>WIE</strong> is an innovative global conference that connects established trailblazers with emerging leaders. WIE, which stands for <strong>Women, Inspiration and Enterprise</strong> launched its first symposium in New York City in 2010. Its dynamic symposiums and salons provide a toolkit for success for tomorrow's CEOs. At the symposium, you'll meet with executives, entrepreneurs, potential collaborators and you'll learn from the best in the business.
6317
6318Questions to think about, how do we collaborate effectively to achieve the best results? what can we learn from both 

6318sexes about leadership, driving ideas and career progression? how do we engage men in the quest to empower women. Those are some of the questions we'll explore at the WIE New York 2014 symposium, themed It Takes Two.
6319
6320<strong>WHEN</strong>: Friday, September 19, 2014
6321
6322Register <strong><a title="https://www.wienetwork.org/NewYork2014/registration/" href="https://www.wienetwork.org/NewYork2014/registration/" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="https://www.wienetwork.org/NewYork2014/registration/" href="https://www.wienetwork.org/NewYork2014/registration/" target="_blank">WIE 2014</a> </strong>
6323
6324&nbsp;
6325
6326&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:3995,post_date:"2014-09-17 16:32:15",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-17 15:32:15",post_modified:"2014-09-17 16:33:18",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-17 15:33:18",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"join-dee-poku-and-the-wie-network-in-new-york",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"Dee Poku"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leaders"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"New York"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"WIE Network"},{__cdata:"WIE Symposium"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3996"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/B3DancMNoqm"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/JHVAwxysX4P"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/3JDsB72pOx"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: $100,000 ONE Africa Award"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/21/apply-100000-one-africa-award/",pubDate:"Sun, 21 Sep 2014 19:39:31 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4003",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/mg_1580.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4004" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/mg_1580.jpg?w=635" alt="MG_1580" width="635" height="423" /></a>Does your organization work to advance the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) in Africa? Can its results be an example of what the Post 2015 MDGs should achieve at scale? If answers to both questions are yes, then the ONE Award is looking for you.
6327
6328The <strong>ONE Africa Award</strong> aims to recognize, reward, and advance the exceptional work of organizations founded by Africans, based in Africa, and dedicated to helping Africa achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The $100,000 award will bring recognition to innovative African efforts to fight poverty and will incentivize more of such efforts. The $100,000 prize gives an Africa-based, Africa-founded organization campaigning for progress toward meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
6329
6330The <strong>ONE Africa Award</strong> acknowledges the incredible work that Africans are doing to solve their development challenges and change their communities for the better. They often do this against overwhelming odds—whether it be insufficient resources, ineffective governments, or social taboos—

6330yet they continue the fight because these organizations and their leaders can see a better future for all of us. The ONE Africa Award seeks to reward them and, we hope, boost their efforts.
6331
6332<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: September 26, 2014
6333
6334Apply <a title="http://www.one.org/africa/the-one-africa-award/how-to-apply/" href="http://www.one.org/africa/the-one-africa-award/how-to-apply/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.one.org/africa/the-one-africa-award/how-to-apply/" href="http://www.one.org/africa/the-one-africa-award/how-to-apply/" target="_blank">One Africa Award</a></strong>
6335
6336&nbsp;
6337
6338&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4003,post_date:"2014-09-21 20:39:31",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-21 19:39:31",post_modified:"2014-09-21 20:39:31",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-21 19:39:31",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-100000-one-africa-award",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"ONE Africa Award"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4004"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/c737Dqn99qc"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/ETkfeJM93s5"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/IUbflMaf72"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"She Leads Africa: Empowering the Next Generation of Women Entrepreneurs"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/22/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepreneurs/",pubDate:"Mon, 22 Sep 2014 03:08:03 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4008",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="rectangular" link="file" ids="4013,4014"]
6339
6340What happens when a University of Chicago - Booth School of Business graduate meets the daughter of one of Africa's richest men? They start a company.  The AWP Network meet with founders of <strong>She Leads Africa</strong> to learn more about the organization, the services they provide, and what they are doing to support women entrepreneurs.
6341
6342<em>There is more to the African woman than what you see in the media – both Western and local. While the Western media is content with the limited portrayals of young African women as victims, in the local media young African women are absent unless they are in the entertainment, fashion, or music industry. While this coverage is partially accurate, as Chimamanda Adichie said “the problem with stereotypes is not that they are false, it is that they are incomplete.” What about all of the other young women who don’t fit into this mold but instead, want to become business moguls and technology pioneers? Where are they supposed to turn to for advice?</em>
6343
6344<em><strong>She Leads Africa</strong> will uncover extremely talented female entrepreneurs and give them the resources they need to succeed. It will be these women entrepreneurs who go on to create the inventions that transform the way 

6344we live, build the businesses that employ thousands, and lead our economies to greater prosperity. This is the vision that we are investing in and we believe young women will take us there.</em>
6345
6346<strong>What inspired you to start this idea?</strong>
6347
6348We started this company because we noticed a critical gap in the market – a lack of investment focus on high growth African female entrepreneurs. Policymakers, governments, and other development oriented institutions readily acknowledge that entrepreneurship will be the broad-based driver of economic growth for Africa with the potential to create jobs for the more than 200 million young people between ages 15 and 24.
6349
6350However, when it comes to the issue of supporting female entrepreneurs, the majority of focus is almost exclusively on low-income, bottom of the pyramid women who are supported in creating micro and small businesses. While this is certainly an area of need, we have identified a gap in products and services for female entrepreneurs looking to create scalable and high-growth enterprises. Limited attention is paid towards investing in these entrepreneurs and we believe that they will be an important source of economic growth, innovation, and public leadership for the next phase of Africa’s development.
6351
6352<strong>She Leads Africa</strong> is a platform that provides the most talented female entrepreneurs across the continent with access to the knowledge, networks, and financing needed to develop, build, and scale strong businesses. Our goal is to jumpstart female entrepreneurs from SMEs to pan-African industry leaders.
6353
6354<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
6355
6356We recognize that many stakeholders benefit when female entrepreneurs are engaged in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, so we have identified three (3) target markets:
6357<ul>
6358	<li>Aspiring high-potential female entrepreneurs who have the capacity, determination, and ambition to build and scale strong businesses;</li>
6359	<li>Institutional investors who are looking for quality talent and want to invest in the next generation of high growth African start-ups;</li>
6360	<li>Sophisticated investors and high net worth individuals looking to invest their personal funds and take advantage of the unique opportunity for private ownership that exists in Africa. High interest rates across the continent (30% in most countries) results in many entrepreneurs seeking private investors to raise funds. This is a unique opportunity to buy into and thus share the dividends of fast growing companies.</li>
6361</ul>
6362<strong>How have you financed this idea? </strong>
6363
6364As a start-up ourselves, we recognize the importance of finding partners willing to invest in your idea so we have financed <strong>She Leads Africa</strong> through personal funds, private investors, and sponsorships from leading companies including GTBank, IHS Towers, Google, and FSDH Capital.
6365
6366We have also received in-kind sponsorship from notable organisations including Etisalat Nigeria, africa practice, Tech Cabal, Tiab Design, Capital Square, Bella Naija, and Genevieve Magazine.
6367
6368[gallery type="slideshow" link="file" ids="4015,4024,4025"]
6369<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
6370<ul>
6371	<li><strong>Our profile</strong>: As ambitious entrepreneurs, we are uniquely placed to understand the challenges facing female entrepreneurs on the continent. When we speak with potential customers, we let them know that we are not doing it for charity. We see the value in this market, believe this is an innovative solution and see the financial potential.</li>
6372</ul>
6373<ul>
6374	<li><strong>Our team</strong>: Our team of eight (8) highly competent, highly qualified young Africans bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the startups that we work with. Team members have worked in a variety of industries including investment banking, private equity, management consulting, hospitality, journalism, law, technology, accounting and education. In areas where we lack expertise we are able to leverage the broad networks that we have cultivated having attended some of the top institutions in the world.</li>
6375</ul>
6376<strong>What is the long-term plan for this idea? </strong>
6377
6378She Leads Africa plans to become the 500 Startups of Africa and aims to become a staple of the African investment community. We already have VC funds seeking access to our database of curated female entrepreneurs and plans are underway to hold networking events for African female entrepreneurs in major global cities, create an entrepreneurship education platform, and raise an investment fund.
6379
6380<strong>What five key things have you learnt since starting this idea?</strong>
6381
63821. <em>Done is better than perfect</em>;

6382 be 80:20 – The startup scene moves quickly and relentlessly. Instead of waiting to design the perfect product, entrepreneurs should be 80:20 and strive to create a product that is 80% perfect. Get this product out quickly and iterate as you go. This strategy will force you to get feedback from the market quickly and features that customers need instead of those you think are nice to have.
6383
63842. <em>Do your homework</em> – Getting to market quickly is one thing, jumping in without any prior research is foolish. Entrepreneurs need to learn to how to listen for, rather than guess what the market wants. You may have a hypothesis about what the market wants and when you test the idea, it becomes a little more than your gut feeling. One of the first things that we did was to create a survey which we sent out to 250 female entrepreneurs. The responses from this survey gave us excellent insights into what female entrepreneurs wanted and needed. In many cases, our initial hypothesis were right and this gave us the confidence to forge ahead. In other cases, the responses surprised us and forced us to rethink some of our initial assumptions.
6385
63863. <em>Think bold and dream big</em> – When we initially started She Leads Africa we thought it would be a one-off pitch contest. In essence, we limited our own dreams. After a period of self-reflection and many long conversations with mentors, we were encouraged to think bold and dream big. Our ambition is to become a household name amongst African female entrepreneurs who see us as their one stop shop support system as well as shrewd investors who are looking for lucrative and exciting investment opportunities on the continent.
6387
63884. <em>Build a solid team</em> – We see Dangote as the force behind the Dangote group, Tony Elumelu as the force behind Heirs Holdings but thousands of individuals drive the success of those organizations. When building your company it is critical to build a team that will challenge each other, think creatively, and dig in to get the hard work done.
6389
63905.<em> Learn what matters to investors</em>. When engaging with investors all start-ups need to have a basic understanding of key operation and financial concepts such as lifetime customer value, cash flow, and ROI. This business literacy will make you more appealing to investors. Investors are looking for opportunities to invest their capital – that is their job but many of the companies floating around the continent are interesting ideas or cool products instead of businesses with an understanding of customer needs, plan to reach the market, and operational structure to achieve scale over time. Understanding how investors are evaluating your business will help entrepreneurs focus on the right metrics to judge performance and drive their business.
6391
6392<strong>How do you think African youths can continue to support each other?</strong>
6393
6394We need to give each other opportunities to shine and strive to collaborate with each other. At She Leads Africa, we feel that we need to take chances on newer companies rather than just go with the big names – the same way you would want someone to take a chance on you. For example our web designer, TIAB was started by two young Africans looking to make their mark on creative digital communications industry. Like everyone else we had the option to outsource these tasks to lower costs environments however, we made a decision to trust in and support them.
6395
6396<strong>How has technology enhanced your business?</strong>
6397
6398Technology is critical and is a key enabler for our success.
6399<ul>
6400	<li> <em>It helps keep our team connected.</em> We are a virtual team and most members of our team travel regularly. In fact, in the last 6 months we have not had a single meeting in which all team members were physically present. Email and video conferencing are indispensable for us to keep our communication channels open.</li>
6401</ul>
6402<ul>
6403	<li><em>It helps us keep our costs down.</em> Using tools such as Wix, Google apps, free conference call, Asana, and Mailchimp - we have been able to start this idea with minimal investment possible.</li>
6404</ul>
6405<ul>
6406	<li><em>It keeps us informed</em>. There is so much knowledge being created all around on how to work smarter and be more effective and technology enables us to connect to entrepreneurial ecosystems all around the world. Just last month 500 Startups, the Silicon Valley seed fund and accelerator hosted a conference on accelerating growth within your startup. Despite being 5000 miles away, we were able to watch the livestream sessions and follow along with the presentations shared on Slide Share.</li>
6407</ul>
6408<strong>Website</strong>: <a title="http://www.sheleadsafrica.org/" href="http://www.sheleadsafrica.org/" target="_blank">www.SheLeadsAfrica.org</a>
6409<strong>Twitter</strong>: <a title="https://twitter.com/SheLeadsAfrica" href="https://twitter.com/SheLeadsAfrica" target="_blank">www.twitter.com/SheLeadsAfrica</a>
6410<strong>Facebook</strong>: <a title="https://www.facebook.com/sheleadsafrica" href="https://www.facebook.com/sheleadsafrica" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/SheLeadsAfrica</a>
6411<strong>Instagram</strong>: <a title="http://instagram.com/SheLeadsAfrica" href="http://instagram.com/SheLeadsAfrica" target="_blank">www.instagram.com/SheLeadsAfrica</a>
6412

6413 
6414
6415 
6416
6417 `},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4008,post_date:"2014-09-22 04:08:03",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-22 03:08:03",post_modified:"2014-09-22 04:11:58",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-22 03:11:58",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African women power"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Afua Osei"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Belo-Osagie"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Dangote"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"She Leads Africa"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"Startup"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Tony Elumelu"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"women leadership"},{__cdata:"Yasmin Belo-Osagie"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4025"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/1bu7WFNwZmC"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/EdFtrETQG8j"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/CW0OmdXKw4"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:5656,comment_author:{__cdata:"Join She Leads Africa and TipHub for Diaspora Demo Day « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/11/20/join-she-leads-africa-and-tiphub-for-diaspora-demo-day/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.8.117",comment_date:"2014-11-20 22:13:56",comment_date_gmt:"2014-11-20 21:13:56",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] innovators, and growing pools of capital. Join the African technology foundation, tiphub, and SheLeadsAfrica in Washington […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1416518036.98132610321044921875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1416518082"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1416518082.1815869808197021484375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:5844,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2014 AWP Network Power List « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.86.62",comment_date:"2014-12-08 23:27:20",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-08 22:27:20",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

64170;] Yasmin Belo-Osagie (Nigeria): is co-founder of She Leads Africa – a platform providing the most talented female […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077640.473782062530517578125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1418077931"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077931.8671309947967529296875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:5661,comment_author:{__cdata:"Schnizzle » Join She Leads Africa and TipHub for Diaspora Demo Day"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://schnizzle.biz/60959/join-she-leads-africa-and-tiphub-for-diaspora-demo-day/",comment_author_IP:"162.253.224.61",comment_date:"2014-11-21 04:21:52",comment_date_gmt:"2014-11-21 03:21:52",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] innovators, and growing pools of capital. Join the African technology foundation, tiphub, and SheLeadsAfrica in Washington […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1416545078.579905986785888671875;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1416586834"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1416586835.029655933380126953125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1416540112.62528705596923828125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]},{comment_id:7665,comment_author:{__cdata:"She Leads Africa Launches SheHive in Accra « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/12/08/she-leads-africa-launches-shehive-in-accra/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.100.231",comment_date:"2015-12-08 16:08:25",comment_date_gmt:"2015-12-08 15:08:25",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] She Leads Africa has announced the launch of She Hive, a pop-up co-working space for young African women in Accra. The space will enable entrepreneurs to learn new business skills, develop relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and connect directly with investors. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1449587305.6238310337066650390625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1449587372"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1449587373.4041039943695068359375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:7413,comment_author:{__cdata:"The AWP Network Congratulates Winners of the 2015 She Leads Africa Pitch Contest « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/09/29/the-awp-network-congratulates-winners-of-the-2015-she-leads-africa-pitch-contest/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.194",comment_date:"2015-09-29 17:03:46",comment_date_gmt:"2015-09-29 16:03:46",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] She Leads Africa continues to uncover extremely talented female entrepreneurs and provides them with the resources needed to succeed. These empowered women entrepreneurs will go on to create the inventions that transform the way we live, build the businesses that employ thousands, and lead our economies to greater prosperity. This is the vision that we are investing in and we believe young women will take us there. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1443542890"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1443542891.1362030506134033203125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1443542626.937346935272216796875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:7095,comment_author:{__cdata:"Emeka Chukwuaku"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.icoconferences.com",comment_author_IP:"197.255.171.178",comment_date:"2015-06-25 12:01:19",comment_date_gmt:"2015-06-25 11:01:19",comment_content:{__cdata:`Good day
6418I am Emeka of www.icoconferences.com. I am extending you an invitation to showcase your brand and your products at the inaugural edition of African Women Innovation and entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) scheduled to hold on the 8th and 9th of September 2015 at the Oriental Hotels Lagos, www.lagosoriental.com. Nigeria.
6419 The theme of the event is: “Investing in Women Entrepreneurs, unleashing Africa’s Economic Growth”. It is proudly organized by ICO Conference and events limited (Nigeria and South Africa) in collaboration with International Center for Micro finance and Social Enterprise(ICMSE), International Women Society (IWS), Brande Aristotle, LEAP Africa and Business Sc

6419hool Netherlands (BSN)
6420 The event will have distinguished and high profile speakers like:
6421 Prof. Pat Utomi, Founder/CEO Center for Values in Leadership (CVL), Lagos
6422Mrs Obiageli Ezekwesili, former VP World Bank (African Region)
6423Prof Mostaq Ahmmed, Founder/MD International Center for Micro-finance and Social Enterprise, Bangladesh/Nigeria
6424Mrs Etak Iwuchukwu, Honourable Commissioner of Women Affairs, Cross River State, Nigeria
6425Mrs Lucia Quachey, Secretary General African Federation of Women Entrepreneurs (AFWE), President Ghana Association of Women Entrepreneurs’ (GAWE)
6426Mrs Ndidi Nwuneli, MFR, Founder/Director LEAP AfricaProf Lere Baale, Director Business School, Netherlands (BSN) Nigeria
6427Mrs Sabetha M.J Mwanbenja, MD Covenant Bank for Women, Tanzania. And host of others
6428This event will avail your organisation the opportunity to show its brand and contribute to the growth of women entrepreneurs in Africa and promote the cause of women development in the continent.
6429Your organisation can also sponsor an idea that will help the re-orientation and the development of the African girl-child towards entrepreneurship and self awareness.
6430 
6431You can view the list of speakers; download the brochure and the invitation at www.awieforum.com
6432 For more information about the event, visit www.awieforum.com`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1436656569"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1436656570.48939990997314453125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1435230080.2460200786590576171875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1435235465.5453169345855712890625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1436656569"}}]},{comment_id:6940,comment_author:{__cdata:"SheLeads Africa Launches 2015 Entrepreneur Showcase « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/05/11/sheleads-africa-launches-2015-entrepreneur-showcase/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.63",comment_date:"2015-05-11 09:42:43",comment_date_gmt:"2015-05-11 08:42:43",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Entrepreneur Showcase is the flagship program of She Leads Africa and shines a spotlight on women who are driving Africa’s growth through leadership, commerce and […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1431333763.052288055419921875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1431333831"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1431333832.39101696014404296875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:8116,comment_author:{__cdata:"She Leads Africa Hosts #SheHiveAccra, Ghana « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/02/06/she-leads-africa-hosts-shehiveaccra-ghana/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.112.163",comment_date:"2016-02-06 21:25:23",comment_date_gmt:"2016-02-06 20:25:23",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…]  She Leads Africa recently concluded its professional bootcamp She Hive Accra. She Hive Accra provides young and ambitious women with new skills related to climbing the corporate ladder, developing a pitch deck, identifying job opportunities, speaking with investors, and achieving your goals. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1454790324.1308739185333251953125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1454790385"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1454790385.91685390472412109375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6642,comment_author:{__cdata:"She Leads Africa: Empowering the Next Generation of Women Entrepreneurs | iGazeti African Dream"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"https://igazeti.wordpress.com/2015/03/11/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepreneurs/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.99.96",comment_date:"2015-03-11 19:02:37",comment_date_gmt:"2015-03-11 18:02:37",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

64320;] (Courtesy of Rofhiwa Madzena: http://www.makambaonline.com/jcj-corner/how-two-young-west-african-women-are-creating-africas-next-billionaires.html) (http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/22/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entreprene…) […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1426161410"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1426161411.384613037109375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1426101413.4854209423065185546875;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1426096958.6545269489288330078125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]},{comment_id:7136,comment_author:{__cdata:"Tech Entrepreneurs Selected For Huawei – She Leads Africa Fellowship « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/07/12/tech-entrepreneurs-selected-for-huawei-she-leads-africa-fellowship/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.82.192",comment_date:"2015-07-12 00:56:54",comment_date_gmt:"2015-07-11 23:56:54",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] She Leads Africa has selected five (5) of Africa’s most talented female technology entrepreneurs for the Huawei – She Leads Africa Fellowship Program. The five (5) entrepreneurs will travel to Shenzhen and Shanghai to visit China’s exciting technology companies, meet with young technology entrepreneurs and learn about how they can turn their businesses into a global technology powerhouse. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1436659014.0872890949249267578125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1436659053"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1436659054.655808925628662109375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:4926,comment_author:{__cdata:"She Leads Africa: Empowering the Next Generatio..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/women-in-business-africa/p/4028554716/2014/09/23/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepreneurs",comment_author_IP:"89.30.118.151",comment_date:"2014-09-23 16:29:41",comment_date_gmt:"2014-09-23 15:29:41",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] What happens when a University of Chicago - Booth School of Business graduate meets the daughter of one of Africa's richest men? They start a company. The AWP Network meet with founders of She Lea...  […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1411486181.2853438854217529296875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-09-23 15:29:42"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1411486483"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1411486483.9459779262542724609375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:7443,comment_author:{__cdata:"14 Leading Organizations Changing the Lives of Nigerian Women and Girls « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/10/13/14-leading-organizations-changing-the-lives-of-nigerian-women-and-girls/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.80.143",comment_date:"2015-10-13 01:03:25",comment_date_gmt:"2015-10-13 00:03:25",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

64320;] Leads Africa: founded by Yasmin Belo-Osagie and Afua Osei, SheLeads Africa is dedicated to empowering the next generation of African Women entrepreneurs. Its flagship […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1444694605.835319995880126953125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1444695102"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1444695103.4306199550628662109375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:7338,comment_author:{__cdata:"She Leads Africa Launches SheHive Coworking Space in Lagos « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/09/09/she-leads-africa-launches-shehive-coworking-space-in-lagos/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.99.246",comment_date:"2015-09-09 18:37:41",comment_date_gmt:"2015-09-09 17:37:41",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] She Leads Africa recently announced the launch of  She Hive, a pop-up coworking space for young African women in Lagos. The space will enable entrepreneurs to learn new business skills, develop relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and connect directly with investors. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1441820317"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1441820317.933238983154296875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1441820262.3054130077362060546875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:8859,comment_author:{__cdata:"Afua Osei – Sinmisola Nojimu-Yusuf"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://sinmisolany.com/2016/11/09/afua-osei/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.82.101",comment_date:"2016-11-09 11:47:04",comment_date_gmt:"2016-11-09 10:47:04",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] https://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/22/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepren… […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1478688424.1174209117889404296875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1478693350.6334869861602783203125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1479332528"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1479332528.682446956634521484375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:8538,comment_author:{__cdata:"How Technology is Transforming Women-Owned Businesses in Africa | Beatriz Simpkins"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"https://beatrizpsimpkins.wordpress.com/2016/04/01/how-technology-is-transforming-women-owned-businesses-in-africa/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.100.183",comment_date:"2016-04-01 22:21:06",comment_date_gmt:"2016-04-01 21:21:06",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Afua Osei, co-founder of SheLeadsAfrica describes technology as a critical tool and a key enabler for success. She says, “for my organization, technology does 3 things: keeps our team connected, keeps costs down, and enables us to connect to entrepreneurial ecosystems around the world. Access to technology helped me start this idea with the minimal investment possible.” […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1459550081.1291511058807373046875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1459784154"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1459784154.8366920948028564453125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1459545667.86579990386962890625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:8241,comment_author:{__cdata:"She Leads Africa Hosts #SheHiveAbuja « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/02/21/she-leads-africa-hosts-shehiveabuja/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.99.231",comment_date:"2016-02-21 23:43:45",comment_date_gmt:"2016-02-21 22:43:45",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

64320;] She Leads Africa has announced the launch of SheHiveAbuja, a pop-up co-working space for young African women. The space will enable entrepreneurs to learn new business skills, develop relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and connect directly with investors. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1456094654"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1456094654.8231608867645263671875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1456094626.63912200927734375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:9447,comment_author:{__cdata:"Com Oretade Amos Oluseyi"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"217.14.89.10",comment_date:"2017-08-14 00:49:01",comment_date_gmt:"2017-08-13 23:49:01",comment_content:{__cdata:"Ma, can your organization come and orient our women in our community here in Ibadan."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1502672519.44857501983642578125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1502668143.11853790283203125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"8324263858"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1502893483"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1502893484"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1502893484.7056939601898193359375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"What We Don't Know About Women in Technology"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/23/what-we-dont-know-about-women-in-technology/",pubDate:"Tue, 23 Sep 2014 15:43:01 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4039",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ2yvwPlQJI
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6448&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4039,post_date:"2014-09-23 16:43:01",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-23 15:43:01",post_modified:"2014-09-23 16:52:21",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-23 15:52:21",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"what-we-dont-know-about-women-in-technology",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"AFK Insider"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Video"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Women in Technology"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/jPY7gdpYR4h"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/AE2PCwKkeCL"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/hVPEnhauEI"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2326"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_facebook",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_linkedin",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_tumblr",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_path",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_72460bc9e73ad9fc948c8f61ca38d680",meta_value:{__cdata:'<div class="embed-youtube"><iframe title="Mary Olushoga &amp; What We Don&#039;t Know About Women in Technology | Part 2 of 3" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DQ2yvwPlQJI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;

6448 web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_72460bc9e73ad9fc948c8f61ca38d680",meta_value:{__cdata:"1727431199"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_d291150084b09a4627c32023ae55b9b1",meta_value:{__cdata:'<div class="wp-embed"><div class="player"><div class="embed-youtube"><iframe title="Mary Olushoga &amp; What We Don&#039;t Know About Women in Technology | Part 2 of 3" width="635" height="357" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DQ2yvwPlQJI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_d291150084b09a4627c32023ae55b9b1",meta_value:{__cdata:"1732253989"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: NITDA Software Development Challenge"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/24/apply-nitda-software-development-challenge/",pubDate:"Wed, 24 Sep 2014 16:44:42 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4045",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/nitda.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-4046 size-full" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/nitda.jpg" alt="Nitda" width="531" height="488" /></a>The <strong>NITDA e-SOLVE</strong> is organizing its 1st software development challenge. The core objective of this challenge is to empower Nigerian software developers. Entries are invited from all the (6) geopolitical zones. Individual entries will be reviewed by an experienced and unbiased panel of judges. The best entry from each zone will be invited for the finals. Finalists are then given a specific problem to solve and the best (3) will be awarded.
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6450The top (3) winners will be given a financial reward to enable them in launching their business. In addition to that, NITDA will provide support to the overall winner to showcase the winning solution on platforms such as GITEX and eNigeria.
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6452<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: September 27, 2014
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6454Register <strong><a title="http://nitdaesolve.org.ng/register.aspx" href="http://nitdaesolve.org.ng/register.aspx" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://nitdaesolve.org.ng/register.aspx" href="http://nitdaesolve.org.ng/register.aspx" target="_blank">NITDA</a></strong>
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6460&nbsp;
6461
6462&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4045,post_date:"2014-09-24 17:44:42",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-24 16:44:42",post_modified:"2014-09-24 17:44:42",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-24 16:44:42",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-nitda-software-development-challenge",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"NITDA"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"Software competition"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4046"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Gt3G1Uj6pPL"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/cqALxxyGk9q"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/BBFUWV35lv"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Women in Business Mentoring Program"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/09/26/apply-women-in-business-mentoring-program/",pubDate:"Fri, 26 Sep 2014 20:55:13 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4054",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/the-cherie-blair-foundation-for-women.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4056" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/the-cherie-blair-foundation-for-women.jpg" alt="The-Cherie-Blair-Foundation-For-Women" width="300" height="230" /></a>The <strong>Cherie Blair Foundation for Women</strong> selects and matches women entrepreneurs and mentors from around the world to join their prestigious year-long mentoring program. Mentors are men and women from diverse sectors who give 2 hours a month to support a woman entrepreneur.
6463
6464Mentees are women from developing or emerging economies who have a passion for working with a mentor, are running or about to launch their own business, and can meet online in English. They are nominated directly by our local partners in March and September each year.
6465
6466The selection requirements ensure you are able to thrive in the program with the key to success being commitment. We have participants with varied experience, so chances are we'll have a match for you. Our online application takes 20 minutes to complete and helps us find you a mentee or mentor who is a great fit.
6467
6468<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: September 30, 2014
6469
6470Apply <strong><a title="http://www.cherieblairfoundation.org/mentee-application-and-selection-

6470process/" href="http://www.cherieblairfoundation.org/mentee-application-and-selection-process/" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://www.cherieblairfoundation.org/mentee-application-and-selection-process/" href="http://www.cherieblairfoundation.org/mentee-application-and-selection-process/" target="_blank">Mentee</a></strong>
6471
6472Apply <strong><a title="http://www.cherieblairfoundation.org/mentor-application-and-selection-process/" href="http://www.cherieblairfoundation.org/mentor-application-and-selection-process/" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://www.cherieblairfoundation.org/mentor-application-and-selection-process/" href="http://www.cherieblairfoundation.org/mentor-application-and-selection-process/" target="_blank">Mentor</a></strong>
6473
6474&nbsp;
6475
6476&nbsp;
6477
6478&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4054,post_date:"2014-09-26 21:55:13",post_date_gmt:"2014-09-26 20:55:13",post_modified:"2014-09-26 21:55:13",post_modified_gmt:"2014-09-26 20:55:13",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-women-in-business-mentoring-program",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Cherie Blair"},{__cdata:"Cherie Blair Foundation for Women"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4056"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Jm8UH4fYGuc"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/X2H8pdKFAZK"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/MOc5y4mlOj"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:5266,comment_author:{__cdata:"Katy Galbraith"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"109.68.198.204",comment_date:"2014-10-14 12:29:52",comment_date_gmt:"2014-10-14 11:29:52",comment_content:{__cdata:`Hi,
6479
6480We were just wondering how you found about the Mentoring Programme?
6481
6482Many thanks,
6483
6484Katy`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1413286192.852983951568603515625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1413291397"}},{meta_key:"_elasticsearch_indexed_on",meta_value:{__cdata:"2014-10-14 11:29:54"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1413290355.6587040424346923828125;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1413291397"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1413291398.6913011074066162109375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: WEPs CEO Leadership Award 2015"}

6484,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/01/apply-weps-ceo-leadership-award-2015/",pubDate:"Wed, 01 Oct 2014 16:36:53 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4064",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/10612702_10152286769226905_959856533293409700_.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4066" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/10612702_10152286769226905_959856533293409700_.png" alt="10612702_10152286769226905_959856533293409700_" width="387" height="183" /></a>The Leadership Award of the Women’s Empowerment Principles – Equality Means Business (WEPs) is a partnership initiative of UN Women and the UN Global Compact, which seeks to recognize business leaders for their exceptional championship of gender equality and support for the 7 Principles.
6485
6486Nominations are now open for the prestigious <strong>2015 WEPs CEO Leadership Awards</strong>, which recognizes business leaders for their exceptional championship of gender equality and support for the Women's Empowerment Principles. The Awards salute concrete and innovative actions taken to advance the 7 Principles and particularly principle 1: Leadership Promotes Gender Equality.
6487
6488Award recipients will have the opportunity to speak directly about their commitment at a ceremony held at the United Nations during the Women's Empowerment Principles Annual Event, March 2015.
6489
6490<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: November 14, 2014.
6491
6492Apply <strong><a title="http://weprinciples.org/files/attachments/Nomination_Form_2015.pdf" href="http://weprinciples.org/files/attachments/Nomination_Form_2015.pdf" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://weprinciples.org/files/attachments/Nomination_Form_2015.pdf" href="http://weprinciples.org/files/attachments/Nomination_Form_2015.pdf" target="_blank">WEPs Leadership Award</a></strong>
6493
6494&nbsp;
6495
6496&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4064,post_date:"2014-10-01 17:36:53",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-01 16:36:53",post_modified:"2014-10-01 17:36:53",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-01 16:36:53",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-weps-ceo-leadership-award-2015",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"gender equality"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Leadership awards"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"UN Women"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Women's Empowerment Principles"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4066"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/aRZ6QfsH1ne"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/MKZLr6j26Tz"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/srk5thBhIt"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:7283,comment_author:{__cdata:"Apply: 2016 Women&#8217;s Empowerment Principles Leadership Award &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/08/21/apply-2016-womens-empowerment-principles-leadership-award/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.192",comment_date:"2015-08-2

64961 21:23:44",comment_date_gmt:"2015-08-21 20:23:44",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] are now open for the prestigious 2016 WEPs CEO Leadership Awards, which recognizes business leaders for their exceptional championship of gender equality and [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1440188624.6155979633331298828125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1440188658"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1440188658.9180600643157958984375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Join She Leads Africa in Washington D.C. "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/05/join-she-leads-africa-in-washington-d-c/",pubDate:"Sun, 05 Oct 2014 22:54:28 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4071",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/untitl1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4015" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/untitl1.jpg?w=635" alt="Untitl" width="635" height="102" /></a><strong>Diaspora Demo Day</strong> is a start-up showcase spotlighting emerging companies and social enterprises focused on Africa and the African diaspora in celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week. The event is a collaboration between tiphub, the African Technology Foundation, and She Leads Africa.
6497
6498She Leads Africa will take (7) start-ups to the showcase and facilitate introductions to investors, mentors, and potential partners in Washington DC.
6499
6500To be eligible to apply:
6501<ul>
6502	<li>Start-up must have a female co-founder who will pitch the business,
6503Start-up must focus on Africa or the African diaspora,
6504Start-up must have a live product in the market,
6505Companies not based in the US, must be able to pay 50% of trip costs to Washington, DC</li>
6506</ul>
6507To submit an application you must:
6508- Complete this online form,
6509- Prepare and submit a pitch deck,
6510- Submit a basic profit and loss statement (if available).
6511
6512<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: October 5, 2014.
6513
6514Apply <strong><a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IfRHkGsBIdEOZRqz9iWuqomdb-xmI-6zUXTUQ0ATNvQ/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IfRHkGsBIdEOZRqz9iWuqomdb-xmI-6zUXTUQ0ATNvQ/viewform" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IfRHkGsBIdEOZRqz9iWuqomdb-xmI-6zUXTUQ0ATNvQ/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IfRHkGsBIdEOZRqz9iWuqomdb-xmI-6zUXTUQ0ATNvQ/viewform" target="_blank">She Leads Africa</a></strong>
6515
6516&nbsp;
6517
6518&nbsp;
6519
6520&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4071,post_date:"2014-10-05 23:54:28",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-05 22:54:28",post_modified:"2014-10-06 00:24:27",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-05 23:24:27",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"join-she-leads-africa-in-washington-d-c",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African Technology Foundation"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Afua Osei"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Diaspora Demo Day"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"She Leads Africa"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"tiphub"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Yasmin Belo-Osagie"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4073"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Q56uJbFpKVW"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/JAfqLkwJXzb"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/Z6ncC57IJO"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: United Nations PEACEApp Competition"}

6520,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/06/apply-united-nations-peaceapp-competition/",pubDate:"Mon, 06 Oct 2014 00:13:04 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4079",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong><a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/blabla.png"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4080" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/blabla.png?w=635" alt="blabla" width="635" height="234" /></a>PEACEapp</strong> is a global competition organized by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the United Nations Development Program in collaboration with Build Up to promote digital games and gamified apps as venues for cultural dialogue and conflict management. Additional partners of PEACEapp include GamesForChange and the Institute for Economics and Peace.
6521
6522The competition is open to (3) kinds of entries:
6523<ul>
6524	<li>digital games and gamified apps developed purposefully for this competition,</li>
6525	<li>already existing digital games, and</li>
6526	<li>creative re-purposing of existing digital games to meet the aim of PEACEapp</li>
6527</ul>
6528The competition will consider entries at all stages of development – from prototypes to fully developed. PEACEapp’s international jury will select five winning entries: 3 that are fully functioning and 2 that are in development.
6529
6530<strong>Prizes</strong>:
6531<ul>
6532	<li>The 3 fully functioning games or apps will receive an award of $5,000 each,</li>
6533	<li>The 2 in development will receive mentorship from expert partners,</li>
6534	<li>In addition, 1 member of each award-winning team (completed or in development) will be invited (all travel costs covered) to the Build Peace conference (Cyprus, April 2015) to share their product with conference participants.</li>
6535</ul>
6536<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: October 15, 2014
6537
6538Apply <strong><a title="http://www.unaoc.org/peaceapp/enter/" href="http://www.unaoc.org/peaceapp/enter/" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://www.unaoc.org/peaceapp/enter/" href="http://www.unaoc.org/peaceapp/enter/" target="_blank">Peace App</a></strong>
6539
6540&nbsp;
6541
6542&nbsp;
6543
6544&nbsp;
6545
6546&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4079,post_date:"2014-10-06 01:13:04",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-06 00:13:04",post_modified:"2014-10-06 01:13:04",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-06 00:13:04",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-united-nations-peaceapp-competition",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/2PKo2J1ZM7j"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/TSzqXZx13No"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/4sNwNmZe5B"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Join the AWP Network at the ‎2014 Young African Leadership Symposium "}

6546,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/06/join-the-awp-network-at-the-%e2%80%8e2014-young-african-leadership-symposium/",pubDate:"Mon, 06 Oct 2014 01:36:17 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4084",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/10482068_581751858596885_2833734833659335774_o.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4085" src="http://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/10482068_581751858596885_2833734833659335774_o.jpg?w=635" alt="10482068_581751858596885_2833734833659335774_o" width="635" height="490" /></a>A new generation of women and young people throughout Africa are emerging and developing innovative strategies to overcome daily problems at the local and national level. Unfortunately, their combined capacities have not been fully harnessed nor realized.
6547
6548<strong>Questions to think about: </strong>
6549<ul>
6550	<li>Where are the pioneering efforts being made in education, training, and skills development for both youths and women?</li>
6551	<li>What are the key barriers in both social and political spaces that hinder their full participation in development projects?</li>
6552	<li>How do today’s leaders (corporate and government) incorporate both the youth and women in overall economic and political leadership?</li>
6553	<li>How can we tap the full potential of women and young people?</li>
6554</ul>
6555Join this amazing panel of women as they tackle these issues.
6556
6557&nbsp;
6558
6559&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4084,post_date:"2014-10-06 02:36:17",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-06 01:36:17",post_modified:"2014-10-06 02:36:17",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-06 01:36:17",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"join-the-awp-network-at-the-%e2%80%8e2014-young-african-leadership-symposium",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Fadumo Dayib"},{__cdata:"Funke Bucknor-Obruthe"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Karen Waweru"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Mobolaji Akiode"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4085"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/T4q98gG5cxp"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/F9Fwon9wGbq"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/r2SbErBuEu"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Attend the Campaign2Insights Summit"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/07/attend-the-campaign2insights-summit/",pubDate:"Tue, 07 Oct 2014 02:30:15 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4089",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnet

6559work.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/hey.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4090" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/hey.jpg?w=635" alt="Hey" width="635" height="284" /></a>In a bid to help entrepreneurs better understand the importance of data to business growth, RainyLemon Nigeria - a strategy and analytics company is organizing the <a title="http://www.rainylemon.com/C2I/index.html" href="http://www.rainylemon.com/C2I/index.html" target="_blank"><strong>Campaign2Insights Summit</strong> </a>(C2ILagos). The goal of the summit is to share new ways data can impact businesses.
6560
6561<strong>When</strong>: October 23 - 24,  2014
6562<strong>Where</strong>: NSPRI Guest House (32/38 Barikisu Iyede Street, Yaba, Lagos)
6563
6564To receive a complimentary ticket, enter the code: <a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bl1FCY2qd4NuONRYGnaR-N3ggWSxkFDGilKgg6fLJNA/viewform?edit_requested=true#" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bl1FCY2qd4NuONRYGnaR-N3ggWSxkFDGilKgg6fLJNA/viewform?edit_requested=true#" target="_blank"><strong>AWPNet</strong></a> in the field for complimentary code
6565
6566Register <strong><a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bl1FCY2qd4NuONRYGnaR-N3ggWSxkFDGilKgg6fLJNA/viewform?edit_requested=true#" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bl1FCY2qd4NuONRYGnaR-N3ggWSxkFDGilKgg6fLJNA/viewform?edit_requested=true#" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bl1FCY2qd4NuONRYGnaR-N3ggWSxkFDGilKgg6fLJNA/viewform?edit_requested=true#" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bl1FCY2qd4NuONRYGnaR-N3ggWSxkFDGilKgg6fLJNA/viewform?edit_requested=true#" target="_blank">C2ILagos</a></strong>
6567
6568&nbsp;
6569
6570&nbsp;
6571
6572&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4089,post_date:"2014-10-07 03:30:15",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-07 02:30:15",post_modified:"2014-10-07 03:30:15",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-07 02:30:15",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"attend-the-campaign2insights-summit",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Abiodun Thorpe"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"Campaign2Insights"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"RainyLemon"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Yinka Awosanya"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/Qo6ZPuj7WN7"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/2VJZKMf78gh"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/ddHffXnmV4"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Innovation and Health: Grand Challenge to Help Health Care Workers Fight Ebola"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/07/innovation-and-health-grand-challenge-to-help-health-care-workers-fight-ebola/",pubDate:"Tue, 07 Oct 2014 03:15:20 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4097",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnet

6572work.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4098" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled.jpg?w=635" alt="Untitled" width="635" height="291" /></a>The <strong>Grand Challenge for Development</strong> aims to generate pioneering solutions to help healthcare workers provide better care in the midst of the Ebola epidemic. This challenge will unite the global community in the quest for ingenious ideas that deliver practical and cost-effective innovations in a matter of months.
6573
6574USAID needs new ideas to help ensure that treatment sites, communal transport units, and burial sites do not become infection sources. USAID needs new solutions that strengthen the safety and increase the comfort of the suits, from improving fabric design to measuring a health worker’s temperature and heart rate.
6575
6576USAID needs new ways to simplify clinical processes, including point-of-care diagnostics. And need new tools that continue to create a safer clinical environment, including improving infection control and waste disposal. Taken together, these innovations will enable health workers to provide better care for those who are suffering.
6577
6578Everyday, in hot, humid, and extremely difficult environments, health care workers in Ebola-affected countries are performing critical tasks that save lives and prevent the spread of the virus. Personal protective equipment (PPE) offers critical protection, but also is the greatest source of discomfort and stress for the workers. While PPEs protect health care workers, they cannot be worn for more than 40 minutes in hot climates, severely limiting the time health care workers can care for their patients.
6579
6580Together with our international partners, USAID will translate the expertise and ingenuity of scientists, innovators, engineers, and students from across the globe into real solutions. With your bold thinking and engagement, we can give health workers the tools they need to win this fight.
6581
6582Learn more <a title="http://www.usaid.gov/grandchallenges/ebola#mail" href="http://www.usaid.gov/grandchallenges/ebola#mail" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.usaid.gov/grandchallenges/ebola#mail" href="http://www.usaid.gov/grandchallenges/ebola#mail" target="_blank">Ebola Grand Challenge</a></strong>
6583
6584&nbsp;
6585
6586&nbsp;
6587
6588&nbsp;
6589
6590&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4097,post_date:"2014-10-07 04:15:20",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-07 03:15:20",post_modified:"2014-10-07 04:15:20",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-07 03:15:20",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"innovation-and-health-grand-challenge-to-help-health-care-workers-fight-ebola",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Ebola"},{__cdata:"Ebola Grand Challenge"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Guinea"},{__cdata:"healthcare"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"ideas"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Liberia"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"Sierra Leone"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"USAID"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/YS3GfzeSTCZ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/Prw3dTC3DLT"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/HoSluTT4ts"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Vodafone Mobile App Competition "}

6590,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/13/apply-vodafone-mobile-app-competition/",pubDate:"Sun, 12 Oct 2014 23:55:29 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4102",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/apps.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4103" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/apps.jpg?w=635" alt="Apps" width="635" height="263" /></a>This <a title="http://www.vodafoneappstar.com/Aboutus.aspx" href="http://www.vodafoneappstar.com/Aboutus.aspx" target="_blank"><strong>competition</strong></a> is only open to citizens of, or those permanently residing in Ghana, India, Kenya, or South Africa and have developed (or can you develop) an app in one of iOS, Android, J2ME, or WP8.
6591
6592<strong><a title="http://www.vodafoneappstar.com/Aboutus.aspx" href="http://www.vodafoneappstar.com/Aboutus.aspx" target="_blank">appStar</a></strong> is an annual developer contest organized by Vodafone, for developers across several countries on the African and Asian continent, to promote local talent and bring them to the international stage. If you have an innovative and cool app that you have built or as an idea that you want to develop and showcase, appStar is the right platform for you.
6593
6594Apply <a title="https://id.developer.vodafone.com/user/signup/" href="https://id.developer.vodafone.com/user/signup/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="https://id.developer.vodafone.com/user/signup/" href="https://id.developer.vodafone.com/user/signup/" target="_blank">appStar</a></strong>
6595
6596<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: January 14, 2014
6597
6598&nbsp;
6599
6600&nbsp;
6601
6602&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4102,post_date:"2014-10-13 00:55:29",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-12 23:55:29",post_modified:"2014-10-13 00:55:29",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-12 23:55:29",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-vodafone-mobile-app-competition",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"appStar"},{__cdata:"Asia"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Ghana"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"India"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Kenya"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"smallbiz"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"techbiz"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/LpofLLjhpbk"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/Xq4yzvCq15P"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/5pPRqLqrS8"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Andela Software Developer Bootcamp for Women"}

6602,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/13/apply-andela-software-developer-bootcamp-for-women/",pubDate:"Mon, 13 Oct 2014 01:00:40 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4110",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/andela-e1410876142838.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3970" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/andela-e1410876142838.png" alt="Andela" width="600" height="166" /></a>
6603
6604Are you a young woman in Nigeria? Would you like to become a software developer? If yes, then you should apply. <strong><a title="https://app.plum.io/posting/lagos_office_andela_all_female_bootcamp_application.html?pos=434" href="https://app.plum.io/posting/lagos_office_andela_all_female_bootcamp_application.html?pos=434" target="_blank">Andela</a></strong> will offer a free 2-week training program where instructors with years of software development experience teach the basics of front-end web development and guide participants to collaboratively build their first web development project.
6605
6606When bootcamp is over, the highest-performing participants will receive job offers to join Andela full-time as Andela Fellows. In your first three months as an Andela fellow, the program will pay you a small stipend and give you 1000 hours of training before placing you on client projects.
6607
6608<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: October 31, 2014
6609
6610Apply <a title="https://app.plum.io/apply/lagos_office_andela_all_female_bootcamp_application.html?pos=434" href="https://app.plum.io/apply/lagos_office_andela_all_female_bootcamp_application.html?pos=434" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="https://app.plum.io/apply/lagos_office_andela_all_female_bootcamp_application.html?pos=434" href="https://app.plum.io/apply/lagos_office_andela_all_female_bootcamp_application.html?pos=434" target="_blank">Andela Girls</a></strong>
6611
6612&nbsp;
6613
6614&nbsp;
6615
6616&nbsp;
6617
6618&nbsp;
6619
6620&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4110,post_date:"2014-10-13 02:00:40",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-13 01:00:40",post_modified:"2014-10-13 02:15:35",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-13 01:15:35",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-andela-software-developer-bootcamp-for-women",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Andela"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"software developer"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/YKjenJeXbgF"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/1QBeTM72BLH"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/irDuQS4BKU"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2680"}}],comment:[{comment_id:7051,comment_author:{__cdata:"Ambe Tertsegha philip"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"82.145.223.112",comment_date:"2015-06-13 06:40:22",comment_date_gmt:"2015-06-13 05:40:22",comment_content:{__cdata:"This is a welcome development."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1434576153"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1434576153"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1434576153.7751619815826416015625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1434178172.867621898651123046875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1434174023.1226799488067626953125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:6527,comment_author:{__cdata:"Andela Launches Bootcamp for Nigerian Women In Tech &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/02/11/andela-launches-bootcamp-for-nigerian-women-in-tech/",comment_author_IP:"66.155.8.74",comment_date:"2015-02-11 19:41:52",comment_date_gmt:"2015-02-11 18:41:52",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

66200;] year, Andela &#8211; a global talent accelerator that produces world-class developers and connects them with [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1423680174"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1423680176.1137459278106689453125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1423680113.2896759510040283203125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Coder4Africa Training Program in Nigeria"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/13/apply-coder4africa-training-program-in-nigeria/",pubDate:"Mon, 13 Oct 2014 01:56:53 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4114",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4115" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo.jpg" alt="logo" width="420" height="200" /></a>
6621
6622&nbsp;
6623
6624<strong>Coders4Africa</strong> provides African programmers and developers a gateway to high-quality training and certifications in new technologies and platforms that currently dominate the software development industry.
6625
6626Apply for their upcoming training program <a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qQfGsrQmLrXmmPl786_0bCth87JjO5mZXG5fL24G3Lg/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qQfGsrQmLrXmmPl786_0bCth87JjO5mZXG5fL24G3Lg/viewform" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qQfGsrQmLrXmmPl786_0bCth87JjO5mZXG5fL24G3Lg/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qQfGsrQmLrXmmPl786_0bCth87JjO5mZXG5fL24G3Lg/viewform" target="_blank">Coder4Africa</a></strong>
6627
6628&nbsp;
6629
6630&nbsp;
6631
6632&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4114,post_date:"2014-10-13 02:56:53",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-13 01:56:53",post_modified:"2014-10-13 02:57:56",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-13 01:57:56",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-coder4africa-training-program-in-nigeria",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Coders4Africa"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4115"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/ALpvSY3FJWA"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/R3wLWEHRgXK"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/hjpygiYMip"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: FARA Africa Student Essay Competition"}

6632,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/14/apply-fara-africa-student-essay-competition/",pubDate:"Tue, 14 Oct 2014 13:23:12 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4118",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/10665735_711604858921877_2346116829760145067_n.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4119" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/10665735_711604858921877_2346116829760145067_n.jpg?w=635" alt="10665735_711604858921877_2346116829760145067_n" width="635" height="235" /></a><strong><a title="https://www.facebook.com/FARAAfrica?v=app_350771298416695&amp;app_data=gaReferrerOverride%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Ft.co%252FflPJ721b2y" href="https://www.facebook.com/FARAAfrica?v=app_350771298416695&amp;app_data=gaReferrerOverride%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Ft.co%252FflPJ721b2y" target="_blank">FARA Africa</a></strong> is introducing an essay competition for full-time students of agriculture programs throughout African tertiary institutions to include universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
6633
6634Do you have an idea for improving innovation in agriculture? then you should apply. Please note that this competition is not open to students of African origin studying outside the African continent. Essays may be written in English or French.
6635
6636Essay topic: The Role of Agricultural Innovation in Creating Food Security in Africa
6637Format: 500-word count
6638Age Eligibility: 15 to 30 years old
6639
6640<strong>DEADLINE:</strong> October 30, 2014
6641Apply <a title="https://www.facebook.com/FARAAfrica?v=app_350771298416695&amp;app_data=gaReferrerOverride%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Ft.co%252FflPJ721b2y" href="https://www.facebook.com/FARAAfrica?v=app_350771298416695&amp;app_data=gaReferrerOverride%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Ft.co%252FflPJ721b2y" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="https://www.facebook.com/FARAAfrica?v=app_350771298416695&amp;app_data=gaReferrerOverride%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Ft.co%252FflPJ721b2y" href="https://www.facebook.com/FARAAfrica?v=app_350771298416695&amp;app_data=gaReferrerOverride%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Ft.co%252FflPJ721b2y" target="_blank">FARA Africa</a></strong>
6642
6643&nbsp;
6644
6645&nbsp;
6646
6647&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4118,post_date:"2014-10-14 14:23:12",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-14 13:23:12",post_modified:"2014-10-14 14:24:51",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-14 13:24:51",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-fara-africa-student-essay-competition",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"agriculture"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"FARA"},{__cdata:"FARA Africa"},{__cdata:"Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/52F8GX4whuQ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/PMWRwgxrVUv"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/qxf9DjTkcG"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Join the Lagos Build-a-thon with ALN Ventures"}

6647,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/14/join-the-lagos-build-a-thon-with-aln-ventures/",pubDate:"Tue, 14 Oct 2014 13:53:52 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4124",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4125" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/untitled1.jpg" alt="Untitled" width="471" height="398" /></a>
6648
6649If you have a business or an idea and would like to attend.
6650
6651Apply <a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14TTnRkqFb3-srILioDlVJ6Sjnejg4690AkYTJJWBa7I/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14TTnRkqFb3-srILioDlVJ6Sjnejg4690AkYTJJWBa7I/viewform" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14TTnRkqFb3-srILioDlVJ6Sjnejg4690AkYTJJWBa7I/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14TTnRkqFb3-srILioDlVJ6Sjnejg4690AkYTJJWBa7I/viewform" target="_blank">ALN Ventures</a></strong>
6652
6653&nbsp;
6654
6655&nbsp;
6656
6657&nbsp;
6658
6659&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4124,post_date:"2014-10-14 14:53:52",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-14 13:53:52",post_modified:"2014-10-14 14:53:52",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-14 13:53:52",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"join-the-lagos-build-a-thon-with-aln-ventures",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"ALN Ventures"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4125"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/74zFVMU1bPC"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:""}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/1HDMV8wZ2i"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: MTN Ghana Mobile App Challenge "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/14/apply-mtn-ghana-mobile-app-challenge/",pubDate:"Tue, 14 Oct 2014 15:00:11 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4128",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/unti.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4129" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/unti.jpg" alt="Unti" width="560" height="325" /></a>The <strong><a title="https://appschallenge.mtn.com.gh/RegisterUser.aspx" href="https://appschallenge.mtn.com.gh/RegisterUser.aspx" target="_blank">2014 MTN Apps Challenge</a></strong> will award the most innovative and locally relevant mobile apps. This is only open to citizens of, and those permanently residing in Ghana.
6660
6661Entries of apps shall be accepted in the following categories:
6662<ul>
6663	<li>Education
6664Lifestyle
6665Games and Entertainment</li>
6666</ul>
6667<strong>Additional Information</strong>:
6668<ul>
6669	<li>Participants can enter the competition with one or more apps.</li>
6670	<li>Participants can enter as individuals or teams with a maximum of three people in a team.
6671Applications that won in the MTN Apps Challenge 2013 are eligible for re-entry. Such apps must demonstrate significant improvement from the previous year’s entry.
6672Applications that did not win in the MTN Apps Challenge 2013 are eligible for re-entry. Such apps must demonstrate significant improvement from the previous year’s entry.
6673Local apps that are published on Android, Blackberry, Windows, and Apple stores can enter the competition.
6674MTN staff and their family members are eligible to enter the contest.</li>
6675</ul>
6676<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: November 28, 2014
6677
6678Apply <a title="https://appschallenge.mtn.com.gh/RegisterUser.aspx" href="https://appschallenge.mtn.com.gh/RegisterUser.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="https://appschallenge.mtn.com.gh/RegisterUser.aspx" href="https://appschallenge.mtn.com.gh/RegisterUser.aspx" target="_blank">MTN Ghana</a></strong>
6679
6680&nbsp;
6681
6682&nbsp;
6683
6684&nbsp;
6685
6686&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4128,post_date:"2014-10-14 16:00:11",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-14 15:00:11",post_modified:"2014-10-14 16:00:11",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-14 15:00:11",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-mtn-ghana-mobile-app-challenge",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

6686,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"App challenge"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Ghana"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"MTN"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4129"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/yjBF36daNP"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:""}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/TCP4vLd6Nj8"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"100462998144774460050";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Innovations for Youth Employment in Africa "},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/14/innovations-for-youth-employment-in-africa/",pubDate:"Tue, 14 Oct 2014 15:42:37 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4133",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/vision.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4134" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/vision.jpg" alt="vision" width="455" height="482" /></a>Are you from sub-Saharan Africa and between the ages of 18 and 30? then you should apply. Ashoka and the MasterCard Foundation invites you to share how you are increasing employment opportunities for young people in Africa.
6687
6688By entering this challenge, you will join a community of fellow innovators that are transforming the landscape of youth employment in Africa. Top entrants will be eligible for $1,500 in unrestricted funding as well as an all-expenses-paid trip to the Ashoka Globalizer Summit in South Africa where they will receive training, support, and visibility critical to their growth and to realizing the full impact of their social innovations.
6689
6690<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: November 5, 2014
6691
6692Apply <a title="http://www.changemakers.com/futureforward#" href="http://www.changemakers.com/futureforward#" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.changemakers.com/futureforward#" href="http://www.changemakers.com/futureforward#" target="_blank">Forward Africa</a></strong>
6693
6694&nbsp;
6695
6696&nbsp;
6697
6698&nbsp;
6699
6700&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4133,post_date:"2014-10-14 16:42:37",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-14 15:42:37",post_modified:"2014-10-14 16:44:13",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-14 15:44:13",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"innovations-for-youth-employment-in-africa",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Ashoka"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"MasterCard Foundation"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4134"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/hZPM5XAP5qi"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/Ak3bQYJe6Jr"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/cgAk5uRu8J"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Entrepreneur Creates Fellowship for African students at Harvard"}

6700,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/19/entrepreneur-creates-fellowship-for-african-students-at-harvard/",pubDate:"Sun, 19 Oct 2014 14:04:28 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4149",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/kistefos-sveaas.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4150" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/kistefos-sveaas.jpg" alt="Kistefos Sveaas" width="620" height="310" /></a><strong>Christen Sveaas</strong>, founder, executive chairman, and owner of Norwegian investment firm <strong>Kistefos</strong>, set to establish a fellowship for African students.
6701
6702The <a title="http://www.hks.harvard.edu/news-events/news/press-releases/kistefos-african-public-service-graduate-fellowship-fund" href="http://www.hks.harvard.edu/news-events/news/press-releases/kistefos-african-public-service-graduate-fellowship-fund" target="_blank">Kistefos African Public Service Graduate Fellowship Fund</a> will provide support to degree program candidates and executive education program participants from African nations with an interest in improving governance and public resources at all levels. Starting in 2015-16, the endowed fund will cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for fellows — who must commit to at least three years of public service work following their studies. The gift also will be counted toward the Kennedy School’s multi-year effort to raise $500 million for financial aid, campus improvements, and key research initiatives.
6703
6704"Education is key for running good governments," said Sveaas. "And I would like to give others the opportunity to get a better education to run public services. It doesn't always seem that democracies work as they should, and I hope my small contribution can help educate the next generation of African leaders."
6705
6706Learn more <a title="http://www.hks.harvard.edu/news-events/news/press-releases/kistefos-african-public-service-graduate-fellowship-fund" href="http://www.hks.harvard.edu/news-events/news/press-releases/kistefos-african-public-service-graduate-fellowship-fund" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.hks.harvard.edu/news-events/news/press-releases/kistefos-african-public-service-graduate-fellowship-fund" href="http://www.hks.harvard.edu/news-events/news/press-releases/kistefos-african-public-service-graduate-fellowship-fund" target="_blank">Harvard Africa</a></strong>
6707
6708&nbsp;
6709
6710&nbsp;
6711
6712&nbsp;
6713
6714&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4149,post_date:"2014-10-19 15:04:28",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-19 14:04:28",post_modified:"2014-10-19 15:04:28",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-19 14:04:28",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"entrepreneur-creates-fellowship-for-african-students-at-harvard",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Christen Sveaas"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Kistefos"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4150"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/ffJfQ9ruTRf"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/29MexPFDLMS"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/nNCNOS8aKk"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Top 7 Branding Mistakes Businesses Should Avoid"}

6714,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/19/top-7-branding-mistakes-businesses-should-avoid/",pubDate:"Sun, 19 Oct 2014 15:09:36 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4155",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<em><a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/article.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1649" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/article.jpg" alt="" width="228" height="221" /></a><strong>'Too many entrepreneurs underestimate the amount of effort it takes to build a great brand.'</strong></em>
6715
6716Your brand is your identity, and it's critical to avoid the all-too-common mistakes that have ruined businesses in the past.
6717
6718While most businesses know that it's important to have a brand, too many entrepreneurs underestimate the amount of effort it takes to build a great one. You can't just throw a logo together and hope that it makes an impression -- you need to spend weeks, if not months, researching your demographics and competition and working closely with professionals who have experience in branding and design.
6719
6720These seven mistakes are some of the most common I've seen, and you need to do everything you can to avoid them:
6721
67221. <strong>Misunderstanding what constitutes a "brand."</strong> It's more than just a logo and a tagline. Your branding is your identity as a company, including an image, a voice and a style.
6723
67242. <strong>Putting your branding as a low priority.</strong> Focusing on building an audience before you build a brand is like trying to find a job before you have a resume. You won't get very far. Branding is your foundation, so prioritize it.
6725
67263. <strong>Failing to research your competitors.</strong> It's important to understand what others before you have done. You can get inspired, but more importantly, you can figure out how to make your brand stand out.
6727
67284. <strong>Failing to understand your audience</strong>. Imagine your target demographic as a single person, and your brand as a single person. What type of person does your target demographic respect and identify with? Incorporate that personality into your brand.
6729
67305. <strong>Keeping your brand inconsistent.</strong> Consistency is everything; you can't half-ass your branding strategy. Consistency is what builds familiarity and, eventually, loyalty.
6731
67326. <strong>Treating your brand as a stagnant monument.</strong> A brand isn't something you build once and never have to worry about again. You need to constantly revise and refine it, adapting it to changes in your marketing environment.
6733
67347. <strong>Skimping on the budget.</strong> Don't pay $50 for an assembly-line style brand. Go the extra mile by paying a professional to help you brand. Trust me, it's worth the money.
6735
6736Culled from <strong><a title="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jose-vasquez/top-7-branding-mistakes-t_b_5882892.html?&amp;ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000019" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jose-vasquez/top-7-branding-mistakes-t_b_5882892.html?&amp;ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000019" target="_blank">Jose Vasquez </a></strong>
6737
6738&nbsp;
6739
6740&nbsp;
6741
6742&nbsp;
6743
6744&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4155,post_date:"2014-10-19 16:09:36",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-19 15:09:36",post_modified:"2014-10-19 16:09:36",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-19 15:09:36",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"top-7-branding-mistakes-businesses-should-avoid",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"brand"},{__cdata:"branding"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"process"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1649"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/9tUrJL89fa5"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/Uhr9cEFoWdo"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/fqQzTdNa9I"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"African Entrepreneur Launches Empowerment Fund"}

6744,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/19/african-entrepreneur-launches-empowerment-fund/",pubDate:"Sun, 19 Oct 2014 15:30:55 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4160",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/tony_elumelu-pix2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4161" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/tony_elumelu-pix2.jpg" alt="Tony_Elumelu-pix2" width="600" height="399" /></a><a title="http://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/pressreleases/tony-o-elumelu-launches-empowerment-fund-revitalize-distressed-communities-across-nigeria/" href="http://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/pressreleases/tony-o-elumelu-launches-empowerment-fund-revitalize-distressed-communities-across-nigeria/" target="_blank"><strong>Tony O. Elumelu</strong></a> just launched the <strong><em>Elumelu Nigeria Empowerment Fund</em></strong> to revitalise distressed communities across Nigeria.
6745
6746Seeded and managed by the Tony Elumelu foundation, the Elumelu Nigeria empowerment fund, a non-profit organization, will transform communities that have been ravaged by natural disasters, hazards and conflicts, into thriving and economically sustainable communities.
6747
6748The Fund will create opportunities and empower people in affected communities across Nigeria enabling them to rebuild their lives and businesses whilst instilling a sense of economic empowerment for the long-term.
6749
6750The Elumelu Nigeria Empowerment Fund will also focus on encouraging the development of entrepreneurship in these affected regions through access to start-up funding, capacity building, and mentorship.
6751
6752The fund will also support a range of initiatives in these communities, including projects that will tackle environmental issues, restore damaged infrastructure as well as social welfare projects. By helping to restore these communities the fund will create the platform for a thriving entrepreneurial environment.
6753
6754“By making social investments and grants available in select distressed communities across Nigeria, the Elumelu Nigeria Empowerment Fund will economically empower individuals and communities by creating and fostering an enabling environment that will support a new generation of entrepreneurs” said Mr Tony Elumelu
6755
6756”Entrepreneurs create jobs, opportunity, and wealth at the local level and in doing so, they play a vital role in reducing poverty and addressing a range of social issues that cause conflict and instability,” Elumelu continued.
6757
6758Learn more <a title="http://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/pressreleases/tony-o-elumelu-launches-empowerment-fund-revitalize-distressed-communities-across-nigeria/" href="http://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/pressreleases/tony-o-elumelu-launches-empowerment-fund-revitalize-distressed-communities-across-nigeria/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/pressreleases/tony-o-elumelu-launches-empowerment-fund-revitalize-distressed-communities-across-nigeria/" href="http://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/pressreleases/tony-o-elumelu-launches-empowerment-fund-revitalize-distressed-communities-across-nigeria/" target="_blank">Elumelu Fund</a></strong>
6759
6760&nbsp;
6761
6762&nbsp;
6763
6764&nbsp;
6765
6766&nbsp;
6767
6768&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4160,post_date:"2014-10-19 16:30:55",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-19 15:30:55",post_modified:"2014-10-19 16:30:55",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-19 15:30:55",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"african-entrepreneur-launches-empowerment-fund",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Elumelu"},{__cdata:"empowerment fund"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nigeria empowerment fund"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Tony Elumelu"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4161"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/58LXNtEHeme"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/iiQT6nYXENu"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/8MUfqXzvFz"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Need Money to Jumpstart Your Business Idea? Apply for the Cheetah Fund"}

6768,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/19/need-money-to-jumpstart-your-business-idea-apply-for-the-cheetah-fund/",pubDate:"Sun, 19 Oct 2014 16:10:19 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4166",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/3-manieren-meedoen.png"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4167" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/3-manieren-meedoen.png?w=635" alt="3 manieren meedoen" width="635" height="442" /></a>The <strong>€400,000</strong> <strong><a title="https://www.onepercentclub.com/en/#!/pp/cheetah" href="https://www.onepercentclub.com/en/#!/pp/cheetah" target="_blank">Cheetah Fund</a></strong> will support African pioneers with the seed money needed to kick-start or boost their world-changing projects.
6769
6770If pioneers manage to crowdfund at least 30% of their target amount via 1%Club within 30 days, the Cheetah Fund will grant them the remaining amount. The Cheetah Fund is powered by the Dutch National Postcode Lottery.
6771
6772There are many African pioneers who have great ideas to change the world; an idea that creates social or environmental impact; an idea that leads to a cleaner, safer, or friendlier world. These changemakers have a fresh perspective and are eager to contribute to a better world.
6773
6774We call them ‘CHEETAHS.’They have the drive and like to go off the beaten path. What they often don’t have is the financial means to achieve this. At the Cheetah Fund, it is our dream to empower <strong>100</strong> African changemakers and to ignite a big wave of social change throughout Africa.
6775
6776Learn more about the fund <a title="https://www.onepercentclub.com/en/#!/pp/cheetah" href="https://www.onepercentclub.com/en/#!/pp/cheetah" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="https://www.onepercentclub.com/en/#!/pp/cheetah" href="https://www.onepercentclub.com/en/#!/pp/cheetah" target="_blank">Cheetah Fund</a></strong>
6777
6778&nbsp;
6779
6780&nbsp;
6781
6782&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4166,post_date:"2014-10-19 17:10:19",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-19 16:10:19",post_modified:"2014-10-19 17:10:19",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-19 16:10:19",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"need-money-to-jumpstart-your-business-idea-apply-for-the-cheetah-fund",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Cheetah Fund"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Crowdfunding"},{__cdata:"crowdsourcing"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4167"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/THTixetnp4H"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:""}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/xrEuhWWR4z"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"The AWP Network Honored at the Nigeria Centenary U.S Awards"}

6782,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/20/the-awp-network-honored-at-the-nigeria-centenary-u-s-awards/",pubDate:"Mon, 20 Oct 2014 18:45:33 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4171",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`The <strong><a title="https://www.facebook.com/NigeriaCentenaryUSA" href="https://www.facebook.com/NigeriaCentenaryUSA" target="_blank">Nigeria Centenary U.S Awards</a></strong> (NCUSA) recognized individuals and organizations for their achievements and commitment to society as part of the celebrations to mark Nigeria’s 100 years as a nation.
6783
6784NCUSA was organized by Royal Maids in collaboration with the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York. Prominent event organizers include Yetunde Oso, CEO of The UpperRoom Events and Yvonne Unubun of Mayven PR.
6785
6786Among those honored were Mary Olushoga, Founder of the AWP Network, Jason Njoku of IROKOTV, Governor Olusegun Mimiko - Executive Governor of Ondo State, Beulah Osueke – Founder and CEO of Rise Africa, and Micheal Ikotun and Debo Folorunsho – Founders Applause Africa Magazine.
6787
6788Learn more <strong><a title="https://www.facebook.com/NigeriaCentenaryUSA" href="https://www.facebook.com/NigeriaCentenaryUSA" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="https://www.facebook.com/NigeriaCentenaryUSA" href="https://www.facebook.com/NigeriaCentenaryUSA" target="_blank">Nigeria Centenary</a></strong>
6789
6790[gallery type="slideshow" size="full" link="file" ids="4176,4182,4186,4187,4191,4189,4190,4185,4183,4184,4193,4192,4172,4173,4181,4179,4180,4202,4194,4188"]
6791
6792&nbsp;
6793
6794[gallery type="rectangular" size="full" link="file" ids="4180,4182,4184,4185"]
6795
6796&nbsp;
6797
6798&nbsp;
6799
6800&nbsp;
6801
6802&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4171,post_date:"2014-10-20 19:45:33",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-20 18:45:33",post_modified:"2014-10-20 19:45:33",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-20 18:45:33",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-awp-network-honored-at-the-nigeria-centenary-u-s-awards",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Bola Omotosho"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"Deola Otunuga"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Femi Ojetunde"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Habib Habu Baba"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nigeria Centenary U.S Awards"},{__cdata:"Olusegun Mimiko"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"Prince Chris Enweremadu"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Royal Maids"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4185"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/cjD8AgA1VPT"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/9V9NTodfpSP"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/NXhcufz86N"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs: What Nigerian Women Need"}

6802,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/21/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-what-nigerian-women-need/",pubDate:"Mon, 20 Oct 2014 23:18:19 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4215",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<div id="article-body">
6803<div class="col-sm-7 col-centered article-paragraph-wrapper">
6804
6805<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/0-panelists.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3845" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/0-panelists.jpg?w=635" alt="0 - Panelists" width="635" height="423" /></a><strong>Women entrepreneurs in Nigeria</strong> face a host of cultural and institutional hurdles they must negotiate on their way to success. Despite these obstacles, women are thriving because they are learning from each other’s lessons and listening to voices of those who have gone before them.
6806
6807</div>
6808<div class="col-sm-7 col-centered article-paragraph-wrapper">
6809
6810Entrepreneurs need to be encouraged. It is not easy to start and sustain a business in places like Lagos; building a sustainable business in Nigeria in general is not easy. Entrepreneurs need to know how the system works so that they can survive this challenging and difficult terrain.
6811
6812</div>
6813<div class="col-sm-7 col-centered article-paragraph-wrapper">
6814
6815Early this year, the AWP Network <a title="http://www.bellanaija.com/2014/03/10/africas-power-women-discuss-business-ideas-execution-in-nigeria-at-awps-networking-event-in-lagos/" href="http://www.bellanaija.com/2014/03/10/africas-power-women-discuss-business-ideas-execution-in-nigeria-at-awps-networking-event-in-lagos/" target="_blank">convened a roundtable</a>

6815 of young women entrepreneurs in Lagos to discuss some of the challenges they face.
6816
6817</div>
6818<div class="col-sm-7 col-centered article-paragraph-wrapper">
6819
6820These women identified <strong>5</strong> key areas that need the urgent attention of policy makers to systematically transform the environment for small businesses, as well as help to reduce the cost associated with doing business in Nigeria:
6821
6822</div>
6823<div class="col-sm-7 col-centered article-paragraph-wrapper">
6824<ul>
6825	<li>Tax credits and incentives to support small businesses,</li>
6826	<li>Reliable electricity and broadband Internet connections,</li>
6827	<li>Lower and competitive interest rates on loan products,</li>
6828	<li>More skilled workers,</li>
6829	<li>Support system for entrepreneurs.</li>
6830</ul>
6831</div>
6832<div class="col-sm-7 col-centered article-paragraph-wrapper">
6833
6834<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/32b.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3897" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/32b.jpg?w=635" alt="32B" width="635" height="423" /></a>
6835
6836Tax credits and incentives to support small businesses may help to reduce the cost of operating a business in Nigeria. Each state in this emerging economy should have an entrepreneurial incentive program. Various tax credits and business incentives should be provided at the local, state, and federal level. These women suggest that policy makers have a dedicated personnel or agency to identify the necessary tax incentives, and help entrepreneurs navigate through the process of applying. Incentive programs could also focus on particular sectors such as technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, or serve as a reward for young entrepreneurs employing at least 20 people.
6837
6838</div>
6839<div class="col-sm-7 col-centered article-paragraph-wrapper">
6840
6841The need for constant electricity and broadband Internet are crucial assets for any business.
6842
6843</div>
6844<div class="col-sm-7 col-centered article-paragraph-wrapper">
6845
6846“Starting a business in Nigeria can be very challenging, but what’s sad is that in addition to it all, you spend the little profits you make on purchasing fuel for your generator,” said Oreoluwa Somolu, Ashoka fellow and executive director at the Women Technology Empowerment Center.
6847
6848</div>
6849<div class="col-sm-7 col-centered article-paragraph-wrapper">
6850
6851“More needs to be done in the power sector – change needs to happen now,” she said. “Small businesses cannot continue this way.” Policy makers should also consider energy tax credits, as this incentive will go a long way in supporting small businesses and help to reduce and ease the cost of a business having to provide its own electricity.
6852
6853</div>
6854<div class="col-sm-7 col-centered article-paragraph-wrapper">
6855
6856In the article, “<a title="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-olushoga/innovation-in-africa_b_3787651.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-olushoga/innovation-in-africa_b_3787651.html" target="_blank">Innovation in Africa</a>: What African Women Entrepreneurs Have to Say,” <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/08/13/innovation-and-education-young-serial-entrepreneur-sets-out-to-transform-south-africas-education-system/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/08/13/innovation-and-education-young-serial-entrepreneur-sets-out-to-transform-south-africas-education-system/" target="_blank">Rapelang Rabana</a>, founding CEO of Yeigo Communications and ReKindle Learning in South Africa, said that “to improve and support innovation in Africa, the single most powerful thing to do is to deliver quality broadband Internet to the majority of Africans.” Providing electricity and broadband Internet will go a long way in supporting the sustainability of small businesses.
6857
6858</div>
6859<div class="col-sm-7 col-centered article-paragraph-wrapper">
6860
6861In Lagos, some young entrepreneurs think that they cannot start a business because they do not have access to capital. And those who have started feel that there is little to no access to capital to expand or move on to the next level. <a title="https://twitter.com/KunleOlaifa" href="https://twitter.com/KunleOlaifa" target="_blank">Kunle Olaifa</a>, Partner at Career Solutions Africa, said: “It is not easy to get a business loan in Nigeria. It also depen

6861ds on how much you are looking for. Most banks are not very helpful especially if you are not holding a license to an oil block.”
6862
6863</div>
6864<div class="col-sm-7 col-centered article-paragraph-wrapper">
6865
6866In emerging economies like Nigeria’s, interest rates are high, and if you do not have collateral or the right social standing, most banks will not even look at your loan application. This needs to change. There needs to be more accessibility, equality, and transparency in the system.
6867
6868</div>
6869<div class="col-sm-7 col-centered article-paragraph-wrapper">
6870
6871Ayomide Condotti, CEO at Africholiday Travels, tells young entrepreneurs to apply for grants such as the <a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/04/02/the-drive-to-create-jobs/" target="_blank">YouWin</a> program,<a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/01/from-mit-to-nigeria-finding-business-opportunity-in-recycling-waste-for-developing-countries/" target="_blank">Cartier Women’s Award</a>, or the <a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/04/24/african-techpreneur-wins-the-etisalat-prize-for-innovation/" target="_blank">Etisalat Prize for Innovation</a>. She suggests starting with a business idea that does not require much capital. <a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/01/from-mit-to-nigeria-finding-business-opportunity-in-recycling-waste-for-developing-countries/" target="_blank">Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola</a>, co-founder of Wecyclers also supported this notion by advising that business owners learn how to bootstrap.
6872
6873Clara Ohakim, CEO of fine dining by Coco Limited, said that entrepreneurs should solidify their business pitches so that they are always ready to pitch their idea to an investor. “A private investor can always choose to fund your business idea; you just never know when and where you will meet them. So be prepared,” Ohakim said.
6874
6875</div>
6876<div class="col-sm-7 col-centered article-paragraph-wrapper">
6877
6878And like many other places in the world, Nigeria is no different when it comes to there being a skills gap. The question remains: Where do you go if you need to find good local talent? Many employees lack the necessary technical and employable job skills needed to take on available jobs.
6879
6880</div>
6881<div class="col-sm-7 col-centered article-paragraph-wrapper">
6882
6883Employers get in trouble when there is a need to fill a position and there is hardly any local talent to fill it. “You end up doing everything,” <a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/04/24/african-techpreneur-wins-the-etisalat-prize-for-innovation/" target="_blank">Nkem Begho</a> says. Somolu advises entrepreneurs to “look beyond the CV.” And Begho added: “Make hiring decisions based on references, referrals, past work experiences, and work ethic. That way, you do not hire people who will waste your time, money, or resources.”
6884
6885</div>
6886<div class="col-sm-7 col-centered article-paragraph-wrapper">
6887
6888Finally, there needs to be an effective support system and feedback loop from policymakers to businesses and vice versa. Many women entrepreneurs feel alone. They need a forum where they can safely discuss business challenges and successes.
6889
6890</div>
6891<div class="col-sm-7 col-centered article-paragraph-wrapper">
6892
6893More entrepreneurs need to be encouraged. Building a sustainable business in Nigeria is not easy. Entrepreneurs should learn how the system works so that they can navigate and survive this challenging and difficult terrain.
6894
6895Written by Mary Olushoga for <strong><a title="http://www.ideaslaboratory.com/post/93343695683/listening-and-learning-for-success-what-nigerian-women-e" href="http://www.ideaslaboratory.com/post/93343695683/listening-and-learning-for-success-what-nigerian-women-e" target="_blank">G.E. Ideas Lab </a></strong>
6896
6897&nbsp;
6898
6899&nbsp;
6900
6901&nbsp;
6902
6903&nbsp;
6904
6905</div>
6906</div>
6907<div class="row"></div>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4215,post_date:"2014-10-21 00:18:19",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-20 23:18:19",post_modified:"2014-10-21 00:18:19",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-20 23:18:19",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-what-nigerian-women-need",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

6907,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Clara Ohakim"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Oreoluwa Somolu"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"small business development"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"Startup"},{__cdata:"stories"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"success"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3868"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/H9qgjpXLLfk"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/gousK1vpWGj"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/Fr17xzdbJx"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:5365,comment_author:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs: What Nig..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/secrets-of-success-for-women-entrerpreneurs/p/4030193336/2014/10/20/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-what-nigerian-women-need",comment_author_IP:"89.30.118.151",comment_date:"2014-10-21 03:02:51",comment_date_gmt:"2014-10-21 02:02:51",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Women entrepreneurs in Nigeria face a host of cultural and institutional hurdles they must negotiate on their way to success. Despite these obstacles, women are thriving because they are learning f...  […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1413856971.1054809093475341796875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1413862315.60239410400390625;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1413903001"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1413903002.0265960693359375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Nigeria's First Lady Convenes Women & Girls Summit"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/21/nigerias-first-lady-convenes-women-girls-summit/",pubDate:"Tue, 21 Oct 2014 15:25:34 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4220",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" link="file" size="large" ids="4223,4232"]
6908
6909The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Dame (Dr.) Patience Faka Jonathan convened the inaugural 2014 Women & Girls Summit in collaboration with the National Centre for Women Development and Friends Africa.
6910
6911This event was in commemoration of the <strong><em>International Day of the Girl-Child</em> </strong>with leaders from government institutions, indigenous and international organizations and gender advocates, students, civil society representatives, seasoned speakers, and technical experts from within and outside Nigeria in attendance.
6912
6913With the theme - <em>Reinforcing the Agenda for Girl-Child Education</em>, the summit focused on developing an all-inclusive policy framework that will help the Nigerian government achieve its objectives of addressing the immediate and long-term needs of the Girl-Child.
6914
6915The summit also focused on education, health, safety and security and economic empowerment for women and the Girl-Child in Nigeria. It provided a platform for dialogue on existing barriers, challenges and progress from all stakeholders, as well as giving girls an opportunity to propose a way forward for improving education.
6916
6917In her opening address, the First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria stated "there is no meaningful development without women; individuals and corporate organizations in Nigeria must continue to supp

6917ort and partner with women to realize the goals and objectives of the summit." She also pointed to the fact that "with the support of well-meaning Nigerians, women will be able to care for themselves, and contribute to the development of their families, communities, and the nation."
6918
6919The high point of the Summit was the presentation of the voices of the Girl-Child tagged “Girlifesto” to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Dame (Dr.) Patience Faka Jonathan and appointment of a child ambassadors from the entertainment industry, Maryam Booth as Advocate of the Girl-Child in Nigeria.
6920
6921The Summit is expected to release a communiqué highlighting key conclusions from the meeting, as well as, key announcements and decisions agreed by the thematic working groups. The Summit outcomes will be disseminated on various global development platforms, circulated to stakeholders at the National, Regional and International levels, as well as the United Nations Post 2015 Development Planning Unit.
6922
6923 
6924
6925 
6926
6927 `},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4220,post_date:"2014-10-21 16:25:34",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-21 15:25:34",post_modified:"2014-10-21 16:25:34",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-21 15:25:34",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"nigerias-first-lady-convenes-women-girls-summit",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Friends Africa"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"International Day of the Girl-Child"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Maryam Booth"},{__cdata:"National Centre for Women Development"},{__cdata:"Patience Faka Jonathan"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4223"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/WCt6KKjbBru"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/3NKSbJ1wyq6"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/VCcKyi4Kmg"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_8473169dbf31e00a2f29ce207fb145ae",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_06da17e573e024158b589c6205f64914",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"AWP Exclusive: Pictures from the Women & Girls Summit"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/22/awp-exclusive-pictures-from-the-women-girls-summit/",pubDate:"Wed, 22 Oct 2014 15:35:36 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4236",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" link="file" ids="4265,4250,4249,4232,4251,4248,4269,4270,4257,4268,4237,4266,4267,4255,4247,4246,4240,4243,4259,4254,4252,4263,4264,4253,4239,4261,4221,4245"]
6928
6929The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Dame (Dr.) Patience Faka Jonathan convened the inaugural <strong>2014 Women &amp; Girls Summit</strong> in collaboration with the National Centre for Women Development and <strong><a title="https://www.facebook.com/friendsafrica" href="https://www.facebook.com/friendsafrica" target="_blank">Friends Africa</a></strong>.
6930
6931The summit is expected to release a communiqué highlighting key conclusions from the meeting, as well as, key announcements and decisions agreed by the thematic working groups. The summit outcomes will be disseminated on various global development platforms, circulated to stakeholders at the national, regional and international levels, as well as the United Nations Post 2015 development planning unit.
6932
6933[gallery type="rectangular" ids="4265,4237,4264,4257,4255,4246,4247,4238,4269,4244"]
6934
6935&nbsp;
6936
6937&nbsp;
6938
6939&nbsp;
6940
6941&nbsp;
6942
6943&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4236,post_date:"2014-10-22 16:35:36",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-22 15:35:36",post_modified:"2014-10-22 16:35:36",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-22 15:35:36",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"awp-exclusive-pictures-from-the-women-girls-summit",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"2014 Women &amp; Girls Summit"},{__cdata:"Abuja"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Akudo Anyanwu-Ikemba"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Bola Shagaya"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Determination"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Friends Africa"},{__cdata:"girl education"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Hafsat Abiola"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Onyeka Onwenu"},{__cdata:"Patience Faka Jonathan"},{__cdata:"Patience Jonathan"},{__cdata:"possibilities"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4255"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/4cX6HfST96v"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/4v5Ss4WGwFz"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/HNtfOYs3TA"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:5840,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2014 AWP Network Power List &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.86.62",comment_date:"2014-12-08 23:27:03",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-08 22:27:03",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

69430;] Akudo Anyanwu-Ikemba (Nigeria): is CEO and founder of Friends Africa, an organization committed to continuing the fight […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1418077937"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077938.25527095794677734375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077623.4855670928955078125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Serial Entrepreneur, Rapelang Rabana Wins Big at the World Entrepreneurship Forum"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/22/serial-entrepreneur-rapelang-rabana-wins-big-at-the-world-entrepreneurship-forum/",pubDate:"Wed, 22 Oct 2014 21:37:59 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4301",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" link="file" size="full" ids="4303,4302"]
6944
6945<strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/08/13/innovation-and-education-young-serial-entrepreneur-sets-out-to-transform-south-africas-education-system/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/08/13/innovation-and-education-young-serial-entrepreneur-sets-out-to-transform-south-africas-education-system/" target="_blank">Rapelang Rabana</a> </strong>won the Young Entrepreneur Award at the at the 2014 World Entrepreneurship Forum.
6946
6947Chosen by Forbes as one of Africa’s Best Young Entrepreneurs, and listed on the ‘O Power List’ by The Oprah Magazine, Rapelang Rabana is one of Africa’s success stories. More recently, Rapelang started an innovative technology-driven education company seeking to use and integrate the power of mobile and internet technology to improve and complement learning for students and corporate employees.
6948
6949Her company, <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/08/13/innovation-and-education-young-serial-entrepreneur-sets-out-to-transform-south-africas-education-system/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/08/13/innovation-and-education-young-serial-entrepreneur-sets-out-to-transform-south-africas-education-system/" target="_blank"><strong>ReKindle Learning</strong></a> hopes to deliver on a new learning experience using mobile technology and is focused on these five (5) pillars: personalized learning, micro-learning, immediate feedback, transparency, and mobility. ReKindle Learning is an interactive mobile learning platform designed with the idea of ‘learning as a lifestyle.'
6950
6951You read more about her interview with the <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/08/13/innovation-and-education-young-serial-entrepreneur-sets-out-to-transform-south-africas-education-system/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/08/13/innovation-and-education-young-serial-entrepreneur-sets-out-to-transform-south-africas-education-system/" target="_blank">AWP Network here</a></strong>
6952
6953&nbsp;
6954
6955&nbsp;
6956
6957&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4301,post_date:"2014-10-22 22:37:59",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-22 21:37:59",post_modified:"2014-10-22 22:37:59",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-22 21:37:59",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"serial-entrepreneur-rapelang-rabana-wins-big-at-the-world-entrepreneurship-forum",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Rapelang Rabana"},{__cdata:"ReKindle Learning"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"World Entrepreneurship Forum"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneur Award"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1794"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/e7pseSHKDZZ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/Sqp9KTbDdcn"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/8UaiPhgQxm"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:6969,comment_author:{__cdata:"Young African Women Entrepreneurs Offer Advice on How to Start a Business With No Money &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/05/19/young-african-women-entrepreneurs-offer-advice-on-how-to-start-a-business-with-no-money/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.197",comment_date:"2015-05-19 12:41:42",comment_date_gmt:"2015-05-19 11:41:42",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

69570;] Rapelang Rabana, Founding CEO of Yeigo Communications and ReKindle […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1432035702.5545079708099365234375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1432035756"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1432035756.911345005035400390625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Arunma Oteh Named West African Business Woman of the Year"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/23/arunma-oteh-named-west-african-business-woman-of-the-year/",pubDate:"Thu, 23 Oct 2014 22:17:02 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4316",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" size="large" link="file" ids="4317,4318"]
6958
6959The <a title="http://www.aabla2014.com/" href="http://www.aabla2014.com/" target="_blank">CNBC Africa All Africa Business Leaders Awards</a> [AABLA] just honored <strong><a title="https://ng.linkedin.com/pub/arunma-oteh/57/256/193" href="https://ng.linkedin.com/pub/arunma-oteh/57/256/193" target="_blank">Arunma Oteh</a></strong>, Director General at Nigeria's Securities and Exchange Commission as the 2014 West African Business Woman of the Year.
6960
6961The CNBC Africa award honours remarkable leadership and salutes game changers of business on the African continent for their commitment to excellence, developing best practices, and innovative strategies.
6962
6963AABLA distinguishes and honors leaders who have contributed and shaped the African economy, and are visionaries behind today's outstanding businesses. Winners of the awards exemplify the best in African leadership. They epitomize the core values of a successful leader - strength, innovation, ingenuity, knowledge and foresight - values that are imperative to carving out powerful businesses in a pan-African and global economy.
6964
6965&nbsp;
6966
6967&nbsp;
6968
6969&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4316,post_date:"2014-10-23 23:17:02",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-23 22:17:02",post_modified:"2014-10-23 23:17:02",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-23 22:17:02",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"arunma-oteh-named-west-african-business-woman-of-the-year",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"All Africa Business Leaders Awards"},{__cdata:"Arunma Oteh"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"CNBC Africa"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Securities and Exchange Commission"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"West African Business Woman of the Year"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4318"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/D5Lf1CcDnVQ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/J5WsAikFKcN"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/sNcTE1pVqa"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:5424,comment_author:{__cdata:"Arunma Oteh Named West African Business Woman o..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/she-leads-africa/p/4030468682/2014/10/25/arunma-oteh-named-west-african-business-woman-of-the-year",comment_author_IP:"89.30.118.151",comment_date:"2014-10-25 14:43:34",comment_date_gmt:"2014-10-25 13:43:34",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

69690;] The CNBC Africa All Africa Business Leaders Awards [AABLA] just honored Arunma Oteh, Director General at Nigeria&#039;s Securities and Exchange Commission as the 2014 West African Business Woman of the ...&nbsp; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1414249247.4866940975189208984375;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1414502578"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1414502579.16765594482421875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1414244614.2881710529327392578125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]},{comment_id:5838,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2014 AWP Network Power List &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.86.62",comment_date:"2014-12-08 23:26:49",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-08 22:26:49",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Arunma Oteh (Nigeria): is Director General of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission. This year, Oteh [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1418077940"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077940.71304607391357421875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077609.684668064117431640625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]},{comment_id:7188,comment_author:{__cdata:"Arunma Oteh Named Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/07/30/arunma-oteh-named-vice-president-and-treasurer-of-the-world-bank/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.104",comment_date:"2015-07-30 17:47:26",comment_date_gmt:"2015-07-30 16:47:26",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] 2014, Oteh was named West African Business Woman of the Year by CNBC at the Africa All Africa Business Leaders Awards.  Oteh is also listed as one of AWP [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1438274846.033721923828125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1438274906"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1438274907.134365081787109375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Young Nigerian Techies Encourage More Girls to go Into STEM Fields"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/24/young-nigerian-techies-encourage-more-girls-to-go-into-stem-fields/",pubDate:"Fri, 24 Oct 2014 15:39:34 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4326",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/20140716_1824031.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4329" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/20140716_1824031.jpg" alt="20140716_182403" width="549" height="369" /></a>Creators of the traffic app, <a title="https://gcdc2013-roadmarshal.appspot.com/" href="https://gcdc2013-roadmarshal.appspot.com/" target="_blank">Road Marshal</a> - want more girls to go into STEM fields. Oladayo Satope, Oreoluwa Okuboyejo, and Adedayo Oluokun – all students at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria reflect on their success since developing their traffic app, <a title="https://gcdc2013-roadmarshal.appspot.com/" href="https://gcdc2013-roadmarshal.appspot.com/" target="_blank">Road Marshal</a>, an online 2D game.
6970
6971Satope, an Electronics and Electrical Engineering graduate and her partner, Okuboyejo who also just completed her BSc in Computer Engineering say they "love to code and do it for fun." They are also on a mission to encourage more girls to learn how to code. They want to see more girls use technology to solve world problems. "We want to change the world and we strongly believe that technology can help us solve many of the problems we see in the world today."
6972
6973Satope continues, "technology consists of diverse kinds of specializations. Most young women are sometimes intimidated by the technical and geeky aspects of tech but there are also many fun and enjoyable aspects of technology.”
6974
6975As young women, we ensure that we share our thoughts and perspective when invited to speak at various girls/women in STEM enlightenment programs.
6976
6977The girls offer advice to those interested in coding but are afraid to start, "start developing the smallest or seemingly dumb idea you have, the developmental process will make you a better person at whatever you are doing, the skill and abilities you develop during the process can never be taken from you. And who knows, the idea you looked down on, might be the next google of our time. Just start somewhere, that’s the lesson here.”
6978
6979<a title="https://gcdc2013-roadmarshal.appspot.com/" href="https://gcdc2013-roadmarshal.appspot.com/" target="_blank">Road Marshal</a> is 8 months old. The game teaches people to obey traffic rules. You may download the game <a title="https://gcdc2013-roadmarshal.appspot.com/" href="https://gcdc2013-roadmarshal.appspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. The goal is to develop a mobile version and make it available on Google playstore.
6980
6981&nbsp;
6982
6983Written by Olufemi Omotayo, Publisher, <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/entrepre_news" href="https://twitter.com/entrepre_news" target="_blank">EntrepreNEWS</a></strong>
6984
6985&nbsp;
6986
6987&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4326,post_date:"2014-10-24 16:39:34",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-24 15:39:34",post_modified:"2014-10-24 17:11:22",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-24 16:11:22",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"young-nigerian-techies-encourage-more-girls-to-go-into-stem-fields",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Adedayo Oluokun"},{__cdata:"Africa"}

6987,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Oladayo Satope"},{__cdata:"Oreoluwa Okuboyejo"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Road Marshal"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"STEM"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/iHtySqeSPVJ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/GA5ggUv6wJd"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/bJWJDdWOfl"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Funke Michaels Hosts Entrepreneurs Roundtable at CUNY"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/24/funke-michaels-hosts-entrepreneurs-roundtable-at-cuny/",pubDate:"Fri, 24 Oct 2014 21:25:52 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4338",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" link="file" size="full" ids="4339,4345,4344,4343,4342,4341,4340"]
6988
6989<strong><a title="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/funke-michaels/5/712/6a4" href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/funke-michaels/5/712/6a4" target="_blank">Funke Michaels</a></strong>, Edward Mason Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government led an entrepreneurs roundtable at the <strong><a title="https://www.facebook.com/TheCYAL" href="https://www.facebook.com/TheCYAL" target="_blank">2014 CUNY Young African Leadership Symposium</a>, </strong>which took place at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
6990
6991At the table were Claude Grunitzky - Founder of TRACE Magazine, Vuyo Dunjwa - Executive Chairman of the Sub-Saharan Africa Chamber of Commerce, and Mary Olushoga - Founder of the AWP Network. These entrepreneurs shared (5) things to keep in mind when starting out in business.
6992
69931) Understand the importance of collaborations and the value of partnerships - don't try to do everything by yourself. Ask for help when you need it and strategically reach out to partners and allies.
6994
69952) Understand the importance of being authentic and staying true to yourself. When starting out, don't try to be or represent what you are not. When you are not authentic, you lose your value and distinctiveness in the marketplace.
6996
69973) When you have an idea - start now, don't wait. By starting, you can test your idea in the marketplace and find out what works and what doesn't work.
6998
69994) Do not ever look for perfection. Why? because it doesn't exist. You'll only waste your time.
7000
70015) Fail fast, move on quickly. Don't dwell on failure.
7002

7003Have more tips? please share:  Email: theawpnetwork [at] gmail.com or twitter @Africwomenpower
7004
7005 
7006
7007 
7008
7009 
7010
7011&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4338,post_date:"2014-10-24 22:25:52",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-24 21:25:52",post_modified:"2014-10-24 22:31:10",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-24 21:31:10",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"funke-michaels-hosts-entrepreneurs-roundtable-at-cuny",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Claude Grunitzky"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"CUNY Young African Leadership Symposium"},{__cdata:"CYAL"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Edward Mason Fellow"},{__cdata:"emerging entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"entrepreneurial skills"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"entrepreneurs roundtable"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship Conference"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Funke Michaels"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"smallbiz"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"Sub-Saharan Africa Chamber of Commerce"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Trace Magazine"},{__cdata:"Vuyo Dunjwa"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4343"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/XgX51fXrMbN"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/ThVuPytrKxD"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/Hm6fEHwLLT"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_84558f884103431eb271aa7e2b857708",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:{comment_id:5590,comment_author:{__cdata:"Divine Muragijimana"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://accordingtodivine.blogspot.com/",comment_author_IP:"71.125.251.59",comment_date:"2014-11-12 04:07:46",comment_date_gmt:"2014-11-12 03:07:46",comment_content:{__cdata:'Reblogged this on <a href="http://africaforafrica.wordpress.com/2014/11/11/funke-michaels-hosts-entrepreneurs-roundtable-at-cuny/" rel="nofollow">Africa For Africa</a>.'},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:8498222,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1415761666.4044411182403564453125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:15:"africaforafrica";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1415766411.11176395416259765625;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:15:"africaforafrica";}'}},{meta_key:"reblog_ping",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1415817934"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1415817934"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1415817935.347529888153076171875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Nigeria’s Minister of Communication Technology Wins GEM Tech Award"}

7011,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/28/nigerias-minister-of-communication-technology-wins-gem-tech-award/",pubDate:"Tue, 28 Oct 2014 14:13:21 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4354",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" link="file" size="full" ids="4355,4356"]
7012
7013<strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/12/02/the-2013-awp-network-power-list/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/12/02/the-2013-awp-network-power-list/" target="_blank">Honorable Omobola Johnson</a>, </strong>Nigeria’s 1st Minister of Communication Technology and founding chairperson of Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ), a non-governmental organization seeking to improve the success rate of female entrepreneurs as well as increase the proportion of women in senior positions in corporate organizations just won the GEM Tech Award.
7014
7015The <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/07/16/global-awards-for-outstanding-work-in-technology-for-gender-equality/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/07/16/global-awards-for-outstanding-work-in-technology-for-gender-equality/" target="_blank">GEM-TECH Awards</a></strong> is organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UN Women, and recognizes outstanding contributions from women and men in leveraging the potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to promote gender equality.
7016
7017&nbsp;
7018
7019&nbsp;
7020
7021&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4354,post_date:"2014-10-28 15:13:21",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-28 14:13:21",post_modified:"2014-10-28 15:13:21",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-28 14:13:21",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"nigerias-minister-of-communication-technology-wins-gem-tech-award",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Gender"},{__cdata:"gender equality"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"ICT"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"ITU"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Omobola Johnson"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"UN Women"},{__cdata:"WimBiz"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4355"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/F5JJyW9qGZ7"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/NwrW798GeLe"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/xJZvpZNDsh"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Yale Young African Scholars Program"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/28/apply-yale-young-african-scholars-program-2/",pubDate:"Tue, 28 Oct 2014 15:00:53 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4363",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnet

7021work.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/20141011_1535321.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4364" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/20141011_1535321.jpg?w=635" alt="20141011_153532" width="635" height="309" /></a>The <strong><a title="http://globalscholars.yale.edu/africa" href="http://globalscholars.yale.edu/africa" target="_blank">Yale Young African Scholars Program</a></strong> (YYAS) is an initiative modeled after the Yale Young Global Scholars Program. This program is intended solely for African students attending secondary school on the African continent.
7022
7023The Yale Young African Scholars Program is a high-intensity 6-day program designed for African students who will graduate from secondary school in 2017 or 2018, are 18 years or younger at the time of the program, and have the talent, drive, energy, and ideas to make meaningful impacts as young leaders, even before they begin their university studies.
7024
7025<strong><em>There is no cost to students to participate in the Yale Young African Scholars Program. </em></strong>Participants are, however, responsible for getting themselves to the venue at the outset of the program and their return home at the end of the program. Participants will also be responsible for any incidental expenses they elect to incur. Admitted students demonstrating financial need may apply for a limited number of travel assistance grants, intended to help defray the cost of international travel between African countries. Students can only apply for travel assistance <strong>after</strong> they have received an offer of admission to YYAS.
7026
7027The programs will help students recognize and understand global issues, strategize responses, and innovate solutions while learning from Yale faculty and African undergraduate and graduate students who currently attend Yale. Students will participate in a lecture series and a number of elective seminars on a variety of topics. The demanding academic content is designed to improve students’ analytical thinking, intellectual flexibility, and written and oral communication skills. These skills will be further utilized in small workshops designed to prepare students for the demanding application processes of U.S. colleges and universities.
7028
7029The 2015 Yale Young African Scholars programs will be hosted by Yale University in 2 locations:
7030
7031<strong>Kenya</strong>: August 12 – 17
7032
7033<strong>Zimbabwe</strong>: August 20 – 25
7034
7035<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: February 26, 2015.
7036
7037Apply <strong><a title="https://apply.globalscholars.yale.edu/apply/" href="https://apply.globalscholars.yale.edu/apply/" target="_blank">here</a>:</strong> <strong><a title="https://apply.globalscholars.yale.edu/apply/" href="https://apply.globalscholars.yale.edu/apply/" target="_blank">Yale Scholars</a></strong>
7038
7039&nbsp;
7040
7041&nbsp;
7042
7043&nbsp;
7044
7045&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4363,post_date:"2014-10-28 16:00:53",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-28 15:00:53",post_modified:"2014-10-28 16:00:53",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-28 15:00:53",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-yale-young-african-scholars-program-2",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Yale University"},{__cdata:"Yale Young Global Scholars Program"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4364"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Y8gSPuzAZqt"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/UxM7qD3aU3d"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/rblV1I02og"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"5 Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Start a Business"}

7045,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/28/5-reasons-why-entrepreneurs-start-a-business/",pubDate:"Tue, 28 Oct 2014 20:47:19 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4368",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:` 
7046
7047<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/start-a-biz-part-1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4372" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/start-a-biz-part-1.jpg?w=635" alt="start-a-biz-part-1" width="635" height="327" /></a>(1) They have a bold idea,
7048
7049(2) They have a fun idea,
7050
7051(3) They have a solution to a problem,
7052
7053(4) They want to test a new idea,
7054
7055(5) They want to make money.
7056
7057&nbsp;
7058
7059&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4368,post_date:"2014-10-28 21:47:19",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-28 20:47:19",post_modified:"2014-10-28 21:47:19",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-28 20:47:19",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"5-reasons-why-entrepreneurs-start-a-business",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"bold"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"fun"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"problem"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solution"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4372"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/1SvRNVknyG2"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/BAuPFpgQvon"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/QJITdsXOfn"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"8 Quotes from African Women Entrepreneurs at the CUNY Young African Leadership Symposium"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/29/8-quotes-from-african-women-entrepreneurs-at-the-cuny-young-african-leadership-symposium/",pubDate:"Wed, 29 Oct 2014 14:16:00 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4374",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" size="full" link="file" ids="4375,4380,4382,4384,4385"]
7060
7061<strong><a title="https://twitter.com/AfricWomenPower" href="https://twitter.com/AfricWomenPower" target="_blank">Mary Olushoga</a></strong>, Founder of the AWP Network moderated the women's panel at the<strong> <a title="http://www.2014yals.info/#!gender-question/c1428" href="http://www.2014yals.info/#!gender-question/c1428" target="_blank">2014 CUNY Young African Leadership Symposium</a></strong>, which took place at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
7062
7063On the panel were entrepreneurs: Funke Bucknor-Obruthe - owner and creative director at <a title="http://www.zapphaire.com/about-us" href="http://www.zapphaire.com/about-us" target="_blank">Zapphaire Events</a>

7063, <a title="https://plus.google.com/116808632416437085986/about" href="https://plus.google.com/116808632416437085986/about" target="_blank">Karen Nungari-Waweru</a> - special education specialist,  and Mobolaji Akiode - professional basketball player and founder of <a title="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mobolaji-akiode/2a/5a3/bb1" href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mobolaji-akiode/2a/5a3/bb1" target="_blank">Hope 4 Girls Africa</a>.
7064
7065Here are (8) memorable quotes from the event:
7066
7067(1) "Support me because I am competent not because I am a woman."
7068
7069(2) "I don't see myself as a woman, I see myself as a human being."
7070
7071(3) "I truly believe that success always transcends gender."
7072
7073(4) "Being an African woman in 2014 is still a stigma."
7074
7075(5) "Women need to be more forceful, and not laid back or passive."
7076
7077(6) "I want more African women and girls to know that you can be anything you want to be."
7078
7079(7) "Get out of the it's not possible mode, everything is possible."
7080
7081(8) "Never underestimate the power of having a role model or mentor - find one."
7082
7083&nbsp;
7084
7085Should gender matter? what does it mean to be an African woman in 2014? Please share your comments, thoughts, ideas with us twitter - <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/Africwomenpower" href="https://twitter.com/Africwomenpower" target="_blank">@Africwomenpower</a></strong>
7086
7087&nbsp;
7088
7089&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4374,post_date:"2014-10-29 15:16:00",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-29 14:16:00",post_modified:"2014-10-29 15:16:00",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-29 14:16:00",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"8-quotes-from-african-women-entrepreneurs-at-the-cuny-young-african-leadership-symposium",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"CUNY Young African Leadership Symposium"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Funke Bucknor-Obruthe"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Hope 4 Girls Africa"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Karen Nungari-Waweru"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Mobolaji Akiode"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"},{__cdata:"Zapphaire Events"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4381"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/NVd6o4dTgs4"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/cERjbsgrrO"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/UbbfH9jYTDq"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:5493,comment_author:{__cdata:"Janet Songonuga"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://Janetasongonuga.blogspot.com",comment_author_IP:"69.115.102.64",comment_date:"2014-10-30 14:27:51",comment_date_gmt:"2014-10-30 13:27:51",comment_content:{__cdata:`AWP Network,
7090
7091Thank you for writing abut the panel! It as a wonderful event. The quotes are interesting. I don't agree, to make woman leaders we need to separate the fact that we are women. I see myself as a human being created to be a woman, and yes one should hire me because I am a woman and can do the job because I am qualified and a leader. I am a woman, I love attending to a home, caring for a husband, and having children. I think the way God made us is powerful and in gaining equality it doesn't have be stripped away and have it told we are the same as men. We aren't  we are woman, different body type a, thinking, and emotions. We can be a virtuous woman leader. 
7092
7093In addition I loved the advice of a role model and  mentor apart from a relationship with God, which is also important.`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1414675672.1794490814208984375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1414678325"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1414678325.834824085235595703125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1414675672"}}

7093,{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"2673725903"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1414678325"}}]},{comment_id:5524,comment_author:{__cdata:"8 Quotes from African Women Entrepreneurs at th..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/she-leads-africa/p/4031059438/2014/11/04/8-quotes-from-african-women-entrepreneurs-at-the-cuny-young-african-leadership-symposium",comment_author_IP:"89.30.118.151",comment_date:"2014-11-04 09:40:51",comment_date_gmt:"2014-11-04 08:40:51",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Mary Olushoga, Founder of the AWP Network moderated the women&#039;s panel at the 2014 CUNY Young African Leadership Symposium, which took place at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. On the panel...&nbsp; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1415090452.2734649181365966796875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1415095041.8628520965576171875;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1415117463"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1415117464.4218380451202392578125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:5842,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2014 AWP Network Power List &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.86.62",comment_date:"2014-12-08 23:27:08",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-08 22:27:08",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Funke Bucknor-Obruthe (Nigeria): is the CEO and founder of Zapphire Events, West Africa’s leading event planning [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1418077934"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077934.6914958953857421875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077628.966370105743408203125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: 2015 Grindstone Accelerator Program"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/10/30/apply-2015-grindstone-accelerator-program/",pubDate:"Thu, 30 Oct 2014 14:38:32 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4394",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/grindstone-accelerator.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4395" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/grindstone-accelerator.jpg?w=635" alt="Grindstone-Accelerator" width="635" height="341" /></a>The South Africa-based <strong><a title="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Grindstone" href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Grindstone" target="_blank">Grindstone Accelerator program by Knife Capital</a> </strong>is now accepting applications. Knife Capital is a growth equity fund manager and advisory firm that focuses on innovation-driven ventures with proven traction. Its accelerator program, Grindstone, sets out to support 10 companies annually with relevant networks, gap analysis, business support, coaching, and funding.
7094
7095Companies applying to the accelerator need to have the following criteria:
7096<ul>
7097	<li>Be based in South Africa,</li>
7098	<li>Have positive customer testimonials and traction,</li>
7099	<li>Innovation-driven,</li>
7100	<li>High growth potential in search of achieving scalability,</li>
7101	<li>Profile and passion of the management team,
7102Vision for the future,</li>
7103	<li>Market attractiveness,</li>
7104	<li>Job creation ability and ‘success story’ potential.</li>
7105</ul>
7106Apply <strong><a title="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Grindstone" href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Grindstone" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Grindstone" href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Grindstone" target="_blank">Grindstone SA</a></strong>
7107
7108<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: November 2,  2014
7109
7110&nbsp;
7111
7112&nbsp;
7113
7114&nbsp;
7115
7116&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4394,post_date:"2014-10-30 15:38:32",post_date_gmt:"2014-10-30 14:38:32",post_modified:"2014-10-30 15:38:32",post_modified_gmt:"2014-10-30 14:38:32",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-2015-grindstone-accelerator-program",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"accelerator"},{__cdata:"Accelerator program"},{__cdata:"Africa"}

7116,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Grindstone Accelerator program"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"investments"},{__cdata:"Knife capital"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4395"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/1Kzc8FfaFFg"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/5f59TwWW9U5"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/EFM7GU15fS"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_db10a9e9c5f33496b4b624d11a552b9c",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_24176c45cde6712e4bd24df46529569b",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_29e25e2ddc797b82e57c981002def97f",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_9d5e115ac24c9f58c69ec89e54a9af25",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_60b8b9d546b5a088255005b1de615069",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_df264018caa5a058cfea177c96160281",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_098942f08961af1b5b058c2a62a11b9a",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_c651b2645c981b72a529879e390e6d29",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_eb9d8d3cb7ca2f12a12af4bdbbca5c23",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_ef4674bf81972dc33b1135f4cb51af15",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Lagos-based Company WeCyclers Wins 2014 Sustainia Award"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/11/02/lagos-based-company-wecyclers-wins-2014-sustainia-award/",pubDate:"Sun, 02 Nov 2014 02:05:14 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4399",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" link="file" size="full" ids="4401,4403,4400,4402,4404"]
7117
7118Chaired by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nigerian initiative - Wecyclers recently won the <strong><a title="http://www.sustainia.me/solutions/" href="http://www.sustainia.me/solutions/" target="_blank">2014 Sustainia Award</a></strong>. The solution<strong> </strong>enables low-income communities to make money from waste piling up in their streets. By deploying a fleet of cargo bicycles to collect and recycle un-managed waste, Wecyclers lets families exchange garbage for consumer goods via an SMS-based point system.
7119
7120Wecyclers is a response to local waste issues in Lagos, where only 40 percent of the city’s garbage is collected. The World Bank also estimates that only 10 percent of waste in Africa is collected. More than 5,000 households have signed up so far and there are plans to extend the initiative to other cities throughout Nigeria. Recycling companies purchase Wecyclers’ sorted waste for reprocessing for products such as mattresses, pillows, and trash bags.
7121
7122Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Governor of California and chair of Sustainia Award said, <em>

7122"I am very inspired by this year’s Sustainia Award winner, Wecyclers. They show us that communities can create local solutions to waste and recycling issues, which are not only more sustainable but also improve public health and create new jobs. By coming together and acting in new ways, we can create positive and sustainable change in our communities and inspire cities around the world to do the same.” </em>
7123
7124You may read the <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/01/from-mit-to-nigeria-finding-business-opportunity-in-recycling-waste-for-developing-countries/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/01/from-mit-to-nigeria-finding-business-opportunity-in-recycling-waste-for-developing-countries/" target="_blank">interview</a></strong> with the <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/01/from-mit-to-nigeria-finding-business-opportunity-in-recycling-waste-for-developing-countries/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/01/from-mit-to-nigeria-finding-business-opportunity-in-recycling-waste-for-developing-countries/" target="_blank">co-founder of WeCyclers here</a></strong>.
7125
7126&nbsp;
7127
7128&nbsp;
7129
7130&nbsp;
7131
7132&nbsp;
7133
7134&nbsp;
7135
7136&nbsp;
7137
7138&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4399,post_date:"2014-11-02 03:05:14",post_date_gmt:"2014-11-02 02:05:14",post_modified:"2014-11-02 03:10:06",post_modified_gmt:"2014-11-02 02:10:06",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"lagos-based-company-wecyclers-wins-2014-sustainia-award",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Arnold Schwarzenegger"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Bilikiss Adebiyi"},{__cdata:"Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Sustainia Award"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"WeCyclers"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4402"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/9KDjQsEbMwZ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/Rig3cdixkLz"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/Uu8TKcWf9Z"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:7213,comment_author:{__cdata:"WeCyclers Wins Case Foundation Pitch For Lagos Competition | Sustainable Conversations"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://sustainableconvos.com/wecyclers-wins-case-foundation-pitch/",comment_author_IP:"66.96.183.4",comment_date:"2015-08-03 09:41:33",comment_date_gmt:"2015-08-03 08:41:33",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

71380;] AWP Network salutes and praises Wecyclers on winning the 2015 Pitch For Lagos competition, an occasion led by Steve Case, co-founder of [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1438596600.5850579738616943359375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1438610372"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1438610372.8132960796356201171875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1438591294.2173869609832763671875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:7191,comment_author:{__cdata:"WeCyclers Wins Case Foundation Pitch For Lagos Competition &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/07/30/wecyclers-wins-case-foundation-pitch-for-lagos-competition/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.86.118",comment_date:"2015-07-30 23:06:13",comment_date_gmt:"2015-07-30 22:06:13",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] AWP Network salutes and congratulates Wecyclers on winning the 2015 Pitch For Lagos competition, an event chaired by Steve Case, co-founder of [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1438294485"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1438294486.2415790557861328125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1438293973.40223598480224609375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Want to Start a Business? Enterprise Bank wants to Fund your Idea"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/11/02/starting-a-business-enterprise-bank-wants-to-fund-your-idea/",pubDate:"Sun, 02 Nov 2014 19:36:33 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4411",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/untitled.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4412" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/untitled.jpg?w=635" alt="Untitled" width="635" height="162" /></a>
7139
7140Do you have a business idea? Are you looking to start a business? Then, apply to the <strong><a title="http://web.entbankng.com/Enterprise/EntDownLoadPage.aspx" href="http://web.entbankng.com/Enterprise/EntDownLoadPage.aspx" target="_blank">Enterprise Bank SME empowerment program</a>.</strong>
7141<ul>
7142	<li>You will be required to make up 30 percent of your required capital.</li>
7143	<li>Enterprise Bank, upon the applicant meeting all necessary criteria, will fund 70 percent of applicant’s start-up capital.</li>
7144</ul>
7145Find the application <a title="http://web.entbankng.com/Enterprise/EntDownLoadPage.aspx" href="http://web.entbankng.com/Enterprise/EntDownLoadPage.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://web.entbankng.com/Enterprise/EntDownLoadPage.aspx" href="http://web.entbankng.com/Enterprise/EntDownLoadPage.aspx" target="_blank">Smallbiz</a></strong>
7146
7147&nbsp;
7148
7149&nbsp;
7150
7151&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4411,post_date:"2014-11-02 20:36:33",post_date_gmt:"2014-11-02 19:36:33",post_modified:"2014-11-02 20:44:24",post_modified_gmt:"2014-11-02 19:44:24",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"starting-a-business-enterprise-bank-wants-to-fund-your-idea",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"economic empowerment"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"empowerment"},{__cdata:"Enterprise Bank"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"financing"},{__cdata:"Funding"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"SME"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/eQR3mna7jE9"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/gB9WXXEWLiW"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/XDFSoawzYY"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:7089,comment_author:{__cdata:"kholiwe"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://n/a",comment_author_IP:"107.167.103.253",comment_date:"2015-06-24 21:11:08",comment_date_gmt:"2015-06-24 20:11:08",comment_content:{__cdata:"i kholiwe want to start a business but i don't have money to start it,i want c

7151atering industry like B&amp;B,restuarent and many more as the business will be growing.Thanks"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1435176668.7117569446563720703125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1436656571"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1435181524.6591050624847412109375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1436656571"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1436656572.4342119693756103515625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Starting My Business Was About Solving a Problem"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/11/03/starting-my-business-was-about-solving-a-problem/",pubDate:"Mon, 03 Nov 2014 06:22:37 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4422",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/cautionpictures-image-1022.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4423" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/cautionpictures-image-1022.jpg?w=200" alt="cautionpictures image-1022" width="200" height="300" /></a>The AWP Network met with the Founder of <strong><a title="http://capitalsqua.re/" href="http://capitalsqua.re/" target="_blank">CapitalSquare Workspace Solutions Limited</a></strong>, Modupe Macaulay. Based in Lagos, Nigeria – CapitalSquare offers an affordable co-working space for professionals, startups, and small businesses. With competitive pricing options, its welcoming community suits many customers. Founder and CEO, <strong><a title="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/modupemacaulay" href="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/modupemacaulay" target="_blank">Modupe Macaulay</a></strong><b> </b>earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Covenant University and a Master of Science degree in Management from Warwick Business School. In this interview, Macaulay talks about how she got started and shares her plans to grow the business.
7152
7153<strong>How did you come up with the name of this business?</strong>
7154The more I thought about a business name, I realized that I wanted something both serious and laid back. I wanted a name that made people think of commerce, activity, and people. I selected several names but could not decide on one because they were not the right fit, then I began to think about various cities and hubs of business activity. I immediately thought of the name "Square," but then felt that I needed to add another name to "Square," and "Capital" seemed like the right choice. Hence the final decision to give my company the name, CapitalSquare - yes, it’s one word, not two.
7155
7156<strong>What inspired you to start this company?</strong>
7157I had just graduated from university when I started CapitalSquare. I was looking for work and trying to start a business at the time same time. A friend and I began to look for an affordable and cheerful place to work from. We hoped to find a place but we could not find anything that worked. We lived at opposite ends of town, so working from home was a no-go; cafes and fast food places were too noisy and just not right for work; renting a conventional office was too expensive, and there were too many other things to think about (power, utilities, furnishing, etc); serviced offices were too pricey and not made for small businesses. We did find 1 or 2 startup incubators, but they were mainly focused on technology startups. There was obviously a gap in the market for a professional but laid back, and affordable working environment for professionals, startups, and small businesses. I decided to do something about it and launched CapitalSquare.
7158
7159<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
7160Small business owners, freelancers, and entrepreneurs of any age, in any industry.
7161
7162<strong>How have you financed the idea?</strong>
7163All of my financing has been from my family.
7164
7165<strong>What is your competitive edge? </strong>
7166The community – that’s the first thing I think about. I like to say that CapitalSquare isn't just a workspace or an office; it is about a community of people who want to strive for excellence. In this part of the world, it is difficult to find people who genuinely want to be the best at what they do and provide value. We are different; we provide value. We always want our members to be happy, we want things to work, and if anything goes wrong we fix it as soon as we can.
7167
7168<strong>What is the long-term plan for your business?</strong>
7169We plan to provide private serviced offices for people who need them - we are working on that now. Our goal is to have 5 or 6 private office

7169s ready before the end of the year. Eventually, I would like to have more co-working spaces in other parts of Lagos and Nigeria - maybe even internationally. The vision is that CapitalSquare will become the top solution provider for small businesses in Nigeria.
7170
7171<strong>What challenges do you face?</strong>
7172Getting the space ready - renovation, remodeling, getting good service providers, etc. Also, marketing and getting the word out about the business.
7173
7174<strong>What key things have you learned since starting your business idea?</strong>
71751. Starting a business is hard work,
71762. In Nigeria, things will always go wrong, so always have a plan B,
71773. Business is about people; so work hard to train and develop them.
7178
7179<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
7180Look inwards. You will find something you can do that won't cost much and might help you get the money for something bigger.
7181
7182<strong>How do you think African youths can continue to support each other?</strong>
7183Get rid of the mentality that you need to push others down to go up. Life doesn't work that way.
7184
7185<strong>How many jobs have you created so far?</strong>
7186So far, I have hired 3 permanent staff, I have also hired 2 people on a contract basis.
7187
7188<strong>How has technology enhanced your business idea?</strong>
7189Technology has made running my business very easy. I found this really cool subscription system that helps us manage the space - users bookings, invoicing, communications, everything. We also use a lot of technology based services for different aspects of the business, from CRM to accounting and HR.
7190
7191<strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Africa?</strong>
7192Remember that nothing is impossible and that there are no worthless ideas. Pursue your dreams with boldness.
7193
7194[gallery type="slideshow" size="full" link="file" ids="4425,4423,4424"]
7195
7196<strong><a title="http://capitalsqua.re/" href="http://capitalsqua.re/" target="_blank">Contact CapitalSquare</a></strong>:
7197
7198Website: <a title="http://capitalsqua.re/" href="http://capitalsqua.re/" target="_blank">www.capitalsqua.re</a>
7199Email: [email protected]
7200Phone: 01 404 1032, 01 324 7547, 0817 202 6772-3
7201Twitter: <a title="https://twitter.com/capsqr" href="https://twitter.com/capsqr" target="_blank">@capsqr</a>
7202Facebook: <a title="https://www.facebook.com/capitalsquareng" href="https://www.facebook.com/capitalsquareng" target="_blank">facebook.com/capitalsquareng</a>
7203Instagram: <a title="http://instagram.com/capsqr" href="http://instagram.com/capsqr" target="_blank">@capsqr</a>
7204
7205&nbsp;
7206
7207&nbsp;
7208
7209&nbsp;
7210
7211&nbsp;
7212
7213&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4422,post_date:"2014-11-03 07:22:37",post_date_gmt:"2014-11-03 06:22:37",post_modified:"2014-11-04 18:11:43",post_modified_gmt:"2014-11-04 17:11:43",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"starting-my-business-was-about-solving-a-problem",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"capitalsquare"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Modupe Macaulay"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4425"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/EZ2959GNKBP"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/TKKiouB4V8v"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/zeebjSWJaL"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:6970,comment_author:{__cdata:"Young African Women Entrepreneurs Offer Advice on How to Start a Business With No Money &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/05/19/young-african-women-entrepreneurs-offer-advice-on-how-to-start-a-business-with-no-money/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.197",comment_date:"2015-05-19 12:41:44",comment_date_gmt:"2015-05-19 11:41:44",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

72130;] can do that won’t cost much and might help you get the money for something bigger.” —  Modupe Macaulay, […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1432035704.399404048919677734375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1432035755"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1432035755.8935649394989013671875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:8752,comment_author:{__cdata:"CapitalSquare Expands By Launching Additional Coworking Space for Entrepreneurs in Lagos « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/08/15/capitalsquare-expands-by-launching-additional-coworking-space-for-entrepreneurs-in-lagos/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.99.45",comment_date:"2016-08-15 18:34:43",comment_date_gmt:"2016-08-15 17:34:43",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] CapitalSquare, the pioneer co-working space in Lagos recently opened the doors of its flagship space, The Studio, in Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi. The co-working space, nestled at one end of Ilupeju Street, offers single desks and private offices as well as a conference room and lounge to freelancers, small business owners and creatives. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1471282703"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1471282484.6230161190032958984375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1471282704.615107059478759765625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:8535,comment_author:{__cdata:"How Technology is Transforming Women-Owned Businesses in Africa | Beatriz Simpkins"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"https://beatrizpsimpkins.wordpress.com/2016/04/01/how-technology-is-transforming-women-owned-businesses-in-africa/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.100.183",comment_date:"2016-04-01 22:20:58",comment_date_gmt:"2016-04-01 21:20:58",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Modupe Macaulay of Capital Square, a co-working space in Lagos adds, “technology has made running my business very easy. I found this really cool subscription system that helps my team manage user bookings, invoicing, communications, everything. We also use a lot of technology-based services for different aspects of the business, from CRM to accounting and human resources.”   Unoma Okorafor, founder of the WAAW foundation, an organization focused on advancing African girls in technology says, “from the tools we use to stay connected, to creating the community of girls who are spread out across different countries, to translating between languages [e.g. French to English], to using technology to provide lesson plans for teachers [working] in remote villages throughout Africa. I find that technology plays a crucial part in helping us scale, communicate and reach girls in hard to reach areas.” […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1459550080.8963758945465087890625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1459545659.6378269195556640625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1459784159"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1459784160.0974330902099609375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"7 Tips for Young Women in Business: Founder of WIE Offers Advice"}

7213,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/11/06/7-tips-for-young-women-in-business-founder-of-wie-offers-advice/",pubDate:"Thu, 06 Nov 2014 19:51:23 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4438",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong><a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dee-pokupic-400x604.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-4441 size-medium" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dee-pokupic-400x604.jpg?w=198" alt="Dee-Pokupic-400x604" width="198" height="300" /></a><a title="https://www.wienetwork.org/" href="https://www.wienetwork.org/" target="_blank">WIE</a>,</strong> which stands for Women, Inspiration, and Enterprise was founded by Dee Poku-Spalding in 2010. An innovative global conference connecting established trailblazers with emerging leaders, <strong><a title="https://www.wienetwork.org/" href="https://www.wienetwork.org/" target="_blank">WIE's</a></strong> dynamic symposiums and salons provide a toolkit for success for tomorrow’s CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs, and potential collaborators.
7214
7215The network aims to empower a new generation of women leaders. Over the years, the WIE symposium has attracted an incredible lineup of speakers including Donna Karan, Arianna Huffington, Queen Rania, Ted Turner, Melinda Gates, Diane von Furstenberg, Nancy Pelosi, Jill Biden, Aerin Lauder, Jennifer Buffett, Lauren Bush, Christy Turlington, Iman, Rosario Dawson, and Nora Ephron.
7216
7217Founder of the AWP Network, <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/AfricWomenPower" href="https://twitter.com/AfricWomenPower" target="_blank">Mary Olushoga</a></strong> met with Dee Poku-Spalding, Founder of  WIE, who offers advice to young women in business.
7218
7219&nbsp;
7220
7221(1) Do things at your own pace.
7222
7223(2) Take the time to figure out what you want for yourself.
7224
7225(3) Always have a plan, have a sense of where you want to go.
7226
7227(4) Be open to change: respond, evolve, and adapt.
7228
7229(5) Learn how to negotiate - not knowing how to negotiate could have a long-term impact on your career. This is important especially with regards to negotiating your first salary or contract.
7230
7231(6) If having children is important to you, focus on that.
7232
7233(7) Choose to be visible, chose to be known - find mentors, find sponsors, and make sure the decision makers at all levels know who you are.
7234
7235&nbsp;
7236
7237Have additional tips? please share your comments, thoughts, and ideas with us twitter – <a title="https://twitter.com/AfricWomenPower" href="https://twitter.com/AfricWomenPower" target="_blank"><strong>@Africwomenpower</strong></a>
7238
7239&nbsp;
7240
7241&nbsp;
7242
7243&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4438,post_date:"2014-11-06 20:51:23",post_date_gmt:"2014-11-06 19:51:23",post_modified:"2014-11-06 20:51:23",post_modified_gmt:"2014-11-06 19:51:23",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"7-tips-for-young-women-in-business-founder-of-wie-offers-advice",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"Business tips"},{__cdata:"career"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Dee Poku"},{__cdata:"Dee Poku-Spalding"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"WIE"},{__cdata:"WIE Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"words of advice"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"young women in business"},{__cdata:"youth"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4441"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/76MEeb3WAiU"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/3vDT7bamSq5"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/TJEcUTrVHu"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:5570,comment_author:{__cdata:"7 Tips for Young Women in Business: Founder of ..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/secrets-of-success-for-women-entrerpreneurs/p/4031415337/2014/11/09/7-tips-for-young-women-in-business-founder-of-wie-offers-advice",comment_author_IP:"89.30.118.151",comment_date:"2014-11-10 02:00:38",comment_date_gmt:"2014-11-10 01:00:38",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

72430;] WIE, which stands for Women, Inspiration, and Enterprise was founded by Dee Poku-Spalding in 2010. An innovative global conference connecting established trailblazers with emerging leaders, WIE&#039;s d...&nbsp; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1415727857"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1415727857.91388702392578125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1415581238.757958889007568359375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1415585391.8364169597625732421875;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]},{comment_id:5841,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2014 AWP Network Power List &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.86.62",comment_date:"2014-12-08 23:27:05",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-08 22:27:05",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Dee Poku-Spalding (New York/Ghana): is founder of the Women, Inspiration, and Enterprise (WIE) Network which aims [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1418077935"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077936.315021991729736328125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077625.4743850231170654296875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]},{comment_id:6414,comment_author:{__cdata:"My Personal Experience In The Workplace Inspired Me To Start This Company &#8211; Founder of WIE Launches Kickstarter Campaign &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/01/31/my-personal-experience-in-the-workplace-inspired-me-to-start-this-company-founder-of-wie-launches-kickstarter-campaign/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.81.123",comment_date:"2015-01-31 00:37:24",comment_date_gmt:"2015-01-30 23:37:24",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] stands for Women, Inspiration, and Enterprise; I founded the company in 2010. WIE is an innovative global platform connecting well-established [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422661044.458260059356689453125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1422661082"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1422661082.5976960659027099609375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"South Africa’s Small Business Minister Launches Startup Nations Initiative"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/11/11/south-africas-small-business-minister-launches-startup-nations-initiative/",pubDate:"Tue, 11 Nov 2014 18:13:12 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4453",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/minister-lindiwe-zulu-at-sunsa-launch.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4454" src="https://staging.awpnet

7243work.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/minister-lindiwe-zulu-at-sunsa-launch.jpg" alt="Minister-Lindiwe-Zulu-at-SUNSA-launch" width="635" height="341" /></a>South Africa joins the global network of <strong><a title="http://www.startupnations.org/" href="http://www.startupnations.org/" target="_blank">Startup Nations </a></strong>such as Startup Britain, Startup Chile, Startup Malaysia, Startup China, Startup Norway, Startup Australia and more recently Startup Brazil, Startup Vietnam, and Startup Korea.
7244
7245South Africa’s Small Business Minister, Lindiwe Zulu, recently launched Startup Nations South Africa initiative, a collaborative effort by founding partners, the Innovation Hub, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and the Wits Business School, aimed at contributing towards building a robust entrepreneurship ecosystem and vibrant sustainable entrepreneurship culture.
7246
7247The aim of the global network is to advance the national agenda for entrepreneurship and the creation of a sustainable environment where startups and small businesses can meaningfully contribute to the economic and social development of South Africa. This initiative will enable local startup businesses to share best practices and collaborate with other like-minded peers in the global entrepreneurship movement.
7248
7249“Cultivating entrepreneurship is vital for generating inclusive growth in South Africa. Startup Nations South Africa is an extremely important initiative because it will create the conditions for entrepreneurs to flourish and showcases what can be achieved through collaboration between the public and private sectors, and civil society.” says Professor Steve Bluen, Director and Head of School, Wits Business School.
7250
7251http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGXaXdkZX4s
7252
7253&nbsp;
7254
7255&nbsp;
7256
7257&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4453,post_date:"2014-11-11 19:13:12",post_date_gmt:"2014-11-11 18:13:12",post_modified:"2014-11-11 19:13:12",post_modified_gmt:"2014-11-11 18:13:12",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"south-africas-small-business-minister-launches-startup-nations-initiative",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Lindiwe Zulu"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"Startup nations"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4454"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/emb8BUXpcui"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/PjW1cY9qESj"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/ICI4Nh5PrA"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_93a56a5263ad1cb33eef042a8bcb5480",meta_value:{__cdata:'<span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe class="youtube-player" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oGXaXdkZX4s?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_93a56a5263ad1cb33eef042a8bcb5480",meta_value:{__cdata:"1727431212"}}],comment:{comment_id:5839,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2014 AWP Network Power List &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.86.62",comment_date:"2014-12-08 23:26:59",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-08 22:26:59",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

72570;] Lindiwe Zulu (South Africa): is South Africa’s minister of small business development. This year, Zulu [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1418077938"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077939.066523075103759765625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1418077619.8223741054534912109375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"5 Things Entrepreneurs Need to Have"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/11/12/5-things-entrepreneurs-need-to-have/",pubDate:"Wed, 12 Nov 2014 19:29:29 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4464",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/start-a-biz-part-1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4372" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/start-a-biz-part-1.jpg?w=635" alt="start-a-biz-part-1" width="635" height="327" /></a>(1) Have a clear strategy - do you have a clear and implementable strategy for your business?
7258
7259(2) Have a willingness to learn - how sharp are your listening skills? Are you open to learning new ideas?
7260
7261(3) Have an ability to network - how well do you understand the importance of building, nurturing, and growing your network? who is in your network?
7262
7263(4) Have excellent time management skills - make sure that your passion or business idea does not turn you into a "hermit." Learn how to manage your time and schedule, your time is the most expensive thing you have as an entrepreneur.
7264
7265(5) Have a vision - understand that  your vision is bigger than you. What is the vision for your business?
7266
7267Have additional comments or tips? share with us <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/Africwomenpower" href="https://twitter.com/Africwomenpower" target="_blank">@Africwomenpower</a></strong>
7268
7269&nbsp;
7270
7271&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4464,post_date:"2014-11-12 20:29:29",post_date_gmt:"2014-11-12 19:29:29",post_modified:"2014-11-12 20:29:29",post_modified_gmt:"2014-11-12 19:29:29",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"5-things-entrepreneurs-need-to-have",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"listening skills"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"network"},{__cdata:"networking"},{__cdata:"new ideas"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"time management"},{__cdata:"Vision"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4372"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/XXwfxT8wkHA"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/Q3QbK7sn52W"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/l1MY8iWJhu"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Celebrate Women's Entrepreneurship Day in Nigeria With WOWE and Access Bank"}

7271,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/11/17/celebrate-womens-entrepreneurship-day-in-nigeria-with-wowe-and-access-bank/",pubDate:"Mon, 17 Nov 2014 17:11:30 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4475",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/10807158_10154852414845068.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4476" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/10807158_10154852414845068.jpg" alt="10807158_10154852414845068" width="448" height="506" /></a>November 19 is <strong><a title="http://www.womenseday.org/" href="http://www.womenseday.org/" target="_blank">Women's Entrepreneurship Day</a></strong> (WEDay), which aims to encourage women and men globally to pledge their support to women innovators and job creators in their community with talent, time, or treasure.
7272
7273Join WOWE and Access Bank at the WEDay Global Initiative to garner support and resources for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
7274
7275For more information: contact <a title="http://www.wowenigeria.com/" href="http://www.wowenigeria.com/" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>; <a title="http://www.wowenigeria.com/" href="http://www.wowenigeria.com/" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>
7276

7277 
7278
7279 
7280
7281 
7282
7283&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4475,post_date:"2014-11-17 18:11:30",post_date_gmt:"2014-11-17 17:11:30",post_modified:"2014-11-17 18:11:30",post_modified_gmt:"2014-11-17 17:11:30",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"celebrate-womens-entrepreneurship-day-in-nigeria-with-wowe-and-access-bank",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Women's entrepreneurship day"},{__cdata:"WoWe Conference"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Tk7PZtnuPCy"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/e1P1dnyffPY"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/iyqniJjU7n"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: The YouCAN Pitch Competition"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/11/17/apply-the-youcan-pitch-competition/",pubDate:"Mon, 17 Nov 2014 18:01:08 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4480",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/perfect-pitch-logo.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4481" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/perfect-pitch-logo.jpg" alt="perfect-pitch-logo" width="472" height="248" /></a>November 29, 2014 - CAN will organize the #YouCAN  pitch competition at GICAM in Douala, Cameroon in partnership with Sanaga Ventures, VC4Africa, and ActivSpaces. The competition is open to all startups based in Cameroon.
7284
7285The following prizes will be awarded:
7286
7287<strong>Best Overall Project: </strong>the winner of the Best Overall Project will receive 500,000 CFA Francs in cash, $5,000 USD in debt financing, and up to 20 million CFA of follow on investment over the following 12 months. Winner will also receive professional coaching and technical assistance.
7288
7289<strong>Best Presentation:</strong> the winner of the Best Presentation will receive 300.000 CFA Francs in cash and up to 5 million CFA Francs of follow on investment over the following 12 months. Winner will also receive professional coaching for 12 months
7290
7291<strong>Special Prize from the Public: </strong>this prize will be awarded based on popular support from attendees at the #YouCAN event. The winner of the public's special prize will receive 200.000 CFA Francs in cash and professional coaching for 12 months.
7292
7293Apply<strong> <a title="https://vc4africa.biz/cameroon-angels-network/youcan/apply/#" href="https://vc4africa.biz/cameroon-angels-network/youcan/apply/#" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="https://vc4africa.biz/cameroon-angels-network/youcan/apply/#" href="https://vc4africa.biz/cameroon-angels-network/youcan/apply/#" target="_blank">YouCan</a></strong>
7294
7295&nbsp;
7296
7297&nbsp;
7298
7299&nbsp;
7300
7301&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4480,post_date:"2014-11-17 19:01:08",post_date_gmt:"2014-11-17 18:01:08",post_modified:"2014-11-17 19:01:08",post_modified_gmt:"2014-11-17 18:01:08",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-the-youcan-pitch-competition",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

7301,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/inGnTu4SCV6"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/lU9O7Nw3IZ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/7234bGNBpo1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Founder of the AWP Network, Mary Olushoga Wins Africa Data Challenge"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/11/18/mary-olushoga-founder-of-the-awp-network-wins-africa-data-challenge/",pubDate:"Tue, 18 Nov 2014 18:31:07 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4485",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/mary-final.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4490" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/mary-final.jpg" alt="Mary-Final" width="227" height="242" /></a>November 18, 2014 - The Planet Earth Institute hosted the first-ever ‘<strong><a title="http://planetearthinstitute.org.uk/news/africa-data-challenge/" href="http://planetearthinstitute.org.uk/news/africa-data-challenge/" target="_blank">Africa Data Challenge</a></strong>,’ as part of its #ScienceAfrica UnConference. The challenge is a groundbreaking competition that invites well-qualified parties to pitch their ideas for projects that harness data for real human impact in Africa.
7302
7303While the ‘data revolution’ is a major theme in conversations on technology and business, there is little discussion on how it can enhance Africa’s scientific development in a practical way. The ‘Africa Data Challenge’ invited 

7303innovators from around the world to pitch their ideas for projects that can help translate and transmit the power of data to those on the continent.
7304
7305Projects were unlimited in scope and focus but must be designed to have a practical human application in the next 12 months. Contestants presented their project live in front of a panel to include: Beejaye Kokil, Head of the Economic & Social Statistics Division - African Development Bank, David Tempest, Head of Director of Access Relations - Elsevier, Richard Pilling, Director of Professional Services & Analytics (EMEA and APAC) - Intel, and Mariéme Jamme, entrepreneur and CEO of SpotOne Global. The successful innovators will be awarded a cash prize of £7,000 and will receive PEI’s support to roll out their project.
7306
7307The ‘Africa Data Challenge’ forms part of PEI’s second #ScienceAfrica UnConference, hosted by Rt Hon Lord Boateng and organized in partnership with the UN Economic Commission for Africa, the World Bank, and the European Commission.
7308
7309The UnConference brings together over 120 people passionate about and working in science, development, and Africa for an interactive day of workshops and discussion. Participants come from diverse sectors, including international policy makers, academics, students as well as the general public. The UnConference will also be live streamed on the PEI website and people are encouraged to use the #ScienceAfrica hashtag on twitter to engage in a robust discussion about science, technology, and innovation in Africa.
7310
7311Dr Álvaro Sobrinho, Chairman of the Planet Earth Institute said, “data holds a huge amount of promise for scientific development in Africa and for many different business sectors too, but we have not yet fully explored how it can be used at a local level to improve lives. We are always looking for practical ways to support science and technology, and this Africa Data Challenge will help do just that – developing and incubating new ideas with real impact."
7312
7313 
7314
7315 `},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4485,post_date:"2014-11-18 19:31:07",post_date_gmt:"2014-11-18 18:31:07",post_modified:"2014-11-18 19:39:11",post_modified_gmt:"2014-11-18 18:39:11",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"mary-olushoga-founder-of-the-awp-network-wins-africa-data-challenge",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Africa Data Challenge"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"big data"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Data"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Farmers"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Planet Earth Institute"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"ScienceAfrica"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3795"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/cUjkvJdAxSF"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/ecQ8hgbRh4d"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/18rP9McYuj"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:6137,comment_author:{__cdata:"AWP Network Partners With the WAAW Foundation to Support African Girls in STEM « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/01/02/awp-network-partners-with-the-waaw-foundation-to-support-african-girls-in-stem/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.80.121",comment_date:"2015-01-02 17:57:40",comment_date_gmt:"2015-01-02 16:57:40",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

73150;] Mary Olushoga, Founder of the AWP Network said, “we are excited about forging this partnership with the WAAW Foundation. We look forward to mentoring and supporting African girls in STEM. This is why we are here.” […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1420217861.0345590114593505859375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1420217905"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1420217905.3846290111541748046875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:10818,comment_author:{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga, Founder of AWP Network to Speak about African Women Entrepreneurs During UN General Assembly Week « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2018/09/26/mary-olushoga-founder-of-awp-network-to-speak-on-african-women-entrepreneurs-during-un-general-assembly-week/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.101.13",comment_date:"2018-09-26 17:44:50",comment_date_gmt:"2018-09-26 16:44:50",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Olushoga, Founder of AWP Network is set to speak about African Women Entrepreneurs during UN General Assembly Week. She will join […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1537980502"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1537980502.848405;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1537980291.001481;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:11808,comment_author:{__cdata:"Founder of AWP Network, Mary Olushoga to Serve as Advisor for cMapIt and Gatefield Media Group. « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2019/01/01/founder-of-awp-network-mary-olushoga-to-serve-as-advisor-for-cmapit-and-gatefield-media-group/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.99.168",comment_date:"2019-01-01 12:28:17",comment_date_gmt:"2019-01-01 11:28:17",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] of AWP Network, Mary Olushoga states, “I visited the Gatefield Media Group located in Abuja and the cMapIt office located […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1546342097.992704;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1546342572"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1546342572.946851;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:18701,comment_author:{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga, Founder of AWP Network wins the Africa Data Challenge « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2020/08/24/mary-olushoga-founder-of-awp-network-wins-the-africa-data-challenge/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.114.67",comment_date:"2020-08-24 20:05:43",comment_date_gmt:"2020-08-24 19:05:43",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Planet Earth Institute hosted the first-ever ‘Africa Data Challenge,’ as part of its #ScienceAfrica UnConference. The challenge is a groundbreaking competition that […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1598296902.736814;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1598296902"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1598295944.333097;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"You Are Invited to the Christopher Kolade Symposium"}

7315,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/11/20/you-are-invited-to-the-christopher-kolade-symposium/",pubDate:"Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:06:32 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4499",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/untit.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4500" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/untit.jpg?w=635" alt="Untit" width="635" height="148" /></a><strong><a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1RigwcV6o6aeGK70sYfH-1TwmEU45mnF3QI-WFCwP4DQ/viewform?c=0&amp;w=1" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1RigwcV6o6aeGK70sYfH-1TwmEU45mnF3QI-WFCwP4DQ/viewform?c=0&amp;w=1" target="_blank">The 6th annual Christopher Kolade Symposium</a> </strong>(CKS) will focus on the analytics of leadership in Nigeria, a retrospective look at our leadership successes and challenges in the past 100 years; and recommendations on the ideal leadership for the next century.
7316&nbsp;
7317
7318<strong>When</strong>: December 4, 2014
7319
7320<strong>Where</strong>: Oriental Hotel, Skyline Terrace 1, 3 Lekki Road, Victoria Island, Lagos
7321
7322<strong>Keynote Speaker</strong>: His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, Emir of Kano
7323
7324Register <strong><a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1RigwcV6o6aeGK70sYfH-1TwmEU45mnF3QI-WFCwP4DQ/viewform?c=0&amp;w=1" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1RigwcV6o6aeGK70sYfH-1TwmEU45mnF3QI-WFCwP4DQ/viewform?c=0&amp;w=1" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1RigwcV6o6aeGK70sYfH-1TwmEU45mnF3QI-WFCwP4DQ/viewform?c=0&amp;w=1" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1RigwcV6o6aeGK70sYfH-1TwmEU45mnF3QI-WFCwP4DQ/viewform?c=0&amp;w=1" target="_blank">AWP CKS</a></strong>
7325
7326<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/6th-cks-iv-card-final.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4501" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/6th-cks-iv-card-final.jpg?w=635" alt="6TH CKS IV CARD FINAL" width="635" height="476" /></a>
7327
7328&nbsp;
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7332&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4499,post_date:"2014-11-20 21:06:32",post_date_gmt:"2014-11-20 20:06:32",post_modified:"2014-11-20 21:06:32",post_modified_gmt:"2014-11-20 20:06:32",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"you-are-invited-to-the-christopher-kolade-symposium",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Christopher Kolade Symposium"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Emir of Kano"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/aigdCGGwMvq"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/g1KfNAxsfZu"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/sd0ojjPLRt"}}

7332,{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Join She Leads Africa and TipHub for Diaspora Demo Day"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/11/20/join-she-leads-africa-and-tiphub-for-diaspora-demo-day/",pubDate:"Thu, 20 Nov 2014 21:13:35 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4513",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong><a title="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/diaspora-demo-day-tickets-13427501017" href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/diaspora-demo-day-tickets-13427501017" target="_blank">Diaspora Demo day</a></strong> is a social impact and tech startup showcase aimed at bridging the gap diaspora communities large remittance streams, social and technology innovators, and growing pools of capital. Join the African technology foundation, tiphub, and <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/22/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepreneurs/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/22/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepreneurs/" target="_blank">SheLeadsAfrica</a> in Washington D.C.
7333
7334&nbsp;
7335
7336<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/unt.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4514" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/unt.jpg" alt="Unt" width="407" height="600" /></a>
7337
7338&nbsp;
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7365
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7380&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4513,post_date:"2014-11-20 22:13:35",post_date_gmt:"2014-11-20 21:13:35",post_modified:"2014-11-20 22:15:26",post_modified_gmt:"2014-11-20 21:15:26",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"join-she-leads-africa-and-tiphub-for-diaspora-demo-day",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/WSLXe2Eqm1q"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/CuF7xGVEN29"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/Rkqmsvm3Ma"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Young Nigerian Develops Mobile App to Help Increase Civic Participation in the U.S."},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/11/21/young-nigerian-develops-mobile-app-to-help-increase-civic-participation-in-the-u-s/",pubDate:"Fri, 21 Nov 2014 17:02:19 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4521",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnet

7380work.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/first-civic-social-network-1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4522" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/first-civic-social-network-1.jpg?w=635" alt="First Civic Social Network 1" width="635" height="273" /></a><strong><a title="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/damola-ogundipe/22/5b1/b22" href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/damola-ogundipe/22/5b1/b22" target="_blank">Damola Ogundipe</a></strong>, founder of newly created company <strong><a title="http://www.civiceagle.com/#eagle-civic-tech" href="http://www.civiceagle.com/#eagle-civic-tech" target="_blank">Civic Eagle</a></strong> has developed a mobile application to help increase civic participation in the United States. A graduate of the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, Ogundipe oversees all 4 of Civic Eagle’s products and services to include mobile, data analytics, algorithm cloud distribution, and education.
7381
7382Civic Eagle is best described as a tech startup with the mission to reduce political apathy and increase public participation in politics. The company was recently was selected as a sponsored civic startup at the 2014 Code for America Summit. The mobile application allows users to do the following: (1) look up information about legislation in Congress, (2) read news stories, (3) interact with elected officials and (4) engage with other users.
7383
7384<em>Ogundipe states, “the current state of political engagement in the United States is embarrassingly low. Barely 50 percent of the country’s population vote in federal elections, less than 40 percent at the state level, and about 20 percent vote at the local level. Our mobile application is a solution to this problem. We want to help increase civic participation in the U.S. using technology and an engaging social community." </em>
7385
7386<strong>How did you come up with the name of this mobile app?</strong>
7387It’s simple, the Eagle represents freedom and serves as the national emblem of the United States. It was only natural we named our app “Civic Eagle.”
7388
7389<strong>What inspired you to develop this?</strong>
7390The current state of political engagement in the United States is a concern. Barely 50 percent of the country’s population vote in federal elections, less than 40 percent vote at the state level, and about 20 percent participate at the local level. These numbers reveal that there is a problem and this app aims to solve this issue.
7391
7392<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
7393Anyone who wants to see a change in the political process and is interested in having better access to resources that will enable them to interact and be engaged. Our ideal consumer uses a smartphone and enjoys connecting to ideas and people through social media. We also have products and services available for political candidates, elected officials, and community organizations to assist them in understanding their constituents.
7394
7395<strong>How have you financed the idea?</strong>
7396Bootstrapping, we bootstrapped this project for almost 2 years and have worked diligently to make our vision a market viable product. We intend to move forward by raising capital from investors.
7397
7398<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
7399We offer a holistic and inclusive solution to increasing civic engagement.
7400
7401<strong>What is the long-term plan for this business?</strong>
7402Currently our app is accessible on mobile devices. The goal is to connect users to current issues and ongoing conversations on policies and in politics. We want to get our users connected to lawmakers and we hope to expand the use of the app globally, especially in countries where public participation and political accountability are particularly low.
7403
7404By next year, we plan to launch the ‘Eagle Eye’ Initiative, which will offer data analytics and information technology services to elected officials, aspiring candidates, and community organizations allowing them better access to their constituents.
7405
7406Another initiative is the ‘Eagle’s Nest’ - an academic curriculum and program focused on teaching grade school and university students about civic engagement; and finally the ‘My Eagle’ initiative – a feature that will personalize civic information for engaged users.
7407
7408<strong>What challenges do you face?</strong>
7409Tackling a problem like civic engagement is especially difficult given that many people are generally apathetic and disinterested in political matters. We find that people are often dissatisfied and therefore discouraged to participate in politics - trying to change this sentiment is a challenge. However, we are confident that if political issues are presented to people in a different way, users will be more inclined to participate, will remain engaged, and this we believe, will lead to changes in various communities.
7410
7411[gallery type="slideshow" size="large" link="file" ids="4525,4526,4522"]
7412
7413<strong>What key things have you learned since starting your business idea?</strong>
74141.<strong> Find a strong team</strong>

7414: Surround yourself with a team of people who believe in you/your vision. You want people on your team who are critical thinkers, who are not afraid to be honest with you, and who challenge each other to think big.
7415
74162. <strong>Network</strong>: It is important to follow-up with the people you meet. You never know how one connection may benefit you now or in the long run.
7417
74183. <strong>Keep moving</strong>: Do not get discouraged. On some days, you will get discouraged. You will feel defeated. Wake up the next day, brush it off, and keep moving.
7419
74204. <strong>Have a plan</strong>: while it is important to have a plan, being flexible is as equally important.
7421
74225. <strong>Be Humble</strong>.
7423
7424<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
7425Learn to use what you have. If that means you start with a simple business plan then do that. With a strong business plan, people will gravitate towards you and some will practically throw money at you because they believe in your idea. You can also utilize social media and blogging to your advantage by marketing your idea/product/service and building buzz all over the world – at little to no cost.
7426
7427<strong>How do you think African youths can continue to support each other?</strong>
7428More young Africans should learn to support other small businesses/startups. Buy locally; use word of mouth and social media marketing; host and attend networking events; and build meaningful connections.
7429
7430<strong>How many jobs have you created so far?</strong>
7431We currently have an executive team of 6 and we also have an intern.
7432
7433<strong>How has technology enhanced your business idea?</strong>
7434Technology drives our mission of connecting people to politics, policies, and government. Our company is a startup using technology-based and data-driven solutions to innovate the civic process.
7435
7436<strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Africa?</strong>
7437You cannot make real and effective changes unless you specifically address the needs of the people and market that you are serving. It is incredibly important to pay attention to your particular market and not just simply apply something that may work in America or the UK, but create solutions particular to communities in Africa.
7438
7439The EAGLE mobile app is available for download on smartphones.
7440
7441Use the hashtag #beheard and #EAGLEapp!
7442For more information on Civic Eagle, please reach:
7443Lesley Adeyemi Adewunmi
7444Director of Product Development
7445Email: Lesley {at} civiceagle.com
7446Website: <strong><a title="http://www.civiceagle.com/#eagle-civic-tech" href="http://www.civiceagle.com/#eagle-civic-tech" target="_blank">www.civiceagle.com</a></strong>
7447Twitter: <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/@Civic_Eagle" href="https://twitter.com/@Civic_Eagle" target="_blank">@Civic_Eagle</a></strong>
7448Instagram: <strong><a title="http://instagram.com/Civic_Eagle" href="http://instagram.com/Civic_Eagle" target="_blank">Civic_Eagle</a></strong>
7449
7450&nbsp;
7451
7452&nbsp;
7453
7454&nbsp;
7455
7456&nbsp;
7457
7458&nbsp;
7459
7460&nbsp;
7461
7462&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4521,post_date:"2014-11-21 18:02:19",post_date_gmt:"2014-11-21 17:02:19",post_modified:"2014-11-24 17:01:02",post_modified_gmt:"2014-11-24 16:01:02",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"young-nigerian-develops-mobile-app-to-help-increase-civic-participation-in-the-u-s",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Civic Eagle"},{__cdata:"civic participation"},{__cdata:"civic social network"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Lesley Adeyemi Adewunmi"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"policy"},{__cdata:"politics"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/EasntY4jPwG"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/CmiU6p9M83h"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/clWv8qMaYI"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4538"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Vogue Italia Calling African Fashion Entrepreneurs"}

7462,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/11/25/vogue-italia-calling-african-fashion-entrepreneurs/",pubDate:"Tue, 25 Nov 2014 15:38:55 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4540",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/vogue.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4541" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/vogue.jpg?w=635" alt="Vogue" width="635" height="261" /></a><strong><a title="http://www.vogue.it/en/talents/contests-and-more/2014/11/scouting-for-africa" href="http://www.vogue.it/en/talents/contests-and-more/2014/11/scouting-for-africa" target="_blank">Vogue Talents</a>, </strong>International Business Consortium Nigeria, Ecowas Fashion week,  and Africa International fashion week in partnership with Studio 24 presents: "Scouting for Africa," a project sponsored by Access Bank PLC Nigeria and Baileys.
7463
7464This project is aimed at emerging womenswear, menswear,  or accessories designers of African nationality or designers of any nationality but based in Africa.
7465
7466The profiles of the best designers will appear in <strong>Vogue Italia</strong> in 2015.
7467
7468One of the selected designers will present their garments and accessories within the marvelous setting of Palazzo Morando in Milan - a showcase of international scouting, September 2015. During this special event, the chosen designers will be able to show their collections to journalists, buyers, and designers.  The designers picked will feature at Africa International fashion week coming up on the 2nd to the 6th of December, 2015 at the new Grand Ball Hall Lekki in Lagos, Nigeria, with an award night by Baileys targeting women who have made their mark in the African fashion industry.
7469
7470<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: December 5, 2014
7471
7472<strong>Email</strong>:  scoutingforafrica {at} condenast.it
7473
7474The complete pictures of your last 2 collections, a résumé, and the following information:
7475
7476Designer name:
7477Brand name:
7478Where do you live:
7479Where do you produce:
7480When was the brand created:
7481Contacts: email address - phone (landline/mobile):
7482Nationality:
7483Age:
7484
7485An essential and binding prerequisite: participants must be of African nationality or their brand be based in Africa.
7486
7487&nbsp;
7488
7489&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4540,post_date:"2014-11-25 16:38:55",post_date_gmt:"2014-11-25 15:38:55",post_modified:"2014-11-25 16:38:55",post_modified_gmt:"2014-11-25 15:38:55",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"vogue-italia-calling-african-fashion-entrepreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Ecowas Fashion week"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"International Business"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Vogue Italia"},{__cdata:"Vogue Talents"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/AmkfQ5BVakX"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/Dk9HxUHA7eR"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/bZ5IaVKFCI"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Finding Success in Brazil: South African Entrepreneur Tells Her Story"}

7489,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/12/01/finding-success-in-brazil-south-african-entrepreneur-tells-her-story/",pubDate:"Mon, 01 Dec 2014 19:20:17 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4549",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" size="full" link="file" ids="4550,4553"]
7490
7491Sometimes as an entrepreneur, you do not always have to start your business from scratch. Your path to entrepreneurship could be an expansion strategy for an existing company. If this is a path that you would like to consider, take the time to identify the industry that you would like to make a difference in, and move forward from there. This is exactly what <strong><a title="https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxsannedyssell" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxsannedyssell" target="_blank">Roxsanne Dyssell</a> </strong>did. While completing her graduate studies at NYU, Dyssell attended several networking events which led to meeting Nalla Brazil representatives.
7492
7493She said,<em> “compared to the very negative perceptions of the U.S. job market for recent graduates, the potential for success and the supportive environment of African networking events that I attended while completing my education at New York University convinced me to follow through on this business opportunity.”</em>
7494
7495Dyssell is also organizer of the <a title="http://www.roxsanne.com/2013/11/20/african-ladies-who-brunch/" href="http://www.roxsanne.com/2013/11/20/african-ladies-who-brunch/" target="_blank">African Women who Brunch roundtable</a>. She started this initiative to challenge the trend of why many panels on investments and business in Africa were usually all-male. The brunch became a way to introduce and connect professional African women living in New York City with one another. The AWP Network met with Dyssell to learn about her new venture and why she chose to collaborate with and find a business partner in Brazil.
7496
7497<strong>What is Nalla Brazil? </strong>
7498
7499<strong><a title="http://www.nallabr.com.br/novo/en/about.php" href="http://www.nallabr.com.br/novo/en/about.php" target="_blank">Nalla</a></strong> is an established brand in Brazil; I am working to expand its reach globally. My team and I develop the marketing materials for reaching international markets. Nalla Brazil provides network managed services to include spare parts management, field maintenance, technical warehousing, logistics management, integration and optimization with customized cloud-based reporting tools. The company is fully aligned to the telecommunications market - combining flexibility, competitive prices, and technical skills.
7500
7501Nalla Brazil prioritizes the market according to trends and demands. The company also offers services directly and indirectly to major carriers and brokers around the world.
7502
7503<strong>What inspired you to pursue this partnership?</strong>
7504
7505Compared to the very negative perceptions of the U.S. job market for recent graduates, the potential for success and the supportive environment of African networking events in NYC convinced me to follow through on this opportunity.
7506
7507<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
7508
7509<strong> </strong>We focus on servicing 2nd and 3rd tier telecoms operators in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. These types of operators are typically smaller, we are also looking for innovative companies that challenge incumbents in the market and work hard to win and maintain their market shares.
7510
7511<strong>How have you financed the idea?</strong>
7512
7513Our partners are committed to providing the funds needed to expand. The key benefit here is that we do not need to explain or justify the risks and rewards of working in emerging markets, coming from the second world; our investors are already familiar with the territory.
7514
7515<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
7516
7517The level of service and attention to detail we offer our customers at any given time.
7518
7519<strong>What is the long-term plan for your business?</strong>
7520
7521We have a 3-year plan in place; we are focused on being sustainable. We want to retain a small contingent of repeat customers whose profiles we can define and to which we can adapt. Bey

7521ond that we would like to expand our product offerings to include technical services and in-country support.
7522
7523<strong>What challenges do you face?</strong>
7524<ul>
7525	<li><strong>Communication</strong> – this is our biggest challenge to date. Some of the companies we work with can be slow and opaque, hence making it difficult to analyze and define decision makers, timelines, and the seriousness of opportunities.</li>
7526</ul>
7527<ul>
7528	<li><strong>Preparation</strong>- you need to be prepared for the unexpected. Currently, we have suffered a significant drop in business from our West African customers due to the Ebola epidemic. Although we continue to support their efforts, we have turned to our diversified customer base across the continent to ensure consistent revenues.</li>
7529</ul>
7530<strong>What key things have you learned since starting this business?</strong>
7531<ul>
7532	<li><strong>Be Respectful</strong>: The value of respecting and connecting cultures has proven to be my biggest asset. You do not need to have a degree in UN diplomacy to know this, but getting to know your customers and suppliers on a personal level as well as understanding their cultures has helped to retain and build stronger long-term relationships. Our marketing materials go out to over 100 clients in various countries around the world therefore; we need to have a clear and consistent message that speaks to our customers on many levels.</li>
7533</ul>
7534<ul>
7535	<li><strong>Be Confident</strong>: under-promise and over-deliver. This has helped us to build confidence in our investment partners and in our customers.</li>
7536</ul>
7537&nbsp;
7538
7539<strong>What 5 things do start-up entrepreneurs need to know?</strong>
7540
7541<strong> </strong>(1) Have a plan and develop a thorough business proposal,
7542
7543(2) First impressions matter – do not forget the importance of first impressions. Spend the time and money on a well-designed image for your proposal. Our proposal needs to stand out against presentations from Samsung and Ericsson. No matter how small you are, design and create as though you are competing against multinationals.
7544
7545(3) Find an investor and partner (s) who inspire you.
7546
7547(4) Select a workspace that promotes productivity, networking, and a strong business community – we chose WeWork, which specializes in linking start-ups with established companies.
7548
7549(5) Plan for the worst and make sure that your business structure allows for things to go wrong.
7550
7551(6) Last but not least and more importantly, get a dog for the office.
7552
7553&nbsp;
7554
7555<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say “there is no money”?</strong>
7556
7557Start looking at second world economies – newly developed countries, such as BRICS members - they have a very fresh memory of the risks and challenges emerging economies face. They themselves have reaped the rewards of fast growth in previous decades.
7558
7559<strong>How do you think African youths can continue to support each other?</strong>
7560
7561Young Africans can start by celebrating one another. Also, remember that networking is not just about your own project, but about supporting and connecting others so that they too can attain their goals. I find great happiness in watching others succeed, and always do the most I can to support them.
7562
7563<strong>How many jobs have you created so far?</strong>
7564
7565Our business model is best described as “light.” We work with contractors in Somalia, China, Ivory Coast, and Brazil to help us develop the resources needed to reach the next level. Here in the USA we have created (2) jobs so far.
7566
7567<strong>How has technology enhanced your business idea?</strong>
7568
7569Technology is our business. In terms of administrative resources, we are able to build a world-class structure at very affordable and manageable overheads. Paid software tools such as Asana, Dropbox, and Zoho have proven to be invaluable to our global workspace.
7570
7571<strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Africa?</strong>
7572
7573We can support and improve innovation in Africa by focusing our abilities and resources on helping African companies reduce costs and improve efficiencies. With more resources and higher profitability, innovation will find its incubators. The African diaspora should not be overlooked. In fact, the diaspora has played an important role in the recent successes of many other economies to include India, Korea, and China.
7574
7575&nbsp;
7576

7577<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/color-400.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4553" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/color-400.jpg" alt="color-400" width="400" height="98" /></a>
7578
7579&nbsp;
7580
7581&nbsp;
7582
7583&nbsp;
7584
7585&nbsp;
7586
7587Contact Roxsanne Dyssell at Nalla
7588
7589Twitter: <a title="https://twitter.com/RoxzyLok" href="https://twitter.com/RoxzyLok" target="_blank">Nalla</a>
7590
7591Google: <a title="https://plus.google.com/108890864175211064289/posts" href="https://plus.google.com/108890864175211064289/posts" target="_blank">Nalla</a>
7592
7593&nbsp;
7594
7595&nbsp;
7596
7597&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4549,post_date:"2014-12-01 20:20:17",post_date_gmt:"2014-12-01 19:20:17",post_modified:"2014-12-01 20:24:15",post_modified_gmt:"2014-12-01 19:24:15",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"finding-success-in-brazil-south-african-entrepreneur-tells-her-story",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African women"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Brasil"},{__cdata:"Brazil"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nalla"},{__cdata:"Nalla Brazil"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Roxsanne Dyssell"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4550"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/fLd4EPJgpeH"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/MKQJnVHuAga"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/3CCgPRDgTn"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:6002,comment_author:{__cdata:"Arthur"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://www.fluence.co.za",comment_author_IP:"105.226.13.116",comment_date:"2014-12-21 11:18:28",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-21 10:18:28",comment_content:{__cdata:"How would someone connect with opportunities in South America all the way from South Africa? Have u given any thought to doing something like that?"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1419168941.0681250095367431640625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1419168940"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1419161464.5413401126861572265625;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1419157109.0716669559478759765625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"4660587035"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1419168940"}}]}

7597,{comment_id:5760,comment_author:{__cdata:"Finding Success in Brazil: South African Entrepreneur Tells Her Story | Denmark Brazil"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.denmarkbrazil.com/finding-success-in-brazil-south-african-entrepreneur-tells-her-story/",comment_author_IP:"193.202.110.177",comment_date:"2014-12-02 08:28:14",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-02 07:28:14",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Source: awpnetwork.com [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1417510670.9241468906402587890625;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1417505294.6074841022491455078125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1417619891"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1417619892.5609819889068603515625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:5792,comment_author:{__cdata:"Roxsanne"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.135.169.224",comment_date:"2014-12-04 16:19:57",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-04 15:19:57",comment_content:{__cdata:"Thank you! I may have to follow up with you on that!"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1417742805"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1417706397.572782993316650390625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"4030434217"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1417742805"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1417711395.603971958160400390625;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1417742806.33421802520751953125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:5777,comment_author:{__cdata:"uctoldboy"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://analieninecuador.wordpress.com",comment_author_IP:"190.155.91.173",comment_date:"2014-12-03 14:54:28",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-03 13:54:28",comment_content:{__cdata:`Reblogged this on <a href="http://analieninecuador.wordpress.com/2014/12/03/finding-success-in-brazil-south-african-entrepreneur-tells-her-story/" rel="nofollow">An Alien in Ecuador</a> and commented: 
7598South Africans taking over the Americas :-)`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:74472351,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1417614869.32662200927734375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:9:"uctoldboy";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1417614869"}},{meta_key:"reblog_ping",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1417618970.5197970867156982421875;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:9:"uctoldboy";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"3973036782"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1417619890"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1417619890"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1417619891.385902881622314453125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:5778,comment_author:{__cdata:"uctoldboy"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://analieninecuador.wordpress.com",comment_author_IP:"190.155.91.173",comment_date:"2014-12-03 14:56:39",comment_date_gmt:"2014-12-03 13:56:39",comment_content:{__cdata:"Well done Roxy!! Let me know when you plan on expanding to Ecuador...I have some good contacts for startups here."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:74472351,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1417615000.3689339160919189453125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:9:"uctoldboy";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1417615000"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"3973035610"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1417618970.5979731082916259765625;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:9:"uctoldboy";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1417619888"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1417619888"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1417619889.1309220790863037109375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6879,comment_author:{__cdata:"The Society of African Ladies Who Brunch Raise Funds for Girls in Liberia &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/04/22/the-society-of-african-ladies-who-brunch-raise-funds-for-girls-in-liberia/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.190",comment_date:"2015-04-22 21:17:40",comment_date_gmt:"2015-04-22 20:17:40",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

75980;] by South African entrepreneur Roxsanne Dyssell, the Society of African Ladies who Brunch are a New York City based organization of diaspora [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1429733905.979093074798583984375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1429733860.4108979701995849609375;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1429733905"}}]},{comment_id:6482,comment_author:{__cdata:"Finding Success in Brazil: South African Entrep..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/women-in-business-africa/p/4036784501/2015/02/07/finding-success-in-brazil-south-african-entrepreneur-tells-her-story",comment_author_IP:"185.32.100.72",comment_date:"2015-02-07 11:04:31",comment_date_gmt:"2015-02-07 10:04:31",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Sometimes as an entrepreneur, you do not always have to start your business from scratch. Your path to entrepreneurship could be an expansion strategy for an existing company. If this is a path tha...&nbsp; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1423303471.5294020175933837890625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1423308800.3701999187469482421875;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1423322564"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1423322565.4466168880462646484375;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:11300,comment_author:{__cdata:"Founder of Afamba to Host Tech Bae Event in NYC &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2018/12/05/founder-of-afamba-to-host-tech-bae-event-in-nyc/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.99.109",comment_date:"2018-12-05 18:12:16",comment_date_gmt:"2018-12-05 17:12:16",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Roxsanne Dyssell, Managing Partner at Afamba LLC, a telecom market access consultancy and a network supplier based in New York City will host Tech Bae Event in NYC.  [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1544029937.393269;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1544029988"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1544029988.780644;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"The 2014 AWP Network Power List"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/",pubDate:"Mon, 08 Dec 2014 22:26:34 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4571",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<em>Be the change. Be Inspired. Be you.</em>
7599
7600Recognizing (40) African women with powerful, inspiring, and influential voices.
7601
7602Introducing Africa’s leading women!
7603
7604At the AWP Network, we aim to encourage more <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/12/02/the-2013-awp-network-power-list/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/12/02/the-2013-awp-network-power-list/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">African women with powerful voices</a> </strong>who will continue to create programs and policies that support the development and growth of African women and girls.
7605
7606[caption id="attachment_4318" align="alignleft" width="221"]<a href="https://staging.awpnet

7606work.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/arunma-oteh.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-4318" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/arunma-oteh.jpg?w=221" alt="Arunma Oteh" width="221" height="300" /></a> Arunma Oteh[/caption]
7607
76081. <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/10/23/arunma-oteh-named-west-african-business-woman-of-the-year/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/10/23/arunma-oteh-named-west-african-business-woman-of-the-year/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arunma Oteh</a></strong> (Nigeria): is Director General of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission. This year, Oteh was named West African Business Woman of the Year by CNBC at the Africa All Africa Business Leaders Awards.
7609
76102. <strong><a title="http://www.unwomen.org/~/media/commoncontent/cv-phumzile-mlambo-ngcuka%20pdf.pdf" href="http://www.unwomen.org/~/media/commoncontent/cv-phumzile-mlambo-ngcuka%20pdf.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Phumzile Mlambo- Ngcuka</a></strong> (South Africa): is the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN women.
7611
76123. <strong><a title="http://redesign.nigeriaunmission.org/" href="http://redesign.nigeriaunmission.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Joy Ogwu</a></strong> (New York/Nigeria): is the permanent representative of Nigeria to the United Nations in New York and president of the executive board of the UN women entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women.
7613
76144. <strong><a title="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/31/opinion/dont-let-ebola-dehumanize-africa.html?_r=0" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/31/opinion/dont-let-ebola-dehumanize-africa.html?_r=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Angélique Kidjo</a></strong> (New York/Benin): is a Grammy award–winning singer and songwriter, UNICEF goodwill ambassador, and author of “Spirit Rising: My Life, My Music.”
7615
76165. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/MKanyoro" href="https://twitter.com/MKanyoro" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Musimbi Kanyoro</a></strong> (Kenya): is CEO and president of the Global Fund for Women - an international grant-making foundation supporting groups working to advance the human rights of women and girls.
7617
76186. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/theosowa" href="https://twitter.com/theosowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Theo Sowa</a></strong> (Ghana): is CEO and president of the African Women’s Development Fund - the first pan-African women’s grantmaking institution dedicated to women’s rights and philanthropy. Sowa serves on the board of the Museum of AIDS in Africa, is a Trustee of Comic Relief, and Chair of its International Grant Making Committee.
7619
76207. <strong><a title="http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycha/html/about/bio-chair-shola-olatoye.shtml" href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycha/html/about/bio-chair-shola-olatoye.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shola Olatoye</a></strong> (New York/Nigeria): is CEO and chair of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). Olatoye was appointed to this position by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. She has also served as an alumni-elected trustee at Wesleyan University.
7621
76228. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/tabithakaranja" href="https://twitter.com/tabithakaranja" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tabitha Karanja</a></strong> (Kenya): is CEO at Keroche Breweries Limited. Keroche Breweries produces Kenya’s finest malt beer, Summit Malt. Karanja is known to be the first Kenyan to own a beer factory and was also named Businesswoman of the Year at the 2014 CNBC Africa All Africa Business Leaders Awards.
7623
76249. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/joannemwangi" href="https://twitter.com/joannemwangi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Joanne Mwangi</a></strong> (Kenya): is CEO of the PMS Group. Mwangi was also recognized by CNBC at the All African Business Leaders Awards. She serves as chair of the Federation of Women Entrepreneur Associations (FEWA) and the Eastern Africa Women Entrepreneur Exchange Network.
7625
762610. <strong><a title="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/jul/18/african-union-nkosazana-dlamini-zuma" href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/jul/18/african-union-nkosazana-dlamini-zuma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma</a></strong> (South Africa): is the Honorable Chairperson of the African Union Commission. She is the first woman to lead the organization.
7627
762811. <strong><a title="http://imanbibars.wordpress.com/about/" href="http://imanbibars.wordpress.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Iman Bibars</a></strong> (Egypt): is the regional director and vice president for Ashoka Arab World (AAW). Bibars is also co-founder and chair of the Association for the Development and Enhancement of Women (ADEW), a civil society organization providing credit and legal aid for impoverished women.
7629
763012. <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/11/11/south-africas-small-business-minister-launches-startup-nations-initiative/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/11/11/south-africas-small-business-minister-launches-startup-nations-initiative/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lindiwe Zulu</a> </strong>(South Africa): is South Africa’s minister of small business development. This year, Zulu launched the Startup Nations South Africa initiative, aimed at contributing towards building a robust entrepreneurship ecosystem and vibrant sustainable entrepreneurship culture.
7631
763213.<strong><a title="http://www.inspire-africa.com/about_moabudu.php" href="http://www.inspire-africa.com/about_moabudu.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Mosunmola Abudu</a></strong> (Nigeria): is founder of Ebony Life Television and Inspire Africa Foundation. Abudu is a talk show host, TV producer, media personality, human resources management consultant, and entrepreneur.
7633
763414. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/biolaa1" href="https://twitter.com/biolaa1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Biola Alabi </a></strong>(Nigeria): is a 2014 Yale World fellow and managing partner at Biola Alabi Media Consulting, a company designed to provide organizations with access to highly qualified professionals in the broadcast, telecommunications, and digital industries. Prior to this role, Alabi served as managing director of Electronic Media Network (MNET), Africa’s first private and leading subscription television service.
7635
763615. <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/10/22/awp-exclusive-pictures-from-the-women-girls-summit/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/10/22/awp-exclusive-pictures-from-the-women-girls-summit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Akudo Anyanwu-Ikemba</a></strong> (Nigeria): is CEO and founder of Friends Africa, an organization committed to continuing the fight against HIV/ AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Friends Africa is also winner of the 2014 ONE Africa prize.
7637
763816.<strong> <a title="https://twitter.com/solar_sister" href="https://twitter.com/solar_sister" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Solar Sister</a></strong> (Africa): was founded by Katherine Lucey and Neha Misra. Solar Sister invests in women and aims to eradicate energy poverty by empowering women with economic opportunity. With a strategic woman-centered direct sales network, the organization plans to bring light, hope, and opportunity to even the most remote communities in rural Africa.
7639
764017.<strong> <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/11/06/7-tips-for-young-women-in-business-founder-of-wie-offers-advice/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/11/06/7-tips-for-young-women-in-business-founder-of-wie-offers-advice/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dee Poku-Spalding</a></strong> (New York/Ghana): is founder of the Women, Inspiration, and Enterprise (WIE) Network, which aims to empower a new generation of women leaders. WIE organizes a global conference to connect established trailblazers with emerging leaders.
7641
764218. <strong><a title="http://lunchboxgift.wordpress.com/tag/memuna-janneh/" href="http://lunchboxgift.wordpress.com/tag/memuna-janneh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Memuna Janneh</a></strong> (United Kingdom/Sierra Leone): is owner of Clockwork Business Club and founder of LunchBox Gift. Lunchbox was instrumental in providing hot meals to those affected by the Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone. Lunchbox has fed approximately 2,600 people in seven different c

7642ommunities.
7643
764419. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/hadizabalausman" href="https://twitter.com/hadizabalausman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hadiza Bala-Usman</a></strong> (Nigeria): is co-founder, coordinator, and initiator of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign. Bala-Usman is a human rights activist who has fought for the release of the abducted Chibok school girls in Borno State.
7645
764620.<strong> <a title="http://sarahpeace.co.uk/" href="http://sarahpeace.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sarah Peace</a></strong> (United Kingdom/Nigeria): is a multi-disciplinary visual artist and human rights activist whose art piece, “Chibok 100” featured black-veiled 'figures' representing the abducted Chibok school girls.
7647
764821. <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/10/29/8-quotes-from-african-women-entrepreneurs-at-the-cuny-young-african-leadership-symposium/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/10/29/8-quotes-from-african-women-entrepreneurs-at-the-cuny-young-african-leadership-symposium/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Funke Bucknor-Obruthe </a></strong>(Nigeria): is CEO and founder of Zapphire Events, West Africa’s leading event planning company, helping customers “transform the mundane to magical.”
7649
765022. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/MealdredO" href="https://twitter.com/MealdredO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mildred Okwo</a> </strong>(Nigeria): is co-founder of the Audrey Silva company. Okwo is a well-recognized film director and producer whose film “The Meeting,” has won several awards to include the Nigerian Entertainment Award, the Africa Movie Academy Award, and the Nollywood Movies Award.
7651
765223.<strong> <a title="https://twitter.com/nseikpeetim" href="https://twitter.com/nseikpeetim" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nse Ikpe-Etim</a> </strong>(Nigeria): is an award-winning actress and winner of the 2014 Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards for playing "Nse" in the film <em>Journey to Self</em>.
7653
765424.<strong> <a title="https://twitter.com/missahenkorah" href="https://twitter.com/missahenkorah" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deborah Ahenkorah</a> </strong>(Ghana): is co-founder and executive director of the Golden Baobab, a social enterprise aimed at promoting African children’s literature. She is an Echoing Green Fellow and a New Voices Fellow at the Aspen Institute.
7655
765625. <strong><a title="http://waawfoundation.org/waawblog/2013/08/16/waaw-foundation-founder-dr-unoma-okoroafor-winner-2013-grace-hopper-celebration-ghc-abie-award/" href="http://waawfoundation.org/waawblog/2013/08/16/waaw-foundation-founder-dr-unoma-okoroafor-winner-2013-grace-hopper-celebration-ghc-abie-award/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unoma Okorafor</a></strong> (Texas/Nigeria): is owner of Herbal Papaya and Founder of WAAW - an organization whose  mission is to promote STEM education for African girls. Okorafor is also winner of the Anita Borg Institute Award.
7657
765826. <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/06/25/women-of-west-africa-entrepreneurship-conference/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/06/25/women-of-west-africa-entrepreneurship-conference/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tori Abiola</a></strong> (Nigeria): is managing director of Montgomery West Africa, a platform that organizes the Women of West Africa Entrepreneurship Conference (WOWe).
7659
766027. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/moh4gafrica" href="https://twitter.com/moh4gafrica" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mobolaji Akiode</a></strong> (New York/Nigeria): is a professional basketball player and founder of Hope 4 Girls Africa - an organization dedicated to using sports, particularly basketball camps, to inspire and empower impoverished young women. From Nigeria, to Ghana, and Benin Republic, Hope 4 Girls Africa has helped girls secure student athletic scholarships.
7661
766228. <strong><a title="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-olushoga/12-young-entrepreneurs-wh_b_5600368.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-olushoga/12-young-entrepreneurs-wh_b_5600368.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tola Onigbanjo</a></strong> (United Kingdom/Nigeria): is co-founder of Women4Africa, a UK-based organization celebrating, recognizing, and honoring African women who have made great impact in their communities.
7663
766429. <strong><a title="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-olushoga/12-young-entrepreneurs-wh_b_5600368.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-olushoga/12-young-entrepreneurs-wh_b_5600368.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Misan Rewane </a></strong>(Nigeria): is founder of West Africa Vocational Education (WAVE), an organization tackling youth unemployment by identifying, training, and placing talented West African y

7664ouths in wage-earning jobs in the hospitality sector.
7665
766630. <strong><a title="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-olushoga/12-young-entrepreneurs-wh_b_5600368.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-olushoga/12-young-entrepreneurs-wh_b_5600368.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Achenyo Idachaba</a></strong> (Nigeria): is founder of MitiMeth, a company producing hand-woven crafts from invasive aquatic weeds prevalent in Nigeria's waterways. MitiMeth engages local artisans to create eco-friendly hand- woven home décor and personal accessories from invasive aquatic weeds and non-timber forest resources.
7667
766831.<strong><a title="https://twitter.com/ragyare" href="https://twitter.com/ragyare" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Regina Agyare</a></strong> (Ghana): is founder of Soronko Solutions and coordinator of Tech Needs Girls Ghana, which teaches young Ghanaian girls how to code. Agyare is a fellow at the Aspen Institute, an Ashoka fellow, and a Washington Fellow for Young African Leaders.
7669
767032. <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/22/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepreneurs/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/22/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepreneurs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yasmin Belo-Osagie</a></strong> (Nigeria): is co-founder of She Leads Africa - a platform providing the most talented female entrepreneurs across the continent with access to the knowledge, networks, and financing needed to build and scale strong businesses.
7671
767233. <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/22/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepreneurs/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/22/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepreneurs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Afua Osei</a> </strong>(Ghana): is co-founder of She Leads Africa - a platform providing the most talented female entrepreneurs across the continent with access to the knowledge, networks, and financing needed to build and scale strong businesses.
7673
767434. <strong><a title="https://ng.linkedin.com/in/ucheeze" href="https://ng.linkedin.com/in/ucheeze" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Uche Pedro</a></strong> (Nigeria): is managing director of BellaNaija, an online platform that develops and manages exciting online media content for a Pan-African audience.
7675
767635. <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/08/14/fashion-entrepreneur-creates-luxury-brand-for-african-women/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/08/14/fashion-entrepreneur-creates-luxury-brand-for-african-women/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jane Ole </a></strong>(Nigeria): is owner and creative director of luxury brand, Elizabeth Waldorf, which creates timeless designs for African women who appreciate luxury, elegance, and style.
7677
767836. <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/doreenmashika" href="https://twitter.com/doreenmashika" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Doreen Mashika</a> </strong>(Tanzania): is an award-winning luxury designer and founder of doreenmashika.com. Mashika fuses traditional African prints and techniques with contemporary Western style to create unique cosmopolitan pieces.
7679
768037. <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/02/03/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-nollywood-producer-means-business/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/02/03/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-nollywood-producer-means-business/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Uduak Isong </a></strong>(Nigeria): is a Nollywood writer, executive producer, and co-founder of the Royal Arts Academy, a company that offers courses and in-depth training on various aspects of the film industry.
7681
768238. <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/06/03/fearless-and-bold-iheoma-obibi-opens-nigerias-first-online-adult-novelty-store/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/06/03/fearless-and-bold-iheoma-obibi-opens-nigerias-first-online-adult-novelty-store/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Iheoma Obibi</a> </strong>(Nigeria): is a women’s rights advocate and owner of Intimate Pleasures, a novelty store for women and their partners.
7683
768439.<strong> <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/01/15/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2012/01/15/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ijeoma Mbamalu</a></strong> (New York/Nigeria): is co-founder of MUI-The PR Company (MUIPR), a company representing multiple business segments and leaders across three strategic brand public relations (PR) areas: social/digital media, events, and traditional PR.
7685
768640. <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/06/09/slides-hrpr-business-series/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/06/09/slides-hrpr-business-series/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yvonne Unubun</a></strong> (New York/Nigeria): is the official publicist for the Nigerian Entertainment Awards and the Nigerian Centenary U.S. Awards. Unubun also owns Mayven PR - a boutique PR consulting firm providing top-notch public relations, brand and image consulting, writing, amongst other publicity and marketing services to its clients in various industries.
7687
7688In addition to recognizing Africa’s leading women, the AWP Network develops innovative small business content for African entrepreneurs.
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7734&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4571,post_date:"2014-12-08 23:26:34",post_date_gmt:"2014-12-08 22:26:34",post_modified:"2017-12-05 05:07:19",post_modified_gmt:"2017-12-05 04:07:19",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-2014-awp-network-power-list",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Achenyo Idachaba"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"Afua Osei"},{__cdata:"Akudo Anyanwu-Ikemba"},{__cdata:"Amini Kajunju"},{__cdata:"Angélique Kidjo"},{__cdata:"Anie Akpe-Lewis"},{__cdata:"Arunma Oteh"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Benin"},{__cdata:"Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola"},{__cdata:"Biola Alabi"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie"},{__cdata:"Deborah Ahenkorah"},{__cdata:"Dee Poku-Spalding"},{__cdata:"Dinah Musindarwezo"},{__cdata:"Doreen Mashika"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Egypt"},{__cdata:"Esther Agbarakwe"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Farai Gundan"},{__cdata:"FEMNET"},{__cdata:"Funke Bucknor-Obruthe"},{__cdata:"Funmi Iyanda"},{__cdata:"Garca Machel"},{__cdata:"Ghana"},{__cdata:"Hadiza Bala-Usman"},{__cdata:"Hussainatu Blake"},{__cdata:"IBOM"},{__cdata:"Iheoma Obibi"},{__cdata:"Ijeoma Mbamalu"},{__cdata:"Iman Bibars"},{__cdata:"Ini Onuk"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Jane Ole"},{__cdata:"Joanne Mwangi"},{__cdata:"Joy Ogwu"},{__cdata:"Juliana Rotich"},{__cdata:"Katherine Lucey"},{__cdata:"Kenya"},{__cdata:"Leymah Gbowee"},{__cdata:"Liberia"},{__cdata:"Lindiwe Zulu"},{__cdata:"Lorna Rutto"},{__cdata:"Malawi"},{__cdata:"Mametja Moshe"},{__cdata:"Marieme Jamme"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Memuna Janneh"},{__cdata:"Mildred Okwo"},{__cdata:"Minna Salami"},{__cdata:"Misan Rewane"},{__cdata:"Mobolaji Akiode"},{__cdata:"Mosunmola Abudu"},{__cdata:"Mpule Kwelagobe"},{__cdata:"Musimbi Kanyoro"},{__cdata:"Neha Misra"},{__cdata:"Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nkem Uwaje"},{__cdata:"Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma"},{__cdata:"Nomsa Daniels"},{__cdata:"Nse Ikpe-Etim"},{__cdata:"Oby Ezekwesili"},{__cdata:"Ola Orekunrin"},{__cdata:"Omobola Johnson"},{__cdata:"Oreoluwa Somolu"},{__cdata:"Ory Okolloh"},{__cdata:"Phumzile Mlambo- Ngcuka"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"President Joyce Banda"},{__cdata:"President Sirleaf Johnson"},{__cdata:"Rai Sow"},{__cdata:"Rainatou Sow"},{__cdata:"Rapelang Rabana"},{__cdata:"Rebecca Enonchong"},{__cdata:"Regina Agyare"},{__cdata:"Rhoda Wilson"},{__cdata:"Rita Dominic"},{__cdata:"Sarah Peace"},{__cdata:"Saran Kaba Jones"},{__cdata:"Semhar Araia"},{__cdata:"Shola Olatoye"},{__cdata:"Sierra Leone"},{__cdata:"Solar Sister"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"Spectra Speaks"},{__cdata:"Tabitha Karanja"},{__cdata:"The African Woman Power Network"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Theo Sowa"},{__cdata:"Tola Onigbanjo"},{__cdata:"Tori Abiola"},{__cdata:"Toyin Saraki"},{__cdata:"Uche Pedro"},{__cdata:"Uduak Isong"},{__cdata:"Uduak Oduok"},{__cdata:"Unoma Okorafor"},{__cdata:"Vivian Onano"},{__cdata:"Wendy Ackerman"},{__cdata:"Yasmin Belo-Osagie"},{__cdata:"Yvonne Unubun"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4318"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/P2uXYsDZpPm"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/692wxd1iDnq"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/SECDPFKfUs"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_job_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"12159605442"}}],comment:[{comment_id:6466,comment_author:{__cdata:"My Voice Matters: Nigerian Film Entrepreneur Lends Her Voice To The Upcoming Elections &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/02/05/my-voice-matters-nigerian-film-entrepreneur-lends-her-voice-to-the-upcoming-elections/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.81.72",comment_date:"2015-02-05 13:06:42",comment_date_gmt:"2015-02-05 12:06:42",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

77340;] Star Actress, Rita Dominic and award-winning Director, Mildred Okwo - co-founders of the Audrey Silva company, both lend their skills, talent, and voice to support […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1423138002.915172100067138671875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1423138034"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1423138035.9228649139404296875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:7734,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2015 AWP Network Power List « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/12/30/the-2015-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.81.174",comment_date:"2015-12-30 16:59:10",comment_date_gmt:"2015-12-30 15:59:10",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] The 2014 AWP Network Power List  […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1451495789.8299329280853271484375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1451499168"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1451491150.90701007843017578125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1451499169.03812694549560546875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:7376,comment_author:{__cdata:"Apply: Leadership Development Program for Young African Leaders « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/09/15/apply-leadership-development-program-for-young-african-leaders/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.82.192",comment_date:"2015-09-15 22:18:38",comment_date_gmt:"2015-09-15 21:18:38",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Biola Alabi announces the announces the launch of  ‘Grooming for Greatness’ – a year-long program set to commence with a 3-day on boarding event, which will bring leaders across sectors to share their experiences and expertise, and groom the next generation of African business leaders. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1442351918.39537811279296875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1442351940"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1442351941.2899000644683837890625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:7442,comment_author:{__cdata:"14 Leading Organizations Changing the Lives of Nigerian Women and Girls « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/10/13/14-leading-organizations-changing-the-lives-of-nigerian-women-and-girls/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.80.143",comment_date:"2015-10-13 01:03:00",comment_date_gmt:"2015-10-13 00:03:00",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Website || Twitter || Facebook || Instagram […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1444694604.4048058986663818359375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1444694603"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1444694580.20298004150390625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:7299,comment_author:{__cdata:"Doing Business in Nigeria: How Technology Is Changing the Way We Operate | News Agency"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://nwnews.pw/2015/08/28/doing-business-in-nigeria-how-technology-is-changing-the-way-we-operate/",comment_author_IP:"95.213.157.214",comment_date:"2015-08-28 23:06:06",comment_date_gmt:"2015-08-28 22:06:06",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

77340;] tools and platforms will enable the rest of the world to recognize the growing number and the new generation of African women leaders whose voices and presence ought to be […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1441288263"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1441288263.91695499420166015625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1440803252.5444600582122802734375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1440799566.4730489253997802734375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:7187,comment_author:{__cdata:"Arunma Oteh Named Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/07/30/arunma-oteh-named-vice-president-and-treasurer-of-the-world-bank/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.104",comment_date:"2015-07-30 17:47:23",comment_date_gmt:"2015-07-30 16:47:23",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] AWP Network salutes and congratulates Arunma Oteh, who was recently appointed vice president and treasurer of the World Bank. Oteh previously served […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1438274907"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1438274907.8878390789031982421875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1438274843.5618379116058349609375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:8938,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2016 AWP Network Power List « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/12/27/the-2016-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.100.250",comment_date:"2016-12-27 21:31:14",comment_date_gmt:"2016-12-27 20:31:14",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] AWP 2014 Power List […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1482871015.96393299102783203125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1482871015"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1482870675.300510883331298828125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:9269,comment_author:{__cdata:"Omoyeni A. Dasilver"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"82.145.209.118",comment_date:"2017-06-18 19:06:08",comment_date_gmt:"2017-06-18 18:06:08",comment_content:{__cdata:`Dear Madam,
7735    I am Omoyeni A. Dasilver of perfect homework Int. Kogi State, Nigeria.
7736   The above named organization is a Nigeria based firm, we are multi-facet in nature and I am the managing Director of the organization.
7737    Presently, I am working on lunching our women focused magazine latest by 2nd week of August.2017
7738      The magazine is will be known as Elegance and Beauty, which will be featuring: Health matters, celebrity stories based on their life experiences, challenges women face in the world, feature stories on women generally and Advertisement.
7739        In this respect I will be honoured to have your organisation feature in this maiden publication of d  magazine and subsequently  featuring most of your forthcoming programs in my state as well. 
7740     Having stated earlier my state is one of the states in d northern region of Nigeria usually called north central part of Nigeria, most of our women are not Often carried along and this has been a major concern to me as a woman and a mother. 
7741        Please we need your attention. 
7742   You can contact me through this mail box or if you wouldn't mind call my mobile number on +2347063054851. 
7743          Thanks 
7744                     Yours faithfully
7745                     Omoyeni A. Dasilver 
7746                     MD/CEO perfect homework                        Int. Nigeria.`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1497809169.419145107269287109375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1497813260.5637919902801513671875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1497880709"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1497880709"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497880709.9666290283203125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"6270917595"}}]},{comment_id:9741,comment_author:{__cdata:"The 2017 AWP Network Power List « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2017/12/04/the-2017-awp-network-power-list/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.99.126",comment_date:"2017-12-04 16:53:34",comment_date_gmt:"2017-12-04 15:

774653:34",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] AWP Network 2014 Power List [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1512402819"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1512402819.857204914093017578125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1512402815.36229991912841796875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Award-Winning Director Launches Talk Show for African Entrerpreneurs"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/12/11/award-winning-director-launches-talk-show-for-african-entrerpreneurs/",pubDate:"Thu, 11 Dec 2014 17:54:41 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4581",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Critically acclaimed director <a title="http://femiagbayewa.com/" href="http://femiagbayewa.com/" target="_blank">Femi Agbayewa</a> just launched a sit down interview show for African entrepreneurs, giving an opportunity to entrepreneurs to talk about their experiences, failures, successes, and visions providing an unfettered look at what it means to make it as an entrepreneur.
7747
7748Agbayewa said, "the structure of the show resembles that of another critically acclaimed show called "The Writer's Room," which focused on Hollywood actors. By shifting the focus to entrepreneurs, we are able to engage voices from a variety of industries and take part in their journey by highlighting their similarities, differences and, most importantly, it allows the unique personality of each entrepreneur to shine through."
7749
7750[youtube=http://youtu.be/YQEkvH5EJO8]
7751
7752&nbsp;
7753
7754&nbsp;
7755
7756&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4581,post_date:"2014-12-11 18:54:41",post_date_gmt:"2014-12-11 17:54:41",post_modified:"2014-12-11 19:00:23",post_modified_gmt:"2014-12-11 18:00:23",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"award-winning-director-launches-talk-show-for-african-entrerpreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"54 Kingdoms"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Anie Akpe"},{__cdata:"Anie Akpe-Lewis"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Femi Agbayewa"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu"},{__cdata:"Ijeoma Mbamalu"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Kwaku Awuah"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nana Poku"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Video"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Real Livin’ Films"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/CQ6S2Si36va"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/6ePJ6WbuSnR"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/41HxoccYyD"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4590"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]}

7756,{title:{__cdata:"IBM Announces Global Entrepreneur Program for Cloud Startups"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/12/15/ibm-announces-global-entrepreneur-program-for-cloud-startups/",pubDate:"Mon, 15 Dec 2014 18:23:57 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4591",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/untitl.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-4592 size-large" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/untitl.jpg?w=635" alt="Untitl" width="635" height="371" /></a>IBM recently announced the launch of the <strong><a title="http://www-01.ibm.com/software/info/ecod/cloudoffer/startup.html" href="http://www-01.ibm.com/software/info/ecod/cloudoffer/startup.html" target="_blank">IBM Global Entrepreneur Program for Cloud Startups.</a></strong>
7757
7758Are you ready to propel radical ideas and innovate how we live and work? Join over 5000 startups and learn how working with IBM is a game-changer. IBM has a long and deep commitment to the entrepreneurial community. Global in nature but with a focus on local startups, IBM Global Entrepreneur has the resources you need, including free software and technical experts, exposure to 600+ expert mentors including corporate execs and serial entrepreneurs, plus access to a global network of clients. Take advantage of the most cloud services available in the market for startups.
7759
7760Through this program, IBM will offer up to $120,000 worth of IBM Cloud usage credits to qualifying startups as a move to fund innovations and to spark interesting collaborations between the startups and its own entrepreneurial community.
7761
7762This program will give enterprises a full-blown access to IBM’s cloud portfolio, which includes tools to evaluate social data leveraging IBM’s new Twitter partnership, Aspera’s high speed data transfer services, and Cloudant’s flexible Database-as-a-Service (DaaS).
7763
7764Not only this, startups will get up close and personal with IBM’s vast entrepreneurial client base through IBM-facilitated networking dinners, CIO and entrepreneur meetings, and other events across the globe. And, this personal networking is probably the best opportunity for startups and the entrepreneurial community to make those vital connections that often change the course of their fate.
7765
7766As for the required tech support for the program, IBM will offer consulting and support through its global innovation centers, its new incubator space in Silicon Alley and its growing network of Bluemix Garages.
7767
7768Learn <a title="http://www-01.ibm.com/software/info/ecod/cloudoffer/startup.html" href="http://www-01.ibm.com/software/info/ecod/cloudoffer/startup.html" target="_blank">more</a>: <a title="http://www-01.ibm.com/software/info/ecod/cloudoffer/startup.html" href="http://www-01.ibm.com/software/info/ecod/cloudoffer/startup.html" target="_blank"><strong>IBM Global </strong></a>
7769
7770&nbsp;
7771
7772&nbsp;
7773
7774&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4591,post_date:"2014-12-15 19:23:57",post_date_gmt:"2014-12-15 18:23:57",post_modified:"2014-12-15 19:23:57",post_modified_gmt:"2014-12-15 18:23:57",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"ibm-announces-global-entrepreneur-program-for-cloud-startups",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"cloud computing"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"global entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"IBM Global Entrepreneur Program for Cloud Startups."},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"Startup"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4592"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Mp4yjUJ6eNJ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/3tjRXFm1HMr"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/Z7pay9SXp4"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Harambe Alliance"}

7774,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/12/17/apply-harambe-alliance/",pubDate:"Wed, 17 Dec 2014 19:55:53 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4598",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/screen-shot-2014-12-17-at-2-39-35-pm.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4599" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/screen-shot-2014-12-17-at-2-39-35-pm.png" alt="Screen Shot 2014-12-17 at 2.39.35 PM" width="635" height="299" /></a>The application for the<strong><a title="http://www.healliance.org/application_signup/" href="http://www.healliance.org/application_signup/" target="_blank"> 2015 Harambe Alliance</a></strong> is now open.
7775
7776The Harambe Alliance is an exceptional coterie of young African risk-takers who look to unlock Africa’s potential through innovative social and business ventures. Harambe seeks to empower young African entrepreneurial leaders. Admitted candidates will join the annual Symposium at Harvard University and Bretton Woods, April 10–13, 2015.
7777
7778Apply here: <strong><a title="http://www.healliance.org/application_signup/" href="http://www.healliance.org/application_signup/" target="_blank">Harambe 2015</a></strong>
7779
7780<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: December 30, 2014
7781
7782&nbsp;
7783
7784&nbsp;
7785
7786&nbsp;
7787
7788&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4598,post_date:"2014-12-17 20:55:53",post_date_gmt:"2014-12-17 19:55:53",post_modified:"2014-12-17 20:58:11",post_modified_gmt:"2014-12-17 19:58:11",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-harambe-alliance",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Harambe Alliance"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The African Woman Power Network"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4599"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:""}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/EFmSuZ5mL7s"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"100462998144774460050";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/H97jm8IRGd"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: 2015 Sustainia100  - Sustainable Solutions"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/12/21/apply-2015-sustainia100-sustainable-solutions/",pubDate:"Sun, 21 Dec 2014 13:51:54 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4606",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<h3><a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/screen-shot-2014-12-21-at-8-42-03-am.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4607" src="https://staging.awpnet

7788work.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/screen-shot-2014-12-21-at-8-42-03-am.png" alt="Screen Shot 2014-12-21 at 8.42.03 AM" width="635" height="120" /></a>What is Sustainia100?</h3>
7789SUSTAINIA100 is an annual guide to 100 innovative sustainable solutions from around the world. The guide identifies readily available projects, initiatives and technologies at the forefront of sustainable innovation. Last year, Sustainia’s research team and advisory board screened over 1,000 solutions, reviewed over 500, from which the final 100 solutions were selected. The SUSTAINIA100 gives investors, business leaders, policy makers and consumers insights into promising solutions within their respective fields. These vetted projects and technologies span from Western innovation hubs to emerging economies.
7790<h3>What are the Sustainia100 selection criteria?</h3>
7791In consultation with an independent advisory board, the submitted solutions are carefully vetted and selected using the five evaluation criteria:
7792
77931 – Readily available
77942 – Positive environmental impact
77953 – Financially viable
77964 – Improve quality of life
77975 – Scalability
7798
7799Apply <a title="http://www.sustainia.me/submission-form/" href="http://www.sustainia.me/submission-form/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.sustainia.me/submission-form/" href="http://www.sustainia.me/submission-form/" target="_blank">Sustainia 100</a></strong>
7800
7801<strong>Questions? </strong>Contact the team <a title="http://www.sustainia.me/submission-form" href="http://www.sustainia.me/submission-form" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>
7802
7803&nbsp;
7804
7805&nbsp;
7806
7807&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4606,post_date:"2014-12-21 14:51:54",post_date_gmt:"2014-12-21 13:51:54",post_modified:"2014-12-21 14:51:54",post_modified_gmt:"2014-12-21 13:51:54",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-2015-sustainia100-sustainable-solutions",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Sustainia 100"},{__cdata:"Sustainia Award"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/DLkXFh7ohRG"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/JeFK25uNXTE"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/EVwGpiroO0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: 2015 Tech Awards"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/12/22/apply-2015-tech-awards/",pubDate:"Mon, 22 Dec 2014 14:49:21 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4611",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnet

7807work.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/blog_techawards2014_660x360.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4616" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/blog_techawards2014_660x360.jpg" alt="blog_techawards2014_660x360" width="635" height="346" /></a>The <strong><a title="http://thetechawards.thetech.org/submit-application" href="http://thetechawards.thetech.org/submit-application" target="_blank">Tech Awards</a> </strong>honors individuals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit companies who are using technology to significantly improve human conditions in the categories of environment, education, health and economic development. There is also a category for young innovators. The technology used can be either a new invention or an innovative use of an existing technology.
7808
7809<strong>The following criteria must be met to be an eligible applicant for the <a title="http://thetechawards.thetech.org/submit-application" href="http://thetechawards.thetech.org/submit-application" target="_blank">Tech Awards</a>:</strong>
7810<ul>
7811	<li>The project addresses a problem that is well-defined and globally significant and uses innovative technology in one of five categories: Environment, Education, Young Innovator* (born in 1988 or later) Health, or Economic Development.</li>
7812	<li>The technology and application are ground-breaking and stand out from existing solutions</li>
7813	<li>The innovation is being used in the field and is measurably impactful.</li>
7814	<li>The organization's annual budget must be less than US$50 million.</li>
7815	<li>The technology application is in the field and has demonstrated a measurable benefit.</li>
7816	<li>Applications must be submitted online in English, with two letters of reference. The eligibility form for The Tech Awards 2015 will be available Nov. 1, 2014.</li>
7817</ul>
7818<strong>Categories</strong>
7819<div class="clearfix">
7820<div class="region region-content">
7821<div id="block-system-main" class="block block-system first odd">
7822<div class="content">
7823<div class="panel-display panel-1col clearfix">
7824<div class="panel-panel panel-col">
7825<div class="panel-pane pane-views pane-nominate-categories">
7826<div class="pane-content">
7827<div class="view view-nominate-categories view-id-nominate_categories view-display-id-default view-dom-id-1">
7828<div class="view-content">
7829<div class="views-row views-row-1 views-row-odd views-row-first">
7830<div class="views-field views-field-title-1">
7831<h2>Intel Environment Award</h2>
7832</div>
7833<div class="views-field views-field-body">
7834<div class="field-content">
7835
7836Although technological innovation has sometimes been at odds with sound environmental practices, technology can contribute to clean water, improved air quality, and sustainable development. This category includes the challenges of balancing population growth with available resources, protecting animal and plant life, as well as addressing the escalating demands for safe and efficient energy.
7837
7838</div>
7839</div>
7840</div>
7841<div class="views-row views-row-2 views-row-even">
7842<div class="views-field views-field-title-1">
7843<h2></h2>
7844<h2>Microsoft Education Award</h2>
7845</div>
7846<div class="views-field views-field-body">
7847<div class="field-content">
7848
7849Barriers to educational opportunities arise from social and economic injustices, learning disabilities, geographic isolation, and lack of resources of all types. Used creatively, technology can enhance the education of people of all ages, by enabling learning and improving the effectiveness of teaching. Technology has the promise of making lifelong learning a reality for more and more people around the world.
7850
7851</div>
7852</div>
7853</div>
7854<div class="views-row views-row-3 views-row-odd">
7855<div class="views-field views-field-title-1">
7856<h2></h2>
7857<h2>Katherine M. Swanson Young Innovator Award</h2>
7858</div>
7859<div class="views-field views-field-body">
7860<div class="field-content">
7861
7862This category recognizes the inspirational work of young people (under the age of 27 as of December 31) who are using technology to confront the world’s most vexing problems. The Young Innovator Award is intentionally broad in scope as it spans all the other categories of The Tech Awards: environment, education, health, and economic development. Additionally, it embraces the UNDP Millennium Development Goals for 2015: eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; achieve universal primary education; promote gender equality and empower women; reduce child mortality; improve maternal health; combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; ensure environmental sustainability; and develop a global partnership for development. For this category, judges will assign more importance to innovation than proven impact.
7863
7864</div>
7865</div>
7866</div>
7867<div class="views-row views-row-4 views-row-even">
7868<div class="views-field views-field-title-1">
7869<h2></h2>
7870<h2>Nokia Health Award</h2>
7871</div>
7872<div class="views-field views-field-body">
7873<div class="field-content">
7874
7875Technology is in the process of revolutionizing health care, from improving the quality of life for those with disabilities to eradicating deadly diseases. Biotechnology discoveries, enhanced imaging, and incredible new surgical procedures are some of the fields of endeavor. Technology can help feed the world's populations, alleviate suffering, and find cures for life-threatening ailments.
7876
7877</div>
7878</div>
7879</div>
7880<div class="views-row views-row-5 views-row-odd views-row-last">
7881<div class="views-field views-field-title-1">
7882<h2></h2>
7883<h2>Flextronics Economic Development Award</h2>
7884</div>
7885<div class="views-field views-field-body">
7886<div class="field-content">
7887<div class="views-field views-field-title-1">
7888
7889The potential of technology to create jobs and provide people with livelihoods seems limitless. From developments in the most advanced technological fields to streamlining agricultural processes, human ingenuity continues to break new ground. Technology can create markets, help bring goods to market, or deliver the marketplace to people, ultimately helping to reduce the gap between rich and poor.
7890
7891</div>
7892&nbsp;
7893
7894<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: April 28, 2015
7895
7896Apply <a title="http://thetechawards.thetech.org/submit-application" href="http://thetechawards.thetech.org/submit-application" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://thetechawards.thetech.org/submit-application" href="http://thetechawards.thetech.org/submit-application" target="_blank">2015 Tech Award</a> </strong>
7897
7898&nbsp;
7899
7900&nbsp;
7901
7902&nbsp;
7903
7904</div>
7905</div>
7906</div>
7907</div>
7908</div>
7909</div>
7910</div>
7911</div>
7912</div>
7913</div>
7914</div>
7915</div>
7916</div>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4611,post_date:"2014-12-22 15:49:21",post_date_gmt:"2014-12-22 14:49:21",post_modified:"2014-12-22 15:56:11",post_modified_gmt:"2014-12-22 14:56:11",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-2015-tech-awards",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African girls in technology"}

7916,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"tech awards"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young innovators"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4616"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/FGspb78VQVq"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/dCG2aAUD6vX"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/tGfPZmhPuE"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Audu Maikori On What It Takes To Start A Record Label In Nigeria"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/12/23/audu-maikori-on-what-it-takes-to-start-a-record-label-in-nigeria/",pubDate:"Tue, 23 Dec 2014 20:58:16 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4624",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong><a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/audu-maikori-aml027.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4625" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/audu-maikori-aml027.jpg" alt="Audu Maikori AML027" width="350" height="284" /></a>Audu Maikori, C.E.O of Chocolate City Group, appeared on the The Africa Music Law Show with Uduak Oduok to discuss what it takes to start a record label in Nigeria. In the interview, he talks about the state of the Nigerian music industry and working with American artists. <a title="http://app.stitcher.com/splayer/f/50282/36356726" href="http://app.stitcher.com/splayer/f/50282/36356726" target="_blank">Listen to Interview here</a></strong>
7917
7918<strong>On How Artists Conduct Themselves on Social Media</strong>
7919
7920One of our artists went on social media to put pictures of some illegal substance. We said please take this off, it is not good for the brand and it is not good for your brand. At that time, we were actually talking about an endorsement deal with a major brand. When the brand saw it, they took a step back. I recall we lost close to $100,000 and some live performance shows. When he didn’t, we said we would suspend all work with him until he complied because part of the implied terms of his contract was that he would not do anything to frustrate the label or management. And if he did, the contract could be suspended pending the correction of the issue.
7921
7922<strong>On Nigerian Artists and Labels Working Together and Bridging the Gap</strong>
7923
7924There are lots of stereotypes about what Americans perceive Africans to be. They think Africans are either very poor or very rich… what we are trying to do is basically let them know that there are huge opportunities here (in Africa), you do have fans here, and there is also an opportunity for us to build our fan base in the USA.
7925
7926<strong>Lawsuit with Brymo </strong>
7927
7928I must say very clearly that this is not a personal matter. It is business. Many people want to invest…I have had meetings with banks, with CEOs of many companies … and they always say,“look, we are afraid of your industry because it is so erratic. A guy can wake up tomorrow and say, I am tired. He will just send a tweet and then what happens to my money?"
7929
7930Imagine you took out a $50,000 loan to finance someone's career and then he wakes up one day and says, “you shouted at me, I am not happy so I am leaving my contract and there is nothing else you can do." Now how much interest did you pay on that loan? It is important that you do keep your side of the agreement and if you want to leave, that is not a problem whatsoever, just meet the terms of your contract and go. So, we are trying to take everybody to school so that they can learn and the industry can get bigger and better.
7931
7932<strong>On Jesse Jagz’s Abrupt Exit from Chocolate City</strong>
7933
7934His contract was up and he decided he wanted to go in another direction, no issues. When it comes to talent, expect that artists will be erratic, and that it is normal for these things to happen. The most important thing is after that was done, we sat down with him, he told us what he wanted to do and we gave him our blessings. He still features on Ice Prince’s album.
7935
7936<strong>On Artists Erratic Behavior in Nigeria’s Music Market</strong>
7937
7938I do not think that it is about the music industry per se. It is a cultural problem across Nigeria…the whole lawlessness. Lawlessness is wide spread and people think that they can always get away with things. It is a cultural issue beyond music… there is lawlessness, there is lack of professionalism, there is lack of ethics, people think it is just about now. How much can I get right now, not looking at the future. We have a lot of work to do.
7939
7940&nbsp;
7941<div>Interview by Uduak Oduok, Esq.</div>
7942<div>Co-founder &amp; Fashion &amp; Entertainment Attorney at EBITU LAW GROUP, P.C.</div>
7943<div>Website: <a title="http://africamusiclaw.com" href="http://africamusiclaw.com" target="_blank">www.africamusiclaw.com </a></div>
7944<div>Twitter: <a title="https://twitter.com/UDUAKLAW" href="https://twitter.com/UDUAKLAW" target="_blank">UDUAKLAW</a></div>
7945<div>Facebook: <a title="https://www.facebook.com/Africamusiclaw" href="https://www.facebook.com/Africamusiclaw" target="_blank">UDUAKLAW</a></div>
7946<div></div>
7947<div></div>
7948<div></div>
7949<div></div>
7950<div></div>
7951<div></div>
7952<div></div>
7953<div></div>
7954<div></div>
7955<div></div>
7956<div></div>
7957<div></div>
7958<div></div>
7959<div></div>
7960<div></div>
7961<div></div>
7962<div></div>
7963<div></div>
7964<div></div>
7965<div></div>
7966<div></div>
7967<div></div>
7968<div></div>
7969<div></div>
7970<div></div>
7971<div></div>
7972<div></div>
7973<div></div>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4624,post_date:"2014-12-23 21:58:16",post_date_gmt:"2014-12-23 20:58:16",post_modified:"2014-12-25 02:58:39",post_modified_gmt:"2014-12-25 01:58:39",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"audu-maikori-on-what-it-takes-to-start-a-record-label-in-nigeria",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

7973,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Audu Maikori"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"Chocolate City Group"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"Music industry"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nigerian music industry"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"record label"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The Africa Music Law Show"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Uduak Oduok"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4625"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/VqFc3rXoBSm"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/YCEqhh1pD3f"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/kMlp1kImOl"}}

7973,{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"In 2015, Be Unreasonable"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2014/12/26/in-2015-be-unreasonable/",pubDate:"Fri, 26 Dec 2014 19:03:16 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4645",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/screen-shot-2014-12-26-at-1-50-43-pm.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4646" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/screen-shot-2014-12-26-at-1-50-43-pm.png" alt="Screen Shot 2014-12-26 at 1.50.43 PM" width="633" height="372" /></a>Each year, the Unreasonable Institute selects 10-20 startups with the potential to impact a million lives or more and provide them:
7974<ul>
7975	<li>the chance to learn from experienced mentors ranging from John Elstrott, Chairman of Whole Foods, to Phil McKinney, former CTO of HP, to Tom Chi, the former head of UX at Google X,</li>
7976	<li></li>
7977	<li>support building financial models, assembling projections, and preparing for funder due diligence,</li>
7978	<li></li>
7979	<li>free access to two exclusive investor events twice a year, where you’ll connect with 100+ funders,</li>
7980	<li>support assembling an 18-month action plan,</li>
7981	<li>a matched, pro-bono executive coach to help you grow as leader of your team, and</li>
7982	<li>a global network of over 116 ventures, 250+ mentors, 550+ funders, and 300 partners.</li>
7983</ul>
7984Apply <a title="http://unreasonableinstitute.org/apply/" href="http://unreasonableinstitute.org/apply/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://unreasonableinstitute.org/apply/" href="http://unreasonableinstitute.org/apply/" target="_blank">Be Unreasonable</a></strong>
7985
7986&nbsp;
7987
7988&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4645,post_date:"2014-12-26 20:03:16",post_date_gmt:"2014-12-26 19:03:16",post_modified:"2015-01-02 16:22:25",post_modified_gmt:"2015-01-02 15:22:25",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"in-2015-be-unreasonable",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4646"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/an2R2632Zn1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/bTNRJrtkEhB"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/6yXma20wQm"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: 2015 TechWomen Program"}

7988,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/01/02/apply-2015-techwomen-program/",pubDate:"Fri, 02 Jan 2015 15:34:10 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4651",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/screen-shot-2015-01-02-at-10-20-36-am.png"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-4652 size-full" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/screen-shot-2015-01-02-at-10-20-36-am.png" alt="Screen Shot 2015-01-02 at 10.20.36 AM" width="444" height="370" /></a><strong><a title="https://www.techwomen.org/participants/eligibility-and-application" href="https://www.techwomen.org/participants/eligibility-and-application" target="_blank">TechWomen</a></strong> empowers, connects, and supports the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from Africa and the Middle East by providing them the access and opportunity needed to advance their careers, pursue their dreams, and inspire women and girls in their communities.
7989
7990Through mentorship and exchange, TechWomen strengthens participants’ professional capacity, increases mutual understanding between key networks of professionals, and expands girls’ interest in STEM careers by exposing them to female role models.
7991
7992TechWomen is an Initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
7993
7994<strong>Eligibility Requirements</strong>:
7995<ul>
7996	<li class="first">Be women with, at minimum, two years full-time professional experience in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math),</li>
7997	<li>Have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree/four-year university degree or equivalent,</li>
7998	<li>Be proficient in written and spoken English,</li>
7999	<li>Be citizens and permanent residents of Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya,  Morocco, Nigeria, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Yemen, or Zimbabwe at the time of application, and while participating in the program,</li>
8000	<li>Be eligible to obtain a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa,</li>
8001	<li>Not have applied for an immigrant visa to the United States, or participated in a visa lottery in the past five years,</li>
8002	<li class="last">Not hold U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. legal permanent resident.</li>
8003</ul>
8004<h3>Preference will be given to applicants who</h3>
8005<ul>
8006	<li class="first">Demonstrate themselves as emerging leaders in their chosen professional track through their work experience, volunteer experience, community activities, and education,</li>
8007	<li>Are committed to return to their home countries to share what they have learned and mentor women and girls,</li>
8008	<li>Have limited or no prior experience in the United States,</li>
8009	<li>Have a proven record of voluntary or public service in their communities,</li>
8010	<li>Have a demonstrated track record of entrepreneurialism and commitment to innovation,</li>
8011	<li class="last">Demonstrate a willingness to participate in exchange programs, welcome opportunities for mentoring and new partnership development, and exhibit confidence and maturity</li>
8012</ul>
8013DEADLINE: February 10, 2015
8014
8015Apply <a title="https://app.techwomen.org/application/" href="https://app.techwomen.org/application/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="https://app.techwomen.org/application/" href="https://app.techwomen.org/application/" target="_blank">TechWomen</a></strong>
8016
8017&nbsp;
8018
8019&nbsp;
8020
8021&nbsp;
8022
8023&nbsp;
8024
8025&nbsp;
8026
8027&nbsp;
8028
8029&nbsp;
8030
8031&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4651,post_date:"2015-01-02 16:34:10",post_date_gmt:"2015-01-02 15:34:10",post_modified:"2015-01-02 17:05:09",post_modified_gmt:"2015-01-02 16:05:09",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-2015-techwomen-program",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Algeria"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"Cameroon"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Egypt"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Jordan"},{__cdata:"Kenya"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Lebanon"},{__cdata:"Libya"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mentoring"},{__cdata:"Morocco"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Rwanda"},{__cdata:"Sierra Leone"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"STEM"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"tech women"},{__cdata:"techbiz"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"TechWomen"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"the Palestinian Territories"},{__cdata:"Tunisia"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Yemen"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"},{__cdata:"Zimbabwe"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4652"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/64kPqrAJzQc"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/ZzeRiusf8VB"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/9yY0jZAg3l"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"AWP Network Partners With the WAAW Foundation to Support African Girls in STEM"}

8031,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/01/02/awp-network-partners-with-the-waaw-foundation-to-support-african-girls-in-stem/",pubDate:"Fri, 02 Jan 2015 16:57:31 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4657",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/10599565_786517584703244_2574814584591273541_n.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3674" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/10599565_786517584703244_2574814584591273541_n.jpg" alt="10599565_786517584703244_2574814584591273541_n" width="635" height="421" /></a>
8032<h2>Working to Advance STEM Education for African Girls</h2>
8033&nbsp;
8034
8035This year, the AWP Network will work with the WAAW foundation to support African girls in STEM. The launch of this need-based scholarship program will support African girls studying a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) related degree course.
8036
8037To qualify for the program, girls must be: (a) of African origin, living and studying in Africa, (b) currently enrolled in an undergraduate B.S. degree program, (c) studying STEM related courses at a university or college, (d) demonstrate financial need, and (e) have an excellent academic record.
8038
8039<strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/11/18/mary-olushoga-founder-of-the-awp-network-wins-africa-data-challenge/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/11/18/mary-olushoga-founder-of-the-awp-network-wins-africa-data-challenge/" target="_blank">Mary Olushoga</a></strong>, Founder of the AWP Network said, "we are excited about forging this partnership with the WAAW Foundation. We look forward to mentoring and supporting African girls in STEM, this is why we are here."
8040
8041Learn more about the initiative <a title="http://waawfoundation.org/waawblog/2014/09/10/african-women-power-network-supports-2015-waaw-scholarship-program/" href="http://waawfoundation.org/waawblog/2014/09/10/african-women-power-network-supports-2015-waaw-scholarship-program/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://waawfoundation.org/waawblog/2014/09/10/african-women-power-network-supports-2015-waaw-scholarship-program/" href="http://waawfoundation.org/waawblog/2014/09/10/african-women-power-network-supports-2015-waaw-scholarship-program/">WAAW-AWP</a> </strong>
8042
8043&nbsp;
8044
8045&nbsp;
8046
8047&nbsp;
8048
8049&nbsp;
8050
8051&nbsp;
8052
8053&nbsp;
8054
8055&nbsp;
8056
8057&nbsp;
8058
8059&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4657,post_date:"2015-01-02 17:57:31",post_date_gmt:"2015-01-02 16:57:31",post_modified:"2015-01-13 15:38:52",post_modified_gmt:"2015-01-13 14:38:52",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"awp-network-partners-with-the-waaw-foundation-to-support-african-girls-in-stem",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African girls"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"AWP Network. change"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business 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80590;] for the WAAW Foundation STEM camp for secondary school girls are now […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1431335183.46129703521728515625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1431335192"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1431335193.356914043426513671875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:7371,comment_author:{__cdata:"Changing The Ratio of African Girls in STEM – Unoma Okorafor Talks to the AWP Network « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/09/14/changing-the-ratio-of-african-girls-in-stem-unoma-okorafor-talks-to-the-awp-network/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.82.187",comment_date:"2015-09-14 01:34:03",comment_date_gmt:"2015-09-14 00:34:03",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] foundation, the WAAW Foundation is a 501(c) non-profit organization whose mission is to empower girls throughout Africa by […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1442190843.4036419391632080078125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1442190878"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1442190879.3673799037933349609375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:7339,comment_author:{__cdata:"Apply: Scholarship for African Girls in STEM « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/09/09/apply-scholarship-for-african-girls-in-stem/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.100.246",comment_date:"2015-09-09 19:05:50",comment_date_gmt:"2015-09-09 18:05:50",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] initiative is aimed at supporting need-based African female STEM-focused college education. WAAW Foundation awards annual scholarships to students who demonstrate the need and can prove their status as […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1441821951.5711629390716552734375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1441823209"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1441823210.3895189762115478515625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:8207,comment_author:{__cdata:"Five African Girls Selected for the WAAW Foundation STEM Education Scholarship « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/02/17/five-african-girls-selected-for-the-waaw-foundation-stem-education-scholarship/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.113.36",comment_date:"2016-02-17 23:06:12",comment_date_gmt:"2016-02-17 22:06:12",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] WAAW Foundation – an organization working to advance STEM education for African Girls has selected five (5) African girls for its annual scholarship program. After reviewing over 1000 applications from 27 countries in Africa, the following girls qualified and emerged as our 2016 scholarship recipients: […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1455746773.6436979770660400390625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1455746797"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1455746798.1424419879913330078125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:9086,comment_author:{__cdata:"The AWP Network Hosts Leading African Women in Technology in Lagos « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2017/05/10/the-awp-network-hosts-leading-african-women-in-technology-in-lagos/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.100.63",comment_date:"2017-05-10 18:21:16",comment_date_gmt:"2017-05-10 17:21:16",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

80590;] of the AWP Network. In attendance were, Saudat Salami &#8211; Founder, EasyshopEasycook.com, Tolulope Adeyemo &#8211; Program Director, The WAAW Foundation, Nkemdilim Begho &#8211; Founder, FutureSoftware [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497639551.5499460697174072265625;s:5:"event";s:11:"recheck-ham";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1494436877.521914005279541015625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497639530.62794589996337890625;s:5:"event";s:17:"status-unapproved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1497639578.680522918701171875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1494436934"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1494436935.592731952667236328125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:9050,comment_author:{__cdata:"The AWP Network &#8216;Get Connected Business Series&#8217; &#8211; Meet the Speakers &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2017/04/21/the-awp-network-get-connected-business-series-meet-the-speakers/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.87.241",comment_date:"2017-04-21 17:08:48",comment_date_gmt:"2017-04-21 16:08:48",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Tolulope O. Adeyemo is program director at The WAAW Foundation, a non-profit organization with the mission to increase the pipeline of African girls in technology and engineering while ensuring that they are engaged in the technology innovation pipeline. Adeyemi holds a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Prior to joining the WAAW Foundation, Adeyemo worked as a corporate communications officer at Oando Marketing Plc. She has extensive hands-on experience in program planning, project management, long-term strategy planning, marketing and branding, and fundraising.  She serves as a mentor and sacrifices her time and resources to empower girls through education. Adeyemo is a firm believer that education and technology are essential to breaking the cycle of poverty and providing economic progress for any nation. [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1492790996"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1492790997.3975989818572998046875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1492790928.4945890903472900390625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Planet Earth Institute Invests in the AWP Network Agropreneur Project"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/01/13/planet-earth-institute-invests-in-the-awp-network-agropreneur-project/",pubDate:"Tue, 13 Jan 2015 15:12:50 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4671",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/06d.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-3936" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/06d.jpg?w=635" alt="06D" width="635" height="421" /></a>The Planet Earth Institute (PEI), an international NGO working for the scientific independence of Africa has made a commitment to fund the <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/14/awp-network-event-agribusiness-forum-for-women-farmers/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/14/awp-network-event-agribusiness-forum-for-women-farmers/" target="_blank">AWP Network Agropreneur project</a>. </strong>
8060
8061Dr Álvaro Sobrinho, chairman of the Planet Earth Institute said, “data holds a huge amount of promise for scientific development in Africa and for many different business sectors too, but we have not yet fully explored how it can be used at a local level to improve lives. We are always looking for practical ways to support science and technology, and this will help do just that – developing and incubating new ideas with real impact.”
8062
8063The <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/14/awp-network-event-agribusiness-forum-for-women-farmers/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/14/awp-network-event-agribusiness-forum-for-women-farmers/" target="_blank">AWP Network Agropreneur project</a> is a workshop-based training project set to use quantitative and qualitative data to inform and help women farmers improve farming techniques, practices, as well as increase yield and production at a reduced cost. This includes a three-day practical training session on irrigation rice farming, post-training extension services, and building a network of women farmers across Nigeria.
8064
8065&nbsp;
8066
8067Have questions? Email: [email protected]
8068
8069&nbsp;
8070
8071&nbsp;
8072
8073&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4671,post_date:"2015-01-13 16:12:50",post_date_gmt:"2015-01-13 15:12:50",post_modified:"2015-01-13 16:13:55",post_modified_gmt:"2015-01-13 15:13:55",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"planet-earth-institute-invests-in-the-awp-network-agropreneur-project",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

8073,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"AWP Network Agropreneur"},{__cdata:"Álvaro Sobrinho"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Farmers"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Planet Earth Institute"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"training"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3936"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/DrG2TURPYun"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/gJga9si2W6v"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/Ej7KZmcSj4"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:8795,comment_author:{__cdata:"The AWP Network Makes History By Hosting Taraba State’s First-Ever Pitch Competition « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/09/14/the-awp-network-makes-history-by-hosting-taraba-states-first-ever-pitch-competition/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.100.231",comment_date:"2016-09-14 21:47:35",comment_date_gmt:"2016-09-14 20:47:35",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] and women farmers in Taraba state. The AWP Network has also received additional funding from the Planet Earth Institute to scale and expand its programs across various states in […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1473886124"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1473886125.2953090667724609375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1473886056.0949060916900634765625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:8474,comment_author:{__cdata:"AWP Network Agribusiness Training for Women « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/03/21/awp-network-agribusiness-training-for-women/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.112.106",comment_date:"2016-03-21 18:49:37",comment_date_gmt:"2016-03-21 17:49:37",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] The AWP Network continues to work with women farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria. For this training session, AWP partnered with locally-based entrepreneur Zanau Hassan Maikusuwa, a seasoned farmer and CEO of Farmfields Agro-Allied Services with funding support from the Planet Earth Institute. […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1458582578.4988861083984375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1458582658"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1458582659.2641279697418212890625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: 2015 Cartier Women’s Initiative Award"}

8073,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/01/14/apply-2015-cartier-womens-initiative-award/",pubDate:"Wed, 14 Jan 2015 17:16:14 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4676",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/screen-shot-2015-01-14-at-12-04-19-pm.png"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4677" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/screen-shot-2015-01-14-at-12-04-19-pm.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-01-14 at 12.04.19 PM" width="635" height="333" /></a>The <strong><a title="https://application-form.cartierwomensinitiative.com/new-application" href="https://application-form.cartierwomensinitiative.com/new-application" target="_blank">Cartier Women’s Initiative Award</a></strong> offers funding, coaching, networking opportunities, and exposure. It is a unique opportunity for early phase women entrepreneurs to take their companies to the next level.
8074
8075The award is designed to maximize the learning experience for candidates, finalists, and laureates. The Cartier Women’s Initiative offers one-to-one personalized business coaching for the finalists representing the top three projects of each continent.
8076
8077The program for finalists includes entrepreneurship workshops, a presentation in front of the international jury, and an invitation to the Global Meeting of the Women’s Forum. It is a unique week where the finalists have the opportunity to share their challenges, fears and successes with their fellow candidates.
8078
8079DEADLINE: February 27, 2015
8080
8081Apply <a title="https://application-form.cartierwomensinitiative.com/new-application" href="https://application-form.cartierwomensinitiative.com/new-application" target="_blank">here</a> : <strong><a title="https://application-form.cartierwomensinitiative.com/new-application" href="https://application-form.cartierwomensinitiative.com/new-application" target="_blank">Cartier Women</a></strong>
8082
8083&nbsp;
8084
8085&nbsp;
8086
8087&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4676,post_date:"2015-01-14 18:16:14",post_date_gmt:"2015-01-14 17:16:14",post_modified:"2015-01-14 18:17:04",post_modified_gmt:"2015-01-14 17:17:04",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-2015-cartier-womens-initiative-award",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"Cartier Women’s Initiative"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/NafRXb1fNcr"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/6D4E1nVHPej"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/t4AUjhzXOn"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: 2015 Africa CEO Forum Award"}

8087,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/01/16/apply-2015-africa-ceo-forum-award/",pubDate:"Fri, 16 Jan 2015 17:21:21 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4681",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<div><a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/screen-shot-2015-01-16-at-12-07-27-pm.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4682" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/screen-shot-2015-01-16-at-12-07-27-pm.png" alt="Screen Shot 2015-01-16 at 12.07.27 PM" width="607" height="305" /></a>The <a title="http://www.theafricaceoforum.com/awards/presentation/" href="http://www.theafricaceoforum.com/awards/presentation/" target="_blank"><strong>2015 AFRICA CEO FORUM</strong></a> is designed to facilitate networking and to encourage participants to share their experiences, know-how, and best practices. Take part in the <strong>2015 AFRICA CEO FORUM</strong> and enjoy:</div>
8088<div>
8089<ul>
8090	<li>outstanding networking opportunities;</li>
8091	<li>an innovative and practical conference program which addresses the issues that you care about most;</li>
8092	<li>unprecedented visibility in the African and international media.</li>
8093</ul>
8094</div>
8095<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: February 20, 2015
8096
8097Apply <a title="http://www.theafricaceoforum.com/awards/award-subscription/" href="http://www.theafricaceoforum.com/awards/award-subscription/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.theafricaceoforum.com/awards/award-subscription/" href="http://www.theafricaceoforum.com/awards/award-subscription/" target="_blank">Africa CEO</a></strong>
8098
8099&nbsp;
8100
8101&nbsp;
8102
8103&nbsp;
8104
8105&nbsp;
8106
8107&nbsp;
8108
8109&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4681,post_date:"2015-01-16 18:21:21",post_date_gmt:"2015-01-16 17:21:21",post_modified:"2015-01-16 18:22:19",post_modified_gmt:"2015-01-16 17:22:19",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-2015-africa-ceo-forum-award",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4682"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/4ERDoY2bphT"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/DV45xwH5KsL"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/0J4mXadtfI"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:'"I Am On A Mission to Make Nigerian Youths Employable" - Gbenga Sesan talks to the AWP Network'}

8109,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/01/19/i-am-on-a-mission-to-make-nigerian-youths-employable-gbenga-sesan-talks-to-the-awp-network/",pubDate:"Mon, 19 Jan 2015 15:05:43 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4686",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_4688" align="alignleft" width="635"]<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/1468586_10153537968124947_8239509616085034701_n.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-4688" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/1468586_10153537968124947_8239509616085034701_n.jpg?w=635" alt="Gbenga Sesan " width="635" height="422" /></a> Gbenga Sesan[/caption]
8110
8111<em>I am on a mission to make Nigerians youths employable.</em>
8112
8113Let's put these numbers in perspective, the Nigerian government records youth unemployment rates at 24.9 percent. A government official reveals that only 10 percent of graduates get decent jobs two (2) years after graduation - I am on a mission to reverse this trend.
8114
8115High unemployment rates have enormous social consequences as it increases crime rates. Secondary school graduates are a principal fraction of the unemployed, accounting for nearly 35 to 50 percent. The rate of unemployment among those 20 to 24 years is at 40 percent and those between 15 to 19 years at 31 percent.
8116
8117These statistics are alarming and if care is not taken, can get out of hand. It is clear that the present Nigerian economy is unable to absorb the high number of graduates churned out of tertiary institutions every year. The average Nigerian graduate also has the tendency to become an ‘unemployable’ graduate. That is, incompetent to carry out basic tasks expected of them even as junior employees. One of the reasons can be traced to the lack of certain skills expected amongst this set of people.
8118
8119As a response to the unemployment rate, my organization <a title="http://pinigeria.org" href="http://pinigeria.org" target="_blank"><strong>Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN)</strong></a> has made it a mandate to train and provide a digital jobs platform to unemployed young Nigerians. That is, making skill training opportunities available to the average unemployable youth ready to dissociate from the increasing number of unemployment statistics.
8120
8121[gallery type="slideshow" size="full" link="file" ids="4689,4690,4687"]
8122
8123The most important set of people in Nigeria today are youths. There are categories of them: the unemployed, the disadvantaged, the underserved, among others. Many of these young people have incredibly high potential with little to no existing opportunities or the capacity to encourage themselves to be all that their ‘fortunate’ peers are.
8124
8125<strong>How have you financed this idea?</strong>
8126
8127The <strong><a title="https://www.facebook.com/pinigeria" href="https://www.facebook.com/pinigeria" target="_blank">Paradigm Initiative Nigeria Digital Jobs project</a> </strong>is currently funded by the Rockefeller Foundation. Our agenda is to create awareness, provide information and training to disadvantaged youths and help them gain access to jobs.
8128
8129The Rockefeller Foundation's Digital Jobs Africa initiative, seeks to impact the lives of 1 million people in six (6) African countries by catalyzing sustainable ICT-enabled employment opportunities to those who otherwise would not have had the opportunity for sustainable employment.
8130
8131<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
8132
8133We focus on young people. Our target market are the most important set of people in the country. Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN) began its operation in Ajegunle - one of Nigeria’s underserved communities. The impact of the program revealed that human capacity and skills do not have to go to waste.
8134
8135<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
8136
8137Our ability to connect disadvantaged Nigerian youths to ICT-enabled o

8137pportunities. My organization’s value system aims to imbibe the mind-set of entrepreneurship to the average Nigerian youth and to encourage entrepreneurial skills among various categories of this targeted group through the use of ICT. We have a consistent track record of projects that have been successfully implemented and have made genuine impact in the lives of young people.
8138
8139<strong>What is your 5-year plan?</strong>
8140
8141The long-term plan is to reduce unemployment in Nigeria.
8142
8143<strong>What challenges do you face ?</strong>
8144
8145Basic ICT training has become very essential. A good number of our program applicants find it challenging to understand the self-explanatory materials. In addition, how do we ensure that these young people translate their online work into a sustainable means of income? These are some of the challenges that we face and we are committed to overcoming them.
8146
8147<strong>What five (5) key things have you learned since starting this idea?</strong>
8148<ul>
8149	<li>A problem-solving idea becomes very attractive to its target population and even attracts more support from non-sponsors to help its successful realization.</li>
8150</ul>
8151<ul>
8152	<li>Reaching a milestone creates further motivation to do something better knowing the impact and value in the lives of the target audience.</li>
8153</ul>
8154<ul>
8155	<li>Solving one problem opens up many more problems that needs to be solved.</li>
8156</ul>
8157<ul>
8158	<li>You must be able to know and understand what appeals to your target audience. This is the most effective means of communication.</li>
8159</ul>
8160<ul>
8161	<li>There is no such thing as ‘no jobs.’ So many opportunities exist, but the knowledge of where to find them and how to maximize its use serves as a major challenge.</li>
8162</ul>
8163<strong>What five (5)  things do start-up entrepreneurs need to know?</strong>
8164<ol>
8165	<li>Know and understand your target audience,</li>
8166	<li>Learn how to sell your ideas,</li>
8167	<li>Differentiate between purpose and profit,</li>
8168	<li>Environmental factors/government policies will discourage you at some point,</li>
8169	<li>Create a plan and follow it</li>
8170</ol>
8171<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
8172
8173Money should not serve as a motivating factor. If your ideas are sustainable and realistic, they will attract funding. Believe in your dreams and do not be overly ambitious in setting goals. Take it one step at a time and watch your dreams grow into actualization. I will use this example again, Rockefeller approached PIN with the 'digital jobs' project because they saw us as focused and passionate drivers in the promotion of ICT to Nigerian youths. They also saw a track record of success in the projects that we have handled in the past and were confident in our abilities.
8174
8175<strong>How do you think African youths can continue to support each other?</strong>
8176
8177There are several platforms that connect and promote collaboration between African youths. We acknowledge that local problems are best solved locally and that some of the solutions to our problems are resident on the continent. It is good to seek international advice and best practices but better to look within. For example, the 'digital jobs' project will gather participants in the digital jobs campaign from all the participating African countries to learn from one other on how they have been able to surmount challenges, reach out to more youths, and achieve success within a short timeline. In addition, the social media platform serves as an effective tool that more African youths can use to continue to support each other rather than using it as a tool for unprofitable discussion.
8178
8179<strong>How has technology enhanced your business idea? </strong>
8180

8181Technology is the core of Paradigm Initiative Nigeria as a social enterprise. PIN’s activities cannot be separated from the use of technology. PIN uses technology platforms to spread the knowledge of ICT by equipping youths with information and skills. The use of social media (Facebook, Google plus, Instagram, Twitter, Mail chimp, E-mail accounts, Youtube, Blogs, videos, radio and television interviews, etc) in reaching our target audience cannot be underemphasized. In short, PIN uses technology to circulate the importance of taking advantage of ICT opportunities.
8182
8183<strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Africa? </strong>
8184
8185First, by standing firm for what should be or what ought to be regardless of the policies that seem contrary to the way the future is meant to play out. Correctional measures to old ways of doing things are an important ingredient, and to this end can help improve the existing status quo.
8186
8187At the moment, one of PIN’s 2015 projects is focused on funding ICT oriented student ideas - this is the TENT Angel Investment Scheme, which has been set up to encourage students’ innovative abilities while in school. This keeps them focused on their projects and academics. The funding will nurture their ideas from beginning to maturity stage. PIN is working towards having a Nigeria where students will not just graduate with CVs but with business ideas that create will create livelihood means for them; thus making them employers of labour. Our aim is to tackle ICT challenges from the root, hence our involvement with secondary and tertiary institutions.
8188
8189For more details on PIN visit:
8190
8191Facebook: <strong><a title="https://www.facebook.com/pinigeria" href="https://www.facebook.com/pinigeria" target="_blank">PIN</a></strong>
8192
8193Twitter: <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/pinigeria" href="https://twitter.com/pinigeria" target="_blank">PIN</a></strong>
8194
8195Instagram: <strong><a title="http://instagram.com/pinigeria1" href="http://instagram.com/pinigeria1" target="_blank">PIN</a></strong>
8196
8197&nbsp;
8198
8199&nbsp;
8200
8201&nbsp;
8202
8203&nbsp;
8204
8205&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4686,post_date:"2015-01-19 16:05:43",post_date_gmt:"2015-01-19 15:05:43",post_modified:"2015-01-19 16:19:49",post_modified_gmt:"2015-01-19 15:19:49",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"i-am-on-a-mission-to-make-nigerian-youths-employable-gbenga-sesan-talks-to-the-awp-network",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Ajegunle"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Digital Jobs"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"future Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Gbenga Sesan"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Paradigm Initiative Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Paradigm Initiative Nigeria Digital Jobs project"},{__cdata:"PIN"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Rockefeller Foundation"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4689"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/tDBkFf181j"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/iCiY3tF35QG"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/ALHtBtQzbGT"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Have a New Tech Idea? Want to Scale Across Africa?"}

8205,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/01/21/have-a-new-tech-idea-want-to-scale-across-africa/",pubDate:"Wed, 21 Jan 2015 18:06:12 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4710",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/screen-shot-2015-01-21-at-12-50-42-pm.png"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4711" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/screen-shot-2015-01-21-at-12-50-42-pm.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-01-21 at 12.50.42 PM" width="635" height="281" /></a><strong><a title="http://think.rw" href="http://think.rw" target="_blank">think</a></strong> empowers, supports, and funds exceptional technology entrepreneurs to fast track the launch of innovative digital solutions in Africa. For a 6-months period, think brings together exceptional tech entrepreneurs teams for an intensive incubation program. Selected startups will engage with technical as well as business experts to work on creating value out of scalable and exportable products.
8206
8207Participants during the accelerator program get the opportunity to build their respective skills in business development, fund-raising, and other strategic leadership skills.
8208
8209think is not just another tech incubator, we offer teams the following unique advantages:
8210<ul>
8211	<li>an opportunity to work with a well-known ITC corporate and the Tigo brand that operates across Africa and Latin America,</li>
8212	<li>an opportunity to fast-track the launch of innovative products and services,</li>
8213	<li>free and modern office space with fast broadband access for 6 months,</li>
8214	<li>a growing network of partners, fellow entrepreneurs, business leaders,</li>
8215	<li>direct access to international markets for ambitious entrepreneurs,</li>
8216	<li>$15,000 living stipend in exchange for 10% equity,</li>
8217	<li>opportunity for additional financing at the end of the incubation program.</li>
8218</ul>
8219Apply <a title="http://think.rw/apply-now" href="http://think.rw/apply-now" target="_blank">here</a>: <a title="http://think.rw/apply-now" href="http://think.rw/apply-now" target="_blank">think</a>
8220
8221&nbsp;
8222
8223&nbsp;
8224
8225&nbsp;
8226
8227&nbsp;
8228
8229&nbsp;
8230
8231&nbsp;
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8233&nbsp;
8234
8235&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4710,post_date:"2015-01-21 19:06:12",post_date_gmt:"2015-01-21 18:06:12",post_modified:"2015-01-21 19:06:12",post_modified_gmt:"2015-01-21 18:06:12",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"have-a-new-tech-idea-want-to-scale-across-africa",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"incubation center"},{__cdata:"IT"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Rwanda"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"think"},{__cdata:"think Africa"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4711"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Q33cbJqXx6S"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/fe2NYiAehZo"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/NrKSNk87gz"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Join the Inclusive Business Accelerator Bootcamp"}

8235,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/01/21/join-the-inclusive-business-accelerator-bootcamp/",pubDate:"Wed, 21 Jan 2015 18:29:13 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4714",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/screen-shot-2015-01-21-at-1-11-12-pm.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4715" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/screen-shot-2015-01-21-at-1-11-12-pm.png" alt="Screen Shot 2015-01-21 at 1.11.12 PM" width="553" height="200" /></a>
8236<h3>Are you looking for the latest insights on marketing at the Base of the Pyramid (BoP)?
8237
8238Do you need a successful strategy to distribute products and services to low-income groups?</h3>
8239The <a title="http://vc4africa.biz/blog/2014/11/04/vc4africa-announces-new-partnership-the-inclusive-business-accelerator/" href="http://vc4africa.biz/blog/2014/11/04/vc4africa-announces-new-partnership-the-inclusive-business-accelerator/" target="_blank">Inclusive Business Accelerator</a> is an initiative of VC4Africa, BoP Innovation Center, SNV, and the Nyenrode Business School. Entrepreneurs who work in low-income markets can now apply for a special <a href="http://iba.ventures/bootcamp">online bootcamp</a> on marketing and distribution starting in March.
8240
8241The topic of the online bootcamp is ‘marketing and distribution to the BoP’ as behavioural change and last mile distribution are key to setting up a successful business with low-income groups. The target group of the bootcamp is entrepreneurs who are working on innovative products in rapidly expanding sectors such as sustainable energy, food/agriculture and water/sanitation.
8242
8243The participants will learn from the best inclusive business cases, have the chance to strengthen their capabilities and use a variety of tools to develop a marketing and distribution strategy. In a 4-week period (starting on March 9) the applicants will interact with inclusive business experts and participants from businesses around the world.
8244
8245The bootcamp is developed together with Inclusive Business experts and practitioners. You will get access to practical tools to develop your marketing and distribution strategy, and you will learn from successful IB ventures. You may even be selected for an introduction to investors from our network.
8246
8247DEADLINE: February 15, 2015
8248
8249Apply <a title="https://iba.ventures/bootcamp/" href="https://iba.ventures/bootcamp/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="https://iba.ventures/bootcamp/" href="https://iba.ventures/bootcamp/" target="_blank">IBA Bootcamp</a></strong>
8250
8251&nbsp;
8252
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8254
8255&nbsp;
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8258
8259&nbsp;
8260
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8264
8265&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4714,post_date:"2015-01-21 19:29:13",post_date_gmt:"2015-01-21 18:29:13",post_modified:"2015-01-21 19:29:13",post_modified_gmt:"2015-01-21 18:29:13",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"join-the-inclusive-business-accelerator-bootcamp",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"BoP Innovation Center"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nyenrode Business School"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4715"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/ed16D9rr2ZX"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/UDXim7zF8Gh"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/oYdP2XmNQY"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Google’s Computer Science Summer Institute"}

8265,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/01/23/apply-googles-computer-science-summer-institute/",pubDate:"Fri, 23 Jan 2015 17:24:05 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4722",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/screen-shot-2015-01-23-at-12-16-24-pm.png"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4724" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/screen-shot-2015-01-23-at-12-16-24-pm.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-01-23 at 12.16.24 PM" width="635" height="378" /></a>Applications are now open for Google’s Computer Science Summer Institute and the Generation Google Scholarship.</h3>
8266&nbsp;
8267
8268Are you a current senior in high school interested in studying computer science at university? The 2015 <a title="https://www.google.com/edu/scholarships/the-generation-google-scholarship/" href="https://www.google.com/edu/scholarships/the-generation-google-scholarship/" target="_blank">Generation Google Scholarship</a> for First Years and<a title="https://www.google.com/edu/scholarships/the-generation-google-scholarship/" href="https://www.google.com/edu/scholarships/the-generation-google-scholarship/" target="_blank"> Computer Science Summer Institute </a>is now accepting applications.
8269
8270<a title="https://www.google.com/edu/scholarships/the-generation-google-scholarship/" href="https://www.google.com/edu/scholarships/the-generation-google-scholarship/" target="_blank">Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)</a> is a three-week introduction to computer science for graduating high school seniors with a passion for technology — especially students from historically underrepresented groups in the field.
8271
8272The <a title="https://www.google.com/edu/scholarships/the-generation-google-scholarship/" href="https://www.google.com/edu/scholarships/the-generation-google-scholarship/" target="_blank">Generation Google Scholarship</a> for high school seniors helps aspiring computer scientists excel in technology and become leaders in the field. Selected students will receive 10,000 USD or 5,000 CAD (for those studying in Canada) for the 2015-2016 school year. As part of the scholarship, current high school seniors who are entering their first year of university in 2015-2016 will be required to attend CSSI in the summer of 2015.
8273
8274<b>Where</b>: This year, there will be day-camp and residential. Day camps will take place in Chicago, IL, Mountain Vie

8274w, CA, and New York City, NY. Residential camps will take place in Cambridge, MA and Seattle, WA.
8275
8276<b>When</b>: The Cambridge, Mountain View and Seattle sessions will be held July 13th - July 31st 2015, and Chicago and New York will be held July 20th - August 7th 2015.
8277
8278<b>Who</b>: We are looking for students eager to spend a few weeks immersed in the Google life – tackling interesting technical problems, working collaboratively, and having fun. We want students to leave empowered, heading into their first year of college armed with a unique learning experience that can only be found at Google. The program is open to <b>all qualified high school seniors</b>, and is committed to addressing diversity in the field of computer science. Students who are a member of a group that is historically underrepresented in the technology industry are encouraged to apply.
8279
8280Have questions? Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
8281
8282DEADLINE: <b>March 5, 2015</b>
8283
8284Apply <a title="https://google.eresources.com/applications/default.asp?mode=select" href="https://google.eresources.com/applications/default.asp?mode=select" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="https://google.eresources.com/applications/default.asp?mode=select" href="https://google.eresources.com/applications/default.asp?mode=select" target="_blank">Google Camp</a></strong>
8285
8286&nbsp;
8287
8288&nbsp;
8289
8290&nbsp;
8291
8292&nbsp;
8293
8294&nbsp;
8295
8296&nbsp;
8297
8298&nbsp;
8299
8300&nbsp;
8301
8302&nbsp;
8303
8304&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4722,post_date:"2015-01-23 18:24:05",post_date_gmt:"2015-01-23 17:24:05",post_modified:"2015-01-23 18:24:05",post_modified_gmt:"2015-01-23 17:24:05",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-googles-computer-science-summer-institute",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"Google"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women and girls technology camp"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4724"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/UNXvMB5Mcbt"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/UuqhmFjuE8E"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/ggbJaPhYOB"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: ANNpower Vital Voices Girl Initiative"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/01/26/apply-annpower-vital-voices-girl-initiative/",pubDate:"Mon, 26 Jan 2015 18:09:51 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4728",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnet

8304work.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/untit.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4729" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/untit.jpg" alt="Untit" width="532" height="243" /></a>
8305
8306&nbsp;
8307
8308&nbsp;
8309
8310&nbsp;
8311
8312&nbsp;
8313
8314&nbsp;
8315
8316&nbsp;
8317
8318&nbsp;
8319
8320&nbsp;
8321
8322The <strong><a title="http://annpower.vitalvoices.org/" href="http://annpower.vitalvoices.org/" target="_blank">ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative</a></strong> is a groundbreaking partnership between ANN INC., the parent company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, and Vital Voices to empower young women from across the U.S. to affect global progress, invest in their communities, and begin their journeys as the next generation of leaders.
8323
8324<strong>As an ANNpower Fellow, you will:</strong>
8325<ul>
8326	<li>Participate in the ANNpower Vital Voices Leadership Forum, a three-day leadership training in Washington, DC from June 14-17, 2015.</li>
8327	<li>Obtain skills and networks to take on leadership roles in your schools and communities.</li>
8328	<li>Be mentored by global women leaders who are part of the Vital Voices Global Leadership Network, as well as executives from ANN INC., including President and CEO, Kay Krill.</li>
8329	<li>Attend the 14th Vital Voices Annual Global Leadership Awards at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.</li>
8330</ul>
8331<strong>What</strong>: An initiative to provide leadership training to girls, empowering them to become the next generation of global trailblazer
8332
8333<strong>Why</strong>: Become a leader that will affect change in your community. Attend the ANNpower Vital Voices Leadership Forum.
8334
8335<strong>Who</strong>: Girls who are in the 10th or 11th grade at a high school in the United States, Puerto Rico, or Canada.
8336
8337<strong>Deadline</strong>: March 8th, 2015
8338
8339Apply <a title="http://annpower.vitalvoices.org/" href="http://annpower.vitalvoices.org/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://annpower.vitalvoices.org/" href="http://annpower.vitalvoices.org/" target="_blank">ANNpower</a></strong>
8340
8341&nbsp;
8342
8343&nbsp;
8344
8345&nbsp;
8346
8347&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4728,post_date:"2015-01-26 19:09:51",post_date_gmt:"2015-01-26 18:09:51",post_modified:"2015-01-26 19:09:51",post_modified_gmt:"2015-01-26 18:09:51",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-annpower-vital-voices-girl-initiative",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"ANNpower"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"vital voices"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4729"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/S1wfQ1a9Ds7"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/d7bRH5Wiv8R"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/8wRXuxzWBd"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Are You Tech Savvy? Apply for the Hack Jozi Challenge"}

8347,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/01/30/are-you-tech-savvy-apply-for-the-hack-jozi-challenge/",pubDate:"Fri, 30 Jan 2015 20:43:41 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4740",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/screen-shot-2015-01-30-at-3-35-13-pm.png"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4741" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/screen-shot-2015-01-30-at-3-35-13-pm.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-01-30 at 3.35.13 PM" width="635" height="356" /></a>The <strong><a title="http://hackjozichallenge.co.za/form/" href="http://hackjozichallenge.co.za/form/" target="_blank">#Hack.Jozi Challenge</a></strong> is a boot camp for startup entrepreneurs. The goal of the program is to contribute towards fostering skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the broad area of digital technology. The program is in support of capacity development, job creation, and enterprise development.
8348
8349We want you to come up with the most innovative digital ideas to help enrich your communities. We will reward the best ideas with R5 000 000 for digital start-ups.
8350
8351<strong>Who:</strong> Anyone can enter. Entrepreneurs could either be individuals or teams, preferably with the relevant technical capabilities, an opportunity for entrants to formulate partnerships to improve their ventures.
8352
8353<strong>What:</strong> Startups must use a digital technology to address a need in the community.
8354
8355<strong>How:</strong>  Once selected, participants will be awarded membership to Jozis digital hub plus a cash amount. Support will also be provided in the form of technical requirements and mentorship.
8356
8357<strong>What you need to know:</strong>  Your project page is where you will share your story. What are you looking to create with the help of your community? Use your video and description to quickly and clearly communicate what you’re trying to do and why you’re doing it. Inspire excitement for your idea, and make potential backers confident in your ability to see it through. The video should not be longer than to 2 mins.
8358
8359<strong>DEADLINE:</strong> Febraury 15, 2015
8360
8361Apply <strong><a title="http://hackjozichallenge.co.za/form/" href="http://hackjozichallenge.co.za/form/" target="_blank">here</a>:</strong> <strong><a title="http://hackjozichallenge.co.za/form/" href="http://hackjozichallenge.co.za/form/" target="_blank">HackJozi</a></strong>
8362
8363&nbsp;
8364
8365&nbsp;
8366
8367&nbsp;
8368
8369&nbsp;
8370
8371&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4740,post_date:"2015-01-30 21:43:41",post_date_gmt:"2015-01-30 20:43:41",post_modified:"2015-01-30 21:43:41",post_modified_gmt:"2015-01-30 20:43:41",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"are-you-tech-savvy-apply-for-the-hack-jozi-challenge",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"#Hack.Jozi Challenge"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"bootcamp"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business development"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"digital entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"digital startups"},{__cdata:"ecosystem"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Joburg"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"Startup"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4741"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/RajaAQUYwVQ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/j16QHHYF9FB"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/xgQtpy25hf"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"My Personal Experience In The Workplace Inspired Me To Start This Company - Founder of WIE Launches Kickstarter Campaign"}

8371,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/01/31/my-personal-experience-in-the-workplace-inspired-me-to-start-this-company-founder-of-wie-launches-kickstarter-campaign/",pubDate:"Fri, 30 Jan 2015 23:37:20 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4746",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_4441" align="alignleft" width="199"]<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dee-pokupic-400x604.jpg"><img class="wp-image-4441 size-medium" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dee-pokupic-400x604.jpg?w=199" alt="Dee-Pokupic-400x604" width="199" height="300" /></a> Dee Poku-Spalding[/caption]
8372
8373<em>Personal experiences in the workplace inspired me to start this company. It was not until I left the routine 9am to 5pm job that I realized the importance of mentoring to my personal and professional development. Looking back now, I wish that I had mentors to advice, guide, challenge, and support me. I encountered lots of issues, everything from learning the basics of how to play workplace politics to knowing which projects would give me the most visibility. This is what led me to start WIE. </em>
8374
8375WIE stands for <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/11/06/7-tips-for-young-women-in-business-founder-of-wie-offers-advice/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/11/06/7-tips-for-young-women-in-business-founder-of-wie-offers-advice/" target="_blank">Women, Inspiration, and Enterprise</a>;</strong> I founded the company in 2010. WIE is an innovative global platform connecting well-established trailblazers to emerging leaders. WIE’s dynamic symposiums and salons provide a toolkit for success for tomorrow’s CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs, and potential collaborators. The network aims to empower a new generation of women leaders. Over the years, WIE symposiums has attracted an incredible lineup of speakers to include Donna Karan, Arianna Huffington, Queen Rania, Ted Turner, Melinda Gates, Diane von Furstenberg, Nancy Pelosi, Jill Biden, Aerin Lauder, Jennifer Buffett, Lauren Bush, Christy Turlington, Iman, Rosario Dawson, and Nora Ephron.
8376
8377I felt the need to provide a platform for women to gain access to resources that will allow them to support one another. We recently launched a <strong><a title="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2069894320/the-wie-network" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2069894320/the-wie-network" target="_blank">kickstarter campaign</a> </strong>because we want to rebuild and reinvent ourselves in the marketplace. The new website will feature powerful short inspirational videos from exceptional achievers. Women interviewed in these videos will share useful career insights about what they do, and how they do it – life, career, and the key to success. It is my intention that the WIE Network will continue to empower women and girls all over the world to reach their full potential. <strong><a title="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2069894320/the-wie-network" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2069894320/the-wie-network" target="_blank">Support WIE</a></strong>
8378
8379<strong>How did you come up with the name WIE? </strong>
8380
8381I wanted a name that was inclusive and WIE came to mind. Women, Inspiration, Enterprise best describes what we do.
8382
8383<strong>Who is your target audience?</strong>
8384
8385Women looking to establish themselves in the workplace. These women are somewhere in the middle and they feel stuck. They need the push and inspiration to move forward. Our target audience are women who want to grow and move on to the level. They want a breakthrough in their careers and need the support.
8386
8387<strong>How have you financed the idea thus far? </strong>
8388
8389We have received sponsorships from various companies and folks pay to attend our events.
8390
8391<strong>What business challenges do you face? </strong>
8392
8393Fundraising, access to capital, and manpower. We recently launched our <strong><a title="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2069894320/the-wie-network" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2069894320/the-wie-network" target="_blank">kickstarter campaign</a></strong>; we plan to take the business to the next level.
8394
8395<strong>What have you learned since founding WIE? </strong>
8396<ol>
8397	<li><em>Don’t take No for an answer.</em> Many people will tell you No, but keep going because the No can later turn into a Yes.</li>
8398	<li><em>Turn the No you get into a positive experience</em> by honing in on your pitch, properly communicating your vision, and expanding your network.</li>
8399	<li><em>Develop your networking skills. This is important for your </em>personal, business, and professional growth.</li>
8400	<li><em>Be Visible</em>. Regardless of where you are or what you are doing, ensure that you are visible. Many people work hard but no one knows what they are doing. Work hard, be visible, and make sure that the right people notice your efforts.</li>
8401</ol>
8402<strong>How can women support other women? </strong>
8403
8404(1) Be less secretive,
8405
8406(2) Know what you want and go for it,
8407
8408(3) Set goals and work hard to accomplish them,
8409

8410(4) Establish a supportive network (learn to share your ideas with others and more importantly, ask for feedback.)
8411
8412(5) Serve as a mentor. Pay it forward by serving as a mentor to other women and girls,
8413
8414(6) Hire women. When hiring, try as much as possible to hire a woman. Let us learn to give each other opportunities.
8415
8416[gallery type="slideshow" size="full" link="file" ids="4749,4441,3996"]
8417
8418<strong>How do you balance work and family life? </strong>
8419
8420Women have to learn to forgive themselves because we cannot be perfect. Many times, we expect perfection when it comes to balancing work and family life. I would like to be a great family person and a results-driven executive and entrepreneur all at the same time. However, I do not think that we can do it all. Be smart with your time and develop excellent time management skills. There were times in my career when I got so busy that I did not get to see my children as often as I liked, I always felt guilty.
8421
8422In addition, it is important to have a supportive spouse or partner who understands and who wants to see you achieve your goals. This person will serve as your support structure. Also, extended family members are a useful network; don't be afraid, always ask for help when you need it. My husband and I are entrepreneurs, it is not always easy but we plan our time and schedules accordingly.
8423
8424<strong>What is your vision for African women? </strong>
8425
8426My vision is to see more African women supporting each other. There are not enough supportive networks and spaces on the continent, we need to work on building this. We are usually competing with each other and not collaborating; this needs to change.
8427
8428The last time we had the WIE conference on the continent, I observed that when it comes to family life, African women practice a more pragmatic form of feminism. Of course I won’t say that African women are not feminists, they are but they practice a more pragmatic form. Many African women are guided by culture, hence why they think differently. The focus on marriage and family comes from our mothers. Mothers understand that there has to be more to life than money and career - so they start grooming women for marriage. I find this interesting.
8429
8430African women have somehow learned to put their needs on hold. They usually don't put themselves first. During the conference, these women spoke extensively about the importance of living for, taking care of, and looking after their husbands and family. There is an extreme focus on family life and husbands. There is nothing wrong with this but I find that for African women, the focus is to do everything they can to keep their marriages, homes, family life and make their husbands happy so he won't leave.
8431
8432More African women need to ask, what are my priorities? It is good to put family life first but it is also important to accomplish your purpose and to have a supportive partner who helps you through.
8433
8434<strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Africa? </strong>
8435
8436We need to highlight the kind of innovation that is happening on the continent, quality is still an issue. We need to do more to change the perception of Africa and made in Africa products. We can use the media to change this.
8437
8438<strong>How many jobs have you created? </strong>
8439
8440We work with many consultants and vendors. We do not have full-time staff members per se, but I will say that WIE conferences have helped many women get to the next level. Some women quit their jobs after attending a WIE conference, I think that’s a good thing because it shows that they are determined to take charge.
8441
8442<strong>What advice do you have for women entrepreneurs? </strong>
8443
8444Bring the right set of investors to the table. We need to connect more African women entrepreneurs to the global stage - more visibility on the global stage helps our voice.
8445
8446At WIE, we are focused on providing women with a place to learn from experts. We aim to offer a fresh, modern, and unique perspective on issues women may face in their careers. The innovative global platform that we are building will be solutions-driven to allow women share stories, collaborate, connect, and learn from each other. <a title="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2069894320/the-wie-network" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2069894320/the-wie-network" target="_blank">Support WIE</a>.
8447
8448&nbsp;
8449
8450Learn more about WIE:
8451
8452Website: <strong><a title="https://www.wienetwork.org" href="https://www.wienetwork.org" target="_blank">WIE</a></strong>
8453
8454Twitter: <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/WIENetwork" href="https://twitter.com/WIENetwork" target="_blank">WIE</a></strong>
8455
8456Facebook: <strong><a title="https://www.facebook.com/wienetwork" href="https://www.facebook.com/wienetwork" target="_blank">WIE</a></strong>
8457
8458&nbsp;
8459
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8464&nbsp;
8465
8466&nbsp;
8467
8468&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4746,post_date:"2015-01-31 00:37:20",post_date_gmt:"2015-01-30 23:37:20",post_modified:"2015-02-03 11:43:02",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-03 10:43:02",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"my-personal-experience-in-the-workplace-inspired-me-to-start-this-company-founder-of-wie-launches-kickstarter-campaign",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"advice"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African women"}

8468,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"career"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Crowdfunding"},{__cdata:"crowdsourcing"},{__cdata:"Dee Poku"},{__cdata:"Dee Poku-Spalding"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"Enterprise"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"interviews"},{__cdata:"Kickstarter"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Media"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"possibilities"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"Startup"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"teaching"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"videos"},{__cdata:"WIE Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3996"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/btadkVWyJs1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/b2RSDGxPUjw"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/m8hheqch2o"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:8631,comment_author:{__cdata:"Dee Poku-Spalding, Founder of WIE Network Launches the “Other Festival” in Brooklyn « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/05/02/dee-poku-spalding-founder-of-wie-network-launches-the-other-festival-in-brooklyn/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.99.183",comment_date:"2016-05-02 19:32:38",comment_date_gmt:"2016-05-02 18:32:38",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Other Festival is a one-day event put together by the WIE Network  celebrating female makers and creators. The event will showcase the emerging pioneers of this […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1462213982"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1462213983.3551800251007080078125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1462214617.530725002288818359375;s:5:"event";s:17:"status-unapproved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1462214620.4393689632415771484375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1462213959.8453819751739501953125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:6483,comment_author:{__cdata:"My Personal Experience In The Workplace Inspire..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/women-in-business-africa/p/4036784535/2015/02/07/my-pers

8468onal-experience-in-the-workplace-inspired-me-to-start-this-company-founder-of-wie-launches-kickstarter-campaign",comment_author_IP:"185.32.100.72",comment_date:"2015-02-07 11:06:58",comment_date_gmt:"2015-02-07 10:06:58",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Personal experiences in the workplace inspired me to start this company. It was not until I left the routine 9am to 5pm job that I realized the importance of mentoring to my personal and profession...&nbsp; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1423303618.900248050689697265625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1423308800.396501064300537109375;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1423322563"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1423322563.7554759979248046875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:9617,comment_author:{__cdata:"Attend: The Other Festival for Women Leaders and Creators &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2017/09/19/attend-the-other-festival-for-women-leaders-and-creators/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.85.170",comment_date:"2017-09-19 13:54:49",comment_date_gmt:"2017-09-19 12:54:49",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Other Festival is t put together by the WIE Network  celebrating female makers and [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1505825689.5023119449615478515625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1505825756"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1505825756.66709804534912109375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Ernst &amp; Young Southern Africa World Entrepreneur Award"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/03/apply-ernst-young-southern-africa-world-entrepreneur-award/",pubDate:"Tue, 03 Feb 2015 11:39:10 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4803",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-03-at-6-31-28-am.png"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4805" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-03-at-6-31-28-am.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-02-03 at 6.31.28 AM" width="635" height="245" /></a><strong><a title="http://www.ey.com/ZA/en/About-us/World-Entrepreneur-Awards-Programme/EY-EOY-nomination" href="http://www.ey.com/ZA/en/About-us/World-Entrepreneur-Awards-Programme/EY-EOY-nomination" target="_blank">EY</a> </strong>is calling for nominations for the 18th Southern Africa World Entrepreneur Award program. The program honours exceptional individuals who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses.
8469
8470There are three (3) categories for which EY will be accepting nominations:
8471<ol>
8472	<li><strong>Master:</strong> Individuals whose achievements have made them world class entrepreneurs. Nominees would have to be running and organization with revenues starting from US$100m to qualify for this category.</li>
8473	<li><strong>Exceptional:</strong> Individuals who have shown exceptional tenacity and determination in building a successful and established enterprise, that is well on its way to becoming a market leader in its sector.</li>
8474	<li><strong>Emerging:</strong> Individuals building young businesses with high potential.</li>
8475</ol>
8476<strong>Eligibility</strong>
8477<ul>
8478	<li>Nominee must be an owner/manager who is primarily responsible for the recent performance of the company and an active member of the leadership team.</li>
8479	<li>Founders of public companies, who are still active in the top management, are also eligible.</li>
8480	<li>Nominations can be submitted by anyone who is associated with a successful entrepreneur.</li>
8481</ul>
8482While any individual can nominate an entrepreneur, self-nomination is encouraged. Entry forms need to be completed by all nominees and submitted to Kyla Nel (<a title="http://www.ey.com/ZA/en/About-us/World-Entrepreneur-Awards-Programme/EY-EOY-nomination" href="http://www.ey.com/ZA/en/About-us/World-Entrepreneur-Awards-Programme/EY-EOY-nomination" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>), accompanied by all supporting documentation. The final list of nominees will be announced in May, with the winners for Southern Africa being named at an awards ceremony in October.
8483
8484DEADLINE: March 30, 2015
8485
8486Apply <a title="http://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/EY-eoy-nomination-form-2015/$FILE/EOY%20-%20Nomination%20form%20-%202015.pdf" href="http://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/EY-eoy-nomination-form-2015/$FILE/EOY%20-%20Nomination%20form%20-%202015.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/EY-eoy-nomination-form-2015/$FILE/EOY%20-%20Nomination%20form%20-%202015.pdf" href="http://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/EY-eoy-nomination-form-2015/$FILE/EOY%20-%20Nomination%20form%20-%202015.pdf" target="_blank">South Africa</a></strong>
8487
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8489
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8491
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8493
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8497
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8502&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4803,post_date:"2015-02-03 12:39:10",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-03 11:39:10",post_modified:"2015-02-03 12:39:10",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-03 11:39:10",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-ernst-young-southern-africa-world-entrepreneur-award",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Africa Award"}

8502,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"award"},{__cdata:"AWP"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"emerging entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"emerging leader"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"Southern Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4805"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/htpGLhANf3Y"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/SFZzsmnieQs"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/wMaju5DlrT"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"My Voice Matters: Nigerian Film Entrepreneur Lends Her Voice To The Upcoming Elections"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/05/my-voice-matters-nigerian-film-entrepreneur-lends-her-voice-to-the-upcoming-elections/",pubDate:"Thu, 05 Feb 2015 12:05:04 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4809",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Nollywood Star Actress, <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/12/02/the-2013-awp-network-power-list/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/12/02/the-2013-awp-network-power-list/" target="_blank">Rita Dominic</a></strong> and award-winning Director, <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/" target="_blank">Mildred Okwo</a> </strong>- co-founders of the Audrey Silva company, both lend their skills, talent, and voice to support democracy in Nigeria. <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/" target="_blank">Okwo </a></strong>is a well-recognized film director and producer whose film “The Meeting,” has won several awards to include the Nigerian Entertainment Award, Africa Movie Academy Award, and the Nollywood Movies Award.
8503
8504&nbsp;
8505
8506http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnMFzZqASsg
8507
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8519
8520&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4809,post_date:"2015-02-05 13:05:04",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-05 12:05:04",post_modified:"2015-02-05 13:05:04",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-05 12:05:04",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"my-voice-matters-nigerian-film-entrepreneur-lends-her-voice-to-the-upcoming-elections",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African women"},{__cdata:"African women power"},{__cdata:"African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Democracy"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"elections"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"film"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Mildred Okwo"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Rita Dominic"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The African Woman Power Network"},{__cdata:"The Audrey Silva Company"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"voices"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4811"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/7Nzn4Te4kye"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/eQW1aKz4B7F"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/rNnU6wmtkM"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_93a66f59c349f20ccba617a22b380708",meta_value:{__cdata:'<span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe class="youtube-player" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XnMFzZqASsg?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_93a66f59c349f20ccba617a22b380708",meta_value:{__cdata:"1727431220"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_e6cf16842256de2decfda604e4361e52",meta_value:{__cdata:'<div class="wp-embed"><div class="player"><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe class="youtube-player" width="635" height="358" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XnMFzZqASsg?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span></div></div>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_e6cf16842256de2decfda604e4361e52",meta_value:{__cdata:"1732397304"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Vital Voices Grow Fellowship for Women Entrepreneurs"}

8520,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/06/apply-vital-voices-grow-fellowship-for-women-entrepreneurs/",pubDate:"Fri, 06 Feb 2015 12:47:30 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4816",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-06-at-7-25-52-am.png"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4817" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-06-at-7-25-52-am.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-02-06 at 7.25.52 AM" width="635" height="308" /></a>Vital Voices identifies high potential yet underserved women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are on the cusp of growth as the “missing middle” in the global economy. Based on its experience with women business owners around the world, Vital Voices has launched the <a title="http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1963892/VV-GROW-Fellowship-2015-Application" href="http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1963892/VV-GROW-Fellowship-2015-Application" target="_blank">VV GROW Fellowship Program</a>, a one-year competitive program to support growth-oriented women business owners to take their businesses and leadership to the next level. The program supports women-owned enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), to set and achieve business growth goals with a unique blend of online learning, in-person training, and tailored support services.
8521
8522Vital Voices is seeking applications from women business owners from <strong>Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East and North Africa,</strong> who:
8523<ul>
8524	<li>Own a businesses that has been in operation for at least 3 years,</li>
8525	<li>Employ at least 3 staff (including temporary and/or seasonal workers), and</li>
8526	<li>Generate at least USD $40,000 in annual sales</li>
8527</ul>
8528<strong>As an interested applicant, you:</strong>
8529<ul>
8530	<li>Are motivated to build the skills and make the changes needed to grow your business,</li>
8531	<li>Are excited to participate in a one year program including on-line and in-person training and access to business growth opportunities, and</li>
8532	<li>Recognize the value of and participate in the tracking of the growth of your business for up to 2 years through methods such as surveys, calls, or additional opportunities.</li>
8533</ul>
8534<strong>The one-year program timeline consists of 4 components:</strong>
8535<ul>
8536	<li>A  competitive participant selection process and business needs assessment,</li>
8537	<li>Virtual Training: 4-6 months including a mix of online learning via webinars and Harvard Manage Mentor; network building via webinars and peer/small group calls; updates of key business tools such as the SWOT, the Business Model Canvas, and key financial statements,</li>
8538	<li>In-Person Training: 4-day in-person trainings in each region, LAC, MENA, and SSA featuring group sessions, one-on-one advising, and networking opportunities,</li>
8539	<li>Growth Services and Support: 5-6 months of tailored services such as small grants (potential), one-on-one advising, technical assistance, and Harvard Manage Mentor.</li>
8540</ul>
8541<h3>Have Questions?<a title="http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1963892/VV-GROW-Fellowship-2015-Application" href="http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1963892/VV-GROW-Fellowship-2015-Application" target="_blank"> [email protected]</a></h3>
8542&nbsp;
8543<h3>DEADLINE: <strong>February 28, 2015</strong></h3>
8544&nbsp;
8545
8546Apply <a title="http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1963892/VV-GROW-Fellowship-2015-Application" href="http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1963892/VV-GROW-Fellowship-2015-Application" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1963892/VV-GROW-Fellowship-2015-Application" href="http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1963892/VV-GROW-Fellowship-2015-Application" target="_blank">Vital Voices</a></strong>
8547
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8562&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4816,post_date:"2015-02-06 13:47:30",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-06 12:47:30",post_modified:"2015-02-06 13:47:30",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-06 12:47:30",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-vital-voices-grow-fellowship-for-women-entrepreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African Women Power Network"}

8562,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"Caribbean"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"Latin America"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Middle East"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"North Africa"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"vital voices"},{__cdata:"Vital Voices Grow Fellowship"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4817"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Sk2RXUMiRxH"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/BCRtNpjh7FS"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/Us8REjsqwF"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"W.TEC Technology Camp for African Girls"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/07/w-tec-technology-camp-for-african-girls/",pubDate:"Sat, 07 Feb 2015 15:51:05 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4826",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/oreoluwa-1-615w.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3255" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/oreoluwa-1-615w.jpg" alt="Oreoluwa-1-615w" width="615" height="400" /></a>The <a title="http://www.w-teconline.org" href="http://www.w-teconline.org" target="_blank"><strong>W.TEC Girls Technology Camp</strong></a> is a 2-week technology education and mentoring program with the objective to help girls develop an early interest in computers and information technology. For the camp duration, girls will take part in technology workshops. The long-term goal is to increase the numbers of Nigerian women using technology productively for learning, professional and leadership activities.
8563
8564The camp is open to 40 girls and workshops will include Alice programming, mobile application designing (using app inventor), digital video production, productivity tools that enhance entrepreneurial skills e.g.  mind-map, blogger, social media, and excursions to technology companies.
8565
8566<em>Target Audience</em>: this is a girls-only camp and the criteria are girls who are:
8567<ul>
8568	<li>Intelligent, ambitious and currently in JSS 2 – SSS 2 (no younger than 11 years),</li>
8569	<li>Interested in and enjoys using computers and exploring the Internet,</li>
8570	<li>Planning or exploring a career using computers and/or other information and communication technology (ICTs) e.g. telecommunications,</li>
8571</ul>
8572The W.TEC Girls Technology Camp will take place in Lagos, Nigeria from August 2 – 15, 2015
8573
8574Fee: N 50,000 per student (covers tuition, feeding, boarding, educational resources and excursions.) Scholarships are available for public school students.
8575
8576Apply <a title="http://www.w-teconline.org/apply-to-girls-technology-programme/" href="http://www.w-teconline.org/apply-to-girls-technology-programme/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.w-teconline.org/apply-to-girls-technology-programme/" href="http://www.w-teconline.org/apply-to-girls-technology-programme/" target="_blank">W.TEC</a></strong>
8577
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8590&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4826,post_date:"2015-02-07 16:51:05",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-07 15:51:05",post_modified:"2015-02-07 16:51:05",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-07 15:51:05",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"w-tec-technology-camp-for-african-girls",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African girls in technology"}

8590,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"AWP Network The African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"girls in tech"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Oreoluwa Somolu"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"W-TEC"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Women in Tech"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3255"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/CovEPCLwhMD"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/cgKrtMsaZJv"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/Gq5FfgIK9l"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Forbes Contributor Set to Launch Twitter Chat for Entrepreneurs"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/10/forbes-contributor-set-to-launch-twitter-chat-for-entrepreneurs/",pubDate:"Tue, 10 Feb 2015 02:26:41 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4830",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong><a title="http://www.forbes.com/sites/faraigundan/" href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/faraigundan/" target="_blank">Farai Gundan</a></strong>, contributor at Forbes.com and correspondent at Forbes Africa will launch a twitter chat series for young people interested in business. The twitter chat is titled, <a class="_58cn" title="http://www.forbes.com/sites/faraigundan/" href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/faraigundan/" target="_blank">#AfricaLeads</a>.
8591
8592Once a month, Gundan will engage one of Africa's leading entrepreneurs on twitter to find out how they made it, what advice they have for young entrepreneurs, and find out their solutions for some of the continent's pressing issues.
8593
8594Follow the conversation  <strong>#AfricaLeads</strong>
8595
8596<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-09-at-8-44-26-pm.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4832" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-09-at-8-44-26-pm.png" alt="Screen Shot 2015-02-09 at 8.44.26 PM" width="633" height="418" /></a>
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8620&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4830,post_date:"2015-02-10 03:26:41",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-10 02:26:41",post_modified:"2015-02-10 03:26:41",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-10 02:26:41",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"forbes-contributor-set-to-launch-twitter-chat-for-entrepreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"AfricaLeads"},{__cdata:"African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Farai Gundan"},{__cdata:"Farai Media"},{__cdata:"Forbes Africa"},{__cdata:"Forbes.com"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4832"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/eEN4qSwHAtk"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/RqENsWEJvaR"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/Lmh64DdB

8620dR"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Andela Launches Bootcamp for Nigerian Women In Tech"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/11/andela-launches-bootcamp-for-nigerian-women-in-tech/",pubDate:"Wed, 11 Feb 2015 18:41:37 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4840",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Last year, <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/10/13/apply-andela-software-developer-bootcamp-for-women/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/10/13/apply-andela-software-developer-bootcamp-for-women/" target="_blank">Andela</a></strong> - a global talent accelerator that produces world-class developers and connects them with top employers launched an intensive bootcamp for female software developers in Nigeria. The two-week training program taught participants the basics of front-end web development and helped them secure a job as Andela fellows. Learn more about the program here:
8621
8622http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6AHDxi449Y
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8640&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4840,post_date:"2015-02-11 19:41:37",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-11 18:41:37",post_modified:"2015-02-11 19:53:23",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-11 18:53:23",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"andela-launches-bootcamp-for-nigerian-women-in-tech",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Andela"},{__cdata:"Andela Fellowship"},{__cdata:"AWP"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"coding"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"tech education"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/Znde3kb8t6s"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Xf8ThPuQ3Vw"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/rHDrs8WXqU"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3970"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_af9d6eb2bcce9581163ba9d9e9a92b5b",meta_value:{__cdata:'<span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe class="youtube-player" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E6AHDxi449Y?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_af9d6eb2bcce9581163ba9d9e9a92b5b",meta_value:{__cdata:"1727431222"}}],comment:[{comment_id:8216,comment_author:{__cdata:"Do You Dream of Building Softw

8640are that Can Change the World? &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/02/18/do-you-dream-of-building-software-that-can-change-the-world/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.118.6",comment_date:"2016-02-18 17:05:44",comment_date_gmt:"2016-02-18 16:05:44",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Andela is a 4-year, paid opportunity that allows you to master the craft of professional software development while working for leading technology companies around the globe.  After the four (4) years, Andela Fellows go on to become technology entrepreneurs, technical leaders, senior software engineers and more. All applicants need to go through the home study curriculum to understand the very basics of software development. Applicants that read through our home study curriculum thoroughly have a better chance of getting into the Andela Fellowship than those who do not. So take your time to go through our home study curriculum even if you have not made up your mind about applying. [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1455811545.8094260692596435546875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1455811596"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1455811596.7686688899993896484375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:7385,comment_author:{__cdata:"Andela Developers Present Winning Hack in San Francisco &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/09/17/andela-developers-present-winning-hack-in-san-francisco/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.80.144",comment_date:"2015-09-17 21:01:18",comment_date_gmt:"2015-09-17 20:01:18",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Andela developers became the grand prize winner of the event where they created the Executer. Think of the Executer as your personal assistant that has full insight into all your upcoming meetings and events. [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1442520272.0151851177215576171875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1442520271"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1442520078.9911940097808837890625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Google Digital Business Manager Training"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/13/apply-google-digital-business-manager-training/",pubDate:"Fri, 13 Feb 2015 12:38:14 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4848",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-13-at-7-21-54-am.png"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4849" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-13-at-7-21-54-am.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-02-13 at 7.21.54 AM" width="635" height="251" /></a>Are you based in Lagos? Nairobi? or Accra? Then consider applying.
8641
8642The<strong> <a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZqWSmgpCmSWup4Bn8wXGr_em7upARZ_AxLv7I9ZTdSI/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZqWSmgpCmSWup4Bn8wXGr_em7upARZ_AxLv7I9ZTdSI/viewform" target="_blank">Digital Business Management program (DBM)</a></strong><a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZqWSmgpCmSWup4Bn8wXGr_em7upARZ_AxLv7I9ZTdSI/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZqWSmgpCmSWup4Bn8wXGr_em7upARZ_AxLv7I9ZTdSI/viewform" target="_blank"> </a>is designed to bring more African businesses online. This program will leverage Google’s third party model to grow the digital ecosystem by supporting businesses in their online journey.
8643
8644Upon completion of the training program, participants will receive a certificate of completion and will have gained the skills needed to be effective in a digital management role. Additionally, will gain the skills needed to set up and run a digital agency focused on offering Google products to small businesses.
8645
8646Apply <a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZqWSmgpCmSWup4Bn8wXGr_em7upARZ_AxLv7I9ZTdSI/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZqWSmgpCmSWup4Bn8wXGr_em7upARZ_AxLv7I9ZTdSI/viewform" target="_blank">here:</a> <strong><a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZqWSmgpCmSWup4Bn8wXGr_em7upARZ_AxLv7I9ZTdSI/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZqWSmgpCmSWup4Bn8wXGr_em7upARZ_AxLv7I9ZTdSI/viewform" target="_blank">Google Digital</a></strong>
8647
8648&nbsp;
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8650&nbsp;
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8656&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4848,post_date:"2015-02-13 13:38:14",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-13 12:38:14",post_modified:"2015-02-13 13:38:14",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-13 12:38:14",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-google-digital-business-manager-training",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African women power"}

8656,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"digital business manager training"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"Google"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4850"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/3LiaHrn1xAC"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/RoxoLs1BH95"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/lvZFMNtSFk"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:6555,comment_author:{__cdata:"taiwo"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"82.145.223.80",comment_date:"2015-02-18 12:10:28",comment_date_gmt:"2015-02-18 11:10:28",comment_content:{__cdata:"Great. Thanks"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1424258431"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1424258431"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1424258432.8959600925445556640625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1424257828.4809839725494384765625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"$80,000 In Grants Available for African Entrepreneurs"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/13/80000-in-grants-available-for-african-entrepreneurs/",pubDate:"Fri, 13 Feb 2015 13:14:45 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4858",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-13-at-7-54-15-am.png"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4859" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-13-at-7-54-15-am.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-02-13 at 7.54.15 AM" width="635" height="170" /></a>Are you an entrepreneur in Kenya, Rwanda, or Uganda? Then consider applying.
8657
8658<strong><a title="https://www.springaccelerator.org/apply/" href="https://www.springaccelerator.org/apply/" target="_blank">Spring</a></strong> is a pioneering accelerator supporting businesses whose products and services could transform the lives of adolescent girls. Spring entrepreneurs are passionate, innovative, and determined to change the world. Spring helps get a collection of accomplished mentors, advisers, investors, and experts, plus the funding and training needed to get the job done.
8659
8660The<strong><a title="https://www.springaccelerator.org/apply/" href="https://www.springaccelerator.org/apply/" target="_blank"> Spring Accelerator</a> </strong>can help you transform your brilliant product: from potential to impact. $80,000 in grants available per venture.
8661<h4 class="serpentine-item-title">Boot Camp:</h4>
8662The selected 18 businesses will convene in Nairobi for 2 weeks of immersive training and customised coaching to identify challenges, opportunities, and plans for success.
8663<h4 class="serpentine-item-title">Selection Camp:</h4>
866450 finalists will travel to Nairobi, Kampala, or Kigali to pitch their products to business leaders, potential investors, and expert judges.
8665<h4 class="serpentine-item-title">Pitch Camp:</h4>
8666Entrepreneurs present revised pitches to an investor and expert panel, getting feedback to maximise growth potential and secure larger pools of capital.
8667
8668DEADLINE: March 16, 2015
8669
8670Apply <a title="https://www.springaccelerator.org/apply/" href="https://www.springaccelerator.org/apply/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="https://www.springaccelerator.org/apply/" href="https://www.springaccelerator.org/apply/" target="_blank">Spring Africa</a></strong>
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8678&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4858,post_date:"2015-02-13 14:14:45",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-13 13:14:45",post_modified:"2015-02-13 14:14:45",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-13 13:14:45",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"80000-in-grants-available-for-african-entrepreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"accelerator"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African Women Power Network"}

8678,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Kenya"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Rwanda"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"Spring Accelerator"},{__cdata:"Spring Africa"},{__cdata:"Startup"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"tech"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"Techpreneurs"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Uganda"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4859"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/62mvpNFBxnm"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/F7fAYz2Y4mb"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/YSYQjPdE1E"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:7124,comment_author:{__cdata:"MONDAY AKWANG"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"141.0.15.26",comment_date:"2015-07-07 09:27:02",comment_date_gmt:"2015-07-07 08:27:02",comment_content:{__cdata:"Greeting to you all. I am a young Nigerian that have zeal for production of cosmetic products. I am an indigene of Mbioto 2, Etinan, Akwa Ibom State. Reside at Eket, Akwa Ibom State all in Nigeria. The passion and zeal I have for production is of the high size. The products are: 1. AIR FRESHENER, 2. LIQUID SOAP, 3. ANTISEPTIC/BLACK SOAP, 4. LIQUID BLEACH, 5. INSECTICIDE, 6.HAIR CREAM, 7. VASELINE/POMADE. With that same move I registered my business name with CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC). In same speed somebody gave me a site to use as my factory. I make a move to consult NAFDAC, they came with a word of advice and steps to take before NAFDAC Registration Nos. will be issued to me. Since that time, the business is not moving as it suppose to move, due to lack of capital. Please, I need help from. I need GRANT for my business. Thanks."},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1436257622.2481648921966552734375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1436656563"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1436262223.4675691127777099609375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1436656563"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1436656564.0492150783538818359375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:6598,comment_author:{__cdata:"Ndegwa Peninah Wanjiru"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"http://N/A",comment_author_IP:"82.145.220.128",comment_date:"2015-03-01 13:49:58",comment_date_gmt:"2015-03-01 12:49:58",comment_content:{__cdata:"Good work"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1425215715"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1425215716.599524021148681640625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1425215715"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1425214199.577023029327392578125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Join the AWP Network for Social Media Week"}

8678,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/16/join-the-awp-network-for-social-media-week/",pubDate:"Mon, 16 Feb 2015 13:56:05 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4863",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`With current issues such as the Ebola outbreak, Boko Haram, and the #Bringbackourgirls campaign, the social and economic unrest in various countries, have left Africans to rely on social media to share information and engage in activism.
8679
8680In fact, social media seems to have, at times, replaced social action. In this ever-evolving context, we must question whether the use of social media is an effective way of telling these “African” stories? Is social change possible through social media? How do Africans on the continent and the Diaspora harness social media for social good? What are examples of social media use for social change that are effective?
8681
8682<strong>Register here: <a title="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-seismic-shift-in-african-storytelling-in-140-characters-or-less-registration-15739812202" href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-seismic-shift-in-african-storytelling-in-140-characters-or-less-registration-15739812202" target="_blank">Join the conversation</a></strong>
8683
8684Space is limited - <strong><a title="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-seismic-shift-in-african-storytelling-in-140-characters-or-less-registration-15739812202" href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-seismic-shift-in-african-storytelling-in-140-characters-or-less-registration-15739812202" target="_blank">RSVP Required</a></strong>
8685
8686<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/10974601_641914439247293_5411264610648820353_o.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4864" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/10974601_641914439247293_5411264610648820353_o.jpg?w=635" alt="10974601_641914439247293_5411264610648820353_o" width="635" height="448" /></a>
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8708&nbsp;
8709
8710&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4863,post_date:"2015-02-16 14:56:05",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-16 13:56:05",post_modified:"2015-02-16 14:59:36",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-16 13:59:36",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"join-the-awp-network-for-social-media-week",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"dialogue"},{__cdata:"Divine Muragijimana"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Mohammed Ademo"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"social media"},{__cdata:"Social Media Week"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"TMS Ruge"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"},{__cdata:"Zainab Sesay-Harrell"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4864"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/9QZhyCxMEaP"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/14BZj98TnPB"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/OU4z7ebu58"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Join the AWP Network for Social Media Week"}

8710,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/16/join-the-awp-network-for-social-media-week-2/",pubDate:"Mon, 16 Feb 2015 14:13:30 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4869",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Globally, social media reliance is positive for brands. Whether on mobile devices, laptops or desktop computers, demand for social media engagement is good news for brands. In Africa, according to the 2014 “Emerging Nations Embrace Internet, Mobile Technology” report by the Pew Research Global Attitudes Project, approximately 78 percent of internet usage in Africa is for social media. This lays the foundation for Africa’s estimated $14-billion social media industry. With the internet expected to contribute a minimum of $300 billion to Africa’s GDP by 2025, social media could contribute almost $230 billion to Africa’s remarkable growth by that time.
8711
8712This event will be using Google Chat/Skype and/or Live Stream to connect with panelists in Lagos, Nigeria. <strong>Event Hashtag: #smwMobileTech</strong>
8713
8714Register <a title="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/using-social-and-mobile-technology-to-stay-connected-in-africa-smwmobiletech-tickets-15678875940" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/using-social-and-mobile-technology-to-stay-connected-in-africa-smwmobiletech-tickets-15678875940" target="_blank">here</a>: <a title="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/using-social-and-mobile-technology-to-stay-connected-in-africa-smwmobiletech-tickets-15678875940" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/using-social-and-mobile-technology-to-stay-connected-in-africa-smwmobiletech-tickets-15678875940" target="_blank">Join the conversation</a>
8715
8716Space is limited – <a title="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/using-social-and-mobile-technology-to-stay-connected-in-africa-smwmobiletech-tickets-15678875940" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/using-social-and-mobile-technology-to-stay-connected-in-africa-smwmobiletech-tickets-15678875940" target="_blank">RSVP Required</a>
8717
8718[gallery type="slideshow" size="full" link="file" ids="4870,4871"]
8719
8720&nbsp;
8721
8722&nbsp;
8723
8724&nbsp;
8725
8726&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4869,post_date:"2015-02-16 15:13:30",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-16 14:13:30",post_modified:"2015-02-16 15:13:30",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-16 14:13:30",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"join-the-awp-network-for-social-media-week-2",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business education"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"IBOM LLC"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"Social Media Week"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4871"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Pyoc4BS4X7Z"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/PfCffencvr5"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/qlxQvuS9Mk"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Join Mara Mentor in Lagos for Social Media Week"}

8726,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/18/join-mara-mentor-in-lagos-for-social-media-week/",pubDate:"Wed, 18 Feb 2015 11:49:36 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4874",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>Integrating Africa with Social Media and User Applications </strong>will enlighten Africans on how technology has come a long way in integrating Africa, the impact it has had on empowering youths and entrepreneurs using Mara Online brands as a case study.
8727
8728We are inviting youths, entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs and technologists from across the Nigerian social &amp; digital community to join us for a discussion and workshop aimed at understanding how far technology has helped to reach out and connect Africa in becoming one. At the end of the master class, we hope to leave participants with a sense of how entrepreneurs can take advantage of technology and social media with campaign ideas.
8729
8730Learn more: <strong><a title="http://socialmediaweek.org/lagos/events/integrating-africa-social-media-user-applications/" href="http://socialmediaweek.org/lagos/events/integrating-africa-social-media-user-applications/" target="_blank">Mara Mentor</a></strong>
8731
8732<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-18-at-6-38-15-am.png"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4875" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-18-at-6-38-15-am.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-02-18 at 6.38.15 AM" width="635" height="261" /></a>
8733
8734&nbsp;
8735
8736&nbsp;
8737
8738&nbsp;
8739
8740&nbsp;
8741
8742&nbsp;
8743
8744&nbsp;
8745
8746&nbsp;
8747
8748&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4874,post_date:"2015-02-18 12:49:36",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-18 11:49:36",post_modified:"2015-02-18 12:49:36",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-18 11:49:36",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"join-mara-mentor-in-lagos-for-social-media-week",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"dialogue"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"Mara"},{__cdata:"Mara Mentor"},{__cdata:"Mara Mentor Lagos"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Mary Olusoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"Social Media Week"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4875"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/7LFYafTUdgz"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/KGdYXAdRcTy"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/WEr8nV13c1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Friends Africa Remains Committed to Women and Girls"}

8748,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/18/friends-africa-remains-committed-to-women-and-girls/",pubDate:"Wed, 18 Feb 2015 12:07:28 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4878",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424195298390_135342">All around the world, International Women's Day represents an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while calling for greater equality. Friends Africa passionately believes that we must increase investment in women and girls -  it doesn't just make social sense but also makes business sense.
8749
8750</div>
8751<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424195298390_135383">Watch the short video to find out more about why we believe we must increase investment in women and girls.</div>
8752<div></div>
8753<div></div>
8754<div></div>
8755<div></div>
8756<div></div>
8757<div></div>
8758<div></div>
8759<div></div>
8760<div></div>
8761<div></div>
8762<div></div>
8763<div>
8764
8765http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbeWiGVa3AM
8766
8767&nbsp;
8768
8769&nbsp;
8770
8771&nbsp;
8772
8773&nbsp;
8774
8775&nbsp;
8776
8777&nbsp;
8778
8779&nbsp;
8780
8781&nbsp;
8782
8783&nbsp;
8784
8785</div>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4878,post_date:"2015-02-18 13:07:28",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-18 12:07:28",post_modified:"2015-02-18 13:07:28",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-18 12:07:28",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"friends-africa-remains-committed-to-women-and-girls",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4248"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/TLc4s66mnXf"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/XBstKmAx8vq"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/WT3DhstkFI"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_9ddda116c684768687c2e2a68feca2be",meta_value:{__cdata:'<div class="embed-youtube"><iframe title="Friends Africa: Increasing  Investment and Impact in Communities" width="750" height="563" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SbeWiGVa3AM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_9ddda116c684768687c2e2a68feca2be",meta_value:{__cdata:"1727431223"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_d7df539e7473deb1ff8e076255bae6e0",meta_value:{__cdata:'<div class="wp-embed"><div class="player"><div class="embed-youtube"><iframe title="Friends Africa: Increasing  Investment and Impact in Communities" width="635" height="476" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SbeWiGVa3AM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;

8785 web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_d7df539e7473deb1ff8e076255bae6e0",meta_value:{__cdata:"1732456551"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Do You Have A Game-Changing Idea?  $100,000 Available For African Entrepreneurs"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/18/do-you-have-game-changing-idea-150000-available-for-african-entrepreneurs/",pubDate:"Wed, 18 Feb 2015 13:56:45 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4885",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-18-at-8-42-54-am.png"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4886" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-18-at-8-42-54-am.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-02-18 at 8.42.54 AM" width="635" height="217" /></a><a title="http://www.f6s.com/villagecapitalfintecheastafrica" href="http://www.f6s.com/villagecapitalfintecheastafrica" target="_blank">Village Capital FinTech for Agriculture:</a> East Africa 2015
8786
8787<b>Do you have a financial innovation that can change the world?</b> Village Capital is looking for financial services and technologies that will provide value for low-income households and others in Eastern Africa who are underserved by traditional financial services.
8788
8789Village Capital and its partners have teamed up to identify game-changing financial services and technologies. Selected ventures will participate in a three-month outcome-based accelerator program (31 world-class programs in more than 6 countries to date) where they will present to leading investors and be mentored by industry leaders and their peers.
8790<ul>
8791	<li>Innovations that provide affordable extensions of credit, loans, cash advances or other financial services to financially underserved households, individuals, or small agribusinesses businesses.</li>
8792	<li>Technologies that extend traditional financial services (savings, credit, loans, insurance) to financially underserved households, individuals or businesses in alternative ways.</li>
8793	<li>Technologies that formalize informal markets, increase the efficiency of the agricultural supply chain, or build wealth for smallholder farmers, low-wealth households, or individuals.</li>
8794	<li>Ventures that have applications for agriculture, or for which smallholders or agribusinesses represent part or all of their customer base.</li>
8795</ul>
8796The program is structured as three intensive 4-day sessions over 3 months with additional remote collaboration online between sessions.
8797
8798<em>Session 1:</em> April 15-18
8799
8800<em>Session 2:</em> May 19-22
8801
8802<em>Session 3:</em> June 22-25
8803
8804<strong>$100,000</strong> of pre-committed investment, <strong>$50,000</strong> each for the top two enterprises
8805
8806Apply <a title="http://www.f6s.com/villagecapitalfintecheastafrica" href="http://www.f6s.com/villagecapitalfintecheastafrica" target="_blank">here</a>: <a title="http://www.f6s.com/villagecapitalfintecheastafrica" href="http://www.f6s.com/villagecapitalfintecheastafrica" target="_blank"><strong>FinTech Investments</strong></a>
8807
8808<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: February 25, 2015
8809
8810&nbsp;
8811
8812&nbsp;
8813
8814&nbsp;
8815
8816&nbsp;
8817
8818&nbsp;
8819
8820&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4885,post_date:"2015-02-18 14:56:45",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-18 13:56:45",post_modified:"2015-02-18 15:41:41",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-18 14:41:41",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"do-you-have-game-changing-idea-150000-available-for-african-entrepreneurs",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"agribusiness"},{__cdata:"agriculture"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business accelerator"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"East Africa"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"FinTech"},{__cdata:"FinTech for Agriculture"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"investments"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4886"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/aTV1ckEUzWS"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/cWFcqeQHoNm"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/rIHgz03YD8"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Women’s World Banking Introduces Africa Advisory Council"}

8820,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/20/womens-world-banking-introduces-africa-advisory-council/",pubDate:"Fri, 20 Feb 2015 01:45:58 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4893",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-19-at-8-30-16-pm.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4894" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-19-at-8-30-16-pm.png" alt="Screen Shot 2015-02-19 at 8.30.16 PM" width="590" height="241" /></a>
8821
8822&nbsp;
8823
8824&nbsp;
8825
8826&nbsp;
8827
8828&nbsp;
8829
8830&nbsp;
8831
8832&nbsp;
8833
8834&nbsp;
8835
8836&nbsp;
8837
8838As Women’s World Banking strives to broaden the horizons for low-income women across Africa, it developed the council with two main goals in mind: to draw upon council members’ insights to refine Women’s World Banking’s strategic work, and to recruit council members to serve as ambassadors for women’s financial inclusion issues within their personal and professional circles.
8839
8840The council is composed of 12 high-profile African leaders and was born from Women’s World Banking’s collaboration with Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSDA), a regi

8840onal program promoting financial inclusion across sub-Saharan Africa. FSDA supports Women’s World Banking in creating financial services tailored specifically to women’s needs in Nigeria, Tanzania, and Malawi.
8841
8842On the council are:
8843
8844Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala <em>(Honorary Co-Chair; Minister of Finance – Nigeria)</em>
8845
8846Dr. Jennifer Riria <em>(Honorary Co-Chair; Group CEO, Kenya Women Holding Company Ltd. – Kenya)</em>
8847
8848Mr. Ade Ashaye <em>(Country Manager, Visa West Africa – Nigeria)</em>
8849
8850Ms. Anne-Marie Chidzero <em>(CEO, Financial Sector Deepening Mozambique &amp; CEO, AfriCap Microfinance Investment Company – Mozambique / South Africa)</em>
8851
8852Ms. Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi <em>(Special Gender Envoy, the African Development Bank – Côte d’Ivoire)</em>
8853
8854Dr. Frannie Léautier <em>(Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Mkoba Private Equity Fund – Tanzania)</em>
8855
8856Ms. Debra Mallowah <em>(Vice President and Personal Care Lead, Unilever Africa – Kenya) </em>
8857
8858Mr. Luke Mckend <em>(Country Manager, Google South Africa – South Africa)</em>
8859
8860Ms. Elisabeth Medou Badang <em>(CEO, Orange Cameroon – Cameroon)</em>
8861
8862Ms. Nomkhita Nqweni <em>(Chief Executive, Absa Capital, Wealth and Investment – South Africa)</em>
8863
8864Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa <em>(Vice Governor, National Bank of Rwanda – Rwanda) </em>
8865
8866Ms. Arunma Oteh <em>(Former Director General, Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission – Nigeria)</em>
8867
8868The council offers Women’s World Banking a rare and valuable resource in terms of both access and expertise: we’ve gained a set of advisors on technical issues, as well as a passionate group of advocates for broadening women’s financial inclusion across Africa.
8869
8870&nbsp;
8871
8872&nbsp;
8873
8874&nbsp;
8875
8876&nbsp;
8877
8878&nbsp;
8879
8880&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4893,post_date:"2015-02-20 02:45:58",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-20 01:45:58",post_modified:"2015-02-20 02:45:58",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-20 01:45:58",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"womens-world-banking-introduces-africa-advisory-council",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Ade Ashaye"},{__cdata:"African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"Anne-Marie Chidzero"},{__cdata:"Arunma Oteh"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"Debra Mallowah"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Elisabeth Medou Badang"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Financial Sector Deepening Africa"},{__cdata:"Frannie Léautier"},{__cdata:"Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Jennifer Riria"},{__cdata:"Luke Mckend"},{__cdata:"Malawi"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Monique Nsanzabaganwa"},{__cdata:"Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nomkhita Nqweni"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"Tanzania"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Women's World Banking"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4894"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/E1kAEn3uL1r"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/C4PQYj52TA1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/QwQBDhVkqL"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Google’s 2015 Science Fair"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/20/apply-googles-2015-science-fair/",pubDate:"Fri, 20 Feb 2015 02:21:47 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4902",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnet

8880work.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-19-at-9-01-24-pm.png"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4903" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-19-at-9-01-24-pm.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-02-19 at 9.01.24 PM" width="635" height="413" /></a>The <a title="https://www.googlesciencefair.com/en/how-to-enter" href="https://www.googlesciencefair.com/en/how-to-enter" target="_blank">Google science fair</a> is in partnership with Lego Education, National Geographic, Scientific American, and Virgin Galactic. It invites students between <strong>13 and 18</strong> from anywhere in the world to enter <a title="https://www.googlesciencefair.com/en/how-to-enter" href="https://www.googlesciencefair.com/en/how-to-enter" target="_blank">submissions online</a>.
8881
8882The science fair has produced some incredibly impressive winners in years past, including a flashlight that requires only the ambient heat from a user’s palm gripping the handle to power its beam, as well as wearable tech that can provide real-time effective healthcare response to serious problems associated with an aging population and the onset of Alzheimer’s.
8883
8884<strong>Prizes</strong>: $100,000 in scholarships and classroom grants from Scientific American and Google, a National Geographic Expedition to the Galapagos, an opportunity to visit LEGO designers at their Denmark headquarters, and the chance to tour Virgin Galactic’s new spaceship at their Mojave Air and Spaceport.
8885
8886DEADLINE: May 18, 2015
8887
8888Apply <a title="https://www.googlesciencefair.com/en/how-to-enter" href="https://www.googlesciencefair.com/en/how-to-enter" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="https://www.googlesciencefair.com/en/how-to-enter" href="https://www.googlesciencefair.com/en/how-to-enter" target="_blank">Google Science</a></strong>
8889
8890http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAVIkr7HRMk
8891
8892&nbsp;
8893
8894&nbsp;
8895
8896&nbsp;
8897
8898&nbsp;
8899
8900&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4902,post_date:"2015-02-20 03:21:47",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-20 02:21:47",post_modified:"2015-02-20 12:36:26",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-20 11:36:26",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-googles-2015-science-fair",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"Google Science Fair"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4903"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/ecoYjqvSHN9"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/h4EgSprcicX"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/oLFQAFJiDl"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_e2b6a51bb8526c5727e4947e7b328f4d",meta_value:{__cdata:'<span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe class="youtube-player" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YAVIkr7HRMk?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_e2b6a51bb8526c5727e4947e7b328f4d",meta_value:{__cdata:"1727431224"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_f8a9f11abaa8a3e9d5070f8d51789f6b",meta_value:{__cdata:'<div class="wp-embed"><div class="player"><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe class="youtube-player" width="635" height="358" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YAVIkr7HRMk?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span></div></div>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_f8a9f11abaa8a3e9d5070f8d51789f6b",meta_value:{__cdata:"1732414952"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Attend: Women In The World New York Summit"}

8900,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/20/attend-women-in-the-world-new-york-summit/",pubDate:"Fri, 20 Feb 2015 03:02:54 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4910",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_1273-e1424400096790.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-1297" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_1273-e1424400096790.jpg?w=635" alt="IMG_1273" width="635" height="180" /></a>This year’s summit participants include Helen Mirren, Academy Award-winning actress who stars on Broadway in the upcoming play <em id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424383196682_63949">The Audience; </em><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424383196682_63937">Aamir Khan</span>, movie actor and creator-host of the award-winning Indian talk show <em>Satyamev Jayate</em>; <span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424383196682_63947">Ava DuVernay</span>, director of <em id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424383196682_63939">Selma</em>; Christiane Amanpour, host of CNN International’s <em>Amanpour; </em>Ellen Kullman, CEO of DuPont; <span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424383196682_63945">Padmasree Warrior</span>, CTO of Cisco; Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, director of the St. Monica’s Girls Tailoring Centre in Gulu, Uganda; <span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424383196682_63943">Meryl Streep</span>, Academy Award-winning actress featured in the upcoming movie <em>Suffragette; </em>Elif Shafak, the most widely-read woman writer in Turkey; Manal al-Sharif, the Saudi activist behind the campaign to allow women to drive.
8901
8902WHEN: April 22-24, 2015
8903
8904WHERE: Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater, New York City
8905
8906Purchase <a title="http://hstc.co/1Aq3iyo" href="http://hstc.co/1Aq3iyo" target="_blank">tickets</a>: <strong><a title="http://hstc.co/1Aq3iyo" href="http://hstc.co/1Aq3iyo" target="_blank">Women In the World</a></strong>
8907
8908&nbsp;
8909
8910&nbsp;
8911
8912&nbsp;
8913
8914&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4910,post_date:"2015-02-20 04:02:54",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-20 03:02:54",post_modified:"2015-02-20 12:35:28",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-20 11:35:28",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"attend-women-in-the-world-new-york-summit",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Women in the world"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"1297"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/6q7ZhbrSWQb"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/2kNmVY81NV4"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/lV6oOJb9lS"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Do You Have An Idea? Apply: GIST Tech-I Competition"}

8914,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/23/do-you-have-an-idea-apply-gist-tech-i-competition/",pubDate:"Mon, 23 Feb 2015 20:02:33 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4918",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-23-at-2-54-18-pm.png"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4919" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-23-at-2-54-18-pm.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-02-23 at 2.54.18 PM" width="635" height="147" /></a>Are you a scientist? An entrepreneur? A researcher? An innovator? A student? Are you just someone who has a great idea or startup company and are looking to change the world? Whoever you are, if you have a great idea then Tech-I is for you!
8915
8916The <strong><a title="http://www.gistnetwork.org/tech-i/apply" href="http://www.gistnetwork.org/tech-i/apply" target="_blank">Tech-I competition</a></strong> is open to everyone between the ages of 18 to 40 years old who has either an idea or a startup in the sectors of agriculture, energy, healthcare, or information communication technology (ICT).
8917
8918Your idea or startup can be an invention, a product, a service, an app, any combination of these, or something entirely unique.
8919
8920The <strong><a title="http://www.gistnetwork.org/tech-i/apply" href="http://www.gistnetwork.org/tech-i/apply" target="_blank">GIST Tech-I Competition</a> </strong>is an annual competition for science and technology entrepreneurs from emerging economies worldwide. Aspiring innovators submit their ideas and startups online in an application consisting of an executive summary and promotional video. Their applications are then reviewed by experts and voted on by the global voting public in order to determine the finalists. Thirty (30) finalists receive an all-expense paid trip to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), this year in sub-Saharan Africa, to showcase their ventures and to receive intensive training. Tech-I winners, selected by experts at the GES, win mini-grants, and receive one-on-one mentorship and training.
8921
8922<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: March 20, 2015
8923
8924Apply <a title="http://www.gistnetwork.org/tech-i/apply" href="http://www.gistnetwork.org/tech-i/apply" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.gistnetwork.org/tech-i/apply" href="http://www.gistnetwork.org/tech-i/apply" target="_blank">GIST Tech</a> </strong>
8925
8926&nbsp;
8927
8928&nbsp;
8929
8930&nbsp;
8931
8932&nbsp;
8933
8934&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4918,post_date:"2015-02-23 21:02:33",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-23 20:02:33",post_modified:"2015-02-23 21:02:33",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-23 20:02:33",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"do-you-have-an-idea-apply-gist-tech-i-competition",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"GIST Tech-I Competition"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Wu2n4GFiPkj"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/Um2Cpvvzz9F"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/jlzjAnd8hh"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Know A Child Changing The World?"}

8934,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/24/know-a-child-changing-the-world/",pubDate:"Tue, 24 Feb 2015 13:12:03 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4924",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<p id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424781422442_6173"><a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-24-at-8-00-52-am.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4926" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/screen-shot-2015-02-24-at-8-00-52-am.png" alt="Screen Shot 2015-02-24 at 8.00.52 AM" width="531" height="257" /></a></p>
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8952
8953Do you know a child with the drive, passion, and history in standing up against violations to children's rights? Nominate him or her to be the next <strong><a title="http://childrenspeaceprize.org/Nominationprocess/NominationForms.aspx" href="http://childrenspeaceprize.org/Nominationprocess/NominationForms.aspx" target="_blank">International Children's Peace Prize</a></strong> winner.
8954
8955The International Children's Peace Prize is presented annually to an exceptional child, whose courageous or otherwise remarkable actions have made a difference in improving children’s rights, which helps children worldwide. The motivation behind the prize is to provide a platform to children to express their ideas and personal involvement in children’s rights.
8956
8957The winner will have the opportunity to be part of <em>The KidsRights Youngsters</em> and move the world defending the rights of every child. <em id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424781422442_6283">The KidsRights Youngsters</em> is a unique youth-led advocacy platform of the International Children's Peace Prize winners. Be a part of the change, be a changemaker and help children grow up in an inclusive, supportive, and peaceful society.
8958
8959<strong>PRIZE</strong>: €100.000
8960
8961<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: <span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424781422442_6234">April 1, 2015</span>
8962
8963Apply <a title="http://childrenspeaceprize.org/Nominationprocess/NominationForms.aspx" href="http://childrenspeaceprize.org/Nominationprocess/NominationForms.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://childrenspeaceprize.org/Nominationprocess/NominationForms.aspx" href="http://childrenspeaceprize.org/Nominationprocess/NominationForms.aspx" target="_blank">Peace prize</a></strong>
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8979&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4924,post_date:"2015-02-24 14:12:03",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-24 13:12:03",post_modified:"2015-02-24 14:12:03",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-24 13:12:03",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"know-a-child-changing-the-world",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"award"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"change agent"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"International Children's Peace Prize"},{__cdata:"KidsRights Youngsters"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Mary Olusoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"prize winner"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4926"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/99dmNkME16Q"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/caczqewRHfo"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/tTYmFeXglT"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"AWP Network Partners With the H.O.P.E Foundation to Train Secondary School Students"}

8979,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/02/24/awp-network-partners-with-the-h-o-p-e-foundation-to-train-secondary-school-students/",pubDate:"Tue, 24 Feb 2015 14:14:14 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4933",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/oreoluwa-1-615w.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3255" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/oreoluwa-1-615w.jpg" alt="Oreoluwa-1-615w" width="615" height="400" /></a>The AWP Network is glad to announce a strategic partnership with the H.O.P.E Foundation at Covenant University. The purpose of this partnership will be to train students at Lagos State Model College, Meiran.
8980
8981The project involves working with students at Lagos State Model College, Meiran and helping them to hone their business pitches and to develop their business plans and entrepreneurial ideas. Working to promote entrepreneurship to the next generation may help to reduce high youth unemployment rates in Nigeria.
8982
8983At the end of the session, the AWP Network will connect the winning business plan, pitch, and idea to various resources and business support programs to ensure its sustainability. With the success of this program, we hope this initiative can be replicated across the Lagos State Model College school system. The program will begin in May.
8984
8985For more information, questions or concerns email: mary [at] awpnetwork.com
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8999&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4933,post_date:"2015-02-24 15:14:14",post_date_gmt:"2015-02-24 14:14:14",post_modified:"2015-02-24 15:45:49",post_modified_gmt:"2015-02-24 14:45:49",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"awp-network-partners-with-the-h-o-p-e-foundation-to-train-secondary-school-students",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"AWPN"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business pitch"},{__cdata:"business plan"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"concept development"},{__cdata:"Covenant University"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"DREAM project"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"H.O.P.E Foundation"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"ideation"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"Lagos State Model College"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Meiran"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"nextgen"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3255"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/SRY2U5LsKVQ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/iQgaUbVnKgK"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/6ar0OfrbD1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:6583,comment_author:{__cdata:"diabetictreatments"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"46.228.39.83",comment_date:"2015-02-24 15:25:51",comment_date_gmt:"2015-02-24 14:25:51",comment_content:{__cdata:`Get me posted me.Daniel Essiet,Agric Desk,The Nation,Lagos.08033675816
9000 Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:8480253,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1424787951.848186016082763671875;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:18:"diabetictreatments";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1424788430"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1424788430"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1424788432.0046889781951904296875;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Workistry.com To Host Online Job Fair"}

9000,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/03/01/workistry-com-to-host-online-job-fair/",pubDate:"Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:07:29 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4941",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1425211915265_6560"><a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/screen-shot-2015-03-01-at-7-44-13-am.png"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4942" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/screen-shot-2015-03-01-at-7-44-13-am.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-03-01 at 7.44.13 AM" width="635" height="224" /></a><strong><a title="http://www.workistry.com" href="http://www.workistry.com" target="_blank">Workistry.com</a> </strong>is a candidate search engine aiming to connect job seekers to employers by making it easy for employers to match their open positions to qualified talents. Workistry is poised to revolutionize the job market. At Workistry, we present an alternative to the traditional ways of finding jobs, which are typically local newspapers, word of mouth from friends, billboards, or fliers.</div>
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9025<div>Benjamin Onuoha, Director of Business Development (Africa) said, “we want to create an equal and seamless employment platform for everyone. We are hoping that candidates will use this opportunity to find a fresh start, a better job, or a new career direction.”</div>
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9068<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1425211915265_6621">Plan to attend the online job fair <strong>July 17</strong></span><strong> – August 17</strong><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1425211915265_6627"><strong>, 2015</strong>. Workistry has invited about 30,000 employers from 98 countries, these employers will be online to connect with professionals like you. Log on now to </span><a title="http://www.workistry.com" href="http://www.workistry.com" target="_blank">workistry.com</a> <span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1425211915265_6629">and upload your CV or resume.</span></div>
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9100<div><strong>Facebook</strong>: <a title="https://www.facebook.com/workistry" href="https://www.facebook.com/workistry" target="_blank">Workistry</a></div>
9101<div><strong>Twitter</strong>: <a title="https://twitter.com/workistry" href="https://twitter.com/workistry" target="_blank">Workistry</a></div>
9102<div><strong>Email</strong>: <a title="http://www.workistry.com" href="http://www.workistry.com" target="_blank">cmuoka [at] jachunt.com</a></div>
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9142<div></div>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4941,post_date:"2015-03-01 14:07:29",post_date_gmt:"2015-03-01 13:07:29",post_modified:"2015-03-01 14:07:29",post_modified_gmt:"2015-03-01 13:07:29",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"workistry-com-to-host-online-job-fair",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

9142,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Benjamin Onuoha"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"careers"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"China Muoka"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Jobs"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"resume"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"talents"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"workistry"},{__cdata:"workistry.com"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4942"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/1L5HvMweHDe"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/392vAZToWKR"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/zfIl4VQnOA"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year Competition"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/03/01/apply-2015-entrepreneur-of-the-year-competition/",pubDate:"Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:38:23 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4953",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/eoy.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2806" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/eoy.jpg" alt="EOY" width="370" height="353" /></a>The Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® awards aims to honour, benefit, and uplift South African SMEs.
9143
9144The competition celebrates excellence in entrepreneurship, serving as an inspiration to others to succeed in the world of business.
9145
9146Entrepreneurs who enter may be considered for the following categories in the Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition:
9147<h4>Emerging Entrepreneur</h4>
9148An entrepreneur who has been in their present business for a maximum of 5 years and with a turnover not exceeding R5 million on the date the entry form is received by the steering committee.
9149<h4>Small Business Entrepreneur</h4>
9150An entrepreneur who runs a business, irrespective of length of time during which it has been active, with a turnover of between R5 million and R20 million in the tax year immediately preceding the date of entering the competition.
9151<h4>Medium Business Entrepreneur</h4>
9152An entrepreneur who runs a business, irrespective of the length of time during which it has been active, with a turnover of R20 million or more in the tax year immediately preceding the date of entering the competition. Controlling owner must be stated.
9153<h4>Job Creator of the Year</h4>
9154An entrepreneur who not only employs a significant number of employees, but also plays a key role in uplifting, up-skilling and training them. They help towards making a dent in the unemployment rate of the community, area, province and country where the business is situated.
9155<h4>Lifetime Achiever Award</h4>
9156An entrepreneur who has, over the years, shown fortitude and strength in the entrepreneurial arena, and developed a business that has size, longevity and profitability.
9157<h4>Innovator of the Year</h4>
9158An entrepreneur who has the ability to:
9159<ul>
9160	<li>Reinvent the way business is done in his/her industry; and/or</li>
9161	<li>Be innovative in the product or service being offered to the market; and/or</li>
9162	<li>Finds a way of drawing the best qualified and technical people in the industry and keeping them because of creating a special environment where employees can flourish.</li>
9163</ul>
9164<h4>Entrepreneur of the Year®</h4>
9165The overall winner is selected out of the emerging, small, or medium categories.
9166
9167<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: June 16, 2015
9168
9169<strong>Apply <a title="http://www.eoy.co.za/entry-form/" href="http://www.eoy.co.za/entry-form/" target="_blank">here</a></strong>: <strong><a title="http://www.eoy.co.za/entry-form/" href="http://www.eoy.co.za/entry-form/" target="_blank">Entrepreneur of the Year</a></strong>
9170
9171&nbsp;
9172
9173&nbsp;
9174
9175&nbsp;
9176
9177&nbsp;
9178
9179&nbsp;
9180
9181&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4953,post_date:"2015-03-01 14:38:23",post_date_gmt:"2015-03-01 13:38:23",post_modified:"2015-03-01 14:38:23",post_modified_gmt:"2015-03-01 13:38:23",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-2015-entrepreneur-of-the-year-competition",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

9181,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business owners"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Sanlam"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"2806"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/SwbwLof1Mkh"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/JnGJmxSVbPi"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/u184efyK9X"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: 2015 MILEAD Fellowship for African Girls"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/03/01/apply-2015-milead-fellowship-for-african-girls/",pubDate:"Sun, 01 Mar 2015 14:03:52 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4957",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/screen-shot-2015-03-01-at-8-51-53-am.png"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4958" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/screen-shot-2015-03-01-at-8-51-53-am.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-03-01 at 8.51.53 AM" width="635" height="167" /></a><a title="http://moremiinitiative.org/wp/2015/01/25/call-for-applications-2015-milead-fellowship/" href="http://moremiinitiative.org/wp/2015/01/25/call-for-applications-2015-milead-fellowship/" target="_blank">Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership</a> in Africa identifies 25 of Africa’s most outstanding emerging women leaders. The MILEAD Fellows Program is a long-term leadership development program designed to identify, develop, and promote emerging young African women leaders to attain and thrive in leadership in their community and Africa as a whole.
9182
9183The program targets dynamic young women interested in developing transformational leadership skills that help them address issues facing women and girls across communities in Africa. <span id="more-727"></span>The MILEAD program equips fellows with the world-class knowledge, skills, values and networks they need to succeed as 21st century women leaders. Applications are invited from young African women between 19 – 25 years of age, living in Africa and the Diaspora.
9184
9185The MILEAD Fellowship will be awarded to young women who have exhibited leadership potential in their community, organization, and/or profession. To be eligible for the program, an applicant must be African, living on the continent or in the Diaspora; agree to participate in <strong><em>all</em></strong><em> </em>required activities related to MILEAD – beginning with a three-week residential summer institute in Ghana; and commit to a community change project. Specific requirements of the program and related dates are outlined in the application package.
9186
9187DEADLINE: March 20, 2015
9188

9189Apply<a title="http://moremiinitiative.org/wp/2015/01/25/call-for-applications-2015-milead-fellowship/" href="http://moremiinitiative.org/wp/2015/01/25/call-for-applications-2015-milead-fellowship/" target="_blank"> here</a>: <strong><a title="http://moremiinitiative.org/wp/2015/01/25/call-for-applications-2015-milead-fellowship/" href="http://moremiinitiative.org/wp/2015/01/25/call-for-applications-2015-milead-fellowship/" target="_blank">MILEAD</a></strong>
9190
9191&nbsp;
9192
9193&nbsp;
9194
9195&nbsp;
9196
9197&nbsp;
9198
9199&nbsp;
9200
9201&nbsp;
9202
9203&nbsp;
9204
9205&nbsp;
9206
9207&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4957,post_date:"2015-03-01 15:03:52",post_date_gmt:"2015-03-01 14:03:52",post_modified:"2015-03-01 15:03:52",post_modified_gmt:"2015-03-01 14:03:52",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-2015-milead-fellowship-for-african-girls",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Ghana"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leaders"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"MILEAD"},{__cdata:"MILEAD Fellows"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young girls"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"young women"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4958"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/9sDMRvP5XGh"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/R7AmLjhAkwj"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/YwmKu2EI73"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:8775,comment_author:{__cdata:"Catherine Nyambura Kamau"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.215.79.162",comment_date:"2016-09-01 15:58:56",comment_date_gmt:"2016-09-01 14:58:56",comment_content:{__cdata:"This is beautiful. I love it"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1472741938"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1472741938.8509600162506103515625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1472741939"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: 2015 AWiB Women of Excellence (WOE) Award"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/03/03/apply-2015-awib-women-of-excellence-woe/",pubDate:"Tue, 03 Mar 2015 16:14:27 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4961",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnet

9207work.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/screen-shot-2015-03-03-at-11-00-42-am.png"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-4962" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/screen-shot-2015-03-03-at-11-00-42-am.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-03-03 at 11.00.42 AM" width="635" height="416" /></a>Every year in October, <strong><a title="http://www.awib.org.et" href="http://www.awib.org.et" target="_blank">AWiB</a></strong> presents inspiring stories and incredible accomplishments of deserving women in the business community. <strong><a title="http://www.awib.org.et" href="http://www.awib.org.et" target="_blank">AWiB</a></strong> works tirelessly on the Women of Excellence (WOE) recognition to cultivate a culture of appreciation and generate many role models for the coming generation.
9208
9209<strong><a title="http://www.awib.org.et" href="http://www.awib.org.et" target="_blank">AWiB</a></strong>, as an association committed to the personal and professional development of female professionals and entrepreneurs, is seeking for nominees from different sectors as the Women of Excellence awards celebrates the excellence of women from all sectors.
9210
9211Criteria for nomination and selection:
9212<ul>
9213	<li>A woman who has utilized her position, stature and expertise for a cause,</li>
9214	<li>An  outstanding  woman  who  strives  to  build  a  great  company/organization and  also contributes to the success of other entrepreneurs/professionals,</li>
9215	<li>A  woman  who  serves  as  an  example  of  hard  work  and  responsible leadership  and  who demonstrates a powerful commitment to coaching other women and sponsoring them to reach their zenith,</li>
9216	<li>A woman who promotes community service, who is changing the face of neighborhoods through initiatives to provide services that benefit a community at large.</li>
9217</ul>
9218If you know of such women, please email <span id="cloak56374"><a title="http://www.awib.org.et" href="http://www.awib.org.et" target="_blank">[email protected]</a></span> with the following information:
9219<ul>
9220	<li>Name and telephone/email address of the nominee</li>
9221	<li>What does the nominee do? Which industry?</li>
9222</ul>
9223DEADLINE: March 31, 2015
9224
9225&nbsp;
9226
9227&nbsp;
9228
9229&nbsp;
9230
9231&nbsp;
9232
9233&nbsp;
9234
9235&nbsp;
9236
9237&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4961,post_date:"2015-03-03 17:14:27",post_date_gmt:"2015-03-03 16:14:27",post_modified:"2015-03-03 17:17:41",post_modified_gmt:"2015-03-03 16:17:41",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-2015-awib-women-of-excellence-woe",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWiB"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leaders"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"recognition"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4962"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/h3XfqSdcUKz"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/ZHGCPCs5Ank"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/tW1xaLY5R9"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs: Farmer Means Business"}

9237,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/03/09/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-farmer-means-business/",pubDate:"Mon, 09 Mar 2015 15:49:45 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=4970",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_4971" align="alignleft" width="635"]<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mosunmola-umoru.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-4971" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mosunmola-umoru.jpg?w=635" alt="Cynthia Mosunmola Umoru" width="635" height="423" /></a> Cynthia Mosunmola Umoru[/caption]
9238
9239Agropreneur, <strong><a title="https://ng.linkedin.com/pub/cynthia-mosunmola-umoru/5/4b2/766" href="https://ng.linkedin.com/pub/cynthia-mosunmola-umoru/5/4b2/766" target="_blank">Cynthia Mosunmola Umoru</a></strong> meets with the AWP Network to discuss what it is like to be a farmer in Nigeria.
9240
9241<em>My business, <strong><a title="http://farmshoppe.gnbo.com.ng" href="http://farmshoppe.gnbo.com.ng" target="_blank">Farmshoppe</a></strong> was born out of the need to provide fresh food produce to customers. During my university days, I had the privilege of going shopping for women who were busy executives and could not find the time to go to the market. So I thought to myself, why not set up a nice posh market where these women could come to pick up their fresh food produce at competitive prices? That's what gave birth to <strong>Farmshoppe</strong>.</em>
9242
9243Initially, I supplied produce to a few QSRs – quick service restaurants – but they didn't pay on time and this affected the business in terms of having cash flow. Then I made the decision, rather than wait indefinitely for other people to owe and delay my growth, why not revisit my business plan and change the strategy so we could increase our output and affect our bottom line positively? I did just that.
9244
9245<strong>How Have You Dealt With Challenges Related to the Farming Business? </strong>
9246
9247It is interesting that your team has chosen to interview me now. When I started out, everyone thought I was crazy. They would say, why go into farming? why agriculture? why are you wasting your time? So there was a lack of support. You see, many Nigerians don't see the type of opportunity that I see.
9248
9249Another challenge was related to funding. For this type of business, I needed constant positive cash flow. I needed the money to drive the business in the direction that I imagined and wanted but I did not have the cash for it.
9250
9251In addition, I did not have access to the land and resources needed to grow my business. I started by outsourcing farm produce and by supplying them to quick service restaurants that wanted them. Along the line, the inconsistency of their business, pushed me to start producing earlier than I thought. While in production, I needed land – because I was producing chickens and snails, which had to go to the clients frozen. Electricity and power was a major impediment to growth. We had myriads of challenges: lack of support, access to capital, access to land, and I needed the support of men to help me gain access to land that I could use as collateral.
9252
9253<strong>It got to a point that I couldn't take it anymore.</strong> Things became unbearable and frustrating, I was on the verge of giving up. I was actually going to give up; but something within me kept saying: you know this is what you want to do, don't give up. Then I decided to do something else on the side.
9254
9255Unfortunately, the parallel business I ran threw me into more troubles because it was a terrain that I did not fully understand. I started importing electronics and I faced lots of challenges. I was working on my MBA in the Netherlands and a friend at home told me he went to China and Dubai every weekend, so I joined him in the importing business. I was actually making money until my third shipment when the cargo airport went on strike and I lost everything I put into the business. The question then became: where do I go from here? At this point, I proved to myself that not only was I cut out for business, but I knew it had to be in agriculture, I knew it had to be about food; but I was stuck and was not sure how to go through any longer.
9256
9257Then I learned about the 10,000 Goldman Sachs program for women and I applied for it. I dropped out of business school as I could no longer afford tuition. A friend informed me about the Goldman Sachs enterprise development program here in Lagos. The program lasted for six (6) months. By the third session, I realized that I was passionate about farming and about my business. All I needed was the “how to.” Afterwards, I was able to re-appraise my business and start it all over again, only this time with more vigor, greater excitement, increased passion, and a resilience that I don't think will leave me till I die. I am very happy that I took part in the Goldman Sachs program because it allowed me rediscover myself and passion.
9258
9259I started my business on a new leaf. I realized that I have so much to give, I not only ran Farmshoppe and Honeysuckles but registered the business legally and operated for four (4) years before I got another scholarship to attend business school again. By this time, I had honed in on my business skills and set up my business to manage its growth. I started Farmshoppe as a full-scale agricultural entity and I was able to put to use all of my experiences and everything that I had learned over time into good use.
9260
9261<strong>What is next for Farmshoppe? </strong>
9262
9263Farmshoppe has evolved. We are looking at setting up different outlets in the near future and expanding the business by having people become franchisees. You do not know how exciting it is for me to see a baby that I gave birth to several years ago, now grow. Not only do we have a standard retail outlet, we also have a 25 hectare farm in Ogun state, which we did not have when I started Honeysuckles. What we had then was about 4 hectares, which we leased with a lot of limitations. It would take me 8 hours to run on my farmland today, I am truly excited and there are many business opportunities coming up.
9264
9265<strong>What motivated you to go into farming? </strong>
9266

9267My paternal grandfather was a cocoa and cassava farmer, I was his “city grandchild” so he never let me go into the farm. My love for farming grew in secondary school. I was an active member of the young farmers club and I enjoyed the fact that I could take vegetables home every other weekend. It was fresh, from the soil that I tilled and cultivated myself. That just made me think that I could do this beyond just eating and taking vegetables home from school. It was not easy initially, in fact, my father complained about me to his friend who at the time was general manager at a restaurant in Nigeria, and she became upset that I would not take a job at her restaurant.
9268
9269I also worked at ExxonMobil and I felt that there had to be more to life than working at ExxonMobil. As you may know, in Nigeria, it is every young person's dream to work for an oil company, but it wasn't for me. I saw the opportunities there; I mean it is a growing sector but not emerging. Agriculture on the other hand, is good business, everyone needs it. I saw farming and agriculture beyond food. I saw a business opportunity in the food industry and I took advantage of it.
9270
9271<strong>Why farming? </strong>
9272
9273The answer I would have for that is: why not farming? I got into the farming business because I know that as long as man is alive, there is only one thing he cannot do without after breathing; and that is eating food. So as long as man eats, it means that I will stay in business.
9274
9275<strong>Advice for upcoming entrepreneurs?</strong>
9276
9277What I would say to anyone who wants to go into agribusiness is that the journey may be tough, the road may not be easy but the spirit of resilience will keep you through. Above all, trust in God, discover yourself and follow your passion through. You will find success if you keep at it.
9278
9279&nbsp;
9280
9281&nbsp;
9282
9283by <em>Olufemi Omotayo for the </em>AWP Network
9284
9285&nbsp;
9286
9287&nbsp;
9288
9289&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:4970,post_date:"2015-03-09 16:49:45",post_date_gmt:"2015-03-09 15:49:45",post_modified:"2015-03-09 16:49:45",post_modified_gmt:"2015-03-09 15:49:45",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-farmer-means-business",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African women power"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"agribusiness"},{__cdata:"agriculture"},{__cdata:"Agropreneur"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Cynthia Mosunmola Umoru"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"farm"},{__cdata:"Farmer means business"},{__cdata:"Farmers"},{__cdata:"farming"},{__cdata:"Farmshoppe"},{__cdata:"fresh produce"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"Goldman Sachs"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Olufemi Omotayo"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"supply chain management"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"women farmers"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/GMWzZfPoS2J"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/AEUaDdjo6vx"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/vSVzyzZiHa"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:6637,comment_author:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs: Farmer M..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/women-in-business-africa/p/4038842314/2015/03/10/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-farmer-means-business",comment_author_IP:"185.82.148.10",comment_date:"2015-03-10 10:43:35",comment_date_gmt:"2015-03-10 09:43:35",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

92890;] Agropreneur, Cynthia Mosunmola Umoru meets with the AWP Network to discuss what it is like to be a farmer in Nigeria. My business, Farmshoppe was born out of the need to provide fresh food produce ...&nbsp; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1425980615.8964550495147705078125;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1425984300.547646999359130859375;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1426161415"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1426161416.5115940570831298828125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Founder of the AWP Network Listed Among Most Influential Women in Nigeria"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/03/12/founder-of-the-awp-network-listed-among-most-influential-women-in-nigeria/",pubDate:"Thu, 12 Mar 2015 12:30:03 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5009",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_5010" align="alignleft" width="608"]<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/screen-shot-2015-02-19-at-10-10-00-pm.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-5010" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/screen-shot-2015-02-19-at-10-10-00-pm.png" alt="Mary Olushoga" width="608" height="394" /></a> Mary Olushoga[/caption]
9290
9291In celebration of International Women's Day and in its quest to inspire a generation of women to do greater things in diverse fields of endeavour, <a title="http://ynaija.com/a-female-entrepreneur-should-have-big-dreams-leading-ladies-africa-speaks-to-mary-olusoga/" href="http://ynaija.com/a-female-entrepreneur-should-have-big-dreams-leading-ladies-africa-speaks-to-mary-olusoga/" target="_blank">Y!/YNaija.com</a>, in partnership with <strong><a title="http://ynaija.com/a-female-entrepreneur-should-have-big-dreams-leading-ladies-africa-speaks-to-mary-olusoga/" href="http://ynaija.com/a-female-entrepreneur-should-have-big-dreams-leading-ladies-africa-speaks-to-mary-olusoga/" target="_blank">Leading Ladies Africa</a> </strong>project brings to you Nigeria’s 100 Most Influential Women – <a title="http://ynaija.com/abike-dabiri-funke-opeke-kemi-adetiba-funmi-iyanda-more-these-are-nigerias-100-most-inspiring-women-ywomen100/" href="http://ynaija.com/abike-dabiri-funke-opeke-kemi-adetiba-funmi-iyanda-more-these-are-nigerias-100-most-inspiring-women-ywomen100/" target="_blank"><strong>#YWomen100</strong></a>.
9292
9293These are women who steer the course of history in a usually male dominated environment, they have acknowledged the glass ceiling but they would not allow it hold down their lofty ambitions.
9294
9295In honor of International Women’s Day (2015), we present to you, the <a title="http://ynaija.com/abike-dabiri-funke-opeke-kemi-adetiba-funmi-iyanda-more-these-are-nigerias-100-most-inspiring-women-ywomen100/" href="http://ynaija.com/abike-dabiri-funke-opeke-kemi-adetiba-funmi-iyanda-more-these-are-nigerias-100-most-inspiring-women-ywomen100/" target="_blank">#YWomen100</a>.
9296
9297Read more here:
9298
9299<strong><a title="http://ynaija.com/abike-dabiri-funke-opeke-kemi-adetiba-funmi-iyanda-more-these-are-nigerias-100-most-inspiring-women-ywomen100/" href="http://ynaija.com/abike-dabiri-funke-opeke-kemi-adetiba-funmi-iyanda-more-these-are-nigerias-100-most-inspiring-women-ywomen100/" target="_blank">YNaija</a></strong>
9300
9301<strong><a title="http://www.bellanaija.com/2015/03/14/what-glass-ceiling-get-inspired-by-ywomen100-nigerias-100-most-influential-women/" href="http://www.bellanaija.com/2015/03/14/what-glass-ceiling-get-inspired-by-ywomen100-nigerias-100-most-influential-women/" target="_blank">BellaNaija</a></strong>
9302
9303<strong><a title="http://lindaikeji.blogspot.com/2015/03/meet-nigerias-100-most-influential.html" href="http://lindaikeji.blogspot.com/2015/03/meet-nigerias-100-most-influential.html" target="_blank">Linda Ikeji</a></strong>
9304
9305<strong><a title="http://www.360nobs.com/2015/03/100-most-influential-women-in-nigeria-ywomen/" href="http://www.360nobs.com/2015/03/100-most-influential-women-in-nigeria-ywomen/" target="_blank">

9305360 Nobs</a></strong>
9306
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9327&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5009,post_date:"2015-03-12 13:30:03",post_date_gmt:"2015-03-12 12:30:03",post_modified:"2015-04-17 11:10:44",post_modified_gmt:"2015-04-17 10:10:44",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"founder-of-the-awp-network-listed-among-most-influential-women-in-nigeria",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"#YWomen100"},{__cdata:"Abike Dabiri-Erewa"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"IWD2015"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Leading Ladies Africa"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Mary Olusoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"recognition"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The African Women Power"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Y!/YNaija.com"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"5010"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/KvusTAvXywo"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/LMoX8rx3stn"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/eHyvZYlmg2"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:7524,comment_author:{__cdata:"Founder of the AWP Network Honored by the Council of Young African Leaders &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/11/24/founder-of-the-awp-network-honored-by-the-council-of-young-african-leaders/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.80.43",comment_date:"2015-11-24 21:30:05",comment_date_gmt:"2015-11-24 20:30:05",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] the event, Mary Olushoga &#8211; Founder of the AWP Network was honored along side MacDella Cooper &#8211; CEO of MacDella [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1448397005.2232000827789306640625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1448397283.636044979095458984375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1448397282"}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}}]},{comment_id:7534,comment_author:{__cdata:"Founder of the AWP Network at the H.O.P.E. Foundation Enlightenment Series &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/11/25/founder-of-the-awp-network-at-the-h-o-p-e-foundation-enlightenment-series/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.114.43",comment_date:"2015-11-25 19:53:40",comment_date_gmt:"2015-11-25 18:53:40",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

93270;] 21, 2015 &#8211; Founder of the AWP Network, Mary Olushoga served as a coach and mentor to youths during Covenant University&#8217;s H.O.P.E. Foundation [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1448477667"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1448477668.5857269763946533203125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1448477621.4161930084228515625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:8797,comment_author:{__cdata:"Founder of AWP Network Honored by TBLF &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/09/16/founder-of-awp-network-honored-by-tblf/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.99.39",comment_date:"2016-09-16 16:24:19",comment_date_gmt:"2016-09-16 15:24:19",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] the event, Founder of the AWP Network, Mary Olushoga  recieved an award for her work and spoke along side Ubong Thompson King: CEO, Protection Plus [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1474039511.8188960552215576171875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1474039511"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1474039460.0310800075531005859375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Founder of the AWP Network to Receive Award at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/03/12/founder-of-the-awp-network-to-receive-award-at-the-house-of-lords-palace-of-westminster/",pubDate:"Thu, 12 Mar 2015 13:09:36 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5014",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_4490" align="alignleft" width="227"]<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/mary-final.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-4490" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/mary-final.jpg" alt="Mary Olushoga" width="227" height="242" /></a> Mary Olushoga[/caption]
9328
9329<strong><a title="http://planetearthinstitute.org.uk/5-questions-mary-olushoga-awp-network/" href="http://planetearthinstitute.org.uk/5-questions-mary-olushoga-awp-network/" target="_blank">Mary Olushoga</a></strong>, Founder of the AWP Network will receive an award from U.K based organization, the <strong><a title="http://planetearthinstitute.org.uk/5-questions-mary-olushoga-awp-network/" href="http://planetearthinstitute.org.uk/5-questions-mary-olushoga-awp-network/" target="_blank">Planet Earth Institute</a></strong>.
9330
9331The award ceremony will take place at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster in London and will be chaired by PEI Trustee, <strong><a title="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/dr-alvaro-sobrinho/unleashing-africas-data-r_b_6752582.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/dr-alvaro-sobrinho/unleashing-africas-data-r_b_6752582.html" target="_blank">Lord Paul Boateng</a></strong>. The event will feature presentations, as well as contributions from relevant experts on the challenges and opportunities related to delivering impactful projects on the ground in Africa.
9332
9333Learn more about the <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/14/awp-network-event-agribusiness-forum-for-women-farmers/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/14/awp-network-event-agribusiness-forum-for-women-farmers/" target="_blank">AWP Network Project for Women Farmers in Nigeria</a></strong>.
9334
9335&nbsp;
9336
9337&nbsp;
9338
9339&nbsp;
9340
9341&nbsp;
9342
9343&nbsp;
9344
9345&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5014,post_date:"2015-03-12 14:09:36",post_date_gmt:"2015-03-12 13:09:36",post_modified:"2015-03-12 14:09:36",post_modified_gmt:"2015-03-12 13:09:36",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"founder-of-the-awp-network-to-receive-award-at-the-house-of-lords-palace-of-westminster",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Africa Data Challenge Winner"},{__cdata:"Africa Women Power Network"}

9345,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"agribusiness"},{__cdata:"agriculture"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"House of Lords"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Lord Paul Boateng"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Palace of Westminster"},{__cdata:"Planet Earth Institute"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"women farmers"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"},{__cdata:"Zanau Hassan Maikasuwa"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4490"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/NCAwCZrQsk4"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/f3HJyK2Mtjr"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/8ESkwWtimz"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"AWP Network Entrepreneur Features on CNN Startup Africa"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/03/12/awp-network-entrepreneur-features-on-cnn-startup-africa/",pubDate:"Thu, 12 Mar 2015 14:12:45 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5020",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<em><strong>From awpnetwork.com to CNN Startup Africa</strong></em>
9346
9347[caption id="attachment_5022" align="alignleft" width="635"]<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img-20150126-wa0010.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-5022" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img-20150126-wa0010.jpg?w=635" alt="Bukola Dawodu and CNN Journalist" width="635" height="476" /></a> Bukola Dawodu and CNN Journalist[/caption]
9348
9349We first met <a title="http://ng.linkedin.com/pub/bukola-dawodu/44/222/694" href="http://ng.linkedin.com/pub/bukola-dawodu/44/222/694" target="_blank"><strong>Bukola Dawodu</strong></a> when she participated in the <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/09/16/photo-essay-young-africans-tell-their-entrepreneurial-stories/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/09/16/photo-essay-young-africans-tell-their-entrepreneurial-stories/" target="_blank">AWP Network photo contest</a>,</strong> although she did not win the contest, Dawodu has maintained a great mentoring relationship with AWP Founder, Mary Olushoga.
9350
9351In her photo contest application, Dawodu wrote, "I started my business when I could not find a job. I grew up with the mindset that whatever you build or create in favor of the environment (either directly or indirectly) will be beneficial. I am passionate about designing and constructing aquariums so I started the business with some of my classmates.
9352
9353Though the market is a bit tough, I believe that with time and more effort, things will change for good. This business is my job and I am proud to be an entrepreneur. As a young African entrepreneur, my voice matters because I need the support and encouragement to continue my business as an independent  aesthetic entrepreneur in aquarium design and construction."
9354
9355Congratulations to Bukola on a wonderful feature. <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/09/16/photo-essay-young-africans-tell-their-entrepreneurial-stories/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/09/16/photo-essay-young-africans-tell-their-entrepreneurial-stories/" target="_blank">As an African entrepreneur, her voice matters.</a>
9356
9357Check out her feature <a title="http://edition.cnn.com/videos/business/2015/02/18/spc-african-start-up-benefits-consult.cnn" href="http://edition.cnn.com/videos/business/2015/02/18/spc-african-start-up-benefits-consult.cnn" target="_blank">here</a>: <a href="http://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2015/02/18/spc-african-start-up-benefits-consult.cnn">http://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2015/02/18/spc-african-start-up-benefits-consult.cnn</a>
9358
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9369&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5020,post_date:"2015-03-12 15:12:45",post_date_gmt:"2015-03-12 14:12:45",post_modified:"2015-03-12 15:24:35",post_modified_gmt:"2015-03-12 14:24:35",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"awp-network-entrepreneur-features-on-cnn-startup-africa",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African Women Power Network"}

9369,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"AWP Network photo contest"},{__cdata:"Bukola Dawodu"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"CNN"},{__cdata:"CNN Startup Africa"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Mary Olusoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"Success Stories"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_ba6da8bd93462d91d0ad2aaa0ddc3db6",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_10252f1dfeb9526ecf0b17637e65ef3c",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_2304cb9edbd0fe1037569e708ee9eec5",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_2e5e08e2a2db351b24845377fe36941a",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"5022"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/gb6Sz2pirs1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/100462998144774460050/posts/9SAif4ikY7i"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/cpmNvFTRl8"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_8ecfdcae468ff52d26c2ba23a7e45de8",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:[{comment_id:8663,comment_author:{__cdata:"AWP Network Photography Contest 2016 (800 Dollars Cash Prize) | Opportunity Diary"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.opportunitydiary.com/awp-network-photography-contest-2016-800-dollars-cash-prize/",comment_author_IP:"192.163.205.52",comment_date:"2016-05-21 19:11:09",comment_date_gmt:"2016-05-21 18:11:09",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] is a photography contest dedicated to showcasing how African youths view entrepreneurship in their respective countries […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1463859653.0969970226287841796875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1463964513"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1463964513.5711009502410888671875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1463854270.47081089019775390625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:6735,comment_author:{__cdata:"Goodman"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.208.50.201",comment_date:"2015-03-21 15:11:34",comment_date_gmt:"2015-03-21 14:11:34",comment_content:{__cdata:"I felt so inspired I was watching this Africa start up on  ann7 and I love it . I wanna be an entrepreneur"}

9369,comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1426947095.9803678989410400390625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1426947096"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1426952184.7905399799346923828125;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"9236569985"}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1428427138"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1428427138"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1428427139.080708026885986328125;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:8642,comment_author:{__cdata:"Apply: The AWP Network Photo Contest « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/05/09/apply-the-awp-network-photo-contest/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.80.185",comment_date:"2016-05-09 01:20:02",comment_date_gmt:"2016-05-09 00:20:02",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] What is the AWP Network Photo Competition? […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1462753202.108210086822509765625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1462753268"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1462753268.7702538967132568359375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:8721,comment_author:{__cdata:"Prodigy’s Essay Contest |"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://africanprodigy.com/2016/07/01/prodigys-essay-contest/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.84.47",comment_date:"2016-07-01 14:47:39",comment_date_gmt:"2016-07-01 13:47:39",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] is an Essay contest is a very simple way to win a few gifts that we feel will be very essential as you start your […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1467380859.956657886505126953125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1468246517"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1468246518.328301906585693359375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1467384740.176947116851806640625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}}]},{comment_id:8753,comment_author:{__cdata:"abel"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"109.235.203.186",comment_date:"2016-08-16 10:31:16",comment_date_gmt:"2016-08-16 09:31:16",comment_content:{__cdata:"how can i share my innovation here"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1471344650.7646739482879638671875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_queued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1471356877"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1471356877"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1471356877.8619410991668701171875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1471339876.2815139293670654296875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_jobid",meta_value:{__cdata:"25842861872"}}]},{comment_id:8661,comment_author:{__cdata:"Apply: The AWP Network Photo Contest – Change For Society"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://changeforsociety.com/2016/05/20/apply-the-awp-network-photo-contest/",comment_author_IP:"169.255.59.12",comment_date:"2016-05-20 22:00:49",comment_date_gmt:"2016-05-20 21:00:49",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

93690;] is a photography contest dedicated to showcasing how African youths view entrepreneurship in their respective countries […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1463778049.9286749362945556640625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1463783170.5566670894622802734375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1463964510"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1463964511.2914888858795166015625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:7301,comment_author:{__cdata:"Doing Business in Nigeria: How Technology Is Changing the Way We Operate « CauseHub"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.causehub.com/blog/2015/08/28/doing-business-in-nigeria-how-technology-is-changing-the-way-we-operate/",comment_author_IP:"69.195.71.226",comment_date:"2015-08-29 01:35:31",comment_date_gmt:"2015-08-29 00:35:31",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] of African women in the media. For instance, a CNN journalist first read about the story of Bukola Dawodu an entrepreneur who started her business, Benefits Aquarium, when she could not find a job after […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1440813706.8270280361175537109375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1441288262.882070064544677734375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1441288262"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1440808531.4422481060028076171875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}}]},{comment_id:7298,comment_author:{__cdata:"Doing Business in Nigeria: How Technology Is Changing the Way We Operate | News Agency"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://nwnews.pw/2015/08/28/doing-business-in-nigeria-how-technology-is-changing-the-way-we-operate/",comment_author_IP:"95.213.157.214",comment_date:"2015-08-28 23:05:56",comment_date_gmt:"2015-08-28 22:05:56",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] of African women in the media. For instance, a CNN journalist first read about the story of Bukola Dawodu an entrepreneur who started her business, Benefits Aquarium, when she could not find a job after […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1440799557.1261749267578125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1441288264"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1441288264.90211391448974609375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1440803252.4464190006256103515625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:8662,comment_author:{__cdata:"Apply: The AWP Network Photo Contest – BizLead Solution"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://bizleadsolution.com/2016/05/20/apply-the-awp-network-photo-contest/",comment_author_IP:"169.255.59.10",comment_date:"2016-05-20 22:02:18",comment_date_gmt:"2016-05-20 21:02:18",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] is a photography contest dedicated to showcasing how African youths view entrepreneurship in their respective countries […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1463778138.486692905426025390625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1463783170.64396190643310546875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1463964512"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1463964512.5997068881988525390625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]},{comment_id:8687,comment_author:{__cdata:"The AWP Photo Contest – Meet the Judges « AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/06/06/the-awp-photo-contest-meet-the-judges/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.101.87",comment_date:"2016-06-06 19:10:56",comment_date_gmt:"2016-06-06 18:10:56",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

93690;]  Bukola Dawodu is a 2013 AWP Network Photo Contest applicant who has also featured on CNN Africa. She is founder of Benefits Consult now referred to as Benefits Aquariums. She grew up with the mindset that whatever you build or create with your hands should be of benefit to the environment &#8211; directly or indirectly. Dawodu builds and designs aquariums based on client&#8217;s specifications (aquariums in homes, schools, offices, lounge, resort centers, and hotels just to mention a few). [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1465236657.2226049900054931640625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1465236809.64313411712646484375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1465236808"}}]},{comment_id:8096,comment_author:{__cdata:"PLAN, PITCH, GROW – THE AWP NETWORK TRAINS STUDENTS AT LAGOS STATE MODEL COLLEGE, MEIRAN &#8211; Women Of Rubies"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://womenofrubies.com/2016/02/05/plan-pitch-grow-the-awp-network-trains-students-at-lagos-state-model-college-meiran/",comment_author_IP:"37.58.112.106",comment_date:"2016-02-05 10:00:17",comment_date_gmt:"2016-02-05 09:00:17",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] you to project manager &#8211; Aderemi Ademiju, Femi Taiwo, Bukola Dawodu, Top model and TV Host &#8211; Idia Aisien, Covenant University’s H.O.P.E. Foundation for [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1454662817.6894629001617431640625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1454787785"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1454787785.7445468902587890625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1454667408.2593410015106201171875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Founder of the AWP Network on How to Improve the Lives of Women Farmers"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/04/07/founder-of-the-awp-network-on-how-to-improve-the-lives-of-women-farmers/",pubDate:"Tue, 07 Apr 2015 17:35:27 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5029",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<em>"It's about creating an ecosystem and putting women farmers in the supply chain of how agriculture is done specifically in Nigeria."</em>
9370
9371<strong><a title="http://www.smartmonkeytv.com/channel/top_story/africa_data_challenge_winner_mary_olushoga_helping_nigerian_women_farmers_b" href="http://www.smartmonkeytv.com/channel/top_story/africa_data_challenge_winner_mary_olushoga_helping_nigerian_women_farmers_b" target="_blank">Africa Data Challenge Winner Mary Olushoga - Helping Nigerian women farmers become entrepreneurs</a></strong>
9372
9373Co-winner of the <strong><a title="http://planetearthinstitute.org.uk/5-questions-mary-olushoga-awp-network/" href="http://planetearthinstitute.org.uk/5-questions-mary-olushoga-awp-network/" target="_blank">Planet Earth Institute’s Africa Data Challenge</a></strong>, Mary Olushoga is the founder of AWP Network. In this interview, she talks about: how she uses data to help women farmers in Northern Nigeria; the training sessions it runs and the practical work on its model farm; the barriers to using mobile for agricultural information; and her vision for the future.
9374
9375http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgxtGiiVZfs
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9386
9387&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5029,post_date:"2015-04-07 18:35:27",post_date_gmt:"2015-04-07 17:35:27",post_modified:"2015-04-07 18:35:27",post_modified_gmt:"2015-04-07 17:35:27",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"founder-of-the-awp-network-on-how-to-improve-the-lives-of-women-farmers",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

9387,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"agriculture"},{__cdata:"agropreneurs"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"AWP Network Agropreneur"},{__cdata:"AWP Network The African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Farmers"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Planet Earth Institute"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"public policy"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Taraba State"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"women farmers"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"},{__cdata:"Zanau Hassan Maikasuwa"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3924"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/9zm9RQc7cjJ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/Sz2jYVVV7A8"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/EkZR1dOgDE"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_71571fc5094d24b3f04f6230911a4848",meta_value:{__cdata:'<div class="embed-youtube"><iframe title="Africa Data Challenge Winner Mary Olushoga - Helping Nigerian women farmers become entrepreneurs" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tgxtGiiVZfs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_71571fc5094d24b3f04f6230911a4848",meta_value:{__cdata:"1727431227"}}],comment:{comment_id:6813,comment_author:{__cdata:"Nse Williams"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.190.3.206",comment_date:"2015-04-07 19:09:54",comment_date_gmt:"2015-04-07 18:09:54",comment_content:{__cdata:`Good work.  Please when would you be coming down to the south, especially south south of Nigeria. We need to network  for better information.
9388Regards`},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1428499828"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1428499829.032270908355712890625;s:7:"message";s:49:"awpnetwork changed the comment status to approved";s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1428434578.48886203765869140625;s:7:"message";s:43:"Akismet re-checked and cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:4:{s:4:"time";d:1428430195.1323130130767822265625;s:7:"message";s:28:"Akismet cleared this comment";s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";s:4:"user";s:0:"";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1428499827"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Huawei-She Leads Africa Fellowship"}

9388,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/04/08/apply-huawei-she-leads-africa-fellowship/",pubDate:"Wed, 08 Apr 2015 13:55:39 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5033",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<p class="font_8"></p>
9389<p class="font_8"><a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/screen-shot-2015-04-08-at-9-35-23-am.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5034" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/screen-shot-2015-04-08-at-9-35-23-am.png" alt="Screen Shot 2015-04-08 at 9.35.23 AM" width="449" height="424" /></a>The <strong><a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zSWz4brH_IgO2K_MIyFgGLK2yG55m3_bgr09YPpW_DI/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zSWz4brH_IgO2K_MIyFgGLK2yG55m3_bgr09YPpW_DI/viewform" target="_blank">Huawei-She Leads Africa Fellowship</a></strong> will provide female tech entrepreneurs from across Africa the opportunity to visit China and receive a behind the scenes experience at the technology giant.</p>
9390<p class="font_8">Fellows will be able to network with peer entrepreneurs and develop relationships with investors and companies interested in doing business in Africa. The trip will take place from August 2 - 7, 2015 with entrepreneurs visiting Shenzen and Shanghai.</p>
9391<p class="font_8">Eligible applicants must be women between the ages of 18-40 who are building a technology business focused on Africa.</p>
9392<p class="font_8">Have questions? Email: <a title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zSWz4brH_IgO2K_MIyFgGLK2yG55m3_bgr09YPpW_DI/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zSWz4brH_IgO2K_MIyFgGLK2yG55m3_bgr09YPpW_DI/viewform" target="_blank">[email protected]</a> with the Huawei Fellowship in the subject line.</p>
9393<p class="font_8"><strong>DEADLINE:</strong> April 30, 2015</p>
9394<p class="font_8"></p>
9395<p class="font_8"></p>
9396<p class="font_8"></p>
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9411<p class="font_8"></p>
9412<p class="font_8"></p>`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5033,post_date:"2015-04-08 14:55:39",post_date_gmt:"2015-04-08 13:55:39",post_modified:"2015-04-08 14:55:39",post_modified_gmt:"2015-04-08 13:55:39",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-huawei-she-leads-africa-fellowship",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"China"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Huawei Fellowship"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Investors"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"SheLeadsAfrica"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"tech entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/8DCWBdWtMGE"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/KjvKPsh4xHu"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/3cRPZvCoMd"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:7137,comment_author:{__cdata:"Tech Entrepreneurs Selected For Huawei &#8211; She Leads Africa Fellowship &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/07/12/tech-entrepreneurs-selected-for-huawei-she-leads-africa-fellowship/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.82.192",comment_date:"2015-07-12 00:56:56",comment_date_gmt:"2015-07-11 23:56:56",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

94120;] Huawei-She Leads Africa Fellowship is the first program to provide African female technology entrepreneurs the opportunity to visit [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1436659016.028830051422119140625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1436659051"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1436659052.2689950466156005859375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"What Does the Scientific Independence of Africa Mean?"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/04/08/what-does-the-scientific-independence-of-africa-mean/",pubDate:"Wed, 08 Apr 2015 14:57:00 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5044",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Mary Olushoga, of the AWP Network and one of the <a title="http://planetearthinstitute.org.uk/5-questions-mary-olushoga-awp-network/" href="http://planetearthinstitute.org.uk/5-questions-mary-olushoga-awp-network/" target="_blank">Africa Data Challenge winners</a>, explains what African scientific independence means to her.
9413
9414http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2bzCVUx_BA
9415
9416&nbsp;
9417
9418&nbsp;
9419
9420&nbsp;
9421
9422&nbsp;
9423
9424&nbsp;
9425
9426&nbsp;
9427
9428&nbsp;
9429
9430&nbsp;
9431
9432&nbsp;
9433
9434&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5044,post_date:"2015-04-08 15:57:00",post_date_gmt:"2015-04-08 14:57:00",post_modified:"2015-04-08 16:09:11",post_modified_gmt:"2015-04-08 15:09:11",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"what-does-the-scientific-independence-of-africa-mean",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Planet Earth Institute"},{__cdata:"Video"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Scientific Independence of Africa"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/WSE2HztquuF"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/h7hYcSoZ1LC"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/JBV43dnBn9"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3897"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_857d4cc1273691937002f3ddc2bc2430",meta_value:{__cdata:'<div class="embed-youtube"><iframe title="Mary Olushoga: What is scientific independence for Africa?" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s2bzCVUx_BA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;

9434 web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_857d4cc1273691937002f3ddc2bc2430",meta_value:{__cdata:"1727431227"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Pivot East 2015"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/04/10/apply-pivot-east-2015/",pubDate:"Fri, 10 Apr 2015 09:31:36 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5048",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong><a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/screen-shot-2015-04-10-at-5-19-48-am.png"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5049" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/screen-shot-2015-04-10-at-5-19-48-am.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-04-10 at 5.19.48 AM" width="635" height="207" /></a></strong>
9435
9436<strong><a title="http://www.pivoteast.com/how-to-enter-2/" href="http://www.pivoteast.com/how-to-enter-2/" target="_blank">PIVOT EAST</a></strong> is East Africa’s premier mobile startups pitching competition held annually since 2011. It is an m:lab East Africa initiative set to amplify and consolidate the gains of East Africa’s Mobile developer and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Participating startups must be domiciled in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Somalia, or DR Congo.
9437
9438Objectives of PIVOT EAST are:
9439<ul>
9440	<li>To consolidate recent gains of the regional mobile ecosystem and help direct the thinking from mobile applications to mobile entrepreneurship,</li>
9441	<li>To facilitate discovery of the next wave of high potential mobile startups,</li>
9442	<li>To sustain the push towards mobile innovations being high in the agenda of regional governments, corporates and development agencies,</li>
9443	<li>To raise the quality of mobile startups in the region and to improve their investability.</li>
9444</ul>
9445DEADLINE: April 30, 2015
9446
9447Apply here: <strong><a title="http://startups.pivoteast.com/register/form" href="http://startups.pivoteast.com/register/form" target="_blank">Pivot East</a></strong>
9448
9449&nbsp;
9450
9451&nbsp;
9452
9453&nbsp;
9454
9455&nbsp;
9456
9457&nbsp;
9458
9459&nbsp;
9460
9461&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5048,post_date:"2015-04-10 10:31:36",post_date_gmt:"2015-04-10 09:31:36",post_modified:"2015-04-10 10:31:36",post_modified_gmt:"2015-04-10 09:31:36",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-pivot-east-2015",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"DR Congo"},{__cdata:"East Africa"},{__cdata:"ecosystem"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Ethiopia"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Kenya"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile"},{__cdata:"mobile innovation"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Rwanda"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"Somalia"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"South Sudan"},{__cdata:"Startup"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Tanzania"},{__cdata:"techbiz"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Uganda"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"5049"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/H8v3ipoUFNx"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/7SBZddFtzr2"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/WhEtGzDBiy"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_a7393fbe14ed5751804f82929f2d031c",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:{comment_id:7281,comment_author:{__cdata:"giraneza"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"141.0.14.82",comment_date:"2015-08-20 14:04:49",comment_date_gmt:"2015-08-20 13:04:49",comment_content:{__cdata:"Hallo, I am Rwandan and I would like to Know if companies in agriculture or manufacturing can attend your competition"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1440080213.5521240234375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1440075890.0175731182098388671875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1440188057"}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1440188057"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1440188058.5682818889617919921875;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: $40,000 For Innovative Solutions to Local Challenges"}

9461,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/04/10/apply-40000-for-innovative-solutions-to-local-challenges/",pubDate:"Fri, 10 Apr 2015 11:57:25 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5053",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/screen-shot-2015-04-10-at-7-43-04-am.png"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5055" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/screen-shot-2015-04-10-at-7-43-04-am.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-04-10 at 7.43.04 AM" width="635" height="309" /></a>Applications are now open for the <a title="http://www.cocreatesa.co.za" href="http://www.cocreatesa.co.za" target="_blank">#cocreateSA</a> Fund, which is offering ZAR500,000 (US$40,000) in projects combining Dutch and South African knowledge providing innovative solutions to local challenges. The fund is aimed to assist Dutch and South African partnerships to develop and implement collaborative projects in the sectors such as agriculture &amp; food, energy, life sciences &amp; health, logistics and water.
9462
9463An investment of ZAR 0,5 million will be made in projects that aim to combine Dutch and South African knowledge, that are looking to find innovative solutions to local challenges and are focussed on long-term commitment.
9464
9465<a title="http://www.cocreatesa.co.za" href="http://www.cocreatesa.co.za" target="_blank"><strong>#cocreateSA</strong></a> is an initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in South Africa, capturing the true essence of modern foreign diplomacy: building relationships, putting the demand at the core of our discussions and focusing on long-term commitments and partnerships.
9466
9467The applicant must:
9468<ul>
9469	<li>be a South African organization;</li>
9470	<li>have a Dutch partner.</li>
9471</ul>
9472<strong>Funding requirements</strong>
9473<ul>
9474	<li>the minimum contribution is ZAR 25,000 and the maximum contribution is ZAR 100,000 (excluding VAT);</li>
9475	<li>the #cocreateSA contribution may not exceed <strong>50% of the</strong> <strong>total cost of the project</strong>.</li>
9476</ul>
9477DEADLINE: June 1, 2015
9478
9479Have questions? Email: <a title="http://www.cocreatesa.co.za" href="http://www.cocreatesa.co.za" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>
9480
9481&nbsp;
9482
9483&nbsp;
9484
9485&nbsp;
9486
9487&nbsp;
9488
9489&nbsp;
9490
9491&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5053,post_date:"2015-04-10 12:57:25",post_date_gmt:"2015-04-10 11:57:25",post_modified:"2015-04-10 12:57:25",post_modified_gmt:"2015-04-10 11:57:25",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-40000-for-innovative-solutions-to-local-challenges",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"cocreateSA"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Dutch"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"investment"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"5055"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Zn6nWEHicAe"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/fQLYew9xyPA"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/Dp6yB6Rb3U"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"PitchFest: Are You An Educational Innovator?"}

9491,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/04/17/pitchfest-are-you-an-educational-innovator/",pubDate:"Fri, 17 Apr 2015 14:35:37 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5060",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong><a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2015/04/17/pitchfest-are-you-an-educational-innovator/screen-shot-2015-04-17-at-10-28-38-am/" rel="attachment wp-att-5061"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5061" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/screen-shot-2015-04-17-at-10-28-38-am.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-04-17 at 10.28.38 AM" width="635" height="291" /></a>Do you have a game-changing idea in education? How about a solution that can improve the lives of millions of people?</strong>
9492
9493The <strong><a title="http://www.aaionline.org/pitchfest-are-you-an-educational-innovator/" href="http://www.aaionline.org/pitchfest-are-you-an-educational-innovator/" target="_blank">Africa-America Institute</a></strong> will host its first-ever PitchFest during the 2nd Annual State of Education in Africa conference. This innovative competition will explore cutting-edge ideas, tools, information and technologies that can help bring about a better educational system in Africa. From strengthening subject areas like science and math, to expanding demographics to bolstering early education, attendees will have the unique opportunity to address some of Africa’s most urgent educational issues.
9494
9495A selection committee will choose five (5) individuals or companies to participate in the conference. The finalists will have an opportunity to present their innovative ideas for three minutes to our panel of judges.
9496
9497<strong>WHERE</strong>: Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria
9498
9499<strong>WHEN</strong>: September 2, 2015
9500
9501<strong>Prizes</strong>: first place winners will receive $2,500; $1,000 for second place; and $500 for the three runner-ups.
9502
9503Please send no more than two (2) pages of a description of your innovative idea to Sarah Lieb at email, <a title="http://www.aaionline.org/pitchfest-are-you-an-educational-innovator/" href="http://www.aaionline.org/pitchfest-are-you-an-educational-innovator/" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>
9504
9505<strong>DEADLINE:</strong> June 30, 2015
9506
9507&nbsp;
9508
9509&nbsp;
9510
9511&nbsp;
9512
9513&nbsp;
9514
9515&nbsp;
9516
9517&nbsp;
9518
9519&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5060,post_date:"2015-04-17 15:35:37",post_date_gmt:"2015-04-17 14:35:37",post_modified:"2015-04-17 15:35:48",post_modified_gmt:"2015-04-17 14:35:48",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"pitchfest-are-you-an-educational-innovator",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Africa-America Institute"},{__cdata:"African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"PitchFest"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"5061"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/335we6gvrZk"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/gWLLfnx2eus"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/Jnh0tLRCzM"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"The Society of African Ladies Who Brunch Raising Funds for Girls in Liberia"}

9519,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/04/22/the-society-of-african-ladies-who-brunch-raise-funds-for-girls-in-liberia/",pubDate:"Wed, 22 Apr 2015 20:17:26 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5066",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2015/04/22/the-society-of-african-ladies-who-brunch-raise-funds-for-girls-in-liberia/screen-shot-2015-04-22-at-4-05-55-pm/" rel="attachment wp-att-5068"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5068" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/screen-shot-2015-04-22-at-4-05-55-pm.png" alt="Screen Shot 2015-04-22 at 4.05.55 PM" width="592" height="192" /></a>Led by South African entrepreneur <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/01/finding-success-in-brazil-south-african-entrepreneur-tells-her-story/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/01/finding-success-in-brazil-south-african-entrepreneur-tells-her-story/" target="_blank">Roxsanne Dyssell</a>, the <strong><a title="http://www.africanladiesbrunch.com/brunch-with-mary-olushoga/" href="http://www.africanladiesbrunch.com/brunch-with-mary-olushoga/" target="_blank">Society of African Ladies who Brunch</a> </strong>are a New York City based organization of diaspora women who meet for brunch to connect, support, and inspire one another.
9520
9521<a title="https://www.facebook.com/groups/africanladiesbrunch/" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/africanladiesbrunch/" target="_blank">Ten (10) members </a>of the society will participate in Mudderella, a 5-mile muddy obstacle course in New York to raise funds for two nonprofit organizations in Liberia. You may support <a title="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/african-ladies-running-to-support-ebola-orphans" href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/african-ladies-running-to-support-ebola-orphans" target="_blank">The Franciscan Works Liberian Mission School</a> in Toe Town and the <a title="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/african-ladies-running-to-support-ebola-orphans" href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/african-ladies-running-to-support-ebola-orphans" target="_blank">More than Me Girls School</a> in Monrovia. Both organizations provide critical schooling and care to children orphaned by the Ebola epidemic and HIV/AIDS.
9522
9523<a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2015/04/22/the-society-of-african-ladies-who-brunch-raise-funds-for-girls-in-liberia/screen-shot-2015-04-22-at-3-55-02-pm/" rel="attachment wp-att-5067"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5067" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/screen-shot-2015-04-22-at-3-55-02-pm.png" alt="Screen Shot 2015-04-22 at 3.55.02 PM" width="595" height="285" /></a>
9524
9525<strong>Have questions?</strong> Email: <a title="http://www.africanladiesbrunch.com/brunch-with-mary-olushoga/" href="http://www.africanladiesbrunch.com/brunch-with-mary-olushoga/" target="_blank">Society of African Ladies who Brunch</a>
9526
9527Join the campaign <a title="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/african-ladies-running-to-support-ebola-orphans" href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/african-ladies-running-to-support-ebola-orphans" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/african-ladies-running-to-support-ebola-orphans" href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/african-ladies-running-to-support-ebola-orphans" target="_blank">support the campaign</a></strong>
9528
9529&nbsp;
9530
9531&nbsp;
9532
9533&nbsp;
9534
9535&nbsp;
9536
9537&nbsp;
9538
9539&nbsp;
9540
9541&nbsp;
9542
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9545&nbsp;
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9547&nbsp;
9548
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9550
9551&nbsp;
9552
9553&nbsp;
9554
9555&nbsp;
9556
9557&nbsp;
9558
9559&nbsp;
9560
9561&nbsp;
9562
9563&nbsp;
9564
9565&nbsp;
9566
9567&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5066,post_date:"2015-04-22 21:17:26",post_date_gmt:"2015-04-22 20:17:26",post_modified:"2015-04-22 23:05:00",post_modified_gmt:"2015-04-22 22:05:00",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"the-society-of-african-ladies-who-brunch-raise-funds-for-girls-in-liberia",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African Ladies who Brunch"},{__cdata:"African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Brunch"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"campaign"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Crowdfunding"},{__cdata:"crowdsourcing"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Ebola"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"fundraising"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Liberia"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"More than Me Girls School"},{__cdata:"Mudderella"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"New York City"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"NYC Brunch"},{__cdata:"Orphans"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Roxsanne Dyssell"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"The Franciscan Works Liberian Mission School"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"5067"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/XmKZr33yEQm"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/G2hWFRYdLhQ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/HKVY8xduen"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Attend the Women of West Africa Entrepreneurship Festival"}

9567,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/04/24/attend-women-of-west-africa-entrepreneurship-festival/",pubDate:"Fri, 24 Apr 2015 12:22:21 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5074",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/screen-shot-2015-04-20-at-10-30-08-am.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5075" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/screen-shot-2015-04-20-at-10-30-08-am.png" alt="Screen Shot 2015-04-20 at 10.30.08 AM" width="611" height="242" /></a>
9568
9569The <strong><a title="http://www2.greenexhibitions.co.za/exweb3/exweb.dll/Event?e=46B00549F6D549A383C2AF43AE4DCABE" href="http://www2.greenexhibitions.co.za/exweb3/exweb.dll/Event?e=46B00549F6D549A383C2AF43AE4DCABE" target="_blank">WOWe 2015 Conference</a></strong> provides a high-level networking platform that connects the most influential women entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and dialogue on issues related to entrepreneurship and leadership.
9570
9571WHEN: June 25 – 26, 2015
9572
9573WHERE: <a title="http://www2.greenexhibitions.co.za/exweb3/exweb.dll/Event?e=46B00549F6D549A383C2AF43AE4DCABE" href="http://www2.greenexhibitions.co.za/exweb3/exweb.dll/Event?e=46B00549F6D549A383C2AF43AE4DCABE" target="_blank">Landmark Convention Centre, Lagos</a>
9574
9575Register <a title="http://www2.greenexhibitions.co.za/exweb3/exweb.dll/Event?e=46B00549F6D549A383C2AF43AE4DCABE" href="http://www2.greenexhibitions.co.za/exweb3/exweb.dll/Event?e=46B00549F6D549A383C2AF43AE4DCABE" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www2.greenexhibitions.co.za/exweb3/exweb.dll/Event?e=46B00549F6D549A383C2AF43AE4DCABE" href="http://www2.greenexhibitions.co.za/exweb3/exweb.dll/Event?e=46B00549F6D549A383C2AF43AE4DCABE" target="_blank">WOWE Festival</a></strong>
9576
9577Have questions? Email: <a title="http://www2.greenexhibitions.co.za/exweb3/exweb.dll/Event?e=46B00549F6D549A383C2AF43AE4DCABE" href="http://www2.greenexhibitions.co.za/exweb3/exweb.dll/Event?e=46B00549F6D549A383C2AF43AE4DCABE" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>
9578

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9597&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5074,post_date:"2015-04-24 13:22:21",post_date_gmt:"2015-04-24 12:22:21",post_modified:"2015-04-24 13:27:30",post_modified_gmt:"2015-04-24 12:27:30",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"attend-women-of-west-africa-entrepreneurship-festival",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"conference"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship Conference"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"Landmark Convention Centre"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"possibilities"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"Speakers"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Tori Abiola"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Women of Women Africa"},{__cdata:"WoWe Conference"},{__cdata:"Wowe Festival"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"youth unemployment"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/ruJbKO2VIn"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/9MKhn9XPcLf"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/4Km4uvVwQXv"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Graça Machel Named 2015 Skoll Global Treasure"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/04/24/graca-machel-named-2015-skoll-global-treasure/",pubDate:"Fri, 24 Apr 2015 13:13:41 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5081",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/screen-shot-2015-04-24-at-9-01-22-am.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5082" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/screen-shot-2015-04-24-at-9-01-22-am.png" alt="Screen Shot 2015-04-24 at 9.01.22 AM" width="615" height="366" /></a>The AWP Network salutes and congratulates <strong><a title="http://www.pioneerspost.com/news-views/20150417/skoll-awardees-occupy-oxford-the-name-of-social-justice" href="http://www.pioneerspost.com/news-views/20150417/skoll-awardees-occupy-oxford-the-name-of-social-justice" target="_blank">Graça Machel</a></strong> who was recently honored with the <a title="http://www.pioneerspost.com/news-views/20150417/skoll-awardees-occupy-oxford-the-name-of-social-justice" href="http://www.pioneerspost.com/news-views/20150417/skoll-awardees-occupy-oxford-the-name-of-social-justice" target="_blank">2015 Skoll Global Treasure</a> Award. Machel is a Mozambican politician, humanitarian, former first lady of South Africa and an international advocate for women’s and children’s rights.
9598
9599Read more <a title="http://www.pioneerspost.com/news-views/20150417/skoll-awardees-occupy-oxford-the-name-of-social-justice" href="http://www.pioneerspost.com/news-views/20150417/skoll-awardees-occupy-oxford-the-name-of-social-justice" target="_blank">here</a>
9600
9601&nbsp;
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9610
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9627&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5081,post_date:"2015-04-24 14:13:41",post_date_gmt:"2015-04-24 13:13:41",post_modified:"2015-04-24 14:22:38",post_modified_gmt:"2015-04-24 13:22:38",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"graca-machel-named-2015-skoll-global-treasure",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"advocate"},{__cdata:"Africa"}

9627,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"Graca Machel"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Jeff Skoll"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Women and children"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"5082"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/1oHdSFCuayT"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/8dScWKUF2rE"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/TlzSv0hY59"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Attend the Women4Africa Awards"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/04/24/attend-the-women4africa-awards/",pubDate:"Fri, 24 Apr 2015 14:42:27 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5086",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/screen-shot-2015-04-24-at-10-28-31-am.png"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5087" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/screen-shot-2015-04-24-at-10-28-31-am.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-04-24 at 10.28.31 AM" width="635" height="325" /></a>
9628
9629The 4th Annual <strong><a title="http://women4africa.com/2015-awards-event/" href="http://women4africa.com/2015-awards-event/" target="_blank">Women4Africa™ Awards UK</a></strong> will take place on Saturday, May 9th at The Great Hall, Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London W8 7NX.
9630
9631The AWP Network congratulates all nominees and award winners.
9632
9633&nbsp;
9634
9635&nbsp;
9636
9637&nbsp;
9638
9639&nbsp;
9640
9641&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5086,post_date:"2015-04-24 15:42:27",post_date_gmt:"2015-04-24 14:42:27",post_modified:"2015-04-24 15:42:27",post_modified_gmt:"2015-04-24 14:42:27",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"attend-the-women4africa-awards",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Tola Onigbanjo"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Women4Africa"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Py3QqhNALAq"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/e3qngeRXqKM"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/j8FFAJOZbO"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Akilah Institute For Women"}

9641,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/04/27/apply-akilah-institute-for-women/",pubDate:"Mon, 27 Apr 2015 19:42:19 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5089",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" size="full" link="file" ids="5090"]
9642
9643<strong><a title="http://www.akilahinstitute.org/apply/" href="http://www.akilahinstitute.org/apply/" target="_blank">Akilah</a> </strong>is a school of excellence for young women in Rwanda and Burundi.
9644
9645<strong><a title="http://www.akilahinstitute.org/apply/" href="http://www.akilahinstitute.org/apply/" target="_blank">Akilah</a></strong> provides a supportive community so that no student struggles alone. Students enjoy an English-only learning environment that encourages teamwork, leadership, confidence, and passion. Students gain the skills, resources, and experience to graduate as leaders and launch meaningful careers.
9646
9647The Akilah Candidate:
9648<ul>
9649	<li>Have you always done well at school?
9650Do you want to be someone important one day?
9651Are you creative, talented, and good at coming up with new ideas?
9652Do you want to join a community where teachers work with every student?
9653Are you passionate about a career in technology, business, or hospitality?</li>
9654</ul>
9655<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: June 5, 2015
9656
9657Apply: <strong><a title="http://www.akilahinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2015-Rwanda-Application-PDF.pdf" href="http://www.akilahinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2015-Rwanda-Application-PDF.pdf">Rwanda Admissions</a>, <a title="http://www.akilahinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Burundi-Application-Form-2015.pdf" href="http://www.akilahinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Burundi-Application-Form-2015.pdf" target="_blank">Burundi Admissions</a> </strong>
9658
9659&nbsp;
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9663&nbsp;
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9685&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5089,post_date:"2015-04-27 20:42:19",post_date_gmt:"2015-04-27 19:42:19",post_modified:"2015-04-27 20:42:19",post_modified_gmt:"2015-04-27 19:42:19",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-akilah-institute-for-women",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Akilah"},{__cdata:"Akilah Institute for Women"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Burundi"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Rwanda"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"5090"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/czVmuipdbJw"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/Fib3vVEB7Mh"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/gp1OtatbLy"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:'"I Am On Mission To Create More African Superhero Comics" - Roye Okupe talks to the AWP Network'}

9685,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/05/01/innovation-and-animation-roye-okupe-is-on-a-mission-to-create-more-african-superhero-comics/",pubDate:"Fri, 01 May 2015 19:22:19 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5096",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong><a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/cover-art-final-promo-21.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5108" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/cover-art-final-promo-21.jpg?w=635" alt="cover-art-final-promo-2" width="635" height="449" /></a></strong><em><strong><a title="https://www.linkedin.com/in/royeokupe" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/royeokupe" target="_blank">Roye Okupe</a> </strong>is targeting a new demographic of Africans fans with the project E.X.O. - the legend of Wale Williams.</em>
9686
9687&nbsp;
9688
9689<strong>How did you come up with the name for this idea?</strong>
9690
9691When thinking about a name for my business, I struggled a bit. For 2 weeks, I went back and forth searching for available domain names because I wanted to match the business name and the website address. However, all the creative ideas I came up with were already taken. One thing I knew was that I wanted a unique name. After thinking about it a bit more, it struck me that I could use the keyword as a name. So I named the business '<a title="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/44069577/exo-the-legend-of-wale-williams-part-one" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/44069577/exo-the-legend-of-wale-williams-part-one" target="_blank">YouNeek Studios</a>.'
9692
9693<strong>What inspired you to start this idea?</strong>
9694
9695All my life I have watched, played, and read everything that I could about superhero comics. I cannot begin to explain why but I think that in a world where there is so much negativity and suffering, superhero comics served as my escape. I loved to watch or read about the good guys saving the day and protecting people.
9696
9697In 2008, when the superhero genre was becoming a global phenomenon, I noticed that there was not a lot of diversity. Specifically, superheroes from Africa were not getting as much exposure, if any. Therefore, I decided to solve this problem by creating a superhero character from Nigeria - <a title="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/44069577/exo-the-legend-of-wale-williams-part-one" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/44069577/exo-the-legend-of-wale-williams-part-one" target="_blank">project E.X.O. - the legend of Wale Williams</a>. My mission with E.X.O. - the legend of Wale Williams is to put Africa on the map when it comes to telling superhero stories, be it animated or through superhero comics and graphic novels. On the continent, there are people with a wealth of creative and appealing stories, but they never really get the proper commercial exposure. My hope is that E.X.O. fulfills my life long goal of adding something unique to the superhero genre.
9698
9699<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
9700
9701Simple, if you are into superheroes and superhero stories, then this is for you. Whether you are an 8 year-old kid or a 30 year-old adult (like me), you are going to have a blast reading the graphic novel.
9702
9703<strong>How have you financed the idea?</strong>
9704
9705Bootstrapping - so far everything has come out-of-pocket. I have also had family members invest in the project because they believe in what I am trying to do. I recently launched a <strong><a title="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/44069577/exo-the-legend-of-wale-williams-part-one" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/44069577/exo-the-legend-of-wale-williams-part-one" target="_blank">Kickstarter campaign</a> </strong>and I am overwhelmed by the support people have given me so far. In just 3 days, we hit the campaign goal and in just 2 weeks, we had 200 percent funded. It has been an amazing experience and people have been very supportive. It is a great feeling because it reinforces my initial hunch that people want and would pay to get access to this type of content. People want to see more superheroes from diverse parts of the world and not just Africa.
9706
9707<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
9708
9709I have this incessant, burning desire to see this project succeed. Also, I have had the wonderful privilege of growing up in two different c

9709ountries (Nigeria and the United States). I believe the experiences from both phases of my life gives me a unique advantage when it comes to creativity and appealing to a broad range of demographics. Lastly, I am a very curious person so I like to discover how to do things. Over the years, I have picked up skills ranging from writing, animation, producing, directing and editing to web design, graphic design, software development, business development - most of which I learnt on my own. This robust set of skills has made it easy to collaborate with people from different backgrounds.
9710
9711There is one more thing that I want to say in regards to this question. When it comes to African superheroes or diverse superheroes in general, I am not the first, neither will I be the last, but I decided that if I was going to produce the book and animated product, that I was going to make as much noise as possible. For one month, I literally stalked popular bloggers and journalists online. I think to date, I have sent up to 150 emails to different journalists and probably only 15 of them have replied so far. For me, I felt like I needed more than a good product, I also needed the exposure and credibility. I believe it is the only way to stand out as a new player in the superhero genre. So I guess you can add persistence to what sets me apart.
9712
9713<strong>What is the long-term plan for this idea?</strong>
9714
9715The long-term goal is to use the success from the graphic novel as impetus to produce an animated feature film or series within the next 2 years. My hope is that the success of these products (the graphic novel and the animation) will give me the leverage and credibility needed to build a superhero universe based on an eclectic list of characters with interconnected stories. These stories will be delivered across multiple mediums including but not limited to comic books, graphic novels, animation and possibly video games. I also hope that I get the opportunity to create toys and merchandize for African children based on my characters.
9716
9717<strong>What challenges do you face?</strong>
9718
9719The biggest challenge that I have faced so far is getting no support from distributors, networks and investors in regards to producing E.X.O. as an animated film/series. As you may know, creating an animated series is very expensive. I spoke to several distributors and investors for almost 2 years and the general consensus was that it was a great idea but too risky, especially because I am a first time producer and do not have any fan base. One producer told me point blank, "It won't work, change your characters." But I refuse to believe that and respectfully disagree with their conclusions. I believe that if done properly (great script, good production values etc.), Nigerians, Africans and people all over the world will be receptive to E.X.O. or any other diverse superhero story. We do not necessarily love characters like Superman, Batman, or Spiderman because of their place of origin. We love them because they have great stories we can identify with. That is why I took my time (5 years so far) in developing the story and characters.
9720
9721[gallery type="slideshow" size="full" link="file" ids="5100,5108,5102,5101,5099"]
9722
9723<strong>What key things have you learned since starting this idea?</strong>
9724<ul>
9725	<li>There will always be challenges when you are chasing greatness, your success depends on how you react to failure.</li>
9726	<li>Never give up.</li>
9727	<li>Be nice and help other people. Don't make everything about you.</li>
9728	<li>There's no substitute for hard work.</li>
9729	<li>No one owes you anything, you have to go out and make your dreams come true.</li>
9730</ul>
9731<strong>What things do start-up entrepreneurs need to know?</strong>
9732<ul>
9733	<li>Running a business is extremely difficult.</li>
9734	<li>If you don't have a passion for it, don't do it.</li>
9735	<li>If you are only doing it only for the money, you've failed.</li>
9736	<li>Network, Network, Network</li>
9737	<li>Focus on one thing at a time - strive to become the best at what you do.</li>
9738</ul>
9739<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
9740
9741Stop giving excuses. People have made billions of dollars from nothing. There is always a way, there is always a solution. It may not be obvious but it is there. You just have to search really hard for it. It is easier said than done, but it has to be done.
9742
9743<strong>

9743How do you think African youths can continue to support each other?</strong>
9744
9745We need to patronize each other’s businesses. Sometimes I feel like we focus more on competing with each other than helping each other. It is the "I want to get there first mentality." I have been guilty of this in the past, but now I am trying to be a better person. I realize that we can achieve more together than we can individually.
9746
9747<strong>How many jobs have you created so far?</strong>
9748
9749I have not created any full-time jobs per say, hopefully this changes soon. However for my current book E.X.O., I have hired (3) artists in Nigeria on a short-term contract basis to help complete the book. Indeed, it has been one of my proudest moments to see Nigerian artists working with a Nigerian creator, writer, and art director on a Nigerian superhero graphic novel.
9750
9751<strong>How has technology enhanced your business idea?</strong>
9752
9753Technology makes it easy to collaborate. For the test animation I created for E.X.O., I collaborated with many talented people from around the globe. I worked with people in Africa, Europe, US and Asia. Without today's tech, I would not have been able to achieve this.
9754
9755<strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Africa?</strong>
9756
9757By donating to my Kickstarter! On a more serious note, the best way is by continuing to create awareness. If you see a cool project, share it with friends on social media or send it to important blogs. It is time for the world to see the side of Africa that is not regularly portrayed in the media. There are many Africans creating lots of cool stuff. The more we share, the easier it is to catch the eyes of investors. If an investor sees a particular project is getting a lot of buzz, he or she may be more inclined to find out more than if a project owner sent a random email.
9758
9759Facebook: <strong><a title="https://www.facebook.com/YouNeekStudios" href="https://www.facebook.com/YouNeekStudios" target="_blank">YouNeek Studios</a></strong>
9760
9761Twitter: <strong><a title="https://twitter.com/YouNeekStudios" href="https://twitter.com/YouNeekStudios" target="_blank">YouNeek Studios</a></strong>
9762
9763http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7JTTCLmSp4
9764
9765&nbsp;
9766
9767&nbsp;
9768
9769&nbsp;
9770
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9774
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9776
9777&nbsp;
9778
9779&nbsp;
9780
9781&nbsp;
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9784
9785&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5096,post_date:"2015-05-01 20:22:19",post_date_gmt:"2015-05-01 19:22:19",post_modified:"2015-05-01 22:18:51",post_modified_gmt:"2015-05-01 21:18:51",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"innovation-and-animation-roye-okupe-is-on-a-mission-to-create-more-african-superhero-comics",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African comic"},{__cdata:"African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Animation"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"cartoons"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"comicbook"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"Crowdfunding"},{__cdata:"crowdsourcing"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"graphic novel"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"project E.X.O. - the legend of Wale Williams"},{__cdata:"Roye Okupe"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"superhero"},{__cdata:"superhero comics"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"YouNeek Studios"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"5108"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/fZdjE87YCSp"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/8UXnuWe1fN2"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/PZ1TkJJJbd"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_a01288256ea4a594489544d54b2671e0",meta_value:{__cdata:'<div class="embed-youtube"><iframe title="E.X.O. Graphic Novel Animated Trailer (African Superhero)" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P7JTTCLmSp4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;

9785 web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>'}},{meta_key:"_oembed_time_a01288256ea4a594489544d54b2671e0",meta_value:{__cdata:"1727431229"}}],comment:[{comment_id:7047,comment_author:{__cdata:"3 African Entrepreneurs Raise $70K, 7 Things They Want You To Know About Crowdfunding | Darcy Lardner"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"https://darcylardner.wordpress.com/2015/06/10/3-african-entrepreneurs-raise-70k-7-things-they-want-you-to-know-about-crowdfunding/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.99.207",comment_date:"2015-06-10 05:35:47",comment_date_gmt:"2015-06-10 04:35:47",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;]  Roye Okupe, an entrepreneur on a mission to create more African superhero comics added, &#8220;I did quite a bit of research and compared Indiegogo and Kickstarter. At the end of the day, I found out that people raising money for comics and graphic novels had more success on Kickstarter. So I decided to go with that.&#8221; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1434576154"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1434576154.84739589691162109375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1433915516.9934699535369873046875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1433910948.2695839405059814453125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:7320,comment_author:{__cdata:"Crowdfunding Tips for African Entrepreneurs: 7 Things You Should Know &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/09/03/crowdfunding-tips-for-african-entrepreneurs-7-things-you-should-know/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.83.99",comment_date:"2015-09-03 21:15:56",comment_date_gmt:"2015-09-03 20:15:56",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Roye Okupe, an entrepreneur on a mission to create more African superhero comics added, &#8220;I did quite a bit of research and compared Indiegogo and Kickstarter. At the end of the day, I found out that people raising money for comics and graphic novels had more success on Kickstarter. So I decided to go with that.&#8221; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1441313156"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1441313157.2981719970703125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1441311356.1394579410552978515625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"SheLeads Africa Launches 2015 Entrepreneur Showcase"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/05/11/sheleads-africa-launches-2015-entrepreneur-showcase/",pubDate:"Mon, 11 May 2015 08:42:32 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5120",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/screen-shot-2015-05-11-at-4-25-33-am.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5123" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/screen-shot-2015-05-11-at-4-25-33-am.png" alt="Screen Shot 2015-05-11 at 4.25.33 AM" width="563" height="362" /></a>The Entrepreneur Showcase is the flagship program of <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/22/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepreneurs/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/22/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepreneurs/" target="_blank">She Leads Africa</a> and shines a spotlight on women who are driving Africa’s growth through leadership, commerce and innovation.
9786
9787This event is the premier platform for young female entrepreneurs looking to grow and scale their businesses across Africa. Participants in the competition will compete for <strong>$15,000</strong> in cash prizes, media features in international news outlets, and exclusive meetings with top investors.
9788
9789Businesses from any industry are eligible to apply as long as there is one woman on the founding team between 18-35 years old. Companies must have launched their product or service, been in operation for less than 3 years and received less than $50,000 USD in funding.
9790
9791Apply here: <a title="http://www.sheleadsafrica.org" href="http://www.sheleadsafrica.org" target="_blank">SheLeads Africa</a>
9792
9793DEADLINE: June 30, 2015
9794
9795&nbsp;
9796
9797&nbsp;
9798
9799&nbsp;
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9802
9803&nbsp;
9804
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9808
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9810
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9813&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5120,post_date:"2015-05-11 09:42:32",post_date_gmt:"2015-05-11 08:42:32",post_modified:"2015-05-11 09:42:32",post_modified_gmt:"2015-05-11 08:42:32",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"sheleads-africa-launches-2015-entrepreneur-showcase",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"}

9813,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Afua Osei"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur showcase"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"high growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"SheLeadsAfrica"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"smallbiz"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"Startup"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Yasmin Belo-Osagie"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/UwrYBdNVot1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/C5z1Eykf8j5"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/vblShSW6qP"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"WAAW Foundation: Working to Advance STEM Education for African Girls"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/05/11/waaw-foundation-working-to-advance-stem-education-for-african-girls/",pubDate:"Mon, 11 May 2015 09:06:12 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5125",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/10410691_786517171369952_6435371467309616272_n.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3679" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/10410691_786517171369952_6435371467309616272_n.jpg?w=635" alt="10410691_786517171369952_6435371467309616272_n" width="635" height="421" /></a>
9814
9815Applications for the<strong> <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2015/01/02/awp-network-partners-with-the-waaw-foundation-to-support-african-girls-in-stem/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2015/01/02/awp-network-partners-with-the-waaw-foundation-to-support-african-girls-in-stem/" target="_blank">WAAW Foundation STEM</a></strong> camp for secondary school girls are now open.
9816
9817The theme for the 2015 camp is 'Computing, Robotics &amp; Renewable Energy For Africa.' This one-week residential camp promises to be exciting and fun for 40 African girls in Lagos, Nigeria and Nairobi, Kenya. The camp is aimed at  African girls between the ages of 13 and 17 years who are currently enrolled in Senior Secondary School SS1 - SS3. Girls from all African countries are encouraged to apply.
9818
9819<strong>Cost: </strong>
9820<ul>
9821	<li>N30,000 ($200) for private school students and other individuals,
9822Full Scholarships and reduced cost available for public school students only.
9823*<em>WAAW will not provide transportation to and from the camp location. feeding, lodging, science &amp; robotics kits, books, t-shirts, backpacks, hands-on learning and megafun will be provided.</em></li>
9824</ul>
9825&nbsp;
9826
9827When: <em>August 2-8, 2015</em>
9828
9829Where: <em>Greensprings secondary school, Anthony Campus, </em><em>32, Olatunde Ayoola Avenue, Anthony-Lagos, Nigeria</em>
9830
9831When: <em>August 19-24, 2015</em>
9832
9833Where: <em>Brookhouse International School, </em><em>Magadi road, off Langata, Nairobi, Kenya </em>
9834
9835&nbsp;
9836
9837<strong>What Students Will Learn: </strong>
9838<ul>
9839	<li>Students will learn to build exciting robots on the NXT platform,</li>
9840	<li>

9840Students will build renewable energy systems such as solar and Wind Mill systems,</li>
9841	<li>Students will learn basic computer science concepts and be introduced to programming using Arduino and raspberry pi platform, playing with blockly program,</li>
9842	<li>Students will be introduced to app building for Andriod platform using MITs app builder,</li>
9843	<li>Students will learn to program in Javascript and Python,</li>
9844	<li>Students will participate in team building exercises,</li>
9845	<li>All activities are very focused on hands on, integrative learning that promotes creativity, innovation and problem solving using locally available resources.</li>
9846</ul>
9847Apply <a title="https://waawfoundation.wufoo.com/forms/2015-stem-camp-application/" href="https://waawfoundation.wufoo.com/forms/2015-stem-camp-application/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="https://waawfoundation.wufoo.com/forms/2015-stem-camp-application/" href="https://waawfoundation.wufoo.com/forms/2015-stem-camp-application/" target="_blank">STEM Camp</a></strong>
9848
9849<strong>DEADLINE:</strong> June 30, 2015
9850
9851&nbsp;
9852
9853&nbsp;
9854
9855&nbsp;
9856
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9876
9877&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5125,post_date:"2015-05-11 10:06:12",post_date_gmt:"2015-05-11 09:06:12",post_modified:"2015-05-11 10:06:12",post_modified_gmt:"2015-05-11 09:06:12",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"waaw-foundation-working-to-advance-stem-education-for-african-girls",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African girls in technology"},{__cdata:"African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Kenya"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nairobi"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"STEM"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Unoma Odili"},{__cdata:"Unoma Okorafor"},{__cdata:"Waaw Foundation"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3679"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/gzdrehE37PN"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/LnLEa3qnwhY"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/tSgq4XY2Kt"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"I Started My Business with $40, You Can Too!"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/05/13/i-started-my-business-with-40-you-can-too/",pubDate:"Wed, 13 May 2015 20:51:36 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5131",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>Innovation and Design: Nigerian Shoemaker tells Her Story</strong>
9878<blockquote><em>I started my business with about 7000 Naira and with the support of my former colleagues at Nokia Nigeria. They supported me by purchasing my products. Their support means so much to me, it kept me going through tough times, I am forever grateful to them.</em></blockquote>
9879[gallery type="slideshow" link="file" size="full" ids="5136,5143,5152,5137,5138,5144,5142,5141,5146,5147,5149,5135"]
9880
9881<strong>How did you come up with the name of your business? </strong>
9882
9883The short version of the story is that I conducted a survey at my former workplace (Nokia Nigeria) and someone suggested that I use my name. The long version is that in 2005, my company name was, ‘<strong>Idees Creations</strong>,’ then in 2008, I changed it to ‘<strong>Plush Accessories</strong>.’ The name changed several times because I never really felt connected to those names. I felt they were plain, too simply, and dormant just like the business was for several years until 2012 when I decided to revive it.
9884
9885At my former place of work, I conducted a survey to see if my male colleagues would wear a shoe brand named ‘<em>Plush</em>.’ They all said NO! Why? Because they felt the name was ‘too girly.’ After the survey, I began to research appropriate names for my company until a colleague suggested that I use my own name. I said, “No way.” However, I decided to give it a try and came up with several versions of my name until I came up with ‘<strong>Idong Harrie</strong>’ and the name just felt right. Many people call me that now, I think I have done a wonderful job with my brand. People even think that ‘Harrie’ is my last name.
9886
9887<strong>What inspired you to start this business? </strong>
9888
9889My inspiration so far has been GOD! Who else? I believe God gave me the idea.
9890
9891The idea to make my own shoes began in 2005. Someone gave my mother beaded slippers as a gift and something within me said, “Idong, you can make this slippers too!” Feeling very inspired, I went to Tejuosho market (which no longer exists), bought the materials, and to my surprise everything that I needed became available. I came home, researched how the upper part of the beaded slippers was made and copied it. Since then, I joined the footwear industry and started my business. Secondly, my customers! My first customers were my former colleagues at Nokia Nigeria. <em>They supported me immensely by buying my products.</em> Their support, kept me motivated. Everything about starting my business was born from their support and words of advice. I consider my colleagues at Nokia Nigeria my family.
9892
9893<strong>Who is your target market?</strong>
9894
9895Anyone who loves beautiful slippers.
9896
9897[caption id="attachment_5141" align="aligncenter" width="300"]<a href="https://staging.awpnet

9897work.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/screen-shot-2015-04-26-at-9-22-54-am.png"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5141" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/screen-shot-2015-04-26-at-9-22-54-am.png?w=300" alt="Idong Harrie Company" width="300" height="292" /></a> Idong Harrie Company[/caption]
9898
9899<strong>How have you financed the idea?</strong>
9900
9901In 2008, I started this business with the 7000 Naira my father gave me as pocket money. I used the funds to buy leather. I also received extensive support from my older brother who helped me to purchase a sewing machine. Over time, I have invested any money made back into the business. I put in about 70 percent of my salary from my job at Nokia into growing it. I also have wonderful friends who have loaned me money. Recently, I won competitive grants from companies such as Etisalat and Shell and the available funds has had an incredible impact on my business.
9902
9903<strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong>
9904
9905When I started my business, I could not identify my competitive edge and I suffered greatly for this. My product was lost in the marketplace and I had not yet learned the business side of my idea. I felt lost in the crowd. But now, I can identify my competitive edge. (1) we are affordable, (2) the customer experience, (3) we only use genuine leather materials, (4) our designs are unique, and (5) have you seen the way we package our slippers? Having gone through business school, I realize that these factors are my competitive edge and I work hard to retain them.
9906
9907<strong>What is the long-term for your business?</strong>
9908
9909My long-term plan is to be the preferred indigenous footwear and accessory making company in Nigeria with branches nationwide and throughout Africa. I want to have stores in high traffic malls around Nigeria and my dream is that my footwear brand will be among the top 3 in Nigeria owned by a Nigerian.
9910
9911<strong>What challenges do you face?</strong>
9912
9913I face several challenges. Asides the lack of basic amenities and infrastructural challenges that are needed to enhance productivity in a business, I need to develop my marketing strategy, brand awareness/recognition and increase production capacity.
9914
9915<strong>What key things have you learned since starting this idea?</strong>
9916<ul>
9917	<li>Be resilient, it is not easy to run a business in Nigeria - keep pushing, things will shape up in time.</li>
9918	<li>Have a good and supportive network,</li>
9919	<li>Improve and develop yourself,</li>
9920	<li>Have discipline especially in the area of your personal and business finances.</li>
9921</ul>
9922<strong>What key things do startup entrepreneurs need to know?</strong>
9923<ol>
9924	<li>Do not be afraid to share your ideas with people.</li>
9925	<li>Take advice, however, be very selective of the kinds of people you take them from and share them with.</li>
9926	<li>Get a mentor, someone you would be accountable to and who would put you in check.</li>
9927	<li>Always invest back into the business. Don’t spend your hard work on frivolous items.</li>
9928	<li>Research, expand your mind, and seek more knowledge.</li>
9929</ol>
9930<strong>What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</strong>
9931
9932Sometimes, money is not the major reason. My advice is to start small with what you have and then reinvest the money back into the business. With steady cash flow, the business will grow.
9933
9934<strong>How many jobs have you created so far?</strong>
9935
99369 jobs (4 full-time positions, 5 Interns)
9937
9938<strong>How has technology enhanced your business idea? </strong>
9939
9940Technology is responsible for the growth of my business. I have an e-commerce website where customers can view products and make payments online. We send conformation emails, receipts, invoices, and pictures to our customers using a software platform. This makes it easy, cost-effective, and orderly. In addition, social media has been influential and impactful to our bottom line. Through various social media platforms, customers get to learn about our products and what we do.
9941
9942<strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Africa?</strong>
9943
9944First, let us start by enlightening the minds of the people and letting them know that they can become part of the innovation ecosystem. Secondly, giving people the confidence and helping them to understand and appreciate the ideas that come out of their minds. Lastly, creating an environment whereby these ideas can be harnessed. It could be in terms of space, ambiance, tools, or resources. It is powerful and great to see what companies like Idea Hub and the Co-Creation hub are doing in Nigeria but unfortunately, available hubs are restricted to the ICT industry. Such spaces for other industries could be established too.
9945
9946&nbsp;
9947
9948<strong>Website</strong>: <a title="http://www.idongharrie.com" href="http://www.idongharrie.com" target="_blank">Idong Harrie Company</a>
9949
9950<strong>Instagram</strong>: <a title="https://instagram.com/idongharrie/" href="https://instagram.com/idongharrie/" target="_blank">Idong Harrie Company</a>
9951
9952<strong>Facebook</strong>: <a title="https://www.facebook.com/idongharrie" href="https://www.facebook.com/idongharrie" target="_blank">Idong Harrie Company</a>
9953
9954<strong>Twitter</strong>:<a title="https://twitter.com/idongharrie" href="https://twitter.com/idongharrie" target="_blank"> Idong Harrie Company</a>
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10034&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5131,post_date:"2015-05-13 21:51:36",post_date_gmt:"2015-05-13 20:51:36",post_modified:"2015-05-13 22:00:50",post_modified_gmt:"2015-05-13 21:00:50",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"i-started-my-business-with-40-you-can-too",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African women power"}

10034,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business growth"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Etisalat"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Idong Harrie"},{__cdata:"Idong Harrie Company"},{__cdata:"Idong Harrison"},{__cdata:"Idong Harrison Umoh"},{__cdata:"Idong Umoh"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"Manufacturing"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Shell"},{__cdata:"shoe production"},{__cdata:"shoes"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"storytelling"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"5143"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/D4UdgGft5BZ"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/4DXkdaoiSJK"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/7yDOAgVtNU"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:[{comment_id:8565,comment_author:{__cdata:"This is how African women are taking business advantage of Technology | Tech4Her Africa"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.tech4her.org/this-is-how-african-women-are-taking-business-advantage-of-technology/",comment_author_IP:"23.91.70.68",comment_date:"2016-04-04 19:07:25",comment_date_gmt:"2016-04-04 18:07:25",comment_content:{__cdata:"[…] Idong Harrie, shoemaker and participant in the Cherie Blair Foundation Road to Growth Business Program states, “technology is responsible for the growth of my business. I have a website where customers can view products and make payments online. Access to technology makes the customer experience seamless and cost-effective.” […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1459793452"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1459793452.9859859943389892578125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1459793245.450499057769775390625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:8534,comment_author:{__cdata:"How Technology is Transforming Women-Owned Businesses in Africa | Beatriz Simpkins"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"https://beatrizpsimpkins.wordpress.com/2016/04/01/how-technology-is-transforming-women-owned-businesses-in-africa/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.100.183",comment_date:"2016-04-01 22:20:55",comment_date_gmt:"2016-04-01 21:20:55",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

100340;] Idong Harrie, shoemaker and participant in the Cherie Blair Foundation Road to Growth Business Program states, &#8220;technology is responsible for the growth of my business. I have a website where customers can view products and make payments online. Access to technology makes the customer experience seamless and cost-effective.&#8221; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1459545655.9958438873291015625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1459784160"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1459784161.2982800006866455078125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1459550080.81739902496337890625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]},{comment_id:9054,comment_author:{__cdata:"The AWP Network &#8216;Get Connected Business Series&#8217; &#8211; Meet the Speakers &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2017/04/21/the-awp-network-get-connected-business-series-meet-the-speakers/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.87.241",comment_date:"2017-04-21 17:09:01",comment_date_gmt:"2017-04-21 16:09:01",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] Idongesit Harrison Umoh is the founder of Idong Harrie Limited, a handmade footwear &amp; accessories company. Umoh founded her business with about 7000 Naira and with the support of former colleagues at Nokia Nigeria. She has grown the business to become a national brand and has won several awards and grants since founding the company in 2005. [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1492790941.06087207794189453125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1492790988"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1492790989.6062939167022705078125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}}]}]},{title:{__cdata:"Attend: The Miss Culture Intercontinental Pageant"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/05/19/attend-the-miss-culture-intercontinental-pageant/",pubDate:"Tue, 19 May 2015 10:13:47 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5167",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`Therapeutic Interventions Inc.  and Women's Leadership Empowerment presents the "<strong><a title="http://www.misscultureintercontinental.com" href="http://www.misscultureintercontinental.com" target="_blank">Miss Culture Intercontinental Pageant</a></strong>." The pageant provides the African woman and women of African descent a voice to showcase her leadership abilities, character, intelligence, values, inner beauty and to inspire other outstanding women to succeed on an international stage. Come out and "represent your country" - Nigeria, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Ethiopia,Tanzania, Angola and many more.
10035
10036Register for the event <a title="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/miss-culture-intercontinental-pageant-tickets-2402704554" href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/miss-culture-intercontinental-pageant-tickets-2402704554" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a title="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/miss-culture-intercontinental-pageant-tickets-2402704554" href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/miss-culture-intercontinental-pageant-tickets-2402704554" target="_blank">Miss Culture</a></strong>
10037
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10040<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/screen-shot-2015-05-19-at-6-03-24-am.png"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5168" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/screen-shot-2015-05-19-at-6-03-24-am.png?w=635" alt="Screen Shot 2015-05-19 at 6.03.24 AM" width="635" height="638" /></a>
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10070&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5167,post_date:"2015-05-19 11:13:47",post_date_gmt:"2015-05-19 10:13:47",post_modified:"2015-05-19 11:13:47",post_modified_gmt:"2015-05-19 10:13:47",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"attend-the-miss-culture-intercontinental-pageant",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"African women power"},{__cdata:"Angola"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Cameroon"},{__cdata:"Ethiopia"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Fatima Koroma"},{__cdata:"Fatmata Koroma"},{__cdata:"Howard University"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Miss Culture Intercontinental Pageant"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"Senegal"},{__cdata:"Sierra Leone"},{__cdata:"Tanzania"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Therapeutic Interventions Inc."},{__cdata:"Women's Leadership Empowerment"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"5169"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/jA4A2wwepp6"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/6o6CxH1aUgt"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/444LbKuI0r"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:8688,comment_author:{__cdata:"The AWP Photo Contest – Meet the Judges &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2016/06/06/the-awp-photo-contest-meet-the-judges/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.101.87",comment_date:"2016-06-06 19:10:59",comment_date_gmt:"2016-06-06 18:10:59",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

100700;]  Lucy Sandra Asomugha is 2015 winner of the “Miss Culture Intercontinental Pageant.&#8221; She is a nurse and a pre-medical student at George Mason University. Lucy is passionate about helping people through her volunteer efforts at various shelters and nonprofit organizations. [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1465236808"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1465236808.716619968414306640625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1465236660.0152509212493896484375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Young African Women Entrepreneurs Offer Advice on How to Start a Business With No Money"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/05/19/young-african-women-entrepreneurs-offer-advice-on-how-to-start-a-business-with-no-money/",pubDate:"Tue, 19 May 2015 11:41:27 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5172",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong>Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs</strong>
10071<blockquote>“The easiest way to get funding is to build a team. You will be surprised at how quickly your idea takes off when you have a solid group of people equally passionate about your idea. Also, like our parents say, two (or more) heads are better than one. The diversity as well as the expanded network will amplify your chances of funding the venture.”  ---  <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/01/from-mit-to-nigeria-finding-business-opportunity-in-recycling-waste-for-developing-countries/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/01/from-mit-to-nigeria-finding-business-opportunity-in-recycling-waste-for-developing-countries/" target="_blank">Bilikiss Kola-Abiola</a></strong>, CEO of award-winning company WeCyclers</blockquote>
10072[gallery type="slideshow" size="full" link="file" ids="4402"]
10073<blockquote>"Money is good but the lack of it should not stop YOU. Think of ideas that won’t cost much money. Save and work towards the big idea. Again, if you want it badly enough, you will work hard to get it. I think young people want things to happen overnight. Well, it won’t. Tuface has history, so does Emem Isong. It’s a process, a journey, and young people must be ready to walk the walk. Okon Lagos was not the first script that I wanted to produce but I knew that no one would give a newbie like me more than a certain amount of money so I thought of an inexpensive script that I could easily raise money for. I still haven’t produced that first script – I am still waiting for the right time."
10074
10075---  Executive producer, and co-founder of the Royal Arts Academy, <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/02/03/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-nollywood-producer-means-business/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/02/03/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-nollywood-producer-means-business/" target="_blank">Uduak Isong</a></strong></blockquote>
10076&nbsp;
10077<blockquote>“Money is not everything. It is a false comfort. Money will not stop a “real entrepreneur” from starting a business. Work until you have saved enough – find investors, ask friends and family, borrow. Money should not stop anyone from fulfilling their dreams. Money is an accelerator – whether you are going in the right or wrong direction, money simply accelerates you in the direction that you are already going in. Sometimes the lack of money helps you come up with innovative strategies and different solutions. For most small businesses, the lack of money should not be a barrier to starting, although it might be a barrier to growing. The most important thing is to start. If we had waited for the perfect financial conditions, we would probably still be at the drawing board stage.”
10078
10079— <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/10/22/serial-entrepreneur-rapelang-rabana-wins-big-at-the-world-entrepreneurship-forum/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/10/22/serial-entrepreneur-rapelang-rabana-wins-big-at-the-world-entrepreneurship-forum/" target="_blank">Rapelang Rabana</a></strong>, Founding CEO of Yeigo Communications and ReKindle Learning</blockquote>
10080[gallery type="slideshow" size="full" link="file" ids="3897"]
10081<blockquote>"Look inwards. You will find something you can do that won’t cost much and might help you get the money for something bigger." —  <a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/11/03/starting-my-business-was-about-solving-a-problem/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/11/03/starting-my-business-was-about-solving-a-problem/" target="_blank"><strong>Modupe Macaulay</strong></a>, CapitalSquare
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10083&nbsp;
10084

10085"There will never be a time when there will be money so my advice is to start now and start small.”  ---- <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/08/14/fashion-entrepreneur-creates-luxury-brand-for-african-women/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/08/14/fashion-entrepreneur-creates-luxury-brand-for-african-women/" target="_blank">Jane Ole</a></strong>, Elizabeth Waldorf Designs
10086
10087&nbsp;
10088
10089(1) Start small and grow big. (2) Try to fund your business yourself or ask your family and friends for money. (3) If you really want something, believe in your product or business model and you will succeed. It’s just a matter of time and for how long you can endure. (4) Focus on your goals and don’t get distracted.
10090
10091— <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/04/24/african-techpreneur-wins-the-etisalat-prize-for-innovation/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/04/24/african-techpreneur-wins-the-etisalat-prize-for-innovation/" target="_blank">Nkem Begho</a></strong>, Managing Director of Future Software Resources Nigeria Limited, and winner of the 2012 Etisalat Nigeria Prize for Innovation</blockquote>
10092[gallery type="slideshow" size="full" link="file" ids="3849"]
10093
10094&nbsp;
10095<blockquote>"Yes, you need money to start a business, but is it possible to bootstrap your ideas? Start small and work your way towards your identified goal. You can also hold on to a part-time job if you have one.”
10096
10097— <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/06/03/fearless-and-bold-iheoma-obibi-opens-nigerias-first-online-adult-novelty-store/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/06/03/fearless-and-bold-iheoma-obibi-opens-nigerias-first-online-adult-novelty-store/" target="_blank">Iheoma Obibi</a></strong>, Intimate Pleasures</blockquote>
10098&nbsp;
10099<blockquote>"Be creative! Start the business in steps and stages. Also, look for investors even if it’s from friends or family (however, make sure you get agreements in place before borrowing any money.) Look for grants and funding opportunities in your local area."  ---<strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/01/27/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-i-am-my-own-biggest-challenge/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/01/27/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-i-am-my-own-biggest-challenge/" target="_blank">Ronke Lawal</a></strong>, Ariatu PR</blockquote>
10100&nbsp;
10101
10102We hope that this provides you with a unique perspective to overcoming the fear of starting and encourages you to take the necessary step needed to start your business idea. Don’t let money serve as a hindrance. If you believe in yourself, you can achieve your goals, and live your dreams.
10103
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10120&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5172,post_date:"2015-05-19 12:41:27",post_date_gmt:"2015-05-19 11:41:27",post_modified:"2015-05-19 12:41:27",post_modified_gmt:"2015-05-19 11:41:27",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"young-african-women-entrepreneurs-offer-advice-on-how-to-start-a-business-with-no-money",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Iheoma Obibi"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Jane Ole"},{__cdata:"Kola Abiola"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Modupe Macaulay"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Nkem Begho"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Rapelang Rabana"},{__cdata:"Ronke Lawal"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Uduak Isong"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4465"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_pending",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/GhrfHWdSG23"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:11:"google_plus";a:1:{s:21:"101294320916560404393";b:1;}}'}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/MWnvxNRziLG"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"http://t.co/1RPJeYchuC"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:7043,comment_author:{__cdata:"Young African Women Entrepreneurs Offer Advice ..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/africa-business-radio/p/4045377208/2015/06/09/young-african-women-entrepreneurs-offer-advice-on-how-to-start-a-business-with-no-money",comment_author_IP:"185.82.148.10",comment_date:"2015-06-09 08:26:23",comment_date_gmt:"2015-06-09 07:26:23",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

101200;] Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs &ldquo;The easiest way to get funding is to build a team. You will be surprised at how quickly your idea takes off when you have a solid group of people equally pass...&nbsp; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1434576156"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1434576156.8965189456939697265625;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1433834783.932117938995361328125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1433838646.5117070674896240234375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Apply for a Chance to Experience the SME Environment in Eastern Africa"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/06/17/apply-for-a-chance-to-experience-the-sme-environment-in-eastern-africa/",pubDate:"Wed, 17 Jun 2015 21:40:35 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5201",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/capture.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5202" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/capture.png" alt="Bid Network " width="635" height="319" /></a><a href="http://www.bidnetwork.org/about/" target="_blank"><strong>BiD Network</strong></a> is offering (aspiring) investors a chance to experience the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) environment in Eastern Africa. BiD network is hosting a week-long trip to <strong><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1g4-2MLbiPR315OEJdBmE6dfdLNYmAGpuYqP8AOaKb0M/formResponse" target="_blank">Rwanda</a> </strong>to give investors a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture as well as opportunities to learn more about cross-border and emerging market investing.
10121
10122When: November 8 - 13, 2015
10123
10124Apply <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1g4-2MLbiPR315OEJdBmE6dfdLNYmAGpuYqP8AOaKb0M/formResponse" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1g4-2MLbiPR315OEJdBmE6dfdLNYmAGpuYqP8AOaKb0M/formResponse" target="_blank">BiD Network</a>  </strong>
10125
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10138&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5201,post_date:"2015-06-17 22:40:35",post_date_gmt:"2015-06-17 21:40:35",post_modified:"2015-06-17 22:40:35",post_modified_gmt:"2015-06-17 21:40:35",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-for-a-chance-to-experience-the-sme-environment-in-eastern-africa",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"BID Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"Eastern Africa"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"impact investor"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Rwanda"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"smallbiz"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"Startup"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"5202"}}

10138,{meta_key:"_publicize_job_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"11775140036"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/HUjAeabMLsV"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757704",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:7:"twitter";a:1:{i:5719057;s:61:"https://twitter.com/AfricWomenPower/status/611293080751370240";}}'}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757714",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/avPCgCTcURr"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_7198092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Join Leading Ladies Africa in Lagos"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/07/12/join-leading-ladies-africa-in-lagos/",pubDate:"Sat, 11 Jul 2015 23:28:07 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5206",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`In a bid to create a platform where more women connect, engage and learn from one another, <a href="http://ynaija.com/a-female-entrepreneur-should-have-big-dreams-leading-ladies-africa-speaks-to-mary-olusoga/" target="_blank"><strong>Leading Ladies Africa</strong> </a>will hold its inaugural edition of its Power Talk Series tagged <strong><em>“Leveraging on the Power of Online Media.”</em></strong>
10139
10140<strong>WHERE</strong>: The Social Place, Victoria Island, Lagos
10141
10142<strong>WHEN</strong>: Sunday, July 12 at 2pm
10143
10144<strong>The Power Talk Series</strong> is a quarterly event hosted by Leading Ladies Africa, where women from different backgrounds have the opportunity to learn, be inspired, and connect with one another. The objective is to create comfortable space

10144s for women to engage, deliberate and discuss issues that are most important to them.
10145
10146<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/screen-shot-2015-07-11-at-7-13-49-pm.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5207" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/screen-shot-2015-07-11-at-7-13-49-pm.png" alt="Leading Ladies Africa " width="627" height="637" /></a>
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10160&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5206,post_date:"2015-07-12 00:28:07",post_date_gmt:"2015-07-11 23:28:07",post_modified:"2015-07-12 00:28:07",post_modified_gmt:"2015-07-11 23:28:07",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"join-leading-ladies-africa-in-lagos",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Francesca Uriri"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Mara Mentor"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"online media"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"Subomi Plumptre"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/FwxvFKUZ4uW"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:7:"twitter";a:1:{i:5719057;s:61:"https://twitter.com/AfricWomenPower/status/620011772032888832";}}'}},{meta_key:"_publicize_job_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"12638761072"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757704",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757714",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/VBErJL9erMw"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_7198092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Tech Entrepreneurs Selected For Huawei - She Leads Africa Fellowship"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/07/12/tech-entrepreneurs-selected-for-huawei-she-leads-africa-fellowship/",pubDate:"Sat, 11 Jul 2015 23:56:42 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5211",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<strong><a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/screen-shot-2015-04-08-at-9-35-23-am.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5034" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/screen-shot-2015-04-08-at-9-35-23-am.png" alt="Screen Shot 2015-04-08 at 9.35.23 AM" width="449" height="424" /></a><a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/22/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepreneurs/" target="_blank">She Leads Africa</a> </strong>has selected five (5) of Africa’s most talented female technology entrepreneurs for the Huawei - She Leads Africa Fellowship Program. The five (5) entrepreneurs will travel to Shenzhen and Shanghai to visit China’s exciting technology companies, meet with young technology entrepreneurs and learn about how they can turn their businesses into a global technology powerhouse.
10161
10162Fellows were selected from a pool of up to 300 applicants from across Africa and the diaspora. “<em>We were so impressed with the quality and creativity of the applications we received. The startups we selected demonstrated a clear problem they were solving, an innovative solution and how going to China would help them take a critical next step in their businesses</em>” explained She Leads Africa co-founder Yasmin Belo-Osagie.
10163<p dir="ltr">The five (5) selected startups:
10164</p>
10165
10166<ul>
10167	<li>
10168<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/22/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepreneurs/" target="_blank"><u><strong>Sterio.me:</strong></u></a> A South African mobile application and platform that engages learners with homework on their mobile phones and smart devices to reinforce learning out of the classroom.</p>
10169</li>
10170	<li>
10171<p dir="ltr"><u><strong><a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/22/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepreneurs/" target="_blank">Ujirani:</a></strong></u> A Kenya based mobile app that improves communication between neighbors providing faster access to emergency response services.</p>
10172</li>
10173	<li>
10174<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/22/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepreneurs/" target="_blank"><u>Sunze Tech</u>:</a> </strong>Cote d’Ivoire startup that provides cheaper, reliable and sustainable energy solutions via LED panels and modular solar kits.</p>
10175</li>
10176	<li>
10177<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/22/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepreneurs/" target="_blank"><strong><u>Shule Direct</u>:</strong></a>

10177 Tanzanian online platform for secondary school students and teachers geared towards seamless educational learning.</p>
10178</li>
10179	<li>
10180<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/09/22/she-leads-africa-empowering-the-next-generation-of-women-entrepreneurs/" target="_blank"><u><strong>Book1Car: </strong></u></a>Moroccan car rental platform providing customer with the best car rental options saving the customer both time and money</p>
10181</li>
10182</ul>
10183The <a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2015/04/08/apply-huawei-she-leads-africa-fellowship/" target="_blank">Huawei-She Leads Africa Fellowship</a> is the first program to provide African female technology entrepreneurs the opportunity to visit China and connect with industry leaders.
10184
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10199&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5211,post_date:"2015-07-12 00:56:42",post_date_gmt:"2015-07-11 23:56:42",post_modified:"2015-07-12 00:56:42",post_modified_gmt:"2015-07-11 23:56:42",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"tech-entrepreneurs-selected-for-huawei-she-leads-africa-fellowship",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Afua Osei"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Book1Car"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"Huawei Fellowship"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"She Leads Africa"},{__cdata:"Shule Direct"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"Sterio.me"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"Sunze Tech"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Ujirani"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Yasmin Belo-Osagie"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/YkFjoA6bSXC"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/AGM5C5ASmU2"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_job_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"12639314285"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757704",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:7:"twitter";a:1:{i:5719057;s:61:"https://twitter.com/AfricWomenPower/status/620018963141898240";}}'}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757714",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_7198092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs: Founder of Ayo Naledi Designs Talks to the AWP Network"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/07/14/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-founder-of-ayo-naledi-designs-talk-to-the-awp-network/",pubDate:"Tue, 14 Jul 2015 20:47:37 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5214",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[caption id="attachment_5218" align="alignleft" width="199"]<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/2015-05-02_09-28-10.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5218" src="https://staging.awpnet

10199work.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/2015-05-02_09-28-10.jpg?w=199" alt="Ayo Agunbiade" width="199" height="300" /></a> Ayo Agunbiade[/caption]
10200
10201<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">The AWP Network met with <strong><a href="https://ng.linkedin.com/pub/ayo-naledi/56/207/26" target="_blank">Ayo Agunbiade</a></strong>, founder of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ayonaledidesigns" target="_blank">Ayo Naledi designs</a>, a handmade fine jewelry design company to learn more about what inspired her to start her business and how she plans to grow.</span>
10202
10203<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;"><strong>How did you come up with the name of your business?</strong> </span>
10204
10205<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">Years ago, while watching a television show, <span style="font-family:Calibri;">I heard the name '<em>Naledi</em>'</span> and I instantly fell in love with it.  It was my first time hearing the name so I did my research to find out more information about 'Naledi.' Through my research, I discovered it was a South African name, which means 'star.' I adopted the name and decided to add my given name 'Ayo' to it and voila -  'Ayo Naledi.'</span>
10206
10207<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;"><strong>What inspired you to start?</strong> </span>
10208
10209<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;"> </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">I have always been very creative and art inclined. From drawing and painting as a child to designing clothing and jewelry as an adult. As the years passed, I found my hands and heart leaning more toward this. The desire to be my own boss coupled with a passion for what I do inspired me to birth <em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ayonaledidesigns" target="_blank"><strong>'Ayo Naledi </strong></a><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ayonaledidesigns" target="_blank">Designs.</a>'</strong></em> The thought of being stuck working for someone else doing a job that I did not have a passion for, was an added motivation.</span>
10210
10211<strong><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">Who is your target market?</span></strong>
10212
10213<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">Young and upwardly mobile individuals. The goal is to have different collections for different needs. I want to offer something of value for everyone; from classic jewelry for the corporate woman to fun and trendy pieces for everyday wear. </span>
10214
10215<strong><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">How have you financed the idea?</span></strong>
10216
10217<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">I worked on and off for some time now before resigning completely and devoting my time to growing my business. In addition, I have a great support system; my family. The importance of this cannot be overemphasized. </span>
10218
10219<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;"><strong>What is your competitive edge?</strong> </span>
10220
10221<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">Adopting a customer-centric approach is one because I understand that customers want the opportunity to connect with you and vice versa. </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">Another value added, is the offering of bespoke, one-of-a-kind jewelry to customers, for which they might have played a personal role in its design process. For Ayo Naledi, it is more than just jewelry.</span>
10222
10223<strong><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">What is the 5-year plan for this idea?</span></strong>
10224
10225<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;"> In 5 years? I would like for Ayo Naledi designs to be well-known in the market for fine jewelry; a brand whose designs have a recognizable look. I would also like to have built a team of passionate people who can key into the vision of my designs. </span>
10226
10227<strong><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">What challenges do you face ?</span></strong>
10228
10229<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">O</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">ne of the challenges that I have had to deal with is business management. It is not enough to just be creative, I realized quite late that having a clear understanding of the management aspect of my business is just as important as the production/creative aspect. </span>
10230
10231<strong><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">What key things have you learned since starting this idea?</span></strong>
10232<ol>
10233	<li><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">I have learned to trust myself;  it took me a while to understand and accept the fact that when I falter or make mistakes, it is not the end of the world. </span></li>
10234	<li><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">I have learned to create jewelry that is demand-driven and not what I think will sell or what I like to wear. Understanding what my customers want has helped a great deal. </span></li>
10235	<li><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">Proper planning and learning is crucial. No one gets rich without having a clear idea of what exactly it is that they want to accomplish. I used to think that I did not need a plan because my business is small. But without a plan, I very soon realized that I did not have a clear direction. I wore myself out jumping from one task to the other without any focus. </span></li>
10236	<li><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;"> N</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">etworking is key to both business development and growth as a person. Ideas and knowledge are shared through networking. Connections, referrals and opportunities can all come through networking.</span></li>
10237</ol>
10238<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;"> </span>
10239
10240[gallery type="slideshow" size="full" link="file" ids="5220,5219,5217"]
10241
10242<strong><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">What five(5) things do start-up entrepreneurs need to know?</span></strong>
10243<ul>
10244	<li><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">Have a plan,</span></li>
10245	<li><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">Understand that building a start-up isn't easy,</span></li>
10246	<li><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">Know where the funding of your business will come from, </span></li>
10247	<li><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">

10247Be optimistic - focus on possibilities not problems,</span></li>
10248	<li><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">Network </span></li>
10249</ul>
10250<strong><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">What advice do you have for youths looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?</span></strong>
10251
10252<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">There are many people who want to start their own businesses, however, they do not believe that the time is right because they do not have enough money. I have been there and I realize that </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">nothing will be perfect. You may not have all the money you need to start, or a fantastic website, start anyway and you can improve as you go along. Pastor Sam Adeyemi's book <strong><em>'Start With What You Have'</em> </strong>helped me a great deal. </span>
10253
10254<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">My advice - do the best you can with whatever resources you have. Make sure that your business is built around what you already know. Avoid unnecessary expenses and maximize the use of social media. Will it be difficult and stressful? Yes. Would it make a great success story? Definitely.</span>
10255
10256<strong><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">How do you think African youths can continue to support each other?</span></strong>
10257
10258<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">T</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">hrough network building and collaborations. We need a platform where we can engage one another and share ideas because we all need help of some sort. On these youth-driven platforms, we can dialogue, learn and empower one another. </span>
10259
10260<strong><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">How many jobs have you created so far?</span></strong>
10261
10262<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">I currently have one (1) paid staff. Since I started, I have trained over 100 women across Nigeria in the art of making jewelry and accessories. These women have been able to start their own small businesses and some have even gone on to train others. </span>
10263
10264<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;"><strong>How has technology enhanced your business idea?</strong> </span>
10265
10266<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">T</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">echnological innovations have changed how businesses run. Businesses are capable of running in a more organized fashion. The use of the internet has enabled small businesses like mine to showcase and sell products not just in Nigeria alone but around the world. Customer transactions are a lot faster, giving way to a better customer service experience. Design techniques have improved over the years with the emergence of softwares and equipments that have made designing and production processes a whole lot easier. A design could be sketched and with CAD, one could have a digital version, an idea of what the finished product would look like even before you start making it.</span>
10267
10268<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;"><strong>How can we support and improve innovation in Africa?</strong> </span>
10269
10270<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">Innovation is already on the rise in Africa and thankfully a lot of entrepreneurs are coming up with various innovative solutions to problems; from urine conversion to electricity to innovative ICT solutions. However, Africa's capacity to innovate can be increased by tackling the key issues in our educational systems, improving local access to technology, providing adequate and accessible startup funding for inventions and ideas. Tech hubs are constantly trying to bridge Africa's technology gap and they should also be encouraged and sustained.</span>
10271
10272<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium;">Innovation in Africa can be improved through the emergence of more collaborations and partnerships that provide trainings, mentoring programs, educational opportunities, knowledge sharing and support for Africans. Partnerships between our governments and businesses should be geared towards providing enabling environments for innovation.</span>
10273
10274<span style="color:#222222;">Facebook:</span><strong><span style="color:#222222;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ayonaledidesigns" target="_blank">Ayo Naledi Designs</a>
10275</span></strong><span style="color:#222222;">Twitter: <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/TheAyoNaledi" target="_blank">@theayonaledi</a></strong></span>
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10301&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5214,post_date:"2015-07-14 21:47:37",post_date_gmt:"2015-07-14 20:47:37",post_modified:"2015-07-14 22:01:40",post_modified_gmt:"2015-07-14 21:01:40",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-founder-of-ayo-naledi-designs-talk-to-the-awp-network",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African women"}

10301,{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Ayo Agunbiade"},{__cdata:"Ayo Naledi"},{__cdata:"Ayo Naledi designs"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"design"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"jewelry"},{__cdata:"jewelry design"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"smallbiz"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"Startup"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/64ryRgNvvnv"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/7RiZiA13oi4"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_job_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"12730940284"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757704",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:7:"twitter";a:1:{i:5719057;s:61:"https://twitter.com/AfricWomenPower/status/621058542850588672";}}'}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757714",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_7198092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"5218"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:7149,comment_author:{__cdata:"Voices of African Women Entrepreneurs: Founder ..."},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://www.scoop.it/t/women-in-business-africa/p/4047657094/2015/07/14/voices-of-african-women-entrepreneurs-founder-of-ayo-naledi-designs-talk-to-the-awp-network",comment_author_IP:"185.82.148.10",comment_date:"2015-07-14 22:04:21",comment_date_gmt:"2015-07-14 21:04:21",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#8230;] The AWP Network met with Ayo Agunbiade, founder of Ayo Naledi designs, a handmade fine jewelry design company to learn more about what inspired her to start her business and how she plans to grow. ...&nbsp; [&#8230;]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1436907862.1212899684906005859375;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1436912186.6465919017791748046875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1438102203"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1438102203.8590691089630126953125;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: GEM-TECH Awards 2015"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/07/28/apply-gem-tech-awards-2015/",pubDate:"Tue, 28 Jul 2015 17:06:25 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5256",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnet

10301work.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/un-women.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-3251" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/un-women.jpg?w=635" alt="UN women" width="635" height="139" /></a><a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/07/16/global-awards-for-outstanding-work-in-technology-for-gender-equality/" target="_blank">UN Women and the International Telecommunications Union</a> (ITU) announce the launch of the 2015 Gender Equality and Mainstreaming in Technology (GEM-TECH) Awards nominations. This year, the global community commits to a new UN framework for sustainable development for the next 15 years and in the current draft, the use of ICTs is included as an important means of implementing gender equality commitments. The year 2015 also marks the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action. The <a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/07/16/global-awards-for-outstanding-work-in-technology-for-gender-equality/" target="_blank">GEM-TECH Awards</a> are an opportunity to highlight ways in which women’s meaningful access, use and development of technology can be achieved and to inform thinking and investments as we look forward.
10302<blockquote>“If we want to end gender inequality by 2030, we need to use all the tools at our disposal, aim for bold and transformative changes and ensure that women are leaders in critical 21<sup><span style="font-size:small;">st</span></sup> century sectors. ICTs hold incredible promise and influence. We must do our utmost to accelerate their positive application for gender equality and to achieve equality within the technology sector itself.  We look to GEM-TECH for exactly this focus and inspiration,” said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women.</blockquote>
10303The 2015 awards will focus on the following three (3)  categories:
10304
10305<strong>Application of Technology for Women’s Empowerment</strong>: Recognizing applications of technology across all sectors, and particularly the pillars of the Beijing Platform for Action, for the empowerment of women and to achieve gender equality.
10306
10307<strong>Women in the Technology Sector</strong>: Recognizing success in the promotion of girls and women as creators, drivers, leaders and decision-makers in the technology sector.
10308
10309<strong>Gender-Responsive Technology Governance, Policy and Access</strong>: Recognizing efforts to bridge the gender digital divide through strategies, policies and regulations that ensure enabling and foundational factors such as access, connectivity, security, digital literacy and citizenship, and more advanced skills-development are gender-responsive.
10310
10311<strong>Deadline</strong>: July 31, 2015
10312
10313Apply <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/120xmW_SY9or5SA_G62iAFszq7bOfGOP7-Q1ZI__Dbl0/formResponse" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a>: <strong><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/120xmW_SY9or5SA_G62iAFszq7bOfGOP7-Q1ZI__Dbl0/formResponse" target="_blank">Gem-Tech Awards </a></strong>
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10325&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5256,post_date:"2015-07-28 18:06:25",post_date_gmt:"2015-07-28 17:06:25",post_modified:"2015-07-28 18:06:25",post_modified_gmt:"2015-07-28 17:06:25",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-gem-tech-awards-2015",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Beijing Platform for Action"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"content"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"equality"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"GEM Tech"},{__cdata:"GEM-TECH Awards"},{__cdata:"Gender"},{__cdata:"Gender Equality and Mainstreaming in Technology"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"ICT"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"International Telecommunications Union"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile applications"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Phumzile Mlambo- Ngcuka"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"tech"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"UN Women"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"3251"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/5aJyXfgXRZT"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/JyGLwZ1kS62"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_job_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"13176770818"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757704",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:7:"twitter";a:1:{i:5719057;s:61:"https://twitter.com/AfricWomenPower/status/626076301850378240";}}'}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757714",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_7198092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: $100,000 ONE Africa Award"}

10325,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/07/28/apply-100000-one-africa-award-2/",pubDate:"Tue, 28 Jul 2015 21:19:28 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5262",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/capture.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5263" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/capture.jpg" alt="ONE Africa Award" width="459" height="281" /></a>The 2015 <strong><a href="http://www.one.org/africa/the-one-africa-award/" target="_blank">ONE Africa Award</a> </strong>recognizes Africa-driven; Africa led advocacy efforts that have demonstrated success at community, national or regional level. The award aims to recognize, reward, and advance the exceptional work of organizations, founded by Africans and based in Africa, dedicated to helping Africa achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The<strong> $100,000 </strong>award will bring recognition to innovative African efforts to fight poverty and will incentivize more of such efforts.
10326
10327As the world prepares to adopt the new set of development goals, the ONE Campaign invites civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations and other groups based in Africa to apply for the $100,000 (USD) 2015 ONE Africa Award. Eligible organizations include those that can demonstrate commitment and success in their advocacy to promote the attainment of one or more of the Millennium Development Goals.  The 2015 ONE Award provides a bridge between previous efforts geared towards MDGs and future efforts to contribute to the new development agenda enshrined in what will be called Sustainable Development Goals, by 2030.
10328<blockquote>“As we have learnt over the years through the ONE Award process, there are hundreds of African organizations that are working to make a positive difference in their communities, usually with minimum resources and sometimes under unfriendly environments. Our goal with the ONE Award is to recognize such organizations. The 2015 ONE Award s is particularly special, coming at a time the world is preparing to adopt the new Sustainable development Goals (SDGs) which we believe when adopted in September by the UN General Assembly, will provide a broader and deeper framework for anti-poverty organizations and activists to do more by 2030” -- Dr. Sipho S. Moyo, ONE Africa’s Executive Director</blockquote>
10329<strong>DEADLINE</strong>: August 28, 2015
10330
10331Email Contact: <a href="http://www.one.org/africa/the-one-africa-award/how-to-apply

10331/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#1155cc;font-size:large;">[email protected]</span></a>
10332
10333Apply <a href="http://www.one.org/africa/the-one-africa-award/how-to-apply/" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a href="http://www.one.org/africa/the-one-africa-award/how-to-apply/" target="_blank">ONE Africa Award</a> </strong>
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10347&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5262,post_date:"2015-07-28 22:19:28",post_date_gmt:"2015-07-28 21:19:28",post_modified:"2015-07-28 22:19:28",post_modified_gmt:"2015-07-28 21:19:28",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-100000-one-africa-award-2",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"advocacy"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"Africa-driven"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"ONE Africa Award"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"5263"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/77674RBidde"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/5iGiDkqb1Cy"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_job_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"13183623022"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757704",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:7:"twitter";a:1:{i:5719057;s:61:"https://twitter.com/AfricWomenPower/status/626139981120061440";}}'}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757714",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_7198092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}],comment:{comment_id:7314,comment_author:{__cdata:"Memuna Jalloh"},comment_author_email:"[email protected]",comment_author_url:"",comment_author_IP:"41.205.230.233",comment_date:"2015-09-01 23:24:28",comment_date_gmt:"2015-09-01 22:24:28",comment_content:{__cdata:"A very interesting website"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1441146268.95195293426513671875;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1441288258"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1441288258.6986730098724365234375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}},{meta_key:"email_notification_notqueued",meta_value:{__cdata:"1441288257"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1441150855.613523960113525390625;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"Arunma Oteh Named Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/07/30/arunma-oteh-named-vice-president-and-treasurer-of-the-world-bank/",pubDate:"Thu, 30 Jul 2015 16:47:12 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5269",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" link="file" size="full" ids="4318"]
10348
10349The <strong>AWP Network</strong>

10349 salutes and congratulates <strong><span style="color:#6a6a6a;"><a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/" target="_blank">Arunma Oteh,</a> </span></strong>who was recently appointed vice president and treasurer of the World Bank. Oteh previously served as Director General of  Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission.
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10351In 2014, Oteh was named <strong><a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/10/23/arunma-oteh-named-west-african-business-woman-of-the-year/" target="_blank">West African Business Woman of the Year</a></strong> by CNBC at the Africa All Africa Business Leaders Awards.  <a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/12/08/the-2014-awp-network-power-list/" target="_blank"><strong>Oteh</strong></a> is also listed as one of AWP Network's Power Women - a list recognizing <strong><a title="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/12/02/the-2013-awp-network-power-list/" href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/12/02/the-2013-awp-network-power-list/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#dc0e0e;">African women with powerful voices</span></a>, </strong>who continue to create programs and policies that support the development and growth of African women and girls.
10352
10353Read more <strong><span style="color:#dc0e0e;"><a href="http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2015/07/24/nigerian-national-arunma-oten-world-bank-treasurer" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></strong>
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10375&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5269,post_date:"2015-07-30 17:47:12",post_date_gmt:"2015-07-30 16:47:12",post_modified:"2015-07-30 17:49:03",post_modified_gmt:"2015-07-30 16:49:03",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"arunma-oteh-named-vice-president-and-treasurer-of-the-world-bank",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"advocate"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"All Africa Business Leaders Awards"},{__cdata:"Arunma Oteh"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"AWP Network Power List"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"CNBC Africa"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Inspiring voices"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"Securities and Exchange Commission"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"South Africa"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The African Women Power Network"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"West African Business Woman of the Year"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"Women and children"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"World Bank"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"4318"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_job_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"13244457740"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/iARC56mn6rZ"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757704",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:7:"twitter";a:1:{i:5719057;s:61:"https://twitter.com/AfricWomenPower/status/626796249056854017";}}'}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757714",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/RfwxBmMZtRE"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_7198092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_skip_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Apply: Single Board Challenge"}

10375,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/07/30/apply-single-board-challenge/",pubDate:"Thu, 30 Jul 2015 20:04:07 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5280",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/capture1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-5281" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/capture1.jpg?w=635" alt="Capture" width="635" height="364" /></a>The <strong><a href="https://ideas.itu.int/category/browse#/category/3921" target="_blank">ITU Telecom World Young Innovators Competition</a></strong> and <strong>Intel</strong> are looking for entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to apply the latest generation of single board computers and controllers to social causes. These solutions can be based on tools such as Intel Edison and Intel Galileo, applied in the form of wearables, embedded devices, Internet of Things solutions or other applications which can be used to improve people’s lives.
10376
10377<strong>PRIZES:</strong>
10378<ul>
10379	<li> Two (2) winners will be invited to join ITU Telecom World 2015 in Budapest, Hungary, October 12-15, 2015 to pitch their ideas,</li>
10380	<li>participate in workshops,</li>
10381	<li>benefit from a year of ongoing mentorship, and win seed funding.</li>
10382</ul>
10383As a special prize for the best five solutions of this challenge, Intel will provide Intel Galileo and Intel Edison units to allow the innovators to develop their solutions, along with expert coaching to our winners, helping them prototype and launch their ideas. Intel Galileo and Intel Edison will also be distributed to a select group of other promising projects.
10384
10385Learn more <a href="https://ideas.itu.int/category/browse#/category/3921" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a href="https://ideas.itu.int/category/browse#/category/3921" target="_blank">Single Board Challenge</a> </strong>
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10407&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5280,post_date:"2015-07-30 21:04:07",post_date_gmt:"2015-07-30 20:04:07",post_modified:"2015-07-30 21:04:07",post_modified_gmt:"2015-07-30 20:04:07",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"apply-single-board-challenge",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"awards"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"coaching"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"Funding"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"ideas"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Intel"},{__cdata:"Intel Edison"},{__cdata:"Intel Galileo"},{__cdata:"ITU Telecom World Young Innovators Competition"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"mobile technology"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"5281"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/Dcv9iLfHxfL"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_job_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"13249691288"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757704",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:7:"twitter";a:1:{i:5719057;s:61:"https://twitter.com/AfricWomenPower/status/626845795627569152";}}'}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757714",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/aN4BLqCSvDE"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_7198092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]},{title:{__cdata:"Attend: African Women Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship Forum"}

10407,link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/07/30/attend-african-women-innovation-entrepreneurship-forum/",pubDate:"Thu, 30 Jul 2015 20:55:24 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5286",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`<span style="color:#606060;font-family:Helvetica;"><a href="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/captu.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-5287" src="https://staging.awpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/captu.jpg?w=635" alt="Captu" width="635" height="248" /></a>The <strong><a href="http://www.awieforum.com/index.php" target="_blank">African Women Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship Forum</a></strong> (AWIEF) was created to sustain discussions on the role African women play in shaping the continent’s economic future, exploring the challenges they face starting, growing or scaling a business, and helping to find solutions.</span>
10408
10409<strong>WHEN</strong>: <span style="color:#606060;font-family:Helvetica;">September 7 - 9, 2015</span>
10410
10411<strong>WHERE</strong>: <span style="color:#606060;font-family:Helvetica;">Lagos Oriental Hotel, Nigeria</span>
10412
10413Register <a href="http://www.awieforum.com/delegate-registration.php" target="_blank">here</a>: <strong><a href="http://www.awieforum.com/delegate-registration.php" target="_blank">AWIEF</a> </strong>
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10435&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5286,post_date:"2015-07-30 21:55:24",post_date_gmt:"2015-07-30 20:55:24",post_modified:"2015-07-30 21:55:24",post_modified_gmt:"2015-07-30 20:55:24",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"attend-african-women-innovation-entrepreneurship-forum",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African Women Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship Forum"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"program"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"5287"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/YSgABQfZ74D"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_job_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"13251012881"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757704",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_external",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:1:{s:7:"twitter";a:1:{i:5719057;s:61:"https://twitter.com/AfricWomenPower/status/626858695922708480";}}'}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757714",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719057",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"publicize_twitter_user",meta_value:{__cdata:"AfricWomenPower"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/DwKrMFisgLT"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_7198092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_7185092",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_244e78c1ce4f2e7da2f39fe897da5e01",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_837bb8e40c141fa0322f83b123899895",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_5e4221b23ef869ab700bda5d89b3eebe",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_9db3c1652855336b939ee0afba32f54c",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_fefe3785ff6ae8df2bad457c0898e14f",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}},{meta_key:"_oembed_820537f61dbb1f72c1b42890ffcf5d10",meta_value:{__cdata:"{{unknown}}"}}],comment:{comment_id:7486,comment_author:{__cdata:"AWP Exclusive: Pictures from the African Women Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship Forum &laquo; AWP Network"},comment_author_email:"",comment_author_url:"http://awpnetwork.com/2015/11/03/awp-exclusive-pictures-from-the-african-women-innovation-entrepreneurship-forum/",comment_author_IP:"192.0.82.54",comment_date:"2015-11-03 22:03:36",comment_date_gmt:"2015-11-03 21:03:36",comment_content:{__cdata:"[&#823

104350;] event which took place at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, September 7 to 9 included speakers such as Obiageli Ezekwesili, former Vice President Africa Region – World […]"},comment_approved:1,comment_type:"pingback",comment_parent:0,comment_user_id:0,commentmeta:[{meta_key:"akismet_result",meta_value:{__cdata:"false"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1446584616.5112049579620361328125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:2:{s:4:"time";d:1446589575.6256439685821533203125;s:5:"event";s:9:"check-ham";}'}},{meta_key:"jabber_published",meta_value:{__cdata:"1447183181"}},{meta_key:"akismet_history",meta_value:{__cdata:'a:3:{s:4:"time";d:1447183182.4376599788665771484375;s:5:"event";s:15:"status-approved";s:4:"user";s:10:"awpnetwork";}'}}]}},{title:{__cdata:"WeCyclers Wins Case Foundation Pitch For Lagos Competition"},link:"http://staging.awpnetwork.com/2015/07/30/wecyclers-wins-case-foundation-pitch-for-lagos-competition/",pubDate:"Thu, 30 Jul 2015 22:06:02 +0000",creator:"awpnetwork",guid:"http://awpnetwork.com/?p=5290",description:"",encoded:[{__cdata:`[gallery type="slideshow" size="full" link="file" ids="5292,5291,4403,4401,4402"]
10436
10437The<strong> AWP Network</strong> salutes and congratulates<strong><a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2014/11/02/lagos-based-company-wecyclers-wins-2014-sustainia-award/" target="_blank"> Wecyclers</a> </strong>on winning the <strong>2015 Pitch For Lagos competition</strong>, an event chaired by Steve Case, co-founder of America Online (AOL) and founder of the Case Foundation.
10438
10439Wecyclers is a response to local waste issues in Lagos, where only 40 percent of the city’s garbage is collected. The World Bank also estimates that only 10 percent of waste in Africa is collected. More than 5,000 households have signed up so far and there are plans to extend the initiative to other cities throughout Nigeria.
10440
10441Recycling companies purchase Wecyclers’ sorted waste for reprocessing products such as mattresses, pillows, and trash bags. The solution<strong> </strong>enables low-income communities to make money from waste piling up in their streets by deploying a fleet of cargo bicycles to collect and recycle unmanaged waste. Wecyclers also allows families exchange garbage for consumer goods via an SMS-based point system.
10442
10443Read the <strong><a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/01/from-mit-to-nigeria-finding-business-opportunity-in-recycling-waste-for-developing-countries/" target="_blank">AWP Network Interview</a> </strong>with the <strong><a href="http://awpnetwork.com/2013/05/01/from-mit-to-nigeria-finding-business-opportunity-in-recycling-waste-for-developing-countries/" target="_blank">co-founder of WeCyclers</a></strong>.
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10465&nbsp;`},{__cdata:""}],post_id:5290,post_date:"2015-07-30 23:06:02",post_date_gmt:"2015-07-30 22:06:02",post_modified:"2015-07-30 23:06:02",post_modified_gmt:"2015-07-30 22:06:02",comment_status:"open",ping_status:"open",post_name:"wecyclers-wins-case-foundation-pitch-for-lagos-competition",status:"publish",post_parent:0,menu_order:0,post_type:"post",post_password:"",is_sticky:0,category:[{__cdata:"accessibility"},{__cdata:"Africa"},{__cdata:"African youths"},{__cdata:"Arnold Schwarzenegger"},{__cdata:"AWP Network"},{__cdata:"Bilikiss Adebiyi"},{__cdata:"Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola"},{__cdata:"Bilikiss Kola-Abiola"},{__cdata:"business"},{__cdata:"Business"},{__cdata:"business support"},{__cdata:"Case Foundation"},{__cdata:"CChub"},{__cdata:"challenge"},{__cdata:"change"},{__cdata:"collaboration"},{__cdata:"competition"},{__cdata:"developing countries"},{__cdata:"development"},{__cdata:"education"},{__cdata:"Education"},{__cdata:"entrepreneur"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Entrepreneurship"},{__cdata:"Events"},{__cdata:"girls"},{__cdata:"growth"},{__cdata:"idea"},{__cdata:"Innovation"},{__cdata:"Inspiration"},{__cdata:"Interviews"},{__cdata:"Lagos"},{__cdata:"leadership"},{__cdata:"marketing"},{__cdata:"Mary Olushoga"},{__cdata:"my voice matters"},{__cdata:"Nigeria"},{__cdata:"Pitch For Lagos competition"},{__cdata:"Image"},{__cdata:"progress"},{__cdata:"small business"},{__cdata:"solutions"},{__cdata:"Steve Case"},{__cdata:"strategy"},{__cdata:"support"},{__cdata:"sustainability"},{__cdata:"Sustainia Award"},{__cdata:"technology"},{__cdata:"The AWP Network"},{__cdata:"waste"},{__cdata:"WeCyclers"},{__cdata:"women"},{__cdata:"women and girls"},{__cdata:"women entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"Young Entrepreneurs"},{__cdata:"young voices"},{__cdata:"youth"},{__cdata:"Youths"}],postmeta:[{meta_key:"_edit_last",meta_value:{__cdata:"28970466"}},{meta_key:"geo_public",meta_value:{__cdata:"0"}},{meta_key:"_thumbnail_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"5292"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/101294320916560404393/posts/fibs9txwcix"}},{meta_key:"publicize_google_plus_url",meta_value:{__cdata:"https://plus.google.com/+MaryOlushoga/posts/3EkjXEBehB3"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_job_id",meta_value:{__cdata:"13252762633"}},{meta_key:"_publicize_done_5757704",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}},{meta_key:"_wpas_done_5719049",meta_value:{__cdata:"1"}}]}]}}};export{e as p};