Ascend Studios Foundation, a nonprofit committed to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship, has recently announced a fresh partnership with “Beyond Limits”, an organization dedicated to promoting impact-driven businesses in Africa, for the Leap Women Africa (LWA) initiative. Introduced by Ascend Studios Foundation in 2023, this program serves as an accelerator focused on empowering women at the forefront of technology-driven startups across the continent.
In partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), U.S. Consulate Lagos, Venture Garden Group, Future Map Foundation, and Get Funded Africa, Leap Women Africa endeavors to provide a platform for 40 high-potential tech and tech-enabled startups to acquire the skills and guidance necessary for scaling their enterprises and effecting change.
Dr. Inya Lawal, President of Ascend Studios Foundation, said “We are thrilled to partner Beyond Limits,”
“Leap Women Africa offers a powerful platform to support African women entrepreneurs. By equipping them with the tools and resources they need to succeed, we can unlock their potential to drive innovation and solve some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.”
“More importantly, Leap Women Africa offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes training on the latest technology trends, leadership development, financial management, and business strategy.
“Participants will also benefit from mentorship from a network of accomplished tech executives who have built successful businesses in Africa.”
On the other hand, Dr. Juliet Ehimuan, Founder of Beyond Limits Africa, said – “Beyond Limits is delighted to partner with Ascend Studios Foundation and other partners to provide entrepreneurship development to a cohort of female founders from the exchange alumni of the US Consulate. Entrepreneurship is really important for job creation and overall economic growth, and we are delighted to be able to provide leadership and organizational effectiveness, training and mentoring to entrepreneurial founders and leaders to help them build sustainable businesses, develop high-performing teams and maximize their potential.”
The LWA program concentrates on choosing startups that fit into specific important areas, such as:
- Women’s Empowerment: Businesses that support innovative methods to advance women’s rights and economic opportunities.
- Women in Tech: Businesses led by women who are harnessing technology to create a positive impact across various industries
- Healthcare Innovation: Startups that utilize technology to bridge healthcare gaps and improve access to quality care.
- Climate Action: Businesses developing tech-driven solutions to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability.
- Education Transformation: Startups leveraging technology to revolutionise the education sector and enhance learning outcomes.
Through this partnership, Ascend Studios Foundation and Beyond Limits are committed to supporting the growth of a vibrant and inclusive tech ecosystem in Africa. By empowering women entrepreneurs, they aim to unlock the continent’s full potential for innovation and positive social change.