Capacity-Building Programme for Women Energy Entrepreneurs in SADC 2026: Apply by 3 April 2026 for the Second Cohort
Building Programme for Women Energy Entrepreneurs in SADC 2026: Apply by 3 April 2026 for the Second Cohort
Job Description
The Second Cohort of the Capacity-Building Programme for Women Energy Entrepreneurs in the SADC region is now open for applications. This six-month entrepreneurship development initiative is designed to strengthen the leadership, business growth, and financing readiness of women-led energy enterprises across Southern Africa.
The programme is led by the Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition (GWNET) in collaboration with the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE), with financial support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of the International Partnership Austria.
This initiative focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs to accelerate sustainable energy solutions throughout the SADC region.
About the Capacity-Building Programme
The 6-month programme is designed to support women entrepreneurs who own or lead energy-related businesses in strengthening their enterprises through soft-skill business development training, mentorship, and networking.
The programme aims to:
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Advance women-led businesses in the energy sector
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Strengthen entrepreneurial and leadership capacities
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Facilitate access to financing through matchmaking and funder connections
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Enhance visibility and professional networks
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Contribute to the clean energy transition in the SADC region
It is important to note that the programme does not provide capital funding directly. Instead, it facilitates enterprise financing through structured matchmaking and introductions to potential investors and financial institutions.
Why This Programme Matters
Women entrepreneurs remain underrepresented in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors. By strengthening women-led businesses, the programme contributes to:
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Regional economic empowerment
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Clean energy access
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Sustainable development
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Gender equality in the energy sector
Through structured support, mentorship, and financing linkages, the initiative equips women entrepreneurs to drive sustainable energy innovation in Southern Africa.
Programme Structure and Duration
Duration: 6 months
Mode: Fully virtual / online
Time Commitment: Approximately 8 hours per month
Participants must be able to commit to virtual engagement and attend scheduled sessions throughout the duration of the programme.
The training focuses exclusively on business and entrepreneurial soft skills. It does not include technical training in energy technologies.
Areas of Focus
The programme welcomes women entrepreneurs from across the energy value chain. However, preferential consideration will be given to businesses operating in:
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Solar thermal solutions
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Energy efficiency
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Productive use of energy
The broader objective is to empower women-led enterprises that contribute to sustainable energy development and regional energy transformation.
Benefits of the Programme
Selected participants will gain:
1. Entrepreneurship and Leadership Development
Structured training modules designed to strengthen:
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Business strategy
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Financial management
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Market positioning
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Growth planning
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Leadership and communication skills
2. Access to Industry Experts and Role Models
Participants will engage with experienced professionals and industry leaders who serve as mentors and role models within the renewable energy and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
3. Networking and Community Building
The programme connects women entrepreneurs across the SADC region, fostering:
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Peer learning
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Collaboration
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Cross-border business opportunities
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Regional support networks
4. Access to Enterprise Financing Opportunities
Although the programme does not provide direct capital funding, it facilitates:
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Matchmaking with potential funders
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Exposure to financing institutions
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Support in preparing for funding discussions
This structured approach increases participants’ readiness to attract investment and scale their businesses.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the programme, applicants must:
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Identify as a woman
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Hold nationality from a SADC Member State
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Be an entrepreneur or owner of an energy-related business
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Be able to commit approximately 8 hours per month to virtual participation
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Complete the application in English
The programme is exclusively open to women with SADC nationality.
Application Process
Interested applicants must complete the official online application form:
Application Form: https://forms.gle/J1kHChM5vtBsJXLT8
Project details:
https://www.sacreee.org/project/empowering-women-advance-energy-transition-sadc-region
Application Period: 2 March 2026 – 3 April 2026
Deadline: 3 April 2026 (23:59 CAT)
Applications must be completed in English.
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
For inquiries: energy@sacreee.org
About the Organizers
The programme is delivered through collaboration between:
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Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition (GWNET)
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SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE)
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Austrian Development Agency (ADA)
The SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) is based in Windhoek, Namibia and works to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency across the SADC region.
This initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote gender equality in the clean energy transition.
Discover more fellowship opportunities HERE.