Standard Chartered announced today its partnership with Village Capital to expand its Futuremakers Women in Tech Accelerator program across Africa, the Middle East and Pakistan. The program will provide specialized training, catalytic funding and access to a global network of peers, finance providers, industry leaders and ecosystem partners.
“Empowering women is critical to economic growth, and central to our stand of lifting participation by unleashing the financial potential of women and small businesses. Through the Futuremakers Women in Tech Accelerator, we are addressing the systemic challenges women micro business owners face, creating pathways for them to scale their businesses which will, in turn, help drive positive change in their communities,” stated Tanuj Kapilashrami, chief strategy and talent officer at Standard Chartered.
Program expands to two new markets
Over three years, 400 women entrepreneurs will receive support to build thriving micro businesses, create jobs and drive lasting social and environmental impact. The initiative aims to provide more than 32 catalytic grants totaling almost $1.9 million and enable and support over 1,200 jobs.
Delivered in collaboration with local expert implementing partners, the Futuremakers Women in Tech Accelerator will be available across 12 of Standard Chartered’s markets, continuing in Bahrain, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE and Zambia, and expanding to two new markets – Uganda and Egypt.
“By providing critical resources, catalytic capital and market-level support, we aim to drive inclusive economic growth and ensure that women entrepreneurs can scale their businesses and impact communities at a transformative level,” stated Rachel Crawford, chief strategy and innovation officer at Village Capital.
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Applications to open in late April
Applications for the 2025 Futuremakers Women in Tech Accelerator will open in late April. Participants will receive investment-readiness training, personalized development plans and expert mentorship, working with advisors and industry leaders to strengthen their business models and access networking opportunities. More than $600,000 in grant funding for entrepreneurs will be distributed annually across markets.
Since launching more than a decade ago, Women in Tech has helped more than 4,000 women across 17 of Standard Chartered’s markets. Today’s news follows the announcement that Futuremakers Women in Tech is continuing in the U.S., with applications already underway.
Futuremakers Women in Tech is one of several programs that aim to tackle inequality and empower disadvantaged young people. Since launching in 2019, Futuremakers has enabled and supported more than 88,900 jobs.
