About HAESI
The Her Africa Early Stage Incubator (HAESI) is a liberatory leadership fellowship for founders under 35 who are advancing gender justice across Africa, supporting them to dismantle barriers, build alliances, and reshape the systems that define impact.
What We're Solving For
Across the continent, a generation of bold gender justice leaders are building change from the ground up.
They lead early-stage organisations and ventures rooted in their communities.
But too often, they do it alone, within systems that were never built for them.
- Leadership models replicate the same hierarchies they seek to undo.
- Programmes reward investor readiness, not systemic resilience.
- Founders burn out before their ideas can reach full influence.
HAESI exists to change that.
We believe that when leaders connect, think differently, and act collectively, they begin to transform not just their organisations, but the systems around them.
Who Should Apply?
- Social entrepreneurs under 35 years old, ready to move from technical problem-solving to systems-level transformation.
- Must have initiated an organisation or social project not more than three years old supporting women and girls in an African country. Exceptional social entrepreneurs at ideation stage are encouraged to apply
- The organisation or idea must be addressing critical social issues such as education, health, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation, specifically for women and girls.
Program Highlights
Liberatory Leadership Practice
We help leaders unlearn and rebuild, dismantling patterns that limit equity and introducing leadership as a practice of freedom, care, and shared power.
Increased Organisational Growth and Sustainability
Participants’ organisations will benefit from improved operational efficiency, strategic planning, financial management, and an increased access to funding and resources.
Enhanced Social Impact
Through their actions, participants will report measurable improvements in their activities outcomes and in the lives of women and girls in their communities.
Cross-boarder alliances
HAESI connects founders across Africa to form alliances that move beyond local projects to continental influence. Together, fellows collaborate on campaigns, policy influence, and knowledge sharing.
Continuous Learning and Improvement
Participants will continue to pursue personal and professional growth through access to AFWAG’s resources and alumni network.
Solidarity and Care
Care is part of the leadership architecture. Wellbeing, collective accountability, and peer support are intentionally built in. Fellows experience what tujenge pamoja truly means, working together in solidarity.
Why HAESI is different
- We transform systems, not just skills.
- We centre leaders as liberators, not beneficiaries.
- We believe the more voices come together, the greater the impact.
- Through ten weeks of peer-led learning, real-time campaign challenges, and a cross-border peer exchange, fellows develop the inner and collective capacity to lead in new ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
The HAESI program is designed to empower young leaders of organisations focused on addressing social issues impacting women and girls in Africa. It offers an opportunity to build the leadership they need to enable them access resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to enhance organisational capacity and impact.
The program is open to applicants under 35 years old who hold a leadership role (founder, co-founder, or equivalent) in an organisation established no more than three years ago. Alternatively, individuals with exceptionally innovative project ideas are also eligible.
Yes, the HAESIÂ program is completely free of charge for all selected participants.
Yes, the program will be conducted entirely online, allowing participants to join from anywhere in Africa.
Participants will improve their leadership and management skills, increased self-awareness, resilience, and strategic thinking. They will strengthen their organisation and foster their growth and positive impacts.
The Incubator Program provides support tailored to enhance leadership and organisational effectiveness in gender equality initiatives. It includes personalised coaching, peer-learning workshops, and networking opportunities that equip participants to navigate social challenges, build partnerships, secure funding, and achieve sustainable impact.
Prospective applicants must submit the online application detailing their organisation’s focus, their role, and how they plan to leverage the incubator’s resources. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee to identify candidates with the potential to significantly impact gender equity in Africa.
https://afwag.org/her-africa-early-stage-incubator-expression-of-interest/
