Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC has officially opened applications for the fifth cohort of its Futuremakers Women in Tech Accelerator (FWIT) programme, reaffirming its dedication to promoting gender-inclusive entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation.
In partnership with Village Capital, and implemented by the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) at Ashesi University, this initiative aims to empower women-owned and women-led tech-enabled businesses across Ghana.
Despite the vital role women play in Ghana’s economy—owning 34% of formal SMEs (World Bank, 2023) and 44% of micro-enterprises (Ghana Statistical Service, 2021)—many face persistent challenges. These include limited access to finance, gaps in digital literacy, and systemic regulatory barriers. FWIT directly tackles these constraints by providing capacity-building resources and a nurturing entrepreneurial environment.
“This year’s cohort selection will place a renewed emphasis on inclusion, with preference given to women living with disabilities and those from underserved communities,” said Mansa Nettey, Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Ghana PLC.
“Our Women in Tech incubator cultivates a generation of innovators, creating leaders who will inspire others to recognise their potential for impact.”
Mansa Nettey
What the Programme Offers
The FWIT programme delivers a comprehensive incubation experience, equipping participants with cutting-edge business development skills, leadership coaching, and exposure to digital innovation tools. The training culminates in a pitch and demo day, offering entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their ventures to potential investors, mentors, and the broader innovation ecosystem.
To further support scale and impact, the top five finalists will each receive an equity-free grant of $10,000 (in Ghana cedi equivalent). This financial boost enables them to expand their operations, invest in technology, and improve market reach.
Since its launch, the programme has supported 74 women-led businesses across a diverse range of sectors including agriculture, fashion, renewable energy, health, education, and sustainability. Of these, 21 businesses have collectively secured $210,000 in funding—underscoring the programme’s tangible contribution to building a resilient and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A Partnership for Sustainable Growth
The 2025 edition of FWIT marks a strategic collaboration with the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC)—an institute of Ashesi University known for its pioneering work in supporting Ghana’s ‘Green Economy’. GCIC is a leading business incubator focused on empowering transformational entrepreneurs developing innovative, climate-adaptive solutions for economic resilience.
As the implementing partner, GCIC will provide a rich suite of services to the selected entrepreneurs. These include business advisory, mentoring, technical support for product development, and access to financial grants for qualifying businesses. This collaboration is made possible through funding from the Standard Chartered Foundation, extending the bank’s social impact mission under the Futuremakers umbrella.
As Ghana’s oldest financial institution, Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC—established in 1896—continues to demonstrate leadership in championing women’s economic empowerment. Through initiatives like FWIT, the bank is creating real opportunities for women entrepreneurs to thrive in a tech-driven global economy.
The bank’s broader mission is embodied in its brand promise, “Here for good,” reflecting its commitment to driving commerce and prosperity through a unique, diverse network across 52 dynamic markets globally.
Applications for Cohort 5 of the Women in Tech programme are now open, offering Ghanaian women the opportunity to build impactful tech enterprises and contribute meaningfully to national development.
How to Apply and Connect
Female tech entrepreneurs and innovators who meet the criteria are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this transformational opportunity. For more information, applicants can visit www.sc.com/gh and follow Standard Chartered Bank Ghana on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram (@StanChartGH) for updates.
By continuing to invest in female-led innovation, Standard Chartered is not only empowering individuals but also catalyzing systemic change toward a more inclusive and prosperous Ghana.
