Nepal Launches First U.S. Supported Academy for Women Entrepreneurs

Kathmandu: Nepal’s first Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program has been launched with support from the U.S. government, aiming to empower women to grow their businesses and contribute to local economic development.

The three-day residential bootcamp, led by top Nepali business leaders and members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal (AmCham), is training 30 women entrepreneurs. Participants are receiving world-class training, mentorship, and resources through the globally recognized “Najafi 100 Million Learners” course.

The program helps women develop practical skills to expand their businesses, create jobs, and boost innovation in their communities. It also strengthens commercial ties between the United States and Nepal by encouraging new opportunities for trade and collaboration.

U.S. Ambassador Dean R. Thompson described AWE as “a movement, not just a program,” noting that empowering women leads to stronger economies, flourishing communities, and lasting partnerships.
The initiative supports both American and Nepali businesses and aims to build a more resilient economic future by helping Nepalis create opportunities at home.