Empowering Women in Mining through Financial Inclusion
In mining communities across Africa, women are often the backbone of local economies—running small-scale operations, supporting their families, and contributing quietly to national growth. Yet for decades, they’ve remained on the margins of opportunity, held back by limited access to finance, training, and decision-making platforms. The Empowering Women in Mining through Financial Inclusion (EWIMFi) Project  is changing that narrative.Â
The EWIMFi Project is a transformative initiative led by the Association of Women in Mining in Africa (AWIMA). It aims to dismantle systemic barriers that hinder women’s active participation in the mining sector across the African continent.Â
Get Involved
AWIMA invites stakeholders in the mining value chain to get involved in EWIMFi, a project that’s reshaping the future of women in mining across Africa.
Unearth Potential in Mining Across Africa with EWIMFi
- Research, Mentorship, Financial Support, Market Linkages
- Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, and Central Africa
Project Manager: Zenzi Awases
Governing Structure:
- Project Steering Committee – AWIMA’s executive leadership & Industry expertsÂ
- Regional Project Coordinators – AWIMA Board MembersÂ
Project Duration: 24 MonthsÂ
Contact: zenzi@awimaafrica.com
The Empowering Women in Mining through Financial Inclusion (EWIMFi) Project is a bold initiative designed to transform the lives of women in Africa’s mining sector. Launching in ten pilot countries strategically selected to reflect Africa’s key geographical zones, the EWIMFi Project combines needs assessments, skills training workshops, and digital financial services to directly confront the barriers women face in accessing capital and financial tools. Complementary initiatives—such as mentorship programs, market access support, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation—ensure that women miners and entrepreneurs receive holistic, targeted support that builds sustainable capacity.
These beneficiaries are more than participants—they are powerful drivers of sustainable development. Women miners and entrepreneurs in mining, contribute significantly to local economies, environmental stewardship, and the social fabric of their communities. Their enterprises generate employment, support education, and help stabilise rural livelihoods. By equipping them with the tools to grow and lead, the EWIMFi Project uplifts not only individuals but entire communities. This aligns directly with AWIMA’s mission to promote gender equity, leadership, and inclusive economic growth across Africa’s extractive industries.
Investing in these women is investing in Africa’s sustainable future—and we invite donors, partners, and sponsors to be part of this transformative journey. To request a detailed concept note, please email: zenzi@awimaafrica.com.
Empowering Women Through Financial Inclusion
The EWIMFi Project is a powerful vehicle for advancing AWIMA’s strategic objectives across Africa’s extractive industries. By directly addressing financial exclusion—a major barrier for women in mining—the project promotes access to financial resources, strengthens financial literacy, and connects women to digital financial services tailored to their needs. This work directly supports AWIMA’s goal of promoting access to finance and establishing collaborations with financial institutions that enable women to scale their mining operations.
Building Capacity and Advancing Women’s Leadership
Through targeted training workshops, mentorship programs, and capacity-building tools, the EWIMFi Project also supports AWIMA’s commitment to identifying and meeting the technical and training needs of women in both formal and informal mining. In doing so, it helps attract, retain, and advance women across the sector, while enhancing environmental stewardship and reducing vulnerability.
Promoting Regional Collaboration and Policy Influence
The project’s regional scope reinforces AWIMA’s aim to collaborate with national governments on the Africa Mining Vision, share knowledge among sub-regional associations, and promote the inclusion of women at policy and decision-making levels. Additionally, its market access initiatives and data-driven monitoring components speak directly to AWIMA’s goals of facilitating product marketing, developing a resource database, and advocating for women’s rights to land and minerals.
Transforming the Mining Sector
Ultimately, the EWIMFi Project is not just about inclusion—it is about transformation. It empowers women to lead, safeguards their livelihoods, and positions them as key contributors to sustainable development. By advancing so many of AWIMA’s core objectives, it offers stakeholders a meaningful opportunity to drive real, systemic change in the mining sector.
For further information or to request a detailed concept note, please email: zenzi@awimaafrica.com .
What can $50 do in Mining?
It doesn’t take millions to make a difference. With a minimum donation of $50, you can help a woman miner rise, lead, and transform her community. Your contribution supports access to financial resources, skills training, mentorship, and safer working conditions—opening doors that have been closed for far too long. Every donation is a step toward equality, economic resilience, and lasting change in the mining sector. Dig deep. Invest in her.
Donate. Empower. Transform.
Every dollar helps break barriers for women in mining.
Partner with the EWIMFi Project to advance financial inclusion and create lasting impact in the mining sector. Whether you’re a financial institution, fintech company, insurance provider, local government, regulatory body, or development partner, your collaboration can drive sustainable change. Complete the form below, and we’ll contact you with more information.
EWIMFi Project - Partner Form
Instructions:
Please complete the form below to partner the EWIMFi Project and support our mission to empower women in the mining sector through financial inclusion.
Empower Women, Transform Futures! Support the EWIMFi Project to drive financial inclusion and sustainable change in the mining sector. Complete the form below to sponsor our work, and we’ll contact you with more information.
EWIMFi Project - Sponsorship Form
Instructions:
Please complete the form below to sponsor the EWIMFi Project and support our mission to empower women in the mining sector through financial inclusion.
