Female Future Program and Boardroom Africa are two unique training programs, designed to empower women to senior positions and level the playing field. These Business Support programs reach many of Norfund’s portfolio companies and are in line with Norfund’s Gender Position.

Female Future

The Female Future Program (FFP) is a unique opportunity for female leaders and leadership talent in Norfund’s portfolio companies in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Ghana to develop and flourish as emerging leaders. This female leadership and Board development training program was developed by NHO, the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise, in 2003. The FFP is demanding and challenges the participants in various subjects adapted to each country, focusing on leadership, rhetoric, self-development, and board competence. The program is directly linked to the participants’ daily work routine with professional networking and coaching done in different approaches. The program promotes personal growth and empowers women to top decision-making positions in the corporate world, increasing the percentage of women in decision-making processes, management positions, and on corporate boards. Furthermore, the program provides a forum for the participants to interact and exchange ideas, and to assist companies in developing their gender equality policies.

“I deeply appreciate the profound impact of the training (Female Future) on me. Female Future has helped uncover some of my hidden strengths, enabling me to confidently raise my hand, persistently advocate for my agenda, and ensure my voice is heard.”

Evaluation Kenyan Cohort 16

In 2023, Norfund sponsored the participation of a total of 18 female professionals, with 10 of these participants joining the program in Kenya and 8 in Ghana. This is the first year that participants from Norfund’s investees have participated in the program in Ghana and marks a substantial increase in participation in the program overall.

The Boardroom Africa

The Boardroom Africa was officially launched in 2016, to build what has now become a vibrant private community of African women executives. Today, The Boardroom Africa is enhancing and amplifying the potential of Africa’s exceptional women leaders, by creating more inclusive leadership spaces – and ultimately, better boardrooms.

The program is tailored to African women in senior management or C-suite level positions and builds a foundation necessary for a senior leadership position, while breaking down barriers to help organizations realize the benefits of increased diversity.

Norfund entered into an agreement with The Boardroom Africa in 2023. So far, Norfund’s Business Support facility has helped sponsor 8 female managers in Norfund’s investees to participate in the Ontological Growth Experience Program, and with the potential for growth in future cohorts and other programs. These women hold positions ranging from CFO to Legal Counsel and managers in Norfund’s portfolio companies, ranging from a bank in Kenya to a fast-moving consumer goods company in Ethiopia.