Standard Chartered Expands Futuremakers Initiative to Empower Women in Tech

• Standard Chartered has partnered with Village Capital to expand its Futuremakers Women in Tech Accelerator
• The expansion will cover Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan
• The program will provide specialized training, catalytic funding, and access to a global network

Standard Chartered has partnered with Village Capital to expand its Futuremakers Women in Tech Accelerator across Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan. The program will offer specialized training, catalytic funding, and access to a global network of peers, finance providers, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners, aiming to empower women in tech.

In the next three years, 400 women entrepreneurs will be supported in building successful micro-businesses, generating employment, and creating long-term social and environmental change.

The initiative aims to provide over 32 catalytic grants totaling nearly US$1.9 million and create over 1,200 jobs. In collaboration with local expert implementing partners, the Accelerator will be available in 12 of Standard Chartered's markets, including Bahrain, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE, and Zambia, with plans to expand into two new markets—Uganda and Egypt.

Tanuj Kapilashrami, Chief Strategy and Talent Officer at Standard Chartered, emphasized that empowering women is key to economic growth. She highlighted that enabling women and small businesses to unlock their financial potential is central to the bank’s mission of increasing participation.

 "We believe that providing equal access to funding and resources is vital for fostering innovation and driving significant social impact—whether through our Futuremakers philanthropic programs, banking services like the SC Women’s International Network, or our efforts to support a diverse supplier base," said Ms. Kapilashrami.

Rachel Crawford, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Village Capital, emphasized the significant impact of the partnership, calling it a game-changer for women-led start-ups across Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan. She stated that by offering essential resources, catalytic capital, and market-level support, the goal is to foster inclusive economic growth and empower women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, creating transformative impact in their communities.

Priscilla, CEO and Co-Founder of Rhea, a microbusiness in Kenya and a Women in Tech alumna, shared her thoughts on the programmes impact, saying, "The Women in Tech programme offers more than just access to vital capital – it provides a support system specifically designed for women entrepreneurs, ensuring their businesses are aligned for meaningful impact. Through the programme, I have gained the financial tools, mentorship, and network required to scale my business with confidence."

Applications for the 2025 Futuremakers Women in Tech Accelerator will open in late April. Selected participants will undergo investment-readiness training, receive tailored development plans, and benefit from expert mentorship. They will collaborate with advisors and industry leaders to refine their business models and gain access to valuable networking opportunities.