The U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea recently celebrated achievements in women’s economic empowerment with the graduation of the inaugural Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) cohort in the Hiri-Koiari District, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand the program to more communities. 

The ceremony, held at the American Corner at the National Library and Archives, was attended by U.S. Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock and Hiri-Koiari MP Keith Iduhu.

The MOU formalized a new public-private partnership between the U.S. Embassy, MP Iduhu, and AWE’s implementing partner, Didi Consultant.

The agreement creates a sustainable model that can be replicated across other provinces, enabling local-level delivery of AWE programs without direct U.S. government financial funding.

The first Hiri-Koiari cohort consisted of 28 women entrepreneurs who completed a six-week in-person training program at the American Corner.

Using the AWE DreamBuilder curriculum, developed by Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management, participants received training in financial literacy, compliance, taxation, business planning, entrepreneurial mindset, and professional networking.

They now join a broader network of more than 300 AWE alumnae in PNG and 15,000 graduates worldwide.

Ambassador Yastishock praised the success of the initiative.

“This program was a testament to the power of partnership.”

“Through the vision and support of MP Iduhu, the expertise of Didi Consultant, and the dedication of the U.S. Embassy, we have empowered women to become agents of economic growth and positive change in their communities.”

The graduation ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter for the entrepreneurs, who will continue to develop and grow their businesses.

An AWE Fare, scheduled for March 2026, will give graduates the opportunity to showcase their products and services, build networks, and access market opportunities.

Launched globally in 2019 by the U.S. Department of State, the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs equips women with the tools, resources, and networks needed to start and scale businesses, strengthening livelihoods and building more inclusive economies.