PARTNERS
ABOUT WIFA
Women play a crucial role in building thriving economies and creating jobs, yet only a quarter of franchised businesses worldwide are led by women, with even fewer in Africa. WIFA aims to increase the inclusion of women in franchising by offering strategies, opportunities, and platforms to drive measurable and sustainable impact, thus achieving real and meaningful transformation.
Our Founder
Akhona Qengqe
Akhona is the first female and first African to occupy KFC’s top position in its 5-decade history in Sub Saharan Africa. As a fierce gender advocate who is deliberate in ensuring the representation of women in key decision-making platforms, she conceptualised KFC’s first female leadership program which is a 12-month transformational journey that supports high potential women to achieve their career and personal development goals.
Akhona has also designed and implemented a number of mentorship programs both in the organisation and externally. Being the inspiration behind KFC Africa’s Female Firsts List, a first of its kind for KFC, the campaign won the IPRA Gold Award in 2024. With the right strategies in place like WIFA, she believes women can be better positioned to create employment opportunities and build generational wealth for their families and communities.
Akhona's Career Highlights
- General Manager: KFC Africa
- Founder: Women In Franchising Africa
- Founder and Board Member: KFC Africa Women on the Move Program
- Ex Board Chair: Franchise Association of South Africa
OUR VISION
The vision of WIFA is to drive inclusive economic growth within the Franchising Sector on the African continent through the following five strategic pillars:
Educate
Equip women with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen field.
Network
Create opportunities for women to connect and inspire each other.
TRANSFORM
Transform women’s participation in the economy in a sustainable way.
MENTOR
Provide support and establish accountability partners in smaller, intimate groups.
CELEBRATE
Celebrate each other’s achievements by recognising the strides made by the women in the network.
PROGRAMS
WIFA offers a number of formal training programs aimed at equipping women with the knowledge and skills required to run thriving businesses.
Our programs are delivered in partnership with the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence and the University of Louisville, Kentucky. Limited scholarships are available every year for some of our Members.
COURSES
Mentorship
WIFA provides a platform for women to grow and win together, learning the strategies to build effective businesses with a small group of similar minded women through the Mentorship Communities. Mentorship Communities run across West Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa. We are always looking for women who are passionate about developing others so if you’d like to become a Mentor apply below.
MEMBERSHIP
To participate in any of our initiatives you need to be a member. There are four membership categories offered by WIFA. All membership is free to qualifying individuals and organisations.
Executive
Membership
- Professionals: Grow my career in franchising
- Graduates: Start a career in franchising
Franchisee Membership
- Existing Franchisees: : Run a franchised business/es - looking for education & inspiration
- Aspiring Franchisees: Would like to run a franchise - looking for opportunities
Franchisor Membership
- Existing Franchisors: Currently franchising their business and want to scale up
- Aspiring Franchisors: Wish to franchise their existing business and want to build their know-how
Corporate Partnerships
- Organisations that are passionate about the inclusion of women in growing economies and want to contribute in a way that is both measurable, impactful and sustainable.
EVENTS
WIFA hosts regular events aimed an empowering women in franchising. Keep an eye on our website for new events as they are finalised.
Join us for the
WIFA Women's Conference
In celebration of women’s month, WIFA and CAPITEC are hosting a power-packed breakfast, creating a space for women to connect and be inspired.
- Date: Friday, 8 August 2025
- Time: 08h30 - 12h00
- Venue: Protea Hotel Balalaika, Maude Street, Sandton
Spaces are limited. Secure your seat now.
CONTACT
We would love to connect! If you have any questions about WIFA, or would like to learn more about our organisation or programs, please fill in the short form below and we will be in touch.
