Invest in Young Businesses in Africa – Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA WE4A) Programme

The Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (WE4A) programme under the Invest in Young Businesses in Africa (IYBA) initiative supports women-led green businesses with seed funding, business training and mentorship. It targets entrepreneurs pioneering solutions in green sectors such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, circular economy, blue economy, eco-tourism, construction and transport. Selected businesses receive non-refundable seed capital, a tailored green curriculum, business management training and ongoing investment-readiness support. The programme is implemented by GIZ in partnership with the European Union, OACPS, BMZ and the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

USD$5,000 non-refundable seed capital; 10-week business management training and a custom green curriculum; mentorship; lifetime support for investment readiness and follow-up funding opportunities.

African women entrepreneurs pioneering solutions in green sectors (including sustainable agriculture and processing, blue economy and aquaculture, renewable energy, circular economy and waste management, biomass, eco-tourism, construction, transport and logistics) from the targeted countries.

Selection based on business plans and pitch sessions following participation in a 10-week training; participants were expert-evaluated and selected for seed funding.