Overview
The I&P Acceleration WE4A program is part of the pan-African initiative Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA WE4A), co-financed by the European Union, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), and the German development cooperation implemented by GIZ.
Led by Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P), the program aims to strengthen the development and resilience of high-potential women-led businesses, particularly in green and transition sectors.
Why this program?
In countries such as Cameroon, Senegal, Togo and Uganda, small businesses, often informal, make up the bulk of the economy but face a financing gap estimated at over €15 billion. Caught between microfinance (costly and limited) and commercial banks (requiring collateral and financial history), they struggle to grow and formalize.
Women entrepreneurs face even greater constraints: limited access to collateral and networks, gender biases, cultural barriers, and the double burden of professional and domestic responsibilities. Despite their strong presence in entrepreneurship, they receive less than 10% of commercial loans and very few equity investments.
This challenge is especially critical for green and innovative businesses, which struggle to attract funding despite their essential role in combating climate change and creating sustainable jobs.
Program Components
The program is structured around three components aimed at removing the main obstacles faced by women-led small businesses:
Provide tailored support and assistance to early-stage, women-led businesses, helping them better structure, formalize, and prepare for access to finance.
Criteria: Early-stage businesses, willingness to formalize, fundraising project
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Target: 80 SMEs divided into two cohorts
Country coverage: Senegal, Togo, Cameroon, and Uganda
Support
Individual mentoring: 5 hours with a mentor (professional investor from I&P Conseil) and support in setting up a Fundraising Data Room (pitch, financial statements, etc.)
4-month training course via a dedicated e-learning platform and 3 live webinars with investment and impact professionals from I&P Conseil.
Click HERE to Apply
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Disclaimer: Edfrica does not have direct influence nor guarantee the outcome of this application following the support you receive from us
