Investing in Young Businesses in Africa–Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA-WE4A) Program is preparing for a second cohort. The program, which provides seed funding, mentorship and training for African women entrepreneurs, will focus on sustainable agriculture, blue economy, renewable energy, circular economy, eco-tourism, construction, and logistics.
The European Union (EU), Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) are the program’s sponsors.
The first cohort, which helped launch 751 African women-led green businesses with nearly $4 million in funding. This one aims to help more than 1,000, African women entrepreneurs pioneering innovative solutions across critical green and blue sectors.
Applications opened 6 October 2025, and close on 25 January 2026. Successful applicants will receive $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, tailored business management training, a customized green curriculum, mentorship, and lifetime access to TEFConnect for sustained growth and investment readiness.
“At the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we have seen first-hand the transformative power of supporting women entrepreneurs. Having successfully implemented the first cohort, we are excited to scale up our impact to empower even more African women-led businesses,” said Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation. “This partnership continues to accelerate Africa’s inclusive, green economy and demonstrates the limitless potential of African women when given the right support.
“The private sector plays a key role in bringing about change to poverty, equality and driving forward social change,” added Romina Kochius, Director of Programme, WE4D. “With a project of this dimension, we are expected to drive this change.”
