the Investing in Young Businesses in Africa: Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA WE4A) Programme..PHOTO ; Courtesy
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), in partnership with the European Union (EU), the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, has announced the Investing in Young Businesses in Africa: Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA WE4A) Programme.
Applications are now open untilJanuary 25, 2026.
The initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs across Africa by providing funding, mentorship, training, and access to networks, enabling them to grow their green and sustainable businesses.
About the IYBA WE4A Programme
The Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (WE4A) initiative is part of the broader Investing in Young Businesses in Africa (IYBA) strategy.
It focuses on strengthening women-led enterprises in Africa’s green economy, promoting businesses that contribute to climate action, renewable energy, recycling, waste management, and sustainable agriculture.
Through WE4A, participants will gain access to:
- $5,000 in seed capital to grow their businesses
- Business training tailored to women entrepreneurs
- Personalized mentorship from experienced business leaders
- Networking opportunities with African and global partners
- Visibility and access to investors and markets
Who Can Apply
Applications are open to women entrepreneurs from the following African countries: Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, and Uganda.
Eligibility criteria include:
- Being a female founder or co-founder of a business in an eligible country
- Running a green or environmentally sustainable business, or having a business idea aligned with climate action or sustainable development
- Being at least 18 years old
- Having a business registered for no more than five years
Programme Benefits
Participants will receive comprehensive support designed to accelerate business growth and impact:
Seed Funding: Each selected entrepreneur receives $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital to support expansion or innovation.
Business Management Training: Practical and interactive entrepreneurship courses delivered through the TEFConnect platform.
Mentorship and Coaching: Access to a network of mentors for guidance on business strategy, leadership, finance, and sustainability.
Networking and Partnerships: Opportunities to connect with investors, corporate partners, and fellow entrepreneurs across Africa and globally.
Visibility and Advocacy: Exposure on TEF platforms, media coverage, and participation in high-level events promoting women-led entrepreneurship.
Application Process and Timeline
Eligible applicants can apply online at www.TEFConnect.com.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their forms early to avoid last-minute challenges.
The selection process considers:
- Innovation and sustainability of the business idea
- Potential social and environmental impact
- Feasibility and growth potential
- Leadership and entrepreneurial motivation
Shortlisted candidates will go through assessments, training, and mentorship phases before receiving seed capital.
Why Apply to WE4A
The IYBA WE4A Programme offers more than funding; it is a gateway to growth, visibility, and long-term success.
By participating, women entrepreneurs can scale their ventures, create jobs, and contribute to Africa’s sustainable economic transformation.
The programme reflects the shared vision of TEF and its partners to build an enabling ecosystem for women-led businesses and drive inclusive growth across the continent.
About the Tony Elumelu Foundation
Since 2010, TEF has empowered over 21,000 African entrepreneurs and supported more than 2.5 million young Africans through its digital platform, TEFConnect.
Its mission is to empower African entrepreneurs to transform the continent by creating jobs, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable economic development.
Women entrepreneurs in Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, and Uganda are encouraged to apply now at www.TEFConnect.com to take advantage of this opportunity.
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