Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (WE4A) Programme

Applications remain open for the Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (WE4A) Programme, offering African women entrepreneurs up to $5,000 in seed funding, expert mentorship, and world-class business training to scale green economy ventures.

Applications are still open for the Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (WE4A) Programme, a high-impact initiative designed to support women-led businesses in the green and greening economy across Africa. The programme offers a powerful combination of up to $5,000 in seed funding, tailored business training, and expert mentorship—positioning women entrepreneurs to scale sustainable ventures while driving inclusive economic growth.

As Africa continues to confront climate change, environmental degradation, and socio-economic inequality, the WE4A Programme stands out as a timely and strategic intervention. By investing directly in women entrepreneurs, the programme recognises the critical role women play in building resilient, innovative, and sustainable economies across the continent.

A Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Impact

The WE4A Programme is supported by a strong coalition of international and regional partners. It is backed by the European Union (EU), the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Implementation is led by the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

This collaboration brings together deep expertise in entrepreneurship development, policy support, and sustainable development. The result is a programme that not only funds businesses, but also strengthens entrepreneurial ecosystems and supports long-term, inclusive growth.

Who the Programme Is For

The WE4A Programme is open to women entrepreneurs from the following countries:

Senegal
Togo
Mozambique
Tanzania
Uganda
Cameroon
Kenya
Malawi

Eligible applicants are women building solutions within the green economy or greening business sectors. These include, but are not limited to, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, recycling, climate-smart solutions, eco-friendly products, and businesses transitioning toward environmentally sustainable practices.

By focusing on these sectors, WE4A aligns entrepreneurship with climate action, job creation, and sustainable development goals—ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of the environment.

What the WE4A Programme Offers

Participants selected for the programme benefit from a comprehensive support package designed to accelerate business growth and leadership capacity.

Seed Funding

Each selected entrepreneur is eligible for up to $5,000 in seed funding, providing critical early-stage capital to test, refine, or scale their business ideas.

World-Class Business Training

Entrepreneurs receive structured business training through the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s proven entrepreneurship framework. The curriculum covers essential topics such as business strategy, financial management, marketing, customer acquisition, and scaling operations.

Expert Mentorship

A defining feature of the programme is its mentorship component. Participants are matched with experienced mentors who provide guidance, accountability, and real-world insights. This support helps founders navigate challenges, strengthen decision-making, and grow as leaders.

Together, these elements create a supportive environment in which women entrepreneurs can build confidence, sharpen their skills, and expand their impact.

Transformational Impact on Women Entrepreneurs

The WE4A Programme goes beyond funding. It is designed to unlock potential and create lasting change. Women entrepreneurs who participate often experience significant growth—not only in their businesses, but also in their leadership abilities and self-belief.

Mentors involved in the programme have observed firsthand how women founders evolve throughout the journey. Through consistent guidance and engagement, participants grow more confident in articulating their vision, negotiating opportunities, and positioning their businesses for long-term success. Many emerge as role models within their communities, inspiring other women to pursue entrepreneurship and innovation.

Looking Ahead: Even Greater Impact

As the programme continues to evolve, future cohorts are expected to benefit from even stronger networks, deeper collaboration, and expanded opportunities. Each new cycle builds on the lessons and successes of previous participants, strengthening WE4A’s contribution to sustainable and inclusive development across Africa.

With applications still open, eligible women entrepreneurs are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to access funding, mentorship, and training tailored specifically to their needs and contexts.

A Call to Support Women Founders

The WE4A Programme is not only for applicants—it is also a call to allies, mentors, ecosystem builders, and supporters of women-led businesses. Individuals who know female founders working in the green or greening sectors are encouraged to share this opportunity and help ensure it reaches those who can benefit most.

By supporting women entrepreneurs, the programme contributes to stronger communities, healthier environments, and more resilient economies across the continent.

Moving Forward Together

The Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (WE4A) Programme represents a powerful commitment to women, sustainability, and Africa’s future. Through seed funding, mentorship, and capacity building, it equips women entrepreneurs to scale solutions that matter—solutions that create jobs, protect the environment, and drive inclusive growth.

As applications remain open, the message is clear: when women entrepreneurs are supported, communities thrive and sustainable impact grows. Together, through collaboration and shared purpose, Africa moves forward—and together, women entrepreneurs soar.