IYBA WE4A Programme 2025 Opens

Applications are now open for the IYBA WE4A Programme 2025, supporting women-led green businesses across Africa with USD $5,000 seed funding, training, mentorship, and growth opportunities. Deadline: 25 January 2026.

The Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA WE4A) Programme 2025 is officially open for applications, offering a significant opportunity for women entrepreneurs driving green and sustainable businesses across the African continent. This initiative is led by the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) in partnership with the European Union (EU) and GIZ, bringing together global development expertise and private-sector empowerment to accelerate women-led enterprises in climate-smart industries.

The programme is designed to advance gender-inclusive economic growth, strengthen climate action, and support sustainable development by equipping women entrepreneurs with funding, knowledge, mentorship, and access to powerful business networks. It builds on the success of the first cohort, where 751 women-led enterprises received USD $3.99 million in funding, creating measurable economic and environmental impact across multiple African countries.

With the launch of its second cohort, the programme aims to support over 1,000 women entrepreneurs, further expanding opportunities for women to lead Africa’s green transformation.

A Vision for Women-Led Green Innovation

Africa’s transition to a greener and more sustainable economy requires innovation, resilience, and inclusive participation. Women entrepreneurs play a critical role in this transformation, yet often face barriers in accessing finance, training, and market networks. The IYBA WE4A Programme directly addresses these challenges by providing a comprehensive support system that enables women to build scalable, climate-focused enterprises.

The programme recognizes that sustainable development and gender equality go hand in hand. By investing in women-led green businesses, the initiative fosters job creation, environmental protection, and stronger local economies.

What the Programme Offers

Successful applicants gain access to a robust package of financial and capacity-building support designed to accelerate business growth and long-term sustainability.

Key benefits include:

USD $5,000 non-refundable seed capital to strengthen business operations and expansion
World-class business training, including a specialized green entrepreneurship curriculum
Dedicated mentorship from experienced business leaders
Lifetime access to TEFConnect, a digital platform for learning, networking, and collaboration
Specialized masterclasses covering finance, leadership, digital growth, resilience, and scaling strategies
Enhanced visibility through exposure to investors, partners, and regional networks
Pathways to follow-on funding and additional growth opportunities

This combination of capital and knowledge equips entrepreneurs not only to start or expand their businesses, but also to compete effectively in emerging green markets.

Who Should Apply

The programme specifically targets women entrepreneurs who are building businesses that contribute to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

Eligible applicants must:

Be women founders or co-founders, aged 18 years or older
Own or operate a business between 0–5 years old
Run enterprises in green and sustainable sectors, such as:
- Renewable energy
- Waste management and recycling
- Sustainable agriculture
- Climate-smart technologies
- Eco-friendly products and services
Be based in eligible African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and other participating nations

These criteria ensure the programme supports early-stage ventures with strong potential for long-term environmental and economic impact.

Strategic Global Partnership

The IYBA WE4A Programme represents a high-impact collaboration between TEF, the European Union, GIZ, OACPS, and BMZ. Together, these partners share a commitment to empowering women, advancing entrepreneurship, and promoting sustainable economic transformation in Africa.

Through this alliance, women entrepreneurs gain access not only to funding and training but also to international development networks and policy-aligned growth initiatives. This global partnership strengthens the credibility, reach, and long-term sustainability of the programme.

Why This Programme Matters

Green industries are rapidly expanding across Africa, creating demand for innovative solutions in energy, agriculture, environmental services, and climate adaptation. Women entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation when provided with the right resources.

By supporting women-led green enterprises, the programme contributes to:

Reduced environmental degradation
Increased climate resilience
Job creation for youth and communities
Greater financial inclusion for women
Stronger participation of women in economic leadership

Each supported business represents a step toward a more inclusive and sustainable African economy.

Application Details

Applications for the IYBA WE4A Programme 2025 are now open.

Application Deadline: 25 January 2026
Application Link: https://lnkd.in/d_qVm5Uy

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early and ensure their business information and supporting details are complete before submission.

Final Thoughts

The IYBA WE4A Programme 2025 stands as one of the most impactful initiatives supporting women-led green entrepreneurship in Africa. With financial backing, structured training, mentorship, and international partnerships, it offers women entrepreneurs the tools needed to scale their businesses and contribute to sustainable development across the continent.

For women innovators committed to climate-smart solutions and inclusive growth, this programme provides a powerful platform to transform ideas into thriving enterprises and become leaders in Africa’s green economy.