#Nigeria #Lagos #EU #IYBA-WE4A #Tony Elumelu Fund

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: IYBA-WE4A Programme

In a monumental push for gender-focused economic empowerment, over 1,000 women-led businesses are set to benefit from the second cohort of the Investing in Young Businesses in Africa - Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA-WE4A) Programme. Launched by key global organizations including the European Union, the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States, and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, this initiative promises not only funding but also comprehensive support for women entrepreneurs across Africa.

A Promising Start

Following the success of the first cohort, which aided 751 green businesses led by women with approximately USD $4 million in funding, this new phase signifies a substantial escalation in efforts to empower women entrepreneurs. Applications for this cohort opened on October 6, 2025, and will remain open until January 25, 2026. The selected entrepreneurs will gain access to various resources—most notably a seed capital of USD $5,000, designed to help them scale and innovate in sustainable sectors.

The Programme's Components

The IYBA-WE4A Programme is structured to provide much more than financial support. Selected applicants will enjoy:

• - USD $5,000 Non-Refundable Seed Capital: This initial funding aims to kickstart their business expansion.
• - Business Management Training: Conducted within the framework of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, this training includes a customized green curriculum focusing on sustainable business practices.
• - Mentorship and Digital Platform Access: Participants will have lifetime access to TEFConnect to enhance their continuous growth and improve investment readiness.
• - Specialized Masterclasses: These sessions will cover crucial topics such as finance, resilience, digital growth, leadership, and business expansion.

Target Sectors of Innovation

The programme focuses on several critical areas including:

• - Sustainable Agriculture: Developing practices that enhance productivity while conserving resources.
• - Blue Economy: Fostering sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources.
• - Renewable Energy: Supporting innovations aimed at harnessing sustainable energy sources.
• - Eco-tourism: Creating business opportunities that promote environmental conservation through tourism.
• - Circular Economy: Encouraging businesses to design products and services that minimize waste.
• - Construction and Logistics: Revolutionizing these sectors with sustainable practices and solutions.

A Commitment to Gender Equality

This multi-donor initiative underscores a collective commitment to not just empowering women economically but also promoting sustainable development across Africa. Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, emphasized the transformative power of supporting women entrepreneurs, stating, "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."

Romina Kochius, Director of Programme, WE4D, highlighted the pivotal role of the private sector in achieving these objectives, saying, "The private sector plays a key role in bringing about change to poverty, equality, and driving forward social change. With a project of this dimension, we are expected to drive this change."

Call to Action

Entrepreneurs eager to benefit from this programme are encouraged to apply through www.TEFConnect.com before the application deadline of January 25, 2026. The outcome of this initiative could reshape the entrepreneurial landscape for African women, providing them the tools and support needed to thrive in competitive markets.

Conclusion

As we witness a growing commitment to women's economic empowerment, the IYBA-WE4A Programme shines as a beacon of hope for many. It not only offers financial backing but also the holistic support needed to create sustainable businesses. This initiative exemplifies a concerted effort towards a greener, more inclusive future, where women play a crucial role in driving economic development across Africa.