I and P Acceleration WE4A Program for Women-Led Green Businesses

Focus areas and priorities include investment readiness for early-stage women-led businesses, facilitating first-time access to credit through debt mechanisms, providing reimbursable financing without interest or collateral, and supporting growth and preparation for equity investment, with a particular emphasis on renewable energy, aquaculture, circular economy, waste management, ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, and other transition sectors.

The program is implemented by GIZ under the Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA WE4A) initiative and led by Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P). Running from 2025 to 2027, the program has a total budget of €3.5 million and operates in Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, and Uganda.

I&P Acceleration WE4A is structured around three main tracks. Track 1, Investment Readiness, provides tailored support to early-stage women-led businesses, helping them structure, formalize, and prepare for access to finance. Track 2, Access to Debt, facilitates first-time access to credit for women entrepreneurs, with an average loan amount of €22,000, through a loan guarantee mechanism combined with technical assistance. Track 3, Access to Capital, provides reimbursable financing averaging €52,000 at zero interest and without collateral, along with technical assistance to support business growth and prepare entrepreneurs for equity investment.

Eligibility for each track varies according to the stage and size of the business. Track 1 is open to early-stage businesses willing to formalize and with a fundraising project. Track 2 targets MSMEs without access to credit, with an annual turnover under €50,000, and a fundraising project. Track 3 is aimed at growing ventures with strong traction, turnover between €50,000 and €500,000, and a fundraising project.

For more information, visit Investisseurs & Partenaires.