Deadline: January 25, 2026
The IYBA-WE4A (Investing in Young Business in Africa- Women Entrepreneurship for Africa) Entrepreneurship Programme is designed to empower women entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa by enhancing their access to finance and business knowledge.
The focus areas of the programme include empowering women entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing their access to finance and business knowledge, promoting green businesses, and driving economic inclusion, job creation, and sustainable development.
The programme targets women entrepreneurs operating green businesses that are between 0–5 years old in Senegal, Togo, Malawi, Uganda, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania. It identifies outstanding African women entrepreneurs with green start-ups or business ideas that have the potential to grow. The IYBA-WE4A Entrepreneurship Programme is delivered in five phases: the Application Phase, Training Phase & Masterclass Sessions, Mentorship Programme, Business Plan, Financials & Pitch Video Submission, and the Seed Capital Phase.
During the Application Phase, which runs from October 6, 2025, to January 25, 2026, applicants must complete an online form on TEFConnect, including personal information, business details, business acumen assessment, industry-specific questions, and declarations. Applicants must also submit a valid government-issued ID and a recent headshot photo. Eligibility notifications are sent on-screen and via email, guiding applicants on the next steps of the programme.
Shortlisted participants enter the Training Phase, gaining access to a customised Business Management and Green Business curriculum. Completion of all training modules, multiple-choice assessments, and participation in cluster engagement groups are mandatory to progress.
Following training, participants submit a business plan, financials, and a 2–3-minute pitch video, using the skills acquired during the programme. Submissions are reviewed and scored by a third-party consultant, who provides feedback and confirms eligibility for the next phase.
In the Seed Capital Phase, participants are required to register their business (if not already registered), open a verified business bank account, and submit valid documents including government-approved ID, business registration certificate, tax registration evidence, bank reference letter, partner’s consent form (if applicable), and medical report (if applicable). Only participants submitting valid documents will be invited for a physical verification exercise, and successful completion of all phases and verification leads to seed capital disbursement and the award of a Programme Certificate of Completion and Achievement.
For more information, visit TEFConnect.
