IYBA WE4A (Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Women Entrepreneurship for Africa)

The IYBA WE4A Programme 2025 is a women-focused entrepreneurship support initiative designed to empower African women entrepreneurs who are leading green and sustainable businesses. It is a joint initiative by the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) in partnership with the European Union (EU), OACPS, BMZ, and GIZ.

The programme provides a comprehensive support ecosystem for women-led startups and early-stage businesses, combining funding, training, mentorship, and networking to help businesses scale, improve impact, and contribute to Africa’s green transformation.

It follows the success of the first cohort where 751 women-led businesses received USD $3.99 million, and aims to empower over 1,000 women entrepreneurs in its second cohort.

Who Can Apply:

• Applicants must meet these criteria:
• Female founder or co-founder, aged 18+.
• Business 0–5 years old (startup or early-stage).

Operating in green/sustainable sectors:

• Renewable energy
• Waste management & circular economy
• Sustainable agriculture & agro-processing
• Eco-tourism
• Clean technology & climate solutions
• Based in eligible African countries, including Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and others.

Benefits / Advantages:

• Selected participants will receive:
  USD $5,000 non-refundable seed capital
  Comprehensive business management training, including a green-focused curriculum
  Mentorship & lifetime access to TEFConnect, the Foundation’s digital support platform
  Specialized masterclasses on finance, leadership, digital growth, resilience, and expansion
  Access to global networks, visibility opportunities, and follow-up funding options

Application Period: 

• Open: October 6, 2025
• Deadline: January 25, 2026

Where to Apply: 

Applications are submitted via TEFConnect: https://tefconnect.com/home