{"id":64126,"date":"2025-10-07T09:39:20","date_gmt":"2025-10-07T09:39:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opportunitiesforyouth.org\/?p=64126"},"modified":"2025-10-07T09:39:20","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T09:39:20","slug":"applications-open-investing-in-young-businesses-in-africa-women-entrepreneurship-for-africa-iyba-we4a-programme-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/?p=64126","title":{"rendered":"Applications Open: Investing in Young Businesses in Africa \u2013 Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA WE4A) Programme 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"444\" data-end=\"840\">The <strong data-start=\"448\" data-end=\"481\">Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF)<\/strong>, in partnership with the <strong data-start=\"507\" data-end=\"530\">European Union (EU)<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"532\" data-end=\"597\">Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)<\/strong>, and <strong data-start=\"603\" data-end=\"673\">Deutsche Gesellschaft f\u00fcr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH<\/strong>, is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the <strong data-start=\"737\" data-end=\"837\">Investing in Young Businesses in Africa: Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA WE4A) Programme<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"842\" data-end=\"1060\">This transformative initiative is designed to <strong data-start=\"888\" data-end=\"919\">empower women entrepreneurs<\/strong> across Africa by providing <strong data-start=\"947\" data-end=\"1009\">seed capital, training, mentorship, and access to networks<\/strong> to scale their green and sustainable businesses.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1062\" data-end=\"1199\">Applications are open from <strong data-start=\"1089\" data-end=\"1129\">October 6, 2025, to January 25, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1206\" data-end=\"1242\"><strong data-start=\"1209\" data-end=\"1242\">About the IYBA WE4A Programme<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1244\" data-end=\"1507\">The <strong data-start=\"1248\" data-end=\"1292\">Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (WE4A)<\/strong> initiative is part of the broader <strong data-start=\"1327\" data-end=\"1377\">Investing in Young Businesses in Africa (IYBA)<\/strong> strategy. It aims to foster inclusive economic growth by strengthening women-led enterprises in Africa\u2019s growing green economy.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1509\" data-end=\"1691\">The programme is implemented by the <strong data-start=\"1545\" data-end=\"1572\">Tony Elumelu Foundation<\/strong>, leveraging its extensive experience in empowering African entrepreneurs through the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1693\" data-end=\"1740\">Through WE4A, participants will gain access to:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1741\" data-end=\"2042\">\n<li data-start=\"1741\" data-end=\"1796\">\n<p data-start=\"1743\" data-end=\"1796\"><strong data-start=\"1743\" data-end=\"1769\">$5,000 in seed capital<\/strong> to grow their businesses<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1797\" data-end=\"1857\">\n<p data-start=\"1799\" data-end=\"1857\"><strong data-start=\"1799\" data-end=\"1823\">World-class training<\/strong> tailored to women entrepreneurs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1858\" data-end=\"1923\">\n<p data-start=\"1860\" data-end=\"1923\"><strong data-start=\"1860\" data-end=\"1887\">Personalized mentorship<\/strong> from experienced business leaders<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1924\" data-end=\"1989\">\n<p data-start=\"1926\" data-end=\"1989\"><strong data-start=\"1926\" data-end=\"1954\">Networking opportunities<\/strong> with African and global partners<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1990\" data-end=\"2042\">\n<p data-start=\"1992\" data-end=\"2042\"><strong data-start=\"1992\" data-end=\"2042\">Visibility and access to investors and markets<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"2049\" data-end=\"2069\"><strong data-start=\"2052\" data-end=\"2069\">Who Can Apply<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2071\" data-end=\"2157\">Applications are open to <strong data-start=\"2096\" data-end=\"2119\">women entrepreneurs<\/strong> from the following African countries:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2158\" data-end=\"2267\">\n<li data-start=\"2158\" data-end=\"2172\">\n<p data-start=\"2160\" data-end=\"2172\"><strong data-start=\"2160\" data-end=\"2172\">Cameroon<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2173\" data-end=\"2184\">\n<p data-start=\"2175\" data-end=\"2184\"><strong data-start=\"2175\" data-end=\"2184\">Kenya<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2185\" data-end=\"2197\">\n<p data-start=\"2187\" data-end=\"2197\"><strong data-start=\"2187\" data-end=\"2197\">Malawi<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2198\" data-end=\"2214\">\n<p data-start=\"2200\" data-end=\"2214\"><strong data-start=\"2200\" data-end=\"2214\">Mozambique<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2215\" data-end=\"2228\">\n<p data-start=\"2217\" data-end=\"2228\"><strong data-start=\"2217\" data-end=\"2228\">Senegal<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2229\" data-end=\"2243\">\n<p data-start=\"2231\" data-end=\"2243\"><strong data-start=\"2231\" data-end=\"2243\">Tanzania<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2244\" data-end=\"2254\">\n<p data-start=\"2246\" data-end=\"2254\"><strong data-start=\"2246\" data-end=\"2254\">Togo<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2255\" data-end=\"2267\">\n<p data-start=\"2257\" data-end=\"2267\"><strong data-start=\"2257\" data-end=\"2267\">Uganda<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2269\" data-end=\"2325\">Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2326\" data-end=\"2742\">\n<li data-start=\"2326\" data-end=\"2425\">\n<p data-start=\"2328\" data-end=\"2425\">Be a <strong data-start=\"2333\" data-end=\"2365\">female founder or co-founder<\/strong> of a business operating in one of the eligible countries.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2426\" data-end=\"2617\">\n<p data-start=\"2428\" data-end=\"2617\">Run a <strong data-start=\"2434\" data-end=\"2483\">green or environmentally sustainable business<\/strong>, or have a business idea contributing to climate action, renewable energy, recycling, waste management, or sustainable agriculture.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2618\" data-end=\"2651\">\n<p data-start=\"2620\" data-end=\"2651\">Be <strong data-start=\"2623\" data-end=\"2648\">at least 18 years old<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2652\" data-end=\"2742\">\n<p data-start=\"2654\" data-end=\"2742\">Have a business registered for <strong data-start=\"2685\" data-end=\"2712\">no more than five years<\/strong> at the time of application.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"2749\" data-end=\"2774\"><strong data-start=\"2752\" data-end=\"2774\">Programme Benefits<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2776\" data-end=\"2901\">Participants of the IYBA WE4A Programme will receive comprehensive support designed to accelerate business growth and impact:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"2903\" data-end=\"3730\">\n<li data-start=\"2903\" data-end=\"3055\">\n<p data-start=\"2906\" data-end=\"3055\"><strong data-start=\"2906\" data-end=\"2923\">Seed Funding:<\/strong><br data-start=\"2923\" data-end=\"2926\" \/>Each selected entrepreneur will receive <strong data-start=\"2969\" data-end=\"3010\">$5,000 in non-refundable seed capital<\/strong> to support business expansion or innovation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3057\" data-end=\"3219\">\n<p data-start=\"3060\" data-end=\"3219\"><strong data-start=\"3060\" data-end=\"3093\">Business Management Training:<\/strong><br data-start=\"3093\" data-end=\"3096\" \/>Participants will undergo a practical and interactive entrepreneurship curriculum delivered via the TEFConnect platform.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3221\" data-end=\"3379\">\n<p data-start=\"3224\" data-end=\"3379\"><strong data-start=\"3224\" data-end=\"3252\">Mentorship and Coaching:<\/strong><br data-start=\"3252\" data-end=\"3255\" \/>Access to a network of mentors providing tailored guidance on business strategy, leadership, finance, and sustainability.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3381\" data-end=\"3532\">\n<p data-start=\"3384\" data-end=\"3532\"><strong data-start=\"3384\" data-end=\"3416\">Networking and Partnerships:<\/strong><br data-start=\"3416\" data-end=\"3419\" \/>Opportunities to engage with investors, corporate partners, and fellow entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3534\" data-end=\"3730\">\n<p data-start=\"3537\" data-end=\"3730\"><strong data-start=\"3537\" data-end=\"3565\">Visibility and Advocacy:<\/strong><br data-start=\"3565\" data-end=\"3568\" \/>Featured exposure on the Tony Elumelu Foundation\u2019s platforms, media opportunities, and participation in high-level events promoting women-led entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 data-start=\"3737\" data-end=\"3756\"><strong data-start=\"3740\" data-end=\"3756\">How to Apply<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3758\" data-end=\"3853\">Eligible applicants can apply online at <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tefconnect.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"3798\" data-end=\"3850\"><strong data-start=\"3799\" data-end=\"3821\">www.TEFConnect.com<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3855\" data-end=\"3882\"><strong data-start=\"3855\" data-end=\"3880\">Application timeline:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3883\" data-end=\"3959\">\n<li data-start=\"3883\" data-end=\"3920\">\n<p data-start=\"3885\" data-end=\"3920\"><strong data-start=\"3885\" data-end=\"3902\">Opening date:<\/strong> October 6, 2025<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3921\" data-end=\"3959\">\n<p data-start=\"3923\" data-end=\"3959\"><strong data-start=\"3923\" data-end=\"3940\">Closing date:<\/strong> January 25, 2026<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3961\" data-end=\"4079\">Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit their forms well before the deadline to avoid last-minute challenges.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"4086\" data-end=\"4110\"><strong data-start=\"4089\" data-end=\"4110\">Selection Process<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4112\" data-end=\"4151\">Applications will be reviewed based on:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4152\" data-end=\"4355\">\n<li data-start=\"4152\" data-end=\"4210\">\n<p data-start=\"4154\" data-end=\"4210\"><strong data-start=\"4154\" data-end=\"4187\">Innovation and sustainability<\/strong> of the business idea<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4211\" data-end=\"4264\">\n<p data-start=\"4213\" data-end=\"4264\"><strong data-start=\"4213\" data-end=\"4262\">Potential for social and environmental impact<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4265\" data-end=\"4305\">\n<p data-start=\"4267\" data-end=\"4305\"><strong data-start=\"4267\" data-end=\"4303\">Feasibility and growth potential<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4306\" data-end=\"4355\">\n<p data-start=\"4308\" data-end=\"4355\"><strong data-start=\"4308\" data-end=\"4353\">Leadership and entrepreneurial motivation<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4357\" data-end=\"4496\">Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in further assessments, training, and mentoring phases before receiving seed capital.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"4503\" data-end=\"4527\"><strong data-start=\"4506\" data-end=\"4527\">Why Apply to WE4A<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4529\" data-end=\"4824\">The IYBA WE4A Programme offers more than just funding\u2014it is a gateway to growth, sustainability, and long-term success. By joining WE4A, women entrepreneurs gain the tools, resources, and visibility needed to scale their ventures, create jobs, and contribute to Africa\u2019s economic transformation.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4826\" data-end=\"5033\">This initiative reflects the shared vision of TEF and its partners to <strong data-start=\"4896\" data-end=\"4954\">create an enabling ecosystem for women-led enterprises<\/strong>, drive <strong data-start=\"4962\" data-end=\"4982\">inclusive growth<\/strong>, and build <strong data-start=\"4994\" data-end=\"5032\">resilient, green African economies<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"5040\" data-end=\"5056\"><strong data-start=\"5043\" data-end=\"5056\">Key Dates<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_tableContainer_1rjym_1\">\n<div class=\"group _tableWrapper_1rjym_13 flex w-fit flex-col-reverse\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<table class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\" data-start=\"5057\" data-end=\"5252\">\n<thead data-start=\"5057\" data-end=\"5073\">\n<tr data-start=\"5057\" data-end=\"5073\">\n<th data-start=\"5057\" data-end=\"5065\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Event<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"5065\" data-end=\"5073\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Date<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"5091\" data-end=\"5252\">\n<tr data-start=\"5091\" data-end=\"5130\">\n<td data-start=\"5091\" data-end=\"5111\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Applications Open<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"5111\" data-end=\"5130\">October 6, 2025<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"5131\" data-end=\"5172\">\n<td data-start=\"5131\" data-end=\"5152\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Applications Close<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"5152\" data-end=\"5172\">January 25, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"5173\" data-end=\"5218\">\n<td data-start=\"5173\" data-end=\"5193\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Evaluation Period<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"5193\" data-end=\"5218\">February \u2013 March 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"5219\" data-end=\"5252\">\n<td data-start=\"5219\" data-end=\"5238\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Programme Launch<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"5238\" data-end=\"5252\">April 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 data-start=\"5259\" data-end=\"5299\"><strong data-start=\"5262\" data-end=\"5299\">About the Tony Elumelu Foundation<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5301\" data-end=\"5550\">The <strong data-start=\"5305\" data-end=\"5332\">Tony Elumelu Foundation<\/strong> is the leading champion of entrepreneurship in Africa. Since 2010, TEF has empowered more than <strong data-start=\"5428\" data-end=\"5452\">21,000 entrepreneurs<\/strong> and supported over <strong data-start=\"5472\" data-end=\"5502\">2.5 million young Africans<\/strong> through its digital platform, <strong data-start=\"5533\" data-end=\"5547\">TEFConnect<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5552\" data-end=\"5708\">Its mission is to empower African entrepreneurs to transform the continent by driving job creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable economic development.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"5932\" data-end=\"5948\"><strong data-start=\"5935\" data-end=\"5948\">Apply Now<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5950\" data-end=\"6133\">If you are a <strong data-start=\"5963\" data-end=\"5985\">woman entrepreneur<\/strong> in <strong data-start=\"5989\" data-end=\"6064\">Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, or Uganda<\/strong>, this is your opportunity to take your business to the next level.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6135\" data-end=\"6205\"><strong data-start=\"6135\" data-end=\"6203\">Applications are open from October 6, 2025, to January 25, 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6207\" data-end=\"6275\">Visit <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tefconnect.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"6213\" data-end=\"6265\"><strong data-start=\"6214\" data-end=\"6236\">www.TEFConnect.com<\/strong><\/a> to apply.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), in partnership with the European Union (EU), Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), and Deutsche Gesellschaft f\u00fcr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Investing in Young Businesses in Africa: Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA WE4A) Programme. This transformative initiative&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":64127,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,45],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-64126","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-africa","8":"category-grants","9":"article","10":"","12":"has-excerpt","13":"has-avatar","14":"has-author","15":"has-nickname","16":"has-date","17":"has-comment-count","18":"has-category-meta","19":"has-read-more","20":"has-title","21":"has-post-media","22":"thumbnail-","23":"has-tfm-share-icons"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64126","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=64126"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64126\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/64127"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=64126"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=64126"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=64126"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}