The IYBA–WE4A Entrepreneurship Programme 2026 has officially opened applications for its second cohort, offering funding and support to over 1,000 African women-led businesses. This transformative initiative is jointly supported by the European Union (EU), Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF).
Building on the success of its first phase, which funded 751 female-led green businesses with nearly $4 million, this new edition aims to further empower women entrepreneurs driving Africa’s green transformation and inclusive growth.
Programme Benefits
Successful applicants will gain:
- $5,000 non-refundable seed capital to scale their businesses.
- Comprehensive business management training, including a custom-designed green curriculum under the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme.
- Mentorship and lifetime access to the TEFConnect platform for long-term support and networking.
- Masterclasses led by global experts in leadership, finance, digital growth, and sustainability.
This unique opportunity is designed to help women-led enterprises strengthen operations, enhance visibility, and prepare for long-term investment readiness.
Focus Areas
The IYBA–WE4A Programme focuses on sectors driving Africa’s sustainable future, including:
- Renewable energy
- Circular economy
- Eco-tourism
- Green construction and logistics
- Sustainable agriculture
- Blue economy initiatives
Programme Structure
The 2026 edition includes:
- 3-month acceleration phase, followed by a 3-month growth programme offering technical assistance.
- Virtual participation, ensuring accessibility across the continent.
- Weekly workshops, mentorship, and networking sessions, with participants committing around 5 hours per week.
- Demo Day, where finalists pitch their innovative ideas to investors, donors, and global stakeholders.
Also Apply For: Kenya’s TrustLab Incubator Programme 2025–2026 by DW Akademie
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, entrepreneurs must:
- Be female and part of the TEF Alumni network.
- Operate a registered, women-led business with a working product and existing customers.
- Demonstrate strong commitment to sustainability and gender empowerment.
- Be available for all programme activities and mentorship sessions.
Application Process
Applications close on 25 January 2026.
Interested applicants can apply through TEFConnect.com.
The selection process will take 6–8 weeks, and all applicants will be informed via email of their application status.
For additional information, contact info@tefconnect.com or visit the IYBA WE4A official website.
About the Partners
- Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF): The leading African philanthropy supporting entrepreneurs across 54 countries, having disbursed over $100 million in funding to more than 24,000 entrepreneurs.
- GIZ: A global leader in international cooperation for sustainable development, promoting inclusive growth and green innovation.
- EU, OACPS, and BMZ: Key international partners driving gender equality, digital inclusion, and economic empowerment across Africa.
The IYBA–WE4A Entrepreneurship Programme 2026 continues to set a bold example for women-led innovation in Africa, helping entrepreneurs thrive while advancing sustainability and green economic growth across the continent.
