IYBA-WE4A PROGRAMME : The Tony Elumelu Foundation, EU, GIZ, BMZ & OACPS Support Green Businesses in Togo

Lomé hosted on November 21, 2025, a major workshop dedicated to the IYBA-WE4A initiative, led by the Tony Elumelu Foundation in collaboration the European Union (EU), the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) through its WE4D program. The workshop took place as the new application drive campaign for the programme opens in eight African countries, including Togo.

The initiative aims to strengthen the economic empowerment of women by supporting the creation of green and sustainable businesses, in a national context where Togolese women are increasingly playing a growing role in entrepreneurship despite ongoing structural challenges.

Togo has seen notable progress in youth and women’s engagement in entrepreneurship over recent years. In 2024, nearly fifteen thousand new businesses were created in the country, of which more than four thousand were founded by women. This growth reflects a rising interest in innovation and economic empowerment. However, obstacles remain, including high rates of unemployment and underemployment among young people and women. This context makes programs like IYBA-WE4A particularly relevant.

The workshop in Lomé marked the launch of the programme’s second cohort. Participants are invited to submit their projects in green or transitioning sectors such as sustainable agriculture, the circular economy, or renewable energy. The programme is open to women aged eighteen and over, whether they already run a business under five years old or only have a business idea. It provides comprehensive support, including a five-thousand-dollar seed capital, training in leadership and management, and access to an active alumni network.

The partnership between the Tony Elumelu Foundation the European Union (EU), the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is a model of effective collaboration. The Tony Elumelu Foundation brings its experience in supporting African entrepreneurship, while GIZ contributes its expertise in green transformation. Together, they aim to create businesses that can thrive while promoting environmentally responsible practices.

Togo presents several advantages for hosting such an initiative. Entrepreneurial dynamism is strong, and national policies increasingly encourage youth and women to formalize their activities. However, challenges remain, including access to financing, limited green infrastructure, and sociocultural barriers. The Lomé workshop addressed these issues and raised awareness among participants about sustainable solutions.

The expected impacts of the programme are significant. New green businesses can create stable jobs and strengthen the country’s environmental resilience. Access to financing and technical support also helps reduce economic inequalities between men and women. The program provides young Togolese with a real springboard to turn their ideas into viable projects.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation plays a key role in this ecosystem. For several years, it has supported thousands of entrepreneurs across Africa through its training and funding model. Its work in Togo helps stimulate local innovation and promote a more inclusive vision of the economy. By collaborating with GIZ, it strengthens the program’s impact by integrating ecological transition considerations.

The IYBA-WE4A workshop in Lomé is therefore much more than a single event. It reflects a collective commitment to promoting women’s entrepreneurship and developing a more dynamic green economy. If participants succeed in realizing their ambitions, this programme could become a key driver of economic transformation in Togo. It paves the way for a future where Togolese women play a central role in sustainable growth, and where their projects turn into solid, solution-driven businesses full of promise.

For reference, the application campaign for the IYBA-WE4A program is also ongoing in Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda on www.TEFConnect.com. The programme aims to empower women-led businesses across Africa to develop sustainable and environmentally responsible enterprises, promoting inclusive growth and environmental resilience.

…IYBA-WE4A PROGRAMME…