New Partnership Secures 3.3 M Euros Funding For Sub-Saharan Women Entrepreneurs

The Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA-WE4A) programme officially signed a new partnership of 3.3 million euros (Sh478.8 million) aimed at strengthening Sub-Saharan women entrepreneurs’ access to finance and business support. The momentous pact was signed at the EU Kenya Business Forum.

The pact was signed between Dutch impact investment firm, Goodwell, the European Union (EU), and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

The event was hosted in Nairobi and highlighted the signatories’ intention to boost gender equality and endorse the green transformation through supporting women-led businesses.

The IYBA-WE4A programme is co-financed by the EU, the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It intends to boost economic empowerment for women entrepreneurs in Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania.

One of the partners, Goodwell will give SME loan guarantees to 20 women entrepreneurs and concessional loans will be provided to at least 15 women entrepreneurs. 100 women founders will also receive tailored technical assistance.

Lilian Oyando, Associate Partner at Goodwell, said during the event, “This partnership marks a major milestone for us at Goodwell. Through this initiative, we aim to empower women-led businesses with the financial tools and technical support needed to grow sustainably and drive the green transformation on the continent.”

Dr Christoph Zipfel, Programme Director of Sustainable Economic Development Cluster at GIZ, commented, “Our collaboration with Goodwell is a crucial step toward unlocking new opportunities for women entrepreneurs in green sectors. This partnership not only drives forward gender equality but also supports inclusive economic development across Africa.”

“This initiative exemplifies Team Europe’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and sustainable development. By joining forces with GIZ and Goodwell, we are ensuring that women across Africa are better positioned to lead in the green economy,” added Hans Stausball, Acting Director of EU INTPA Africa Department.