AECF Introduces Program to Empower Women in Benin

The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) has launched the Investing in Women in Benin (IIW-Benin) program, a CAN $6 million initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC). The program aims to economically empower women as entrepreneurs in high-impact climate-positive sectors in Benin.

The IIW-Benin program targets women entrepreneurs in sectors such as technological innovation, digital technology, smallholder farmers, producers, processors, crafts, and trade. It seeks to remove obstacles that prevent women from contributing to the development of their activities and improve their participation and economic resilience in a greener economy.

The program will provide access to finance for women-owned SMEs, women’s cooperatives, and emerging women entrepreneurs. It will also improve the capacity of women owners and managers of SMEs and women’s cooperatives to sustainably develop value chains using climate-smart approaches. Additionally, the program aims to overcome social and cultural resistance to women’s empowerment at national, sectoral, and community levels.

Victoria Sabula, CEO of the AECF, emphasized that Investing in Women in Benin is a promise to economically empower women entrepreneurs in sectors that drive innovation and positively impact the climate. Evelyne DABIRE, Head Cooperation & Chargée d’Affaires a.i., highlighted the importance of removing barriers that limit women’s economic role and providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed.

The IIW-Benin program will provide performance-based grants, funding, and non-financial technical assistance to support women entrepreneurs in Benin. It aims to promote gender equality, foster a greener economy, and ensure an inclusive and sustainable future for women in the country.