A new Sh472 million (€3.3 million) partnership
aimed at improving women’s access to finance and business support across
Sub-Saharan Africa was signed on Monday during the EU-Kenya Business Forum in
Nairobi.
The agreement brings together Dutch impact investment firm Goodwell, the European Union (EU), and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
It was fueled by the shared goal of
advancing gender equality and supporting green transformation through women-led
enterprises.
“This partnership marks a major
milestone for us at Goodwell,” said Lilian Oyando, Associate Partner 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.”
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), the initiative forms
part of the Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Women Entrepreneurship
for Africa (IYBA-WE4A) programme.
The collaboration will target women
entrepreneurs in Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
Under the new partnership, up to 20
women entrepreneurs will benefit from SME loan guarantees, and at least 15 will
access concessional loans.
In addition, 100 women-led
businesses will receive tailored technical assistance, particularly those
operating in green sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable
agriculture.
The IYBA-WE4A programme is designed
to enhance business capacities, improve access to financial services, and
create growth opportunities for women entrepreneurs across the region.
By doing so, it seeks to boost
inclusive economic development and support Africa’s transition to a green
economy.
Dr. Christoph Zipfel, Programme
Director at GIZ, emphasized the impact of the partnership:
“Our collaboration with Goodwell is
a crucial step toward unlocking new opportunities for women entrepreneurs in
green sectors.”
Hans Stausball, Acting Director of
the EU’s INTPA Africa Department, added;
“By joining forces with GIZ and
Goodwell, we are ensuring that women across Africa are better positioned to
lead in the green economy.”
The event concluded with a strong
call for continued collaboration and long-term investment in women-led
businesses as a path to sustainable, inclusive development.
