The African Development Bank has signed an $850,000 grant agreement with Invest in Africa to implement the MicroGREEN project, an initiative designed to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for women, youth, and people with disabilities in Ghana and Senegal.
The project, officially titled *Strengthening Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities’ Micro-Entrepreneurship for Green Jobs in Natural Resources*, aims to generate up to 500 green jobs over two years. It will focus on employment opportunities in agroforestry, fisheries, and biodiversity conservation, sectors considered critical for climate resilience and sustainable growth.
Funding for the initiative comes through the Bank’s Fund for African Private Sector Assistance (FAPA), complemented by an earlier \$1 million commitment from its Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund. The grant will finance the Capacity Development and Value Chain Enhancement component of the MicroGREEN project, with Invest in Africa serving as the implementing partner.
The project addresses a key challenge in many African economies: women and youth remain underrepresented in green industries despite their strong potential for employment creation. Limited access to entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and business development services continues to constrain small and medium enterprises in fragile and transitional economies such as Ghana and Senegal. High service costs and socio-economic barriers further restrict women- and youth-led businesses.
To bridge this gap, MicroGREEN will deliver targeted entrepreneurship training, tailored support services, and mentorship programs. By integrating microenterprises into green value chains, the project seeks to stimulate local job creation while promoting inclusive participation in Africa’s green economy.
Since its establishment, FAPA has committed more than $80 million to over 100 projects in 38 African countries, helping to improve business environments, expand access to finance, and strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises. The MicroGREEN initiative adds to these efforts by aligning private sector growth with climate-resilient development.
