The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed an $850,000 grant agreement with non-profit Invest in Africa (IIA) to support the MicroGREEN project, aimed at creating livelihood opportunities for women, youth, and people with disabilities in Ghana and Senegal.
Formally titled Strengthening Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities’ Micro-Entrepreneurship for Green Jobs in Natural Resources, the initiative will focus on agroforestry, fisheries, and biodiversity conservation, sectors with high potential for climate-resilient employment. It targets the creation of up to 500 green jobs over two years.
The grant, provided through AfDB’s Fund for African Private Sector Assistance (FAPA), complements an earlier $1 million commitment from the Bank’s Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
Despite their potential, Africa’s sustainable growth sectors remain underrepresented by women and youth. The MicroGREEN project will deliver high-quality entrepreneurship training, tailored business development services, and mentorship to help marginalized groups integrate into green value chains.
Many SMEs in fragile economies face high costs, limited training access, and systemic socio-economic barriers. By strengthening capacities and linking microenterprises to sustainable markets, AfDB and IIA aim to promote inclusive participation in Africa’s green economy.
IIA will implement the project, leveraging its track record in market access facilitation, skills development, and SME financing support.
FAPA, with the Government of Japan as its primary donor, has committed over $80 million to more than 100 projects in 38 African countries since inception, supporting technical assistance and private sector capacity building.
