Call For Applications: I&P Acceleration WE4A Program 2026 for Women Entrepreneurs (Up to €22,000 Funding, &Mentorship)

Women entrepreneurs in Cameroon, Uganda, Senegal, Togo working in green and transition sectors can now apply to the I&P Acceleration WE4A Program. Backed by I&P (Investisseurs & Partenaires), this initiative provides a powerful mix of financing, technical support, debt access, and capacity building to help women-led businesses grow sustainably.

Why This Program Matters

• It addresses a major finance gap: Women-led SMEs in green sectors often struggle to access capital and formal credit.
• It is co-financed by major global institutions: the European Union, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), and GIZ.
• The programme is part of the larger IYBA WE4A initiative, which aims to drive inclusive green growth through women entrepreneurship across Africa.

What You Get / Program Benefits

The I&P WE4A Acceleration Programme is organized into three key tracks:

1. Investment Preparation
   • Business training (e-learning + webinars)
   • Mentorship with investors and coaches
   • Help with financial planning, modeling, and preparing for future capital
2. Access to Debt
   • Loans via a guarantee mechanism (especially in Uganda) — average loan size around €22,000
   • Technical assistance in credit applications, repayment planning and negotiation
3. Access to Capital
   • Repayable financing (interest-free) for high-potential businesses (in some countries)
   • Support to scale sustainably and prepare for further investment

Who Can Apply / Eligibility

• Women-led or co-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda and other target countries: Cameroon, Senegal, Togo)
• Businesses active in green/transition sectors (renewable energy, recycling, waste, sustainable agriculture, etc.)
• Early-growth to growth-stage enterprises with strong potential to scale and formalize

Amount of Support & Impact

• Total programme size: €3.5 million across the four target African countries.
• Portfolio target: ~140 women-led businesses by the end of the programme.
• Grant funding detail: Related WE4A grants plan includes funding of about USD 5,000 per entrepreneur.

Program Timeline

• 2025–2027: Implementation period for the I&P Acceleration WE4A programme.
• Uganda-specific debt track: Partners with Finance Trust Bank to provide pilot loans.
• Application Period: According to Opportunities for Youth, the Uganda track is accepting applications from November 14, 2025, to January 5, 2026.

How to Apply

1. Visit the I&P WE4A programme page for detailed information.
2. Prepare key documents: business plan or pitch, financials, company registration, and a clear case for your impact in green business.
3. Choose which track(s) you want to apply for: Investment Readiness, Debt, or Access to Capital.
4. Submit your application within the window (Nov 14, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026 for Uganda).
5. If selected, you’ll be onboarded into training, mentorship, and financing phases with I&P and partners.

Tips for a Competitive Application

• Emphasize your green impact: Show how your business contributes to sustainability, climate mitigation or adaptation.
• Demonstrate financial readiness: Even for debt, show you understand repayment and business growth.
• Present a clear growth plan: How will your business scale, hire, or formalize?
• Leverage mentorship: Be open to guidance, and clearly articulate how you’ll use it.
• Be authentic: Share your entrepreneurial journey, challenges, and why you’re passionate.