Multilateral finance institution the African Development Bank (AfDB) and business and investment platform Invest in Africa have launched the Strengthening Women, Youth and People with Disabilities Micro Entrepreneurship for Green Jobs in Natural Resources (MicroGREEN) project in Ghana and Senegal, aiming to generate up to 500 green job opportunities while providing essential business development services. The project aims to empower marginalized groups by providing entrepreneurial support.
Supported by a $1 million grant from the AfDB’s Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund, the project will offer entrepreneurship training and business skills to 1,000 youth aged 15-35, with a focus on empowering women (60% target distribution), persons with disabilities (10%) and other youth (30%) in both Ghana and Senegal.
“Our priority is to facilitate increased synergy between large international organizations and local entities to work together to spur inclusive growth,” said Country Manager for Invest in Africa Carol Anang, adding that the project will enhance skills for employability.
The project offers various benefits for intermediaries supporting entrepreneurs and MSMEs, including mentoring programs, training sessions, project development assistance and advisory services. Invest in Africa will lead the implementation, utilizing value chain-based SME development models to create employment opportunities and integrate beneficiaries into economic systems.
The AfDB is also developing a tool to monitor green employment within its project portfolio, focusing on climate action, environment, circular economy and biodiversity activities.