Strengthening and connecting entrepreneurship ecosystems
Our objective ? Improve access for SEED beneficiaries to financial and non-financial Business Development Services (BDS) provided by entrepreneurship ecosystem actors through strengthened and connected entrepreneurship ecosystems (nationally and internationally).
The lack of structure within entrepreneurial ecosystems, along with the disconnect between available support services and the specific needs of entrepreneurs, poses significant challenges to the launch and growth of business ventures. This disconnect is especially pronounced in emerging economies, where entrepreneurs often lack the necessary resources, expertise, and networks to scale their businesses effectively.
Studies have consistently shown that the more organized and cohesive the entrepreneurial environment, the greater the likelihood of business success.
Strong, well-structured ecosystems provide entrepreneurs with essential support in the form of training, mentoring, access to finance, and market insights, which significantly contribute to their ability to overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities. This is why initiatives like the IYBA-SEED program are crucial in addressing these gaps.
The IYBA-SEED program is dedicated to strengthening and interlinking national entrepreneurial organizations, aiming to provide a wide range of Business Development Services (BDS) that are customized to meet the specific needs of beneficiaries, particularly women and young entrepreneurs.
By offering a diverse range of activities tailored to ecosystems, IYBA-SEED helps to ensure that entrepreneurs receive the most relevant support for their project, thereby increasing their chances of success.
IYBA-SEED ensures that these activities are adapted to local ecosystems and the needs of entrepreneurs in different sectors, particularly those with high growth potential (green economy, mobility, digital).
Through this approach, IYBA-SEED plays a pivotal role in strengthening and consolidating connections between key stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. By facilitating collaboration among different actors - such as government agencies, incubators, investors, and capacity-building organizations - the program fosters the creation of tools and frameworks that are essential for the emergence of resilient, innovative businesses in Africa.
By contributing to the construction of more inclusive, efficient and interconnected entrepreneurial ecosystems, IYBA-SEED and its partners enable entrepreneurs to become part of a wider dynamic network offering integrated support throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
Activities implemented or to be launched shortly
- Tailored-made capacity building to improve the service offerings of BDS providers in all countries including a specific programme to foster regional market access and collaborations in the green sector. In Senegal and Togo, we have launched a call for manifestation to support around 20 BDS per country.
- Entrepreneurship ecosystem actors’ cooperation & peer learning (S. Africa, Benin): the Weavers model in South Africa and the CLEE centers in Benin both aim to facilitate better collaboration among ecosystem actors.
- Structuration of ESOs networks and development of tools for a better integration (Kenya, Senegal, Togo).
- Improved financial mechanisms appropriate to SEED beneficiaries (Benin, Kenya, Senegal, Togo).
- Ease access to market through product certifications, tools, adapted financial products, market platforms (Kenya, Benin, Senegal, South Africa).
