In early March 2026, we launched the call for applications for the FINANC’ELLES programme, developed in partnership with MicroSave Consulting (MSC), to support a core group of financial institutions, banks, microfinance institutions (MFIs) and fintechs in improving their products, business practices and offering strategies for women entrepreneurs and women-owned / women-led MSMEs).
Phase 1 of the FINANC’ELLES programme: training for finance actors in Senegal
In April 2026, a week-long training session for stakeholders was organised to:
• Build participants’ capacity to view the women-owned MSME segment as a strategic opportunity for their institution, by challenging the biases and risk perceptions that hinder their access to finance.
• Equip teams to design, adapt and improve inclusive, gender-sensitive financial products and services, drawing on recognised methodologies (Human-Centred Design, Mix 8Ps, 2X Challenge / IFC criteria).
• Initiate a process of institutional transformation, by fostering the emergence of concrete ideas for projects to be developed and by creating an initial network between financial institutions sharing this commitment.
The benefits of this training
At the end of these sessions, led by consultant Diattou Coulibaly (MSC), in coordination with the MSC and Expertise France teams, participating institutions were able to acquire:
• A better understanding of gender issues in the financing of women-led MSMEs in Senegal.
• Operational tools for portfolio segmentation, product design and customer relationship management.
• Knowledge of risk mitigation mechanisms and alternative collateral suitable for women entrepreneurs.
• Concrete steps to engage their institution in Phase 2 of the programme (tailored technical assistance).
FINANC’ELLES helps to create a community of stakeholders who share the conviction that finance for women entrepreneurs is a powerful lever for transforming the financial sector.
The training programme (Phase 1)
DAY 1 - TOP MANAGEMENT TRAINING
Theme: Gender Finance: A strategic lever for growth for financial institutions and fintechs
DAYS 2 & 3 - MIDDLE MANAGEMENT TRAINING
Day 2 - Structuring products dedicated to women-led MSMEs
Day 3 - Distribution, services and commercial performance for women-led MSMEs
Phase 2 of the programme will offer personalised support to a select group of finance stakeholders, who will be chosen through a call for proposals. Watch this space!
THE LIVING TAPESTRY: a new animated short film celebrates the Women shaping Africa's entrepreneurial future
Triggerfish Animation Studio, Goon Valley Animation Studio, and the European Union’s Team Europe Initiative – Investing in Young Businesses in Africa #TEIIYBA, are proud to announce the forthcoming release of The Living Tapestry, a pan-African animated short film with a social mission. The f...KENYA - Biashara Pawa Awards celebrate women and youth entrepreneurs transforming underrepresented sectors
Celebrate entrepreneurial excellence, community impact, innovation, and leadership After months of dialogue, mentorship, networking, and learning, the Biashara Pawa Awards provided an opportunity to recognise the women and youth entrepreneurs who are redefining what is possible in sectors wher...Demo Days 2026: from capacity building to market readiness for green industries in Africa
From strengthening ESOs to preparing African green businesses for regional expansion Across Africa, green startups and SMEs are developing innovative solutions in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, water, clean technologies and other emerging green sectors.Benin-Togo Exchange Visit: Strengthening Regional Entrepreneurship Cooperation
From May 18 to 22, 2026, the IYBA-SEED Benin and IYBA-SEED Togo teams invited a delegation of actors from Benin's entrepreneurial ecosystem to take part in an exchange visit between Kara and Lomé, Togo.
