Strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem by responding to specific national and regional needs
IYBA-SEED in Togo aims to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem by addressing the specific needs of the regions of Tsévié, Atakpamé and Kara, while operating on a national scale (Lomé). Based on an in-depth ecosystem analysis and stakeholder engagement, the project addresses the major challenges identified, such as such as the structuring of Entrepreneurship Support Organisations service offers, collaboration between entrepreneurship players and restricted access to financing.
Although Togo's entrepreneurial ecosystem is still in its activation phase, its potential is immense and can be transformed into an engine for inclusive growth.
To achieve this, IYBA-SEED Togo is working in several areas : capacity building and networking between ecosystem players in all regions, the development of an entrepreneurial culture within Togolese educational structures (universities, training schools) and media as well as the development and dissemination of alternative financing tools (Business Angels, Investment readiness, crowdfunding ...).
IYBA-SEED Togo focuses on 6 key areas:
1. Developing an entrepreneurial culture in the academic world: developing and improving programs to stimulate entrepreneurship among young people and women; encouraging entrepreneurship education in universities and technical institutes.
2. Strengthening the players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem (mainly Entrepreneurship Support Organisations) to provide tailored support for entrepreneurs in the pre-seed and seed phases.
3. Improve financing options for these entrepreneurs through alternative financing solutions (Business Angels, Investment readiness, crowdfunding).
4. Foster better collaboration between entrepreneurship support structures and ecosystem players for effective knowledge sharing and enhanced support.
5. Improve the promotion of entrepreneurial culture in the media (traditional and social networks).
6. Support the setting up of consultation frameworks and the development of local strategies to support entrepreneurship in three communes.
IYBA-SEED activities in Togo
Promoting entrepreneurship through targeted awareness campaigns:
- Strengthening entrepreneurial learning platforms.
- Highlighting successful local entrepreneurs in the media.
- Organization of entrepreneurial events and support for national and regional events.
- Mobilizing networks of influencers to promote entrepreneurship as a career.
Supporting educational initiatives to promote entrepreneurship:
- Development of innovative entrepreneurship training models in universities.
- Training teacher ambassadors to promote entrepreneurship.
- Support for the promotion of entrepreneurial culture in universities through the organization of entrepreneurial events.
Capacity-building for ESOs (Entrepreneurship Support Organizations):
- Selection and diagnostics of ESOs' needs.
- Organizational and technical strengthening of ESOs, including on specific themes (bioenergy, digitalization).
- Promotion of peer-to-peer learning to share experiences.
Implementation of alternative financing tools adapted to (pre)seed entrepreneurs:
- Promotion of alternative financing tools (business angels, investment readiness, crowdfunding, etc.).
Support for improving access to information on entrepreneurship, including on alternative financements.
Development of a concerted strategic framework for entrepreneurship at municipal and national levels:
- Support for the development of a national strategy for entrepreneurship, with a focus on youth and women.
- Implementation of pilot activities arising from communal strategies.
Develop synergies between players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem:
- Support for ADTPME to coordinate support mechanisms.
- Structuring and assessing the RISAT network.
- Update and disseminate the map of ecosystem players.
- Capitalize on pilot initiatives and promote best practices.
- Support to strengthen the participation of young entrepreneurs' and/or women's organizations in public-private dialogue (State-private sector consultation framework).
Building the capacity of Weavers to foster Innovative Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
The report "Building the capacity of Weavers to foster Innovative Entrepreneurial Ecosystems" and its annexes provide an overview of the design and implementation process, as well as tools and training materials developed to identify and support Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Weavers in South Africa.
IYBA toolbox for supporting early-stage African businesses
The IYBA Toolbox presents tried and tested solutions to widen access to finance and business support for early-stage businesses across Africa.
CESAM Report: an in-depth diagnosis of Togo's entrepreneurial ecosystem
The report aims to deepen our understanding of Togo's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
European foundations and their investments in small and growing businesses in emerging markets
A new report by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Sagana, explores how European foundations invest in small and growing businesses in emerging markets and developing economies.
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