AfDB, Invest in Africa Sign $850,000 Grant Agreement to Create Inclusive Green Jobs in Ghana, Senegal

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed a $850,000 grant agreement with Invest in Africa (IIA), a non-profit organisation, to support the MicroGREEN project, which aims to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for marginalised and vulnerable communities in Ghana and Senegal.

The initiative, officially titled Strengthening Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities’ Micro-Entrepreneurship for Green Jobs in Natural Resources, seeks to create up to 500 green jobs in the agroforestry, fisheries, and biodiversity conservation sectors. It is funded through the Bank’s Fund for African Private Sector Assistance (FAPA), alongside an initial $1 million grant from the Bank’s Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund, supporting the project over two years.

These sectors are recognised for their potential in generating climate-resilient employment and demand a skilled workforce capable of managing ecosystems and implementing green technologies.

Women and young people remain underrepresented in Africa’s sustainable growth industries. Increasing their participation in labour-intensive green sectors could help drive inclusive and resilient economic growth across the continent.

The FAPA grant will finance the Capacity Development and Value Chain Enhancement component of the MicroGREEN project. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in transitional economies such as Ghana and Senegal often face limited access to entrepreneurship training and business development services. These challenges are especially acute for women- and youth-led enterprises and are exacerbated by high service costs and socio-economic and gender-related barriers.

To tackle these issues, the MicroGREEN project will provide high-quality entrepreneurship training, tailored business support, and mentorship programmes for women, young people, and individuals with disabilities in agriculture-based industries. By enhancing skills and integrating micro-enterprises into green value chains, the initiative aims to stimulate local job creation and boost inclusive participation in Africa’s green economy.

Invest in Africa will act as the project’s implementing partner. As a non-profit organisation, IIA supports African SMEs by facilitating market access, enhancing skills, and improving access to finance.

FAPA is a multi-donor trust fund aligned with the African Development Bank’s Private Sector Development Strategy, supporting technical assistance and capacity-building programmes. The Government of Japan is its primary donor. Since its establishment, FAPA has funded over 100 projects in more than 38 African countries, committing more than $80 million to improve business environments, strengthen financial systems, and foster the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. FAPA’s support enables the Bank to take a more proactive role in early-stage project preparation, strengthening the pipeline of viable private sector investments.