PEBCO BETHESDA and RENACA-Benin Secure Funding to Advance Women’s Financial Inclusion and Green Economy in Benin

Cotonou, Benin—The Investing in Women’s Entrepreneurship for a Greener Economy in Benin (IIW-Benin) programme funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by AECF, aims to economically empower women entrepreneurs in high-impact climate-positive sectors, including technology innovation, digital technology, small-scale agriculture, production, processing, craftsmanship, and trade. By addressing the barriers that limit their ability to grow their businesses, the program seeks to enhance women’s participation in economic development.

As part of this programme, PEBCO BETHESDA and RENACA-Benin have secured funding and technical support under the Financial Institutions component. This investment will expand women’s access to financial services, strengthen their economic participation, and support the transition to a greener economy, directly benefiting 59,495 people across the country.

Through this support, PEBCO BETHESDA will implement the Financing Women’s Entrepreneurship for a Greener Economy in Benin project, providing financial and non-financial support to 8,288 women and women-led micro and small enterprises. The initiative will help integrate climate-smart techniques and practices into business operations and includes the opening of new branches in northern Benin to improve financial access for women entrepreneurs in the region.

Through their funding, RENACA-Benin will implement the Financing of Women’s Resilient Agricultural Activities project, which will support 1,200 women’s groups and women-led micro and small enterprises through tailored financial and non-financial services. The project focuses on developing climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural activities and establishing a guarantee fund to help women entrepreneurs access additional capital.

Susan Situma, Director of Programmes at the AECF said,

This funding marks a significant milestone in advancing women’s financial inclusion and economic empowerment in Benin. By supporting women entrepreneurs and their businesses, we are fostering a greener, more resilient economy. We extend our gratitude to Global Affairs Canada, the Programme donor, and all stakeholders who contributed to this achievement.

We encourage women entrepreneurs in Benin to reach out to PEBCO BETHESDA and RENACA-Benin to explore financing opportunities.”

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