The African Development Bank has announced the applications for Transitioning Women Entrepreneurs from the Informal to the Formal Economy.

The African Development Bank (The Bank) plays a catalytic role in accelerating efforts to address gender inequality and drive inclusive economic transformation for women across Africa through mainstreaming gender in its operations and implementing targeted initiatives dedicated to African women. To further push forward the agenda of gender equality and women’s empowerment across the continent, the Bank is also investing in targeted initiatives through specific projects specifically designed to impact women such as the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA), a flagship initiative that specifically focuses on increasing inclusive finance for women entrepreneurs on the continent.

Transitioning Women Entrepreneurs From the Informal to the Formal Economy

Objectives

Submitted proposals will:

Demonstrate innovative approaches to build a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurship aimed at shifting from the informal to the formal economy;

Develop innovative ways to disseminate advisory services adressing issues that inhibit women entrepreneurs in the informal economy from formalising their activities (business registration, , policy advocacy, market chains and linkages, contracts and account opening etc…).

Innovative financial mechanisms and programs to help financial institutions including fintechs in bringing women from the informal sector to use financial services and in the process help them transition from the informal to the formal economy.

Themes

Through the proposed interventions, the projects must demonstrate increased experience in helping women entrepreneurs move from marginal income generation to profitable businesses. The Bank seeks proposals that demonstrate the following themes:

  • Track record in supporting informal women entrepreneurs vulnerability ;
  • Innovative and strong development impact to transition women entrepreneurs from the informal to the formal sector;
  • Mobilization of additional funding and sustainability in the proposed intervention;
  • Partnership with both public and private sectors;
  • Additionality and value for money;
  • Long term plan and sustainability;
  • Ability to negotiate and advocate for an enabling environment through policy change that address the challenges of transitioning from the informal to formal sector with a gender lense.

Funding Information

The minimum threshold for requesting funding from this call for proposal is $150,000 and the maximum threshold is $250,000

Geographical Scope

While all countries will be considered, preference will be given to proposals implemented in the following countries: Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republique of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, South Africa,Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Cote d’Ivoire, Angola, Tunisia, Malawi, Guinea, Togo to align with the ongoing AFAWA Guarantee for Growth Program pipeline.

Funding Principles and Criteria

The project duration should not exceed 2 (two) years;

  • Proposal should strive to wherever possible align with national or regional priorities on financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs and SME growth;
  • Recipients and project sponsors should be Africa-based or provide evidence of partnership with African entities and show that the proposed activities, operations and projects will be implemented in Africa.
  • While not an eligibility requirement, particular attention will be paid to potential projects which benefit two or more countries and regions as this will strengthen regional integration and maximize the impact of resources. Due account will also be taken of the economic and social development plans of regional member countries;
  • Applicants must be legally constituted institutions that have been in existence for at least three years.

Method of Application

For more information, visit https://www.afdb.org/en/documents/call-proposals-transitioning-women-entrepreneurs-informal-formal-economy

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