Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) Support Program. The International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) is launching a call for applications to select 50 eco-entrepreneurs and green innovators from West Africa, as part of the implementation of its projects 15 « Francophone Innovations and Advocacy » and 18 « Supporting Structural Transformations in the Environment and Climate. » The winners will receive technical and financial support, as well as guidance in scaling up their entrepreneurial initiatives, during a session to be held this year in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Objectives
The main objective is to support 50 eco-entrepreneurs and green innovators from West Africa in implementing and scaling up their ecological projects that generate jobs and income, with a particular focus on solutions tailored to the region’s environmental challenges.
Specifically, this involves:
- Strengthening the technical capacity of ecological project leaders in priority areas such as sustainable agriculture, waste management, renewable energy, and the circular economy.
- Facilitating access to green financing mechanisms available in West Africa and developing resource mobilization strategies adapted to the regional and local contexts.
- Stimulating regional networking of eco-entrepreneurs to foster the exchange of experiences, cross-border collaborations, and business relationships.
Candidate Profile:
Candidates must:
- Be an entrepreneur or eco-innovative project leader residing in a West African country.
- Be between 21 and 35 years old.
- Have an active business or an innovative project in the fields of the environment, sustainable development, or the green economy.
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the region’s environmental issues.
Selection Criteria:
- Relevance of the project to West Africa’s environmental challenges.
- Potential for social, environmental, and economic impact in the national context.
- Technical feasibility and financial viability suited to the West African market.
- Capacity for innovation and adaptation to local constraints.
- Potential for green job creation and sustained income generation.
- Possibility of replicating the project in other countries in the region.
Selection Process:
- Receipt and pre-selection of applications.
- Online interview with an evaluation committee.
- Final selection of the 50 winners.
- Intensive training.
- Support for scaling up and securing sustainable financing.
Participation requirements:
- Submit a complete application.
- Present a business plan adapted to the regional context.
- Commit to participating in the entire training.
- Demonstrate your ability to implement the project in your country.
Application package:
- Complete personal and professional information.
- Detailed description of the project (local context, objectives, expected impact).
- One-year development plan.
- Letters of support from local partners (optional).
- OIF support:
- Technical and financial support.
- Teaching materials will be provided.
Additional Information:
- Mr. Yves Nassouri, Coordinator of the « Francophone Innovations and Advocacy » Project
- Ms. Lionelle Ngo Samnick, Coordinator of the « Supporting Structural Transformations in Environmental and Climate Change » Project
- Email: [email protected]
- Focal Point at the OIF Representation for West Africa (REPAO): Agossou Honfo
For More Information:
