Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Africa 2025

Highlights

About the Program

Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Africa 2025 is Phase Two of an initiative to strengthen climate innovation across Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania.

In 2024, Village Capital, in partnership with Norway, through Norad – the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, supported 14 Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) through training and capacity building.

This year, Reach for Change Ghana is continuing the mission as one of five ESOs to co-deliver a tailored investment-readiness program, supporting 100 sustainability-focused startups in Ghana.

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Problem

Over the past decade, Ghana has made significant progress in economic development, with its GDP rising from USD 41.3 billion in 2012 to USD 76.4 billion in 2023. However, future growth is threatened by vulnerability to climate change, with temperatures increasing by about 1°C and more than a 13% rise in very hot days (above 35°C). This affects critical sectors such as:

Food Security: Reduced crop yields for staples like maize.
Blue Economy: Disruption of coastal ecosystems due to rising ocean temperatures.
Energy Sustainability: Decreased water availability affecting renewable energy.

These challenges threaten the livelihoods of many Ghanaians, with over 1 million at risk of falling below the international poverty line of USD 2.15 per day by 2050.

Despite these issues, Ghana has the potential to lead in sustainable solutions. Entrepreneurs face barriers like limited financing and mentorship, as banks view green technology and climate solutions as risky investments. There is an urgent need for a structured program that provides startups with support and fosters cross-sector collaboration to address the country's sustainability challenges.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for startups in the following areas:

Blue Economy

Fisheries and aquaculture, marine biotechnology, marine conservation, eco-tourism, and marine litter management.

Climate Adaptation

Early warning systems, risk mapping and analysis technologies, meteorological data technologies, carbon capture and storage, green infrastructure, and water management technologies.

Food Security

Precision agriculture, enhanced irrigation technologies, supply chain management, transportation and logistics, and cold-chain technologies.

Renewable Energy

Microgrid technologies, clean cooking solutions, hydro, solar, geothermal, and wind, energy management software, and energy payment platforms.

Who are we looking for?

Eligibility Criteria

• The solution must align with one or more thematic areas: Blue Economy, Climate Adaptation, Renewable Energy, or Food Security.
• The business must be a for-profit entity that is legally incorporated in Ghana.
• There should be a full-time founder based in Ghana.
• The business must have a minimum viable product (MVP), show some traction, and have been operational for at least one year, with less than $1 million raised in equity.
• There must be demonstrated potential for growth and scalability.

Benefits

Advice

Participate in a virtual investor forum and mock board meetings with representatives from financial institutions, corporations, experienced entrepreneurs, and investors who can help startups scale their solutions.

Continued Learning

Access to live and asynchronous sessions tailored to a virtual learning environment to help their companies identify early milestones and prepare for their next round of capital (if relevant) or significant expansion.

Financial Analysis

Access to an investment analyst who will coach startups 1:1 on building a financial model, identifying unit economics, and using financial metrics to drive both business and investor diligence.

Media Exposure

Exposure to Village Capital’s program website and other communications collateral.

Mentorship

Ability to meet with and receive mentorship from prominent investors, potential strategic partners, customers, and other founders.

Networking

Access to a network of mentors and funders.

Funding

Four startups win USD 25,000 each in Grant funding to support their businesses.

Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the program?
The program is designed to help startups identify early milestones and prepare for their next round of capital or expansion plans (if relevant). In short, through virtual workshops, we deliver a targeted, award-winning curriculum and provide countless connections to prepare startups for growth.
Are we required to travel?
No. This program is completely virtual. We require that one founder/C-suite member participate in all activities of each workshop. Additional team members are welcome to join the workshops.
Do you take equity for participating in the program?
No. If financial considerations prevent you from participating, please discuss this with us, and we will review it on a case-by-case basis.