Nigerian women excelling in the green economy have a unique opportunity to secure $200,000 in grant aid, thanks to the Climate Gender Equity Fund (CGEF) established by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in collaboration with Amazon.
She Sustains Accelerator Programme
- Objective: The grant, administered through the CGEF’s “She Sustains Accelerator Programme,” aims to empower climate-focused startups and early-stage green businesses led by women.
- Selection Process: A total of 56 winners will be selected, distributed across three cohorts, with the first two cohorts producing nineteen winners each, and the third cohort contributing an additional 18 winners.
Application Details
- Deadline: Interested entrepreneurs have until March 29th to submit their entries.
- How to Apply: Women-led green businesses can participate in the She Sustains Accelerator Programme by applying through the provided link: CTHSheSustains.
Initiative’s Vision
Ifeoma Malo, founder and CEO of Clean Tech Hub, emphasizes the initiative’s aim to promote gender-responsive climate innovation and empower female entrepreneurs to drive meaningful change while addressing critical environmental challenges in Africa and beyond.
Grant Benefits
- Equity-free Grants: Winners stand to receive grants of up to $200,000 without relinquishing equity.
- Global Network Access: Successful applicants gain access to a global investor network, facilitating long-term entrepreneurship opportunities.
The Green Economy Concept
The term “green economy” refers to an economic model prioritizing sustainability and minimizing environmental impact. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro, alongside energy efficiency measures and green infrastructure, are integral components of this model.
USAID’s Climate Finance Initiatives
- Importance of CGEF: USAID underscores the significance of the Climate Gender Equity Fund in enhancing access to climate finance for gender-responsive initiatives addressing climate change.
- CFDA: The CGEF is a flagship initiative of USAID’s Climate Finance for Development Accelerator (CFDA), a $250 million program aimed at mobilizing $2.5 billion in climate investments by 2030 to support mitigation and adaptation solutions.
Amazon’s Commitment
Amazon’s commitment to investing $50 million in women-led and women-founded climate technology companies aligns with its Climate Pledge Fund’s Female Founder Initiative, contributing to its net-zero carbon goals.
Empowering Women in the Green Economy
This grant opportunity signifies a concerted effort to empower women in the green economy, fostering innovation, sustainability, and resilience in addressing global climate challenges.
