Deadline: 19-Nov-2025
The Training and Professional Integration in a Greener and Circular Economy Project, known as “Umwuga ni Akazi – UA”, seeks to promote sustainable economic growth and job creation for young people and women across Burundi.
The initiative focuses on fostering decent employment through self-employment, entrepreneurship, and wage opportunities. Its approach is built around three main pillars: entrepreneurship, intermediation, and vocational training.
The primary goal of this call for proposals is to contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic development by strengthening women’s entrepreneurship in the former provinces of Cibitoke, Bubanza, Kirundo, Ngozi, and Bujumbura. The project specifically targets the structuring and scaling up of women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those operating in green and growth sectors. By doing so, it aims to stimulate job creation and ensure sustainable livelihoods.
At the end of the program, several outcomes are expected. The first is the improvement of MSME management and structure, enabling women entrepreneurs to strengthen financial and operational control, build sustainable businesses, and increase decision-making autonomy. The second outcome focuses on enhancing access to finance and markets, allowing beneficiaries to secure investments, improve economic resilience, and expand their business opportunities. Another major result is the empowerment of women’s leadership through greater integration into entrepreneurial networks and communities, promoting collaboration, visibility, and shared learning.
The project will also provide targeted support for high-potential entrepreneurs, referred to as “champions,” who can generate additional employment and act as models for local success. Finally, the initiative emphasizes knowledge-sharing and learning dissemination to inform future programs and strengthen the overall entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The total budget available for this call for proposals is EUR 210,000, with grants ranging between EUR 180,000 and EUR 210,000. Eligible applicants must be legal entities such as non-governmental organizations, private non-profit organizations, or foundations with at least five years of experience in supporting entrepreneurship, particularly women-led enterprises in Africa. They must also demonstrate a solid understanding of the Great Lakes entrepreneurial ecosystem and experience managing grant funds, facilitating market access, and engaging financial partners for MSME financing.
Applicants must also meet legal and ethical eligibility requirements, including proof of good standing, compliance with tax and social obligations, and absence of criminal or financial misconduct.
This call represents a key opportunity for qualified organizations to empower women entrepreneurs, strengthen local economies, and advance the transition toward a greener, more circular, and inclusive economy in Burundi.
For more information, visit Enable.
