The African Development Bank and Invest in Africa are investing in people-powered climate solutions—creating green jobs that protect ecosystems and strengthen local economies.
The African Development Bank has signed an $850,000 grant agreement with non-profit organization Invest in Africa (IIA) to launch the MicroGREEN project in Ghana and Senegal. The initiative will expand opportunities for women, youth, and people with disabilities, helping them build livelihoods that contribute directly to climate resilience.
Climate action through job creation
Funded by the Bank’s Fund for African Private Sector Assistance (FAPA), MicroGREEN is expected to generate up to 500 green jobs in the next two years. The focus is on climate-critical sectors: agroforestry, fisheries, and biodiversity conservation. These are not only vital to reducing environmental degradation but also central to sustaining food security and community well-being.
The project is backed by an additional $1 million commitment from the Bank’s Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund, underscoring the urgency of equipping Africa’s workforce with the skills to adapt to a warming planet.
Putting women and youth at the center of climate resilience
Africa’s green transition will not succeed without women and youth—yet they remain underrepresented in renewable energy, conservation, and other climate-driven industries. In Ghana and Senegal, entrepreneurs face steep barriers such as limited training, costly business services, and restricted access to finance.
The MicroGREEN project directly tackles these challenges. By delivering entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and tailored business support, it ensures that marginalized groups are not left behind but instead become key players in the fight against climate change.
From micro-enterprises to ecosystem impact
The approach goes beyond business growth. By integrating small enterprises into green value chains, MicroGREEN helps safeguard forests, protect marine resources, and promote biodiversity. Every new job created contributes to both economic inclusion and environmental protection.
Invest in Africa, the project’s implementing partner, will guide entrepreneurs to access markets, scale their operations, and adopt sustainable practices that align with global climate goals.
Why this matters for climate change
Ghana and Senegal are among the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change—rising sea levels, deforestation, and declining fisheries threaten millions of livelihoods. Investing in climate-smart jobs provides a pathway for communities to adapt, build resilience, and thrive in a changing environment.
This grant is more than financial support—it is a vote of confidence in African-led climate solutions. By empowering women, youth, and people with disabilities, the initiative proves that inclusive climate action can fuel both economic growth and environmental stewardship.
