The African Development Bank and Invest in Africa have jointly launched the MicroGREEN project to provide livelihood opportunities for marginalized and vulnerable groups in Ghana and Senegal. Titled "Strengthening Women, Youth and People with Disabilities’ Micro Entrepreneurship for Green Jobs in Natural Resources (MicroGREEN)," the project aims to generate up to 500 green job opportunities while offering essential business development services.
Eyerusalem Fasika, Ghana Country Manager for the Bank, emphasized the institution's commitment to addressing climate change and poverty challenges during the launch event. She highlighted the bank's initiatives to foster inclusive development and empower women through access to finance and increasing access to social services. Fasika stressed, "It is our conviction that applying a gender lens to job creation and local economic development can lead to an inclusive transition to a green economy."
Carol Anang, Country Manager for Invest in Africa, Ghana, noted that the project's rollout will serve as a magnet to attract and increase opportunities to improve livelihoods, particularly for vulnerable groups. Anang emphasized the priority of facilitating increased synergy between international organizations and local entities to spur inclusive growth.
Solomon Amponsah, representing Ghana’s Finance Ministry, expressed the government's support for the project's successful implementation. Amponsah stated, "Your commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development is truly inspiring. I am confident that together, we will make a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of marginalized individuals in Ghana and Senegal."
The project will utilize small and medium enterprise development models to enhance employment creation, ensure the sustainability of micro-enterprises, and integrate beneficiaries into economic systems. Invest in Africa will lead the implementation, leveraging its expertise in market access and skills development to drive sustainable business growth and job creation.
Salimata Soumare, Bank Task Manager for MicroGREEN, presented an overview of the project, highlighting its benefits for intermediaries that provide support and financing to entrepreneurs and MSMEs. The event also showcased the African Development Bank's initiative to create 25 million jobs for the youth and support green initiatives through the African Natural Resources Management and Investment Centre.
The launch event brought together government representatives from Ghana and Senegal, program leads from the African Development Bank and Invest in Africa, civil society organization representations, and other social sector partner agencies. The project's goal is to empower marginalized groups and foster inclusive growth in Ghana and Senegal.
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