Benin's "Next Impact" Initiative Commences, Offering Up to CFA30 Million in Grants
In the heart of West Africa, Benin is making significant strides in fostering a vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem. One of the key initiatives driving this growth is Next Impact, a programme launched by Sèmè City with the support of the World Bank. This initiative is part of the PF2E jobs project and offers grant funding and six months of intensive coaching to promising startups.
The success of Next Impact, however, lies not just in its launch but in its ability to support startups beyond the initial phase. Maintaining ongoing support is crucial for the programme's success, as highlighted by experts who emphasise the importance of long-term follow-up, including ongoing mentorship, access to markets, and simplified credit, for the sustainable scaling of winning projects.
Next Impact focuses on high-impact sectors such as agriculture/agro-industry, green and digital economy, tech (deeptech, ICT), and cultural/creative industries. For startups selected under the scheme, the long-term support mechanisms likely include continuous incubation and acceleration services through API-An and innovation hubs like Sèmè One in Sèmè City. These hubs offer startups a supportive ecosystem, including workspace, technical support, and access to investors, which are crucial for sustainable growth.
Access to grants and seed funding is another critical component. Programmes such as the Edo Youth Impact Forum (EYIF) provide financial support to promising entrepreneurs following a competitive process. This financial support is often complemented by capacity-building activities such as boot camps, mini-hackathons, and pitch events to keep startups on track.
Moreover, integration into broader development and investment networks via international partnerships and government programs is essential. Benin collaborates with entities like the African Centres of Excellence for Development Impact (ACE Impact), European Union projects, and UNIDO, which focus on innovation, skills training, and sector development. These partnerships provide startups with additional resources, training, and market access opportunities, contributing to long-term viability.
The government's focus on strengthening digital infrastructure, skills training, and platform interoperability also plays a significant role in creating an enabling environment for startups to thrive over time. This focus addresses fundamental challenges startups face and aims to ensure sustainable growth.
Young innovators in Benin with a strong project idea are encouraged to apply through the official portal, with applications currently open and a deadline of June 14, 2025. The Next Impact programme recognises the importance of long-term support, including mentorship, access to markets, and simplified credit, for the sustainable scaling of winning projects. With its comprehensive approach, Next Impact is poised to boost Benin's next generation of startups and contribute to the country's economic growth.
- The Next Impact programme, with its focus on sectors like technology (deeptech, ICT), business, agriculture/agro-industry, education-and-self-development (cultural/creative industries), recognizes the importance of long-term support for sustainable growth, including mentorship, access to markets, and simplified credit.
- Young innovators in Benin, seeking education-and-self-development opportunities, can apply for the Next Impact programme through the official portal, with its comprehensive approach providing continued incubation and acceleration services, financial support, and integration into broader development and investment networks, fostering growth in various business sectors.
