Objectives of the AfDB MicroGREEN Project

Overall Objective

The MicroGREEN Project aims to promote inclusive, climate-resilient economic growth in Africa by strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating within green and sustainable sectors, with a strong focus on youth, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The project seeks to reduce poverty, create decent green jobs, and enhance environmental sustainability through targeted financial support, capacity building, and market integration.

Specific Objectives

1. Promote Inclusive Green Job Creation

To support the creation and sustainability of green jobs across climate-sensitive and environmentally sustainable sectors such as:

  • Climate-smart agriculture and agro-processing

  • Agroforestry and biodiversity conservation

  • Renewable energy and clean technologies

  • Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture

  • Waste management and recycling enterprises

The project prioritizes employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for women, youth (15–35 years), and persons with disabilities, thereby reducing socio-economic exclusion and unemployment in vulnerable communities.

2. Strengthen MSME Entrepreneurship and Business Capacity

To enhance the technical, managerial, and financial capacity of MSMEs by providing:

  • Entrepreneurship and business development training

  • Financial literacy and grant utilization guidance

  • Climate-smart business models and innovation support

  • Mentorship and advisory services

This objective ensures that beneficiaries can effectively manage grant funds, improve operational efficiency, and build sustainable, growth-oriented enterprises.

3. Improve Access to Finance for Green MSMEs

To reduce financing constraints faced by MSMEs by:

  • Providing micro-grants and catalytic funding for green enterprises

  • Supporting MSMEs to become investment-ready

  • Facilitating linkages with financial institutions, development partners, and impact investors

The project aims to bridge the financing gap for early-stage and underserved green businesses that are often excluded from traditional financial systems.

4. Integrate MSMEs into Green Value Chains and Markets

To enable MSMEs to participate competitively in local, regional, and international green value chains by:

  • Improving product quality and standards compliance

  • Supporting market access, aggregation, and distribution channels

  • Encouraging value addition and local processing

This objective enhances income generation, market resilience, and long-term competitiveness of MSMEs.

5. Address Structural Barriers Affecting Vulnerable Groups

To deliberately reduce gender, youth, and disability-related barriers by:

  • Designing inclusive grant selection criteria

  • Providing tailored support for women- and youth-led enterprises

  • Ensuring accessibility for PWD-owned businesses

  • Promoting equal participation in training, financing, and leadership opportunities

This aligns with AfDB’s High-5 priorities, particularly “Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.”

6. Foster an Enabling Ecosystem for Sustainable MSME Growth

To strengthen the broader entrepreneurial and policy ecosystem by:

  • Collaborating with governments, private sector actors, and development partners

  • Supporting best practices in MSME development and green finance

  • Encouraging policies that promote inclusive, sustainable enterprise growth

This objective ensures that project impact extends beyond direct beneficiaries to the wider MSME ecosystem.

7. Support Climate Action and Sustainable Development Goals

To contribute directly to:

  • Climate change mitigation and adaptation

  • Environmental protection and sustainable resource management

  • Achievement of SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work), 9 (Industry & Innovation), and 13 (Climate Action)

The MicroGREEN Project aligns with AfDB’s climate finance strategy, Africa’s green transition agenda, and continental development frameworks.

Expected Outcomes

  • Increased number of viable green MSMEs

  • Sustainable job creation in green sectors

  • Improved income levels and resilience of beneficiaries

  • Stronger green MSME value chains

  • Enhanced contribution of MSMEs to Africa’s low-carbon and inclusive economy

Scroll to Top