Grace Ashiru
Launched May 16 by Benin’s tech hub Sèmè City (with World Bank backing), Next Impact is a new entrepreneurship support scheme aimed at ambitious Beninese aged 18–35. The initiative, part of the PF2E jobs project, offers selected youth entrepreneurs both grant funding and six months of intensive coaching to turn ideas into viable businesses. It focuses on high-impact sectors – e.g. agro-industry, light manufacturing, creative and cultural industries, green economy and digital/deeptech – inviting applicants across these fields.
- Applications: Open now; deadline June 14, 2025 (midnight). Young innovators in Benin with a strong project idea are encouraged to apply through the official portal.
- Grants: Up to CFA30 million per project (for “creation”–stage startups, with 10% co-finance). (An “idéation” track offers smaller grants, up to ~CFA4.2M.)
- Support: A 6-month program of training and personalized coaching. Participants get thematic workshops, one-on-one mentorship and business support services (legal, financial, etc.) alongside their funding.
- Sectors: Primarily agriculture/agro-industry, green and digital economy, tech (deeptech, ICT) and cultural/creative industries. (Also light manufacturing and high-value services.)
Youth entrepreneurship in Benin has been growing, but many ventures still struggle to survive. A recent ILO report notes that finance is a major hurdle – over 60% of young founders rely on personal or family savings to launch their businesses. The COVID-19 downturn further squeezed revenues and tested the resilience of small startups. Next Impact’s blend of grants plus coaching is designed to address these gaps by not only infusing capital but also building skills and networks.
Observers say success will hinge on more than cash alone. The program includes a rigorous selection process (screening applications, interviews, final validation) to pick the most promising projects. But experts note that long-term follow-up – ongoing mentorship, access to markets, and simplified credit – will be crucial if winners are to scale sustainably. In short, picking high-quality candidates and keeping them supported beyond the launch phase will determine whether Next Impact truly boosts Benin’s next generation of startups.
