The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced more than $85 million in funding and financing for projects in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and the region. These initiatives will support women’s economic empowerment, economic growth, education and security.

Project: Bénin numérique: entrepreneuriat féminin en agroalimentaire et tourisme
Partner: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Funding: $5 million (2026 to 2029)

This project will help women entrepreneurs in the agri-food and tourism sectors in Benin grow their businesses through improved access to digital tools, markets and financing. It will strengthen women’s participation in the digital economy and support inclusive economic growth.

Project: FLAMBEAU – Femmes Leaders Mobilisées pour l’Égalité et l’Autonomisation
Partner: Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie (FPGL)
Funding: $4 million (2026 to 2031)

This project will strengthen the leadership and empowerment of women and girls in Benin. It will support women’s rights organizations and help advance gender equality through stronger advocacy, partnerships and community action.

Project: Sustainable Local Sourcing Models for School Meals in Benin
Partner: ECLOSIO
Funding: $992,700 (2024 to 2028) through Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

This project will develop and test sustainable, locally sourced school meal models in Benin. It aims to improve student nutrition, support local farmers and strengthen food systems while increasing opportunities for women and marginalized groups.

Project: Women and Clean Energy in West Africa (WOCEWA)
Partner: ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Funding: $1.5 million (2023 to 2027) through IDRC

This project will help reduce gender gaps in the energy sector by increasing women’s access to training, employment, financing and business opportunities in clean energy. It supports regional efforts across West Africa to achieve greater gender equality in the energy sector.

Project: Contribution to Reducing Armed Violence in the Sahel and West Africa
Partner: Mines Advisory Group (MAG)
Funding: $2 million (2026 to 2027)

This project will provide explosive ordnance risk education and strengthen arms and ammunition management in vulnerable border areas. It will help improve community safety and strengthen regional security cooperation.

Project: Support to the Integrated Border Stability Mechanism in West Africa
Partner: United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)
Funding: $500,000 (2026 to 2028)

This project will strengthen border governance and security by improving coordination and information sharing among regional and international partners working in West Africa.

Project: Disrupting Criminal and Terrorist Financing Networks in West Africa (I-TRACE)
Partner: INTERPOL
Funding: $3 million (2026 to 2029)

This project will strengthen international police cooperation to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. It will support regional efforts to disrupt criminal and terrorist networks operating in West Africa.

Project: Financing for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Côte d’Ivoire
Partner: NSIA Banque Côte d’Ivoire
Funding: Approximately $65 million (€40 million) loan through FinDev Canada

This financing will increase access to financial services for small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly women-owned and women-led businesses. The investment will help support economic growth and job creation in Côte d’Ivoire.

Project: Inclusive Bonds to Harness Informal Sector Contributions in Africa
Partner: FINAFRIQUE SAS
Funding: $899,600 (2023 to 2027) through IDRC

This project will develop and test an innovative financing mechanism to improve access to capital for very small businesses and informal sector entrepreneurs, particularly women. It will help strengthen financial inclusion and support local economic growth.

Project: Resilience and Food Diversification in Côte d’Ivoire
Partner: Centre ivoirien de recherches économiques et sociales
Funding: $986,400 (2025 to 2028) through IDRC

This project will help strengthen Côte d’Ivoire’s school feeding system by increasing the supply of nutritious, locally produced food. It will support women farmers, improve student nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

Project: International Academy for Counter-Terrorism
Partner: Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic
Funding: $1.5 million (2026 to 2028)

This project will support efforts to prevent and respond to terrorism and violent extremism in West Africa. It will strengthen cooperation, training, and information sharing among regional security partners.