The AECF

18/05/2026

As part of the Investing in Women’s Entrepreneurship for a Greener Economy (IFEV) project in Benin, RENACA-Bénin, a microfinance institution and project beneficiary, held a training session on financial literacy and agroecological practices for women clients receiving credit.

Thirty one women participated in the training, which focused on financial management, sustainable farming, and product processing. Three men also joined to support their spouses, highlighting the role of family support in strengthening women-led businesses.

A team from Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada, the project’s funding partner, also participated in the session and provided technical guidance, with their specialists contributing to the training.

IFEV supports the economic empowerment of rural women and promotes sustainable agriculture in Benin.

14/05/2026

“We used not to meet the supply owing to small machines despite the high demand,” says Claris.

Today, Stracom Enterprises in Kilifi is producing close to 1,500kg of briquettes every day, up from just 200kg before funding and advisory support from AECFAfrica's Investing in Women in the Blue Economy, funded by Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada

The company produces eco-friendly briquettes from agricultural waste such as coconut shells and maize cobs, offering a sustainable and affordable alternative to traditional charcoal.

What was once a small waste-to-energy business is now creating jobs for 75 people, most of them women, while helping communities access cleaner energy solutions.

This is more than business growth. It is what happens when local entrepreneurs are given the tools to scale solutions that already work.

Watch how Stracom is turning waste into opportunity in Kilifi.

13/05/2026

AECF held a strategic meeting with Cynthia Eyakuze, Co-Vice President at Equality Fund, and Andia Laura Chakava, Investment Director at Graça Machel Trust, to discuss shared priorities and potential areas of collaboration.

The discussion focused on sustainable financing approaches, support for women-led enterprises and organizations, and opportunities for partnership across investment, grant-making, and enterprise support. AECF also shared insights from its work supporting enterprises and market-led development initiatives across Africa.

The meeting laid the foundation for continued collaboration around inclusive financing and locally led solutions.

07/05/2026

AECF, through our flagship energy program, the Tanzania Clean Cooking Project (TCCP), joined members of the Tanzanian Parliamentary Budget Committee and sector stakeholders in discussions aimed at accelerating access to clean cooking nationwide.

Held in partnership with the Tanzania Renewable Energy Association - TAREA, the engagement focused on policy and fiscal measures that can support sector growth and help Tanzania achieve its target of 80% clean cooking access by 2034.

The discussions reflected the growing collaboration among government, private-sector players, and development partners to advance sustainable cooking solutions in Tanzania.

06/05/2026

Today, The AECF engaged with KCB Group and KCB Foundation to explore opportunities for collaboration in enterprise development and strengthened program delivery.

The discussions focused on support for SMEs, technical assistance, program alignment, and potential areas of partnership across shared development priorities.

The engagement reaffirmed our mutual focus on advancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth, with both teams agreeing to continue discussions towards formalizing areas of collaboration.

30/04/2026

Through The AECF’s IIW-BEK program, is transforming livelihoods by addressing one critical challenge in fish farming: cold storage.

Previously, they sold just 10kg of fish daily, often at throwaway prices, with nearly half of their stock going to waste.

With AECF support for solar-powered deep freezers, they can now store over 100kg at a time, reduce losses, and have grown from 2 to 10 workers, creating more stable and dignified livelihoods, especially for women.

Small solutions. Big impact. Watch for details

Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada

28/04/2026

Tema Traders Limited, a women-led supply chain company in Dar es Salaam, is expanding access to clean cooking across Tanzania since entering the LPG market in 2013 and partnering with Taifa Gas Tanzania.

Through a catalytic grant by AECF in 2023, Tema has improved LPG access for low-income households in rural and peri-urban areas of Dodoma. With this support, the company introduced flexible consumer financing mechanisms via Village Community Banks (VICOBAs), enabling households to acquire LPG starter kits and access refills on credit at approved distribution and refill points.

In three years:

✔️ 25,000 households reached

✔️ 70% accessed LPG through financing

✔️ 1,000 VICOBAs enrolled

✔️ 150 SMEs engaged as last-mile distributors

✔️ 13 youth jobs created

✔️ 2 new rural distribution centers established

A practical model showing how financing and local networks can drive clean energy adoption where it is needed most.

23/04/2026

What if you didn’t have to go to the ocean to make money from fish?

“The sea has its own laws,” says Eunice Karisa. So in Mombasa, she chose a different path, building fish ponds on her own land and rearing tilapia and catfish.

She started unsure, not even certain if it was a proper business. But with time, support, and learning, it has grown into a steady source of income, supplying local markets and creating jobs.

Her story is a reminder to farmers: look at what you already have. Opportunity might be right on your land.

Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada

22/04/2026

22/04/2026

22/04/2026

Access to capital is not just about money. It is about dignity, agency, and the power to build something that outlives you.

In Bal’ad, Somalia, Fuad dreamed of opening a pharmacy to serve his community. Like many in his context, that dream stalled at a familiar barrier: financing.

Then came a $3,000 loan from MicroDahab MFI under the FIG-Somalia Program. That small investment unlocked action. Today, Fuad is not just a business owner. He is an employer. A mentor. A proof point.

Read more>>https://lnkd.in/gJtPkpWq