The Future of Entrepreneurship in the Sahel
The Sahel region has long been plagued by economic instability, security concerns, and limited access to resources. The region’s youth face significant barriers to employment and entrepreneurship, exacerbated by the lack of infrastructure, education, and financial services.
In this context, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched the TEF-UNDP Sahel Entrepreneurship Programme, in 2019, to foster economic growth and stability through entrepreneurship.
The Sahel region’s economies are predominantly agrarian, with limited industrial and service sector development. The pervasive insecurity and climate-related challenges, such as desertification and erratic rainfall, further constrain economic opportunities. According to the World Bank, the Sahel’s GDP growth has been hindered by these systemic issues, leading to high levels of poverty and unemployment, particularly among the youth. In this challenging environment, entrepreneurship emerges as a critical pathway to economic empowerment, providing an avenue for job creation, innovation, and sustainable development.
Despite the logistical challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the TEF-UNDP Sahel Entrepreneurship Programme conducted a thorough evaluation and the findings underscore the Programme’s substantial impact on the participants’ economic and personal lives.
One of the standout outcomes of the programme is the significant increase in the proportion of entrepreneurs earning between $101-$150 and those earning above $150, by 40% and 62%, respectively. This shift suggests that the programme successfully elevated the financial status of its participants, helping many transition from zero income to a more stable and sustainable financial footing. This improvement in income levels is crucial in a region where economic opportunities are scarce and underscores the programme’s role in fostering financial independence.
Beyond economic gains, the programme also positively influenced the participants’ quality of life. Approximately 50% of the respondents reported an overall improvement in their quality of life, encompassing personal, household, and community aspects, the broader perception of enhanced quality of life indicates that the programme’s benefits extend beyond material gains.
Looking Ahead:
The TEF-UNDP Sahel Entrepreneurship Programme has demonstrated the transformative potential of targeted entrepreneurial support in fostering economic and social change. As we reflect on these outcomes, it becomes clear that sustained investment in entrepreneurship is vital for the Sahel’s future. The Programme’s success sets a precedent for future initiatives, highlighting the importance of comprehensive support systems, including access to funding, mentorship, and market opportunities.
For a deeper dive into the full impact assessment and to explore the stories of the entrepreneurs who have thrived through this initiative, we invite you to read the full report available on the impact reports page of website. This report not only details the outcomes of the 2019 pilot programme but also offers valuable insights into the broader implications for economic development in the Sahel region.
