Zidicircle and SNV (Netherlands Development Organization) have launched a match-making programme between the Diaspora/international entrepreneurs and Ghana’s green startups & SMEs. The program aims at bringing the opportunities of Ghana’s green sector economy to the diaspora and international partners.

Since 2019, SNV in Ghana has been implementing the Boosting Green Employment and Enterprise Opportunities in Ghana (GrEEn) project, a four-year action from the European Union, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). The project aims at creating greater economic and employment opportunities for youth, women and returning migrants by promoting and supporting sustainable, green businesses in two selected regions in Ghana: the Ashanti and Western regions.

Under the GrEEn Projects Incubation and Acceleration Programs, green businesses and start-ups who are at early stages of development are being supported to make better use of natural resources, be energy efficient, properly manage waste and pollution, among others, and operate profitable business ventures in the two regions.

According to SNV Ghana’s Senior Incubation and Acceleration Advisor on the GrEEn Project, Genevieve Parker-Twum, “the benefits of networking cannot be overemphasized in doing businesses. The circular economy is a fairly nascent sector in Ghana, and so for GrEEn’s SMEs connecting with other entrepreneurs, especially in the diaspora, will be an invaluable channel for learning, exchange of ideas and opportunities for growth”.

Zidicircle has been supporting diaspora and diverse founders to launch businesses in the Netherlands, internationally or in their African country of origin through mentorship, training bootcamps, access to funding and partnerships, “I believe the diaspora really wants to tap into the growth potential of their countries of origin, but they have no infrastructure to give them a soft landing. This matchmaking program brings them in direct contact with the early-stage green sector players, who know the customer needs and market dynamics. On the other hand, the Ghana SMEs are looking for internationalization of their businesses and I believe the diaspora brings a wealth of experience and innovative solutions, thus making good candidates as business partners, team members, mentors, global markets entry focal points or investors”, says Fridah Ntarangwi, Managing Partner of Zidicircle.  

It is a great opportunity for the diaspora looking into setting up businesses in Ghana, or international partners and investors looking at green opportunities in Ghana. Toon Buddingh’, Zidicircle’s Programmes Director, believes that the great thing in matching diaspora to local entrepreneurs is completing knowledge and qualities; Diaspora get local market info and local entrepreneurs get export channels and sometimes financing.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines a green economy, business or job as one that contributes to protecting and restoring the natural environment, and reduces the harm caused to it. It is also productive, fair, and secure. In the context of the GrEEn project, green businesses may include one or all of the following aspects:

• Efficient use of resources, e.g. energy, water
• Protection of natural resources, e.g. soil, water, forests and biodiversity
• Reduction of waste and losses (especially in relation to food crops) along the value chains: e.g. through solar drying and solar cooling facilities
• Promoting the circular economy, e.g. re-use, upcycling and recycling
• Reduction of carbon emissions
• Resilience against climate change, e.g. conservation agriculture and climate-smart agriculture
• Reduction of waste and pollution

Diaspora or International applicants should have interests or experience in the following sectors;

• Agriculture, including climate smart agriculture, agri-businesses and agro-processing.
• Energy, including clean cooking, solar systems and energy efficiency.
• WASH, including waste management, water purification, recycling, production of cleaning and sanitary products.

Zidicircle is an Amsterdam based incubator supporting diaspora entrepreneurs & small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa, by facilitating business training, incubation, mentorship, funding and B2B partnerships. Some of Zidi’s programs include the Semi-annual Diaspora Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, Zidi diaspora/African SME’s match-making, East Africa International Entrepreneurship Bootcamp and the Zidi Diaspora Fund that is actively raising and investing in Diaspora and SMEs in Africa.  Zidi has been recognized by the European Union’s Emen Project as one of the best migrant-led initiatives that promote inclusive entrepreneurship. So far, Zidi has supported diaspora startups and SME’s from the EU, US and Japan who originate from more than 25 African Countries. Zidi has diaspora regional hubs in Amsterdam, Nairobi & Accra.

SNV Netherlands Development Organisation is a not-for-profit international development organisation that makes a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty by helping them raise incomes and access basic services. We focus on only three sectors and have a long-term, local presence in over 25 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Its team of more than 1,300 staff is the backbone of SNV.

SNV has been present in Ghana since 1992 and operates from its national office in Accra with project offices in the Western, Ashanti, and Northern regions.

To be considered for the match making programme simply sign up here

Any comments or correspondent please email info@zidicircle.com