Boosting entrepreneurship in the Sahel: lessons learned from I&P Accélération au Sahel program

Launched in 2019, I&P Accélération au Sahel is a pioneering acceleration program that aims to strengthen very small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in West and Central Africa through financial and strategic support. Led by I&P and financed by the European Union's Emergency Trust Fund, it relies on a network of partners to provide local support. Five years after its launch, I&P is proud to present the lessons learned from this flagship program, which financed and supported 100 entrepreneurs in 12 different countries.

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Key points

Proven efficiency

Between their entry into the program and the end of 2023, the 100 companies financed and supported achieved average sales growth of 89%, and created and maintained 4,360 jobs. They have raised a cumulative total of €13.9 million. These results are all the more significant in that they were achieved against an uncertain economic and political backdrop.

Since the launch of the program, 225 technical assistance missions have been deployed, mainly in the fields of accounting, marketing and operations. These interventions have led to an improvement in internal structuring, an increase in team skills, and a better definition of sales strategy. An analysis of a sample of projects reveals positive results, with an average objective achievement rate of 71% and a satisfaction rating of 7/10 from the companies financed.  

The program has also reinforced 22 Structures d'Appui à l'Entrepreneuriat (SAE), improving their ability to structure and finance local TPMEs. All participants found the training content relevant, and 93% now feel able to train their own cohorts, reducing their dependence on external resources. For 87% of SAEs, progress has been significant, particularly in terms of formalizing and accounting for the SMEs they support. However, results in terms of fund-raising remain more moderate, due to a lack of concrete opportunities in certain regions.

A distinctive model compared to other programs  

Compared with conventional acceleration programs, I&P Accélération au Sahel stands out for its individualized approach. Where other programs focus on cohorts of entrepreneurs, this one favors tailor-made support lasting from 2 to 3 years post-financing, favoring more in-depth follow-up.  

Another major specificity is the use of repayable advances, an innovative hybrid instrument halfway between subsidy and credit. This interest-free, collateral-free loan represents a real additionality. It opens up access to financing for small and medium-sized businesses, which are often excluded from traditional financing channels, while limiting their indebtedness. This model does, however, present risks in the event of default, but remains more inclusive than bank financing. 

Moreover, the program benefits from strong local roots, thanks to the mobilization of I&P's partner funds, which are in a position to support entrepreneurs on a day-to-day basis. Entrepreneurs, who often face operational and financial challenges in isolation, benefit from local support tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

To conclude 

As the I&P Acceleration program in the Sahel draws to an end, its results demonstrate the relevance of a tailor-made support model - with several areas for improvement identified in the report. By drawing on the lessons learned from these first few years, and by strengthening certain mechanisms, acceleration programs can continue to play a key role in the development of SMEs in Africa, contributing to the sustainable transformation of local economies. 

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Find out more :  

Program sponsor: the European Union:​

The I&P Acceleration in the Sahel program is funded by the European Union, and more specifically by its Emergency Trust Fund for Africa.

The EUTF was established in 2015 to develop a comprehensive approach to stability, security and resilience and to prevent irregular migration and forced displacement. EU institutions, EU Member States and other donors have so far allocated €4.6 billion to the Africa Emergency Trust Fund. With actions combining economic and social development cooperation, humanitarian aid and crisis response programmes, the EUSTF uses an integrated security-development approach, offering a comprehensive and integrated response to the needs of the people of the Sahel and Lake Chad countries. More about the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa

Implementing partners :  

The program is coordinated by I&P Entrepreneurs et Développement, a non-profit organization  launched and managed by I&P, which aims to encourage and support entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa.

I&P Acceleration in Sahel is deployed locally by I&P teams specialized in financing, coaching, education and training as well as by I&P's sponsored management companies, partners, and capital investment funds dedicated to high-potential, local, small and medium-sized companies (SMEs): Sinergi in Niger, Sinergi Burkina in Burkina Faso, Teranga Capital in Senegal, Comoé Capital in Côte d’Ivoire and Zira Capital in Mali.

Some portfolio companies on video: 

• SetTic : Soutenir la gestion des déchets au Sénégal 
• Sutura (2AD) : Produire et commercialiser des serviettes hygiéniques réutilisables au Mali 
• Paroles d’entrepreneurs : Moïse Ouédraogo, Jo’Fé Digital au Burkina Faso