CDC Benin has launched IDERA, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the landscape of women’s entrepreneurship in Benin. Introduced on October 16, 2025, IDERA is designed to identify, support, and finance high-impact projects led by Beninese women, with a focus on those capable of driving structural change in the national economy. More than a funding program, IDERA represents a strategic commitment to gender equality, inclusive growth, and sustainable development, positioning women as central actors in Benin’s economic future.
Women make up 51.2% of Benin’s population and contribute nearly 59.7% to the national economy, yet they remain heavily concentrated in the informal sector. While 80% of micro-enterprises are owned by women, only 15% of small and medium-sized enterprises and a mere 5% of large companies are led by them. This disparity underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve women’s access to financing, technical support, and business development resources. IDERA directly addresses these gaps by offering medium- and long-term financial tools, capacity-building programs, and tailored support to help women scale their ventures and formalize their operations.
Built on the pillars of inclusion, integration, and innovation, IDERA goes beyond traditional investment schemes. It provides structured guidance for project development, technical assistance to enhance organizational capabilities, and access to financial instruments that are often inaccessible to women entrepreneurs. The initiative aligns with Benin’s Government Action Plan and contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5, which promotes gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
As CDC Benin opens the call for project proposals, IDERA is expected to catalyze a new wave of female-led enterprises across diverse sectors. By empowering women to lead transformative businesses, the program aims to create durable employment, strengthen local economies, and foster a more inclusive and resilient national development model. IDERA not only reflects CDC Benin’s commitment to inclusive finance but also sets a powerful precedent for gender-focused economic policy in the region. Its success could inspire similar initiatives across Africa, reinforcing the idea that investing in women is investing in the future.