Backgrounder: Project announcements made by Minister Anand during travels to Benin and Côte D’Ivoire
Canada’s Foreign Minister announced over $85 million in development funding for Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and West Africa, focusing on women’s empowerment, economic growth, education, and security.
Canada will provide $5 million to a UNDP-led project in Benin that helps women entrepreneurs in agri-food and tourism expand their businesses using digital tools, markets, and financing, aiming to boost their participation in the digital economy and support inclusive growth. The initiative targets women-led enterprises with improved access to resources and training over three years.
A $4 million project led by Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie will strengthen women’s leadership and rights organizations in Benin, advancing gender equality through advocacy, partnerships, and community action from 2026 to 2031. The program focuses on empowering women and girls while addressing systemic barriers to equality.
Canada is allocating $992,700 to develop sustainable school meal models in Benin, sourcing food locally to improve student nutrition, support smallholder farmers—particularly women—and strengthen food systems between 2024 and 2028. The project is implemented through IDRC and aims to enhance food security and economic opportunities.
In Côte d’Ivoire, a €40 million loan through FinDev Canada will expand financial services for small and medium-sized enterprises, prioritizing women-owned businesses to drive economic growth and job creation. The financing, provided via NSIA Banque Côte d’Ivoire, targets underserved entrepreneurs and informal sector workers.