Fostering Progress: Enhancing Private Sector Development for a Resilient and Prosperous Future in the OACPS Member States.

The Organisation of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS Secretariat), in partnership with the European Union under the Samoa Agreement, organized a High-level Dialogue on Private Sector Development (PSD) in Brussels on the 13th and 14th of February 2025. The event was a celebration of the Business ACP Facility, nearing the conclusion of its impactful journey in mid-2025.

Over the span of two productive days, a distinguished assembly of senior representatives from OACPS countries, among which the GIZ projects Market Oriented Value Chains for Jobs and Growth in the ECOWAS Region (MOVE-ComCashew ) and Agri-Business Facility for Africa (ABF) under the Business Support Facility for Resilient Agricultural Value Chains participated in the high-level dialogue.

Supporting Women and Inspiring Young Entrepreneurship

Women and youth entrepreneurship in the OACPS Member States is vital for fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth, as these groups drive innovation and job creation. However, they encounter systemic barriers that limit their potential.

Mr. Bastian Domke, Director of Private Sector Development for the GIZ/MOVE (Business Support Facility for Resilient AVC) project, was a panelist in Thematic Session 2: Supporting Women and Young Entrepreneurship.  He shared success stories and best practices, stating that targeted interventions of the Business Support Facility for Resilient AVC have proven most effective in strengthening access to finance, market, and technical support for women and  youth entrepreneurs through the establishment of the Matching Grant Facility. The requirement to apply as a consortium of various actors has proven most effective in specifically targeting women and youth. “We want to predominantly support women- and youth-led enterprises,” he said.

The Role of Women and Youth Entrepreneurs in Climate-Resilient Agricultural Practices

Recognizing the significant influence of climate change on agriculture, it is essential to acknowledge the pivotal role that women and youth entrepreneurs play in advancing more climate-resilient agricultural practices. Implementing effective policies can provide the necessary support for these groups in both mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The rural population, predominantly composed of women and a substantial number of young individuals seeking economic opportunities, is integral to this vital transition.

Mr. Domke remarked that the methodology employed in publishing the BSF4RAVC calls, along with the support provided to applicants, established a standard for transparency and customized assistance in relation to the Call for Proposals (CFPs). The specific criteria employed in the selection of grantees facilitated the achievement of OACPS objectives, particularly concerning issues related to women and youth, climate-smart agriculture, and value addition.

The event served as a strategic opportunity for the OACPS to reflect on its achievements in support of PSD, celebrate the legacy of Business ACP, and strategize on future support interventions