Are you an African diaspora living in Germany? Did you know about WIDU.africa—an initiative that provides financial support and coaching to micro and small businesses in Africa, in collaboration with the African diaspora in Europe?
At AG-Career Hub, we are proud to be part of this impactful initiative. Founded by members of the Kenyan diaspora in Germany, AG-Career Hub has partnered with WIDU.africa since 2023 to promote diaspora mobilisation, raise awareness, and offer advisory support to both WIDU and members of the diaspora.
What is WIDU.africa?
WIDU.africa is an initiative by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), implemented by GIZ. It aims to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in Africa through a combination of financial support and business coaching.
The platform encourages members of the African diaspora in Europe to become active contributors to economic development in their countries of origin. Through WIDU, remittances are transformed into structured business investments that create jobs and boost local economies.
How Does It Work?
On the WIDU.africa platform, a diaspora member (referred to as the donor) initiates the process by inviting an entrepreneur based in Kenya to apply for a grant. The donor's role is to start the application, provide a portion of the investment, and offer moral or strategic support to the entrepreneur. The entrepreneur applies for the grant and receives both funding and coaching if approved. Several requirements must be met, including proper documentation and transparent record-keeping. Accountability is a key element in ensuring the success of each project.
AG-Career Hub’s Role in the Partnership
At AG-Career Hub, our mission is to bridge the gap between the diaspora and opportunities in Kenya. Our platform is geared towards:
- Promoting diaspora engagement in economic development
- Providing advisory input to WIDU and supporting Kenyan diaspora in navigating the application process
- Giving Kenyan entrepreneurs and businesses access to grants and coaching
- Creating sustainable impact through job creation and business growth
We’ve conducted intensive online information sessions to educate the community on how to participate in the program. These sessions are available to watch on our YouTube and social media platforms. You can explore real success stories and learn more about the application process on the WIDU.africa platform.
The Impact So Far
Through the WIDU.africa initiative, diaspora-backed businesses in Kenya have:
- Scaled up their operations
- Created meaningful employment opportunities
- Contributed to sustainable local development
Need Support? We’re Here to Help!
If you’re interested in applying for a grant or would like to better understand how the process works, don’t hesitate to reach out to AG-Career Hub. We’re here to guide both diaspora donors and entrepreneurs in Kenya every step of the way.