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Open Business Loan International

WIDU.Africa – Diaspora Remittance Fund

European Union / European Commission · International Organisation
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WIDU.Africa – Diaspora Remittance Fund — European Union / European Commission

Quick answer

Is it real?
GrantPilot lists this programme from European Union / European Commission. Always apply only on the official page.
Status
Open (no fixed deadline, or applications accepted on a rolling basis).
Who can apply
Micro and small businesses registered in one of the 10 eligible countries (see the full list below)
How to apply
Directly to European Union / European Commission on their official page (international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu). Applying is free: never pay anyone to apply or to "release" funds.

GrantPilot does not give out this funding; European Union / European Commission does. We help you find it, check it is real and get ready to apply.

About this opportunity

EU-backed loan scheme linking diaspora savings in Europe to fund micro and small businesses in 10 African countries (2025–2028). You need a registered business and a documented family member or investor in the EU.

EU-backed €29 million programme (2025–2028) that leverages diaspora savings and remittances from Africa's expatriate communities in Europe to fund micro and small business growth across 10 sub-Saharan African countries.

Who can apply

  • Micro and small businesses registered in one of the 10 eligible countries
  • Business has a documented connection to a family member or investor living in the EU
  • Diaspora investor or family member has provable residency in an EU country

Not sure you qualify? Check in 60 seconds

Full eligibility wording from the listing

Micro and small businesses in eligible countries with connection to diaspora family members/investors in Europe. Businesses must be registered. Diaspora investors must be documented or have provable residency in EU.

Documents you will need

  • Business registration certificate
  • Proof of diaspora investor/family member's EU residency (residence permit, national ID, utility bill, or equivalent)
  • Business plan or description of intended use of funds
  • Proof of connection between business owner and diaspora investor (family documentation, investment agreement, or bank transfer history)
  • Financial statements or bank records (if business is already trading)
  • Owner identification document (passport or national ID)

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How to apply, step by step

  1. Confirm your business is registered in Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Senegal, Togo or Tunisia
  2. Identify a documented family member or potential investor in the EU and confirm their residency status
  3. Gather your business registration, owner ID, proof of diaspora connection, and business plan
  4. Contact the programme administrator or implementing partner for your country to request an application form (check the official EU programme page for country-specific contact details)
  5. Complete and submit the application with all supporting documents
  6. Await assessment and contact from the lender regarding loan terms and decision
Save and track it and we will email you 14 days, 7 days, 3 days, 24 hours and on the morning of the deadline.

How applications are selected

Applications are assessed by the programme's implementing partners and lending institutions against eligibility criteria and business viability. The EU has backing from 13 EU Member States, the European Investment Bank, and regional development finance partners, so assessment typically includes a credit review of the business and verification of the diaspora connection. Timescale and exact decision process are not yet published; you should expect a response within 4–8 weeks of a complete submission, though this is typical for EU-backed schemes rather than guaranteed.

What reviewers look for

  • Strong proof of the diaspora connection matters—bank transfer history, joint business agreements, or formal family documentation will speed up verification
  • Show how the loan will grow the business or create jobs; the programme prioritises impact on employment and entrepreneurship ecosystem
  • If your business is early-stage, explain the business model clearly; the scheme supports both established and newer SMEs, but lenders need confidence in your plan
  • Registered businesses have an advantage; informal operations will not qualify
  • Diaspora investor's stability in Europe (long-term residency, employment history) strengthens your application

Frequently asked questions

Does the diaspora family member have to invest money, or just guarantee the loan?

The listing says the fund leverages diaspora savings and remittances, suggesting investment or co-lending. The exact structure is not detailed; ask the implementing partner for your country during application.

Can the diaspora investor be a friend or business partner, or must it be a family member?

The eligibility states 'family members/investors', so documented investors (not just family) appear eligible. Confirm this with the programme administrator.

What loan amounts are available?

The listing does not specify minimum or maximum loan sizes. Contact the implementing partner for your country for details on typical loan ranges.

Is there a deadline to apply?

The programme runs 2025–2028, but no specific application deadline has been published. The scheme is likely rolling (accept applications throughout), so apply as soon as you are ready.

Can I apply if my business is less than a year old?

The scheme targets SMEs and micro-enterprises but does not state a minimum trading period. Early-stage businesses may apply; contact the programme to discuss your specific situation.

Guide written from the official programme page on 15 November 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

How GrantPilot can help you apply

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