WIDU.africa aims to mobilize diaspora savings to finance African small businesses

German development cooperation, through GIZ, launched WIDU.africa in Plateau on October 28, 2026, to channel some diaspora remittances into Ivorian micro, small and medium-sized businesses. The program combines productive investment with technical support for local entrepreneurs to promote business growth and jobs. Dr. Yao Sylvère Konan, Matthias Veltin and Lanzéni Koné emphasized connecting diaspora resources and skills with local businesses. Operating in ten countries, WIDU.africa has mobilized €13 million, supported 8,000 businesses and helped create or preserve nearly 20,000 jobs; it is scheduled to end in October 2028.