LuxAid Challenge Fund: 15 innovative entrepreneurs pitched their projects in Benin

The LuxAid Challenge Fund in Benin has reached a major milestone with the recent Pitch Days held in Cotonou — a dynamic showcase of the energy, creativity and ambition driving Beninese entrepreneurship.

From the 81 applications received, 15 companies were selected to pitch their digital solutions to the Pre-selection Committee. These forward-thinking entrepreneurs are tackling key development challenges in sectors critical to inclusive and sustainable growth: AgriTech, EdTech, tourism, HealthTech and FinTech.

The Pre-selection Committee, comprising representatives from the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, the Beninese Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion (MPMEPE), the Agency for the Development of SMEs (ADPME), Digital Africa, LuxDev, and IT experts, praised the high calibre of proposals and the strong commitment of the candidates.

Twelve promising projects will now move into the due diligence phase, involving in-depth analysis, site visits and reference checks to assess their impact and feasibility.

Following this process, six to eight winning projects will be awarded co-financing of up to EUR 140,000.

Winners to be announced in July!

A heartfelt thank you to the members of the Committee for their dedication and support for this initiative, which champions entrepreneurial innovation as a driver of sustainable development in Benin.

The LuxAid Challenge Fund is initiated and financed by the Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, and are implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.