The Virtual Francophone African Incubator (IVAF): A Catalyst for Social Entrepreneurship in French-Speaking Africa
The Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), a global powerhouse with over 60 years of existence, is once again stepping into the spotlight.For its 7th edition of the Virtual francophone African Incubator (IVAF), the AUF is launching a call for partnership aimed at structures supporting social entrepreneurship in Francophone Africa. This initiative targets entrepreneurship support structures established in North Africa—Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, and Tunisia—with the goal of selecting a partner capable of co-designing an incubation program dedicated to social entrepreneurship projects in French-speaking Africa.
The objective is clear: to support these African initiatives towards successful maturation and strategic suitability for target markets. The selected partner will also have the mission of federating, mobilizing, and collaborating with other incubators and support players across the African continent.
The AUF: A Legacy of global Impact
With more than 1,000 members among universities, major schools, and research centers in nearly 120 countries, the AUF is the largest university network in the world. Its vision for better development of education and university systems is encapsulated in its motto: “think globally about the scientific Francophonie and act regionally while respecting diversity.”
The AUF North Africa Regional Directorate (DRAN) represents the association in the region, operating in Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, and Tunisia, with gradual expansion into Libya.
The Virtual African Francophone Incubator: Empowering African Youth
created in 2018, the Francophone African Virtual incubator (IFAV) is an interregional AUF program designed for project leaders in the ideation phase or advanced stages across Africa. The program spans four regions:
- Central Africa & Great Lakes: Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Uganda, Central African republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Chad.
- West Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo.
- North Africa: Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Tunisia.
- Southern Africa & Indian Ocean: South Africa, Comoros, Kenya, madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles.
Key Figures of IFAV
The program boasts extraordinary statistics:
- 6 years of experience
- 180 young people supported
– 5 award-winning projects each year
– 23 African countries represented
– 102 training courses provided
– A network of 9 partner incubators
– Over 85 mobilized speakers/coaches
Why Become an IFAV Partner?
The program offers:
- A unique opportunity to bring together a network of French-speaking entrepreneurship players.
- A territorialized and inclusive approach,adapted to local contexts.
- Promoting social and environmental entrepreneurship initiatives in Africa.
Conditions for Applying
Interested entrepreneurship support structures must:
- Be based in North Africa and have at least 5 years of experience in entrepreneurial pre-incubation.
- have the capacity to mobilize a network of African experts.
- Propose a collaborative and inclusive approach.
- Be able to co-finance the program.
How to Apply
The project proposal must be submitted to the AUF online by completing the following form: https://urlz.fr/tGZT. The deadline for applications is February 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Tunis time.
Join the Movement
This is more than a partnership opportunity—it’s a chance to shape the future of social entrepreneurship in french-speaking Africa.
| Key Highlights of IFAV |
|—————————|
| Years of Experience | 6 |
| Young People Supported | 180 |
| Award-Winning Projects | 5 annually |
| African Countries Represented | 23 |
| Training Courses Provided | 102 |
| Partner Incubators | 9 |
| mobilized Speakers/Coaches | 85+ |
The IVAF is not just a program—it’s a movement.Join us to become a partner in this transformative initiative.
Table of Contents
In a world where innovation and entrepreneurship are key drivers of economic and social development, the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) is leading the charge with its groundbreaking initiative, the Virtual Francophone African Incubator (IVAF).Now in its 7th edition, the IVAF is calling for partnerships to support social entrepreneurship across French-speaking Africa. To delve deeper into this transformative program, we sat down with Dr. Amina Diallo, a renowned expert in African entrepreneurship and a key advisor to the AUF. Join us as we explore the IVAF’s mission, impact, and future prospects.
The Vision Behind IVAF: Empowering African Youth
Senior Editor: Dr. Diallo, thank you for joining us today. The IVAF has been described as a game-changer for social entrepreneurship in French-speaking Africa.Can you tell us more about the vision behind this initiative?
Dr. Amina Diallo: Thank you for having me. The IVAF was created in 2018 with a clear vision: to empower young african entrepreneurs by providing them with the tools, resources, and networks they need to turn their ideas into viable businesses. The program is designed to support project leaders at various stages,from ideation to advanced development,and to foster collaboration across the continent. By focusing on social and environmental entrepreneurship, the IVAF aims to address some of the most pressing challenges facing Africa today.
The AUF’s Role: A Legacy of Global Impact
Senior Editor: The AUF is a well-established organization with a rich history. How does the AUF’s legacy contribute to the success of the IVAF?
Dr. Amina Diallo: The AUF has been a cornerstone of higher education and research in the Francophone world for over 60 years. With more than 1,000 member institutions across 120 countries, the AUF has the reach and expertise to make a significant impact. The IVAF benefits from this extensive network, which includes universities, research centers, and incubators. The AUF’s motto, ”think globally about the scientific Francophonie and act regionally while respecting diversity,” perfectly encapsulates the approach we take with the IVAF. We think big, but we act locally, ensuring that our programs are tailored to the unique needs of each region.
Key Figures and Achievements
Senior editor: The IVAF has some remarkable statistics. Can you share some of the key figures that highlight the program’s success?
Dr.amina diallo: Absolutely. Over the past six years, the IVAF has supported 180 young entrepreneurs, with five award-winning projects each year. We’ve worked with participants from 23 African countries and provided 102 training courses. Our network includes nine partner incubators and over 85 speakers and coaches who have generously shared their expertise.These numbers are a testament to the program’s reach and impact, but they only tell part of the story. The real success lies in the stories of the entrepreneurs we’ve supported—stories of innovation, resilience, and change.
Why Partner with IVAF?
Senior Editor: For organizations considering partnering with the IVAF, what are the key benefits?
Dr. Amina Diallo: Partnering with the IVAF offers a unique possibility to be part of a transformative movement. It allows organizations to connect with a network of French-speaking entrepreneurship players and to contribute to a territorialized and inclusive approach that is adapted to local contexts. By promoting social and environmental entrepreneurship, partners can play a crucial role in shaping the future of Africa. Additionally,the IVAF provides a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing,which can enhance the impact of any organization’s own initiatives.
Conditions for Applying
Senior Editor: What are the conditions for organizations interested in applying to become a partner?
Dr. Amina Diallo: Interested organizations must be based in North Africa and have at least five years of experience in entrepreneurial pre-incubation. They should have the capacity to mobilize a network of African experts and propose a collaborative and inclusive approach.Additionally, they must be able to co-finance the program. These conditions ensure that we select partners who are not only experienced but also committed to the long-term success of the IVAF.
How to Apply
Senior Editor: How can organizations apply to become a partner,and what is the deadline?
Dr. Amina Diallo: Organizations can apply by submitting a project proposal to the AUF online. The application form is available at https://urlz.fr/tGZT. The deadline for applications is February 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Tunis time. We encourage interested organizations to apply early and to reach out to us if they have any questions.
Join the Movement
senior Editor: Dr. Diallo, what message would you like to send to organizations considering joining the IVAF?
Dr.Amina Diallo: I would say that this is more than just a partnership opportunity—it’s a chance to be part of a movement that is shaping the future of social entrepreneurship in French-speaking Africa.By joining the IVAF, you are not only contributing to the success of individual entrepreneurs but also to the broader goal of sustainable development in Africa.Together, we can create a brighter future for the continent.
senior editor: Thank you, Dr. Diallo, for sharing your insights and for your dedication to this vital cause. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of the IVAF.
Dr. Amina Diallo: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
Key Highlights of IVAF
| Years of Experience | 6 |
|---|---|
| Young People Supported | 180 |
| Award-Winning Projects | 5 annually |
| African Countries Represented | 23 |
| Training Courses Provided | 102 |
| Partner Incubators | 9 |
| Mobilized Speakers/Coaches | 85+ |
The IVAF is not just a program—it’s a movement. Join us to become a partner in this transformative initiative.
