Previous partners
The Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) is a global network of organisations that propel entrepreneurship in developing countries. Through eight global chapters, ANDE members provide critical financial, educational, and business support services to small and growing businesses (SGBs) based on the conviction that SGBs create jobs, stimulate long-term economic growth, and produce environmental and social benefits.
Drawing on ANDE’s membership of over 250 organisations worldwide, the West Africa Chapter (WAC) offers an inclusive regional platform for stakeholders engaged in the anglophone and francophone West African SGB ecosystem to share knowledge, build connections and collaborate.
In 2022 Small Foundation signed a multi-year agreement with ANDE WAC to support its network offerings to members. Small Foundation previously provided core support to the East and West African chapters between 2016-19, and supported its Uganda Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Initiative (UEEI) between 2016 and 2019.
Connect
www.andeglobal.org/west-africa/Network Spotlight – Impact in 2025
In 2025, ANDE WAC convened over 120 ecosystem actors at its first-ever Pan-African Conference held in Senegal, bridging Francophone and Anglophone West Africa under the theme of inclusive entrepreneurship. The chapter delivered its SCALE360 programme across three countries – Nigeria, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire – reaching nearly 40 Business Development Service providers with evidence-based tools and peer learning to strengthen the quality of support for small and growing businesses. A community of practice was established among participants following the programme, and one BDS provider progressed to ANDE membership.
The chapter co-hosted the 2nd Inclusive Finance and Impact Investment Forum in Northern Ghana, which drew around 150 participants and catalysed a strategic partnership between members MEDA and Pangea Global Ventures to expand investment access for women-led agribusinesses. Member mixers were held across Lagos, Accra, Dakar, and Abidjan.
