Project Description
WIDU.africa is a platform that supports African entrepreneurs by transforming diaspora remittances into sustainable investments. Through matching grants and coaching, WIDU empowers small businesses, creates jobs, and fosters local development. Supported by the German government and implemented by GIZ, it fosters innovation and strengthens economic resilience across Africa.
Turning Remittances into Sustainable Impact
Every year on June 16, the International Day of Family Remittances recognizes the millions of migrants who send money home to support their families. These remittances, often modest in size, add up to more than three times the amount of official development assistance globally. But behind the numbers are deeply personal stories of love, responsibility, and vision.
For Fasika Getachew, an Ethiopian diaspora who has lived in Germany for several years, sending money back home to Ethiopia has always been part of staying connected. “Supporting my family was never a question, it’s something I grew up seeing and doing,” she says.
But when her family member, Mebratu, retired from public service, her support turned into something more: the launch of a business.
Mebratu had worked in the public sector for decades, known for his reliability, humility, and steady work ethic. But he’d long harbored a quiet dream; starting a poultry farm. Over the years, he’d built up some experience and slowly began setting things in motion by studying poultry production and buying a few chickens to raise at home. But between full-time work and limited capital, it remained more of a side project than a true venture.
When he finally retired, he had time but not enough savings to scale the idea. That’s when Fasika stepped in.
Fasika had been sending money home informally for years. But this time, she wanted to approach things differently. Rather than simply transferring funds, she used WIDU.africa, a digital platform designed to help diaspora members turn remittances into sustainable business support.
WIDU.africa is funded by the German Government and implemented by GIZ. The platform enables African diasporas to co-finance small businesses in their country of origin. It pairs the remittance with a matched grant and offers business coaching to the local entrepreneur.
“What I liked about WIDU was that it wasn’t just about sending money, it gave us a framework to approach the business with structure,” Fasika says.
Together, Fasika and Mebratu applied. With her contribution, his savings, and WIDU’s matching grant, they were able to successfully launch the poultry farm.
The funding helped cover the cost of constructing proper housing for the chickens, buying feed and equipment, and bringing in a first batch of layer hens. Mebratu’s years of quiet preparation paid off —within months, the farm was producing eggs and gaining local customers.
But perhaps the most striking part of the story is the employment it’s created. Today, Mebratu’s poultry farm supports five full-time employees, all from the surrounding area.
“It’s more than just his retirement plan now,” Fasika says. “It’s become a business that’s creating jobs and stability for others too.”
Fasika’s story illustrates more than just personal success. It reflects a broader potential for international cooperation—one that is rooted in trust, proximity, and shared goals. Initiatives like WIDU.africa embody this shift by centering the African diaspora not as beneficiaries, but as co-creators of economic change in Africa. They create opportunities for families to collaborate across borders in meaningful ways. To date, 7200 entrepreneurs across six African countries have used the platform to build or expand their businesses with support from friends and family abroad.
Fasika credits the coaching provided by WIDU as an important piece of the puzzle. The sessions helped Mebratu improve his record-keeping, understand cost management, and plan for growth.
For Mebratu, the business has brought purpose and structure to his retirement. Rather than slowing down, he’s building something new—one egg at a time.
Fasika’s story is a powerful example of how remittances can evolve. “I still send money when it’s needed,” she says. “But this was different. It was about helping someone close to me build something that lasts.”
She points out that there’s no single “right” way to send support home. “Sometimes, people just need help paying for school or covering rent, and that’s important. But if you know someone who’s got a clear plan, it can be worth investing in that.”
Her experience with WIDU gave her a way to do that. It didn’t replace her remittances rather it deepened them.
“It added a layer of trust, accountability, and impact,” she says.
To Fasika and Mebratu, the farm is more than a source of income—it’s a symbol of pride, a reason to stay connected, and a testament to their shared commitment.
“I feel like I’m part of it, even from far away,” Fasika says. “When he updates me about how many eggs they collected or how business is going, it’s not just numbers. It’s a reminder that family support can grow into something tangible.”
To others in the diaspora, Fasika says: “If you trust someone, and they have a plan, consider helping them grow it. It doesn’t always have to be formal or perfect—but it can mean a lot.”
And on this International Day of Family Remittances, that message feels especially timely. As remittances continue to be a lifeline for many households, stories like Fasika’s remind us they can also be a launchpad.
