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Another step for gender equality: Proparco strengthens its commitment to gender-lens investing
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• On the occasion of the 2X Global Summit, taking place from 15 to 17 September 2026 in Montréal, Proparco, the French development finance institution, announces the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 2X Global, the leading global membership network and field-building organisation dedicated to investing in women in the private sector.
• The MoU provides €250,000 in technical assistance to the 2X Ignite programme, which aims to foster a new generation of women in investment.
According to UN Women, women’s rights regressed in one in four countries in 2024. As a co-founder of the 2X Challenge, launched in 2018, Proparco considers investing in gender equality and women’s economic empowerment a strategic priority. Since 2018, Proparco has financed more than €3.6 billion in projects aligned with the 2X criteria. Between 2024 and 2027, the 2X Challenge aims to mobilise USD 20 billion in capital for gender equality.
To contribute to this target, particularly in segments where women remain underrepresented in investment, Proparco is partnering with 2X Global to strengthen its support for women fund managers. Delivered through the 2X Ignite programme, this technical assistance aims to strengthen the professionalisation and growth of emerging fund managers in Africa, particularly women-led funds and teams with a strong focus on gender. The initiative will help diversify Africa’s private equity ecosystem and promote more gender-responsive capital allocation.
“More than ever, mobilising development finance actors in support of gender equality is essential. By supporting a new generation of emerging fund managers, particularly women fund managers, this initiative aims to remove the barriers that hinder their development and access to capital. It will contribute to building a more inclusive African private equity ecosystem and to fostering more women-led funds able to mobilise and deploy capital for high-impact investments,” said Emmanuelle Riedel-Drouin, Deputy CEO of Proparco.
An emblematic 2X Challenge project receives the 2X “Best-in-Class” certification
Also announced at the 2X Global Summit in Montreal, Dakar Mobilité, the company in charge of Dakar’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), has received the 2X “Best-in-Class” certification, the highest distinction awarded by the 2X Challenge for gender equality and inclusion.
Supported by Proparco since 2023, Dakar’s BRT is an emblematic project of the 2X Challenge. Dakar Mobilité is the first Senegalese company and the first transport company to receive this certification. Beyond this recognition, it reflects a long-term commitment to providing equal opportunities and fostering a working environment where everyone can grow, contribute and thrive.