Bénin: minister meets entrepreneurs in Alibori and Borgou

The Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion in Benin, Awaou Baco, conducted an official tour on July 28 and 29, 2026, across the departments of Alibori and Borgou. This mission brought her face-to-face with local SMEs, artisans, livestock breeders, vocational training centers, and young participants in the AZOLI initiative.

Focus on vocational training and professional inclusion

The primary goal of the tour was to assess the effectiveness of government support programs aimed at youth, women, artisans, and people with disabilities. The first stop on July 28 was in the Alibori department, where Minister Baco met with local authorities in Malanville. She engaged with SME leaders, mechanics, and rabbit breeders to discuss their challenges and needs.

In Nikki, she visited the vocational training center for crafts, engaging directly with instructors and students to explore training pathways and employment prospects. The day concluded with a working session in Kandi, where young people shared their perspectives on public programs supporting entrepreneurship, employment, and skill development.

AZOLI: empowering youth and people with disabilities

The following day, the delegation moved to Borgou, starting with a courtesy call to the departmental prefect. At the Amaldi Prestige Hotel, Minister Baco met with over 50 young beneficiaries of the AZOLI program, who were undergoing apprenticeship training at the time. Discussions focused on their learning experiences and future integration opportunities post-training.

A key component of the AZOLI initiative supports 46 individuals with disabilities trained in shoemaking and leatherworking. This program equips participants with marketable skills to foster economic independence. The tour also included a visit to ASAFMA, an SME specializing in welding, metalworking, and agro-industrial equipment manufacturing. The company is supported by the Benin SME Development Agency, the Entrepreneurship Support Project in Benin, and the Benin Chamber of Crafts.

Digital platforms as gateways to public support

The final visit was to Delika’s Tissage, an artisanal enterprise specializing in traditional fabric weaving, handcrafted bands, and personalized textile products. The owner draws inspiration from local textile heritage to create modern designs. Throughout the tour, Minister Baco encouraged entrepreneurs, artisans, and young job seekers to leverage digital platforms SICA (sica.anpe.bj) and e-PME. These online portals provide access to business support, financing, formalization, and professional integration services.

The government remains committed to advancing reforms and investments to boost youth and women’s employment and entrepreneurship. In closing, the minister urged project promoters to persevere in their efforts, underscoring the administration’s dedication to fostering an enabling environment for local businesses.