Benin minister meets SMEs in alibori and borgou to boost local economy

The Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion, Awaou Baco, concluded a two-day working visit to the northern departments of Alibori and Borgou in late July 2026. The tour brought her face-to-face with local entrepreneurs, artisans, livestock breeders, vocational training centers, and beneficiaries of the AZOLI program.

Tour focuses on youth inclusion and professional development programs

The visit aimed to assess existing support systems for young people, women, artisans, and persons with disabilities. On the first day, the minister met with local officials in Malanville, engaging with small business owners, mechanics, and rabbit breeders.

In Nikki, she toured the vocational training center, discussing training programs and employment prospects with instructors and students. A working session in Kandi with local youth centered on public initiatives for training, employment, and entrepreneurship.

AZOLI program empowers youth and persons with disabilities

The second day took the delegation to Borgou, beginning with a courtesy call to the regional prefect. At the Hôtel Amaldi Prestige, the minister met with around fifty young people from northern Benin participating in the AZOLI program. These participants were completing apprenticeships, with discussions focusing on training progress and post-program integration.

A dedicated component of the program supports 46 persons with disabilities trained in shoemaking and leatherwork. This initiative aims to enhance their access to professional skills and economic independence.

Digital platforms streamline access to public support services

The tour also included a visit to ASAFMA, a local SME specializing in welding, metalworking, and agro-industrial machinery manufacturing. The company benefits from support by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, the Benin Entrepreneurship Support Project, and the Benin Chamber of Trades and Crafts.

The delegation concluded its visit at Delika’s Tissage, an artisan business specializing in traditional fabric weaving, band production, and customized textile items. The owner showcased products rooted in local textile heritage.

At every stop, the minister encouraged entrepreneurs and artisans to leverage digital platforms like SICA and e-PME to access information on business support, financing, formalization, and professional integration. She urged aspiring entrepreneurs to remain persistent in their ventures, emphasizing the government’s commitment to continued reforms and investments in youth and women’s employment and entrepreneurship.