TechnoServe and the Benin Agency for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (ADPME) Sign Partnership Agreement to Strengthen Entrepreneurship in Benin
The international nonprofit will collaborate with the government agency to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem
Cotonou, Benin (June 11, 2024) — In a move to boost the entrepreneurial landscape in Benin, international nonprofit TechnoServe and the Agency for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (ADPME)–the Beninese government agency implementing the national entrepreneurship-promotion strategy–have officially signed a partnership agreement. This significant development will align the efforts of both organizations to support the growth and development of local small and growing businesses (SMEs).
Under the partnership, the organizations will take a collaborative approach to creating and implementing activities, guided by market systems principles. Each year, the partners will determine specific implementation strategies to ensure the effectiveness of their interventions.
“We are thrilled to join forces with ADPME,” said Maïmouna Mbacke, Country Director for TechnoServe Benin. “Since 2014, TechnoServe’s initiatives in Benin have aimed to improve the livelihoods of local communities. This partnership represents a strategic alignment of our goals to promote sustainable economic growth.”
The agreement highlights the following key focus areas:
- Access to skills
- Access to market
- Access to financing opportunities
- Access to information
The partnership will put special attention to empowering women and young entrepreneurs, promoting financial and social autonomy.
The initial implementation phase has already shown promising results, with several entrepreneurs benefiting from enhanced training and resources. Moving forward, the partnership aims to expand its reach, providing more comprehensive support to a larger number of businesses.
“I’m delighted that TechnoServe worked with us to sign this partnership agreement. We need a flexible and results-oriented partner, and we hope that others supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will follow the collaborative example set by TechnoServe and ADPME. This approach will enable us to establish new and effective ways of working with our technical and financial partners.” Said Laurent Gangbès, Director General of ADPME.
TechnoServe Benin has been working to support entrepreneurs through a number of avenues, including the Benibiz program. BeniBiz is a business accelerator funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Trade and Development, the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), and the EU and implemented by TechnoServe. The program aims to provide entrepreneurs with the skills needed to cultivate prosperous businesses and economies, as well as food-secure communities.
By providing business training and technical assistance, BeniBiz has already supported nearly 5,700 entrepreneurs—62% of whom were women—helping these businesses to increase sales and job opportunities within the local community. These entrepreneurs have achieved an impressive average growth in annual turnover of 130%, with more than 60% of these companies now formalized and over 12,000 jobs created. A new phase of the project started in 2022, aims to extend its benefits to at least 117,500 entrepreneurs, with 10,725 receiving direct support and 106,775 benefiting from the ecosystem approach.
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Media contacts:
Cotonou – TechnoServe Benin +22921325525 tnsbenin@tns.org
Cotonou – Phalyele Kakpo +22969591158 pkakpo@tns.org
Washington – Julieta Ocampo +120278545150 jocampo@tns.org
About TechnoServe
Founded in 1968, TechnoServe is a leader in harnessing the power of the private sector to help people lift themselves out of poverty for good. A non-profit organization working in around 35 countries, we work with people to build a better future through regenerative farms, businesses, and markets that increase incomes. Our vision is a sustainable world where all people in low-income communities have the opportunity to prosper.
More information at: Twitter @TechnoServe | Facebook @TechnoServe | LinkedIn @TechnoSere
About ADPME
The Agency for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (ADPME) is a government agency under the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion. Its mission is to promote and develop micro, small, and medium enterprises by providing guidance, support, financing, and facilitating market access.
More information at: https://www.adpme.bj/ | Facebook @adpmebenin | LinkedIn @adpmebenin | YouTube @adpmebenin
