Benin minister meets SMEs in Alibori and Borgou to boost local economy
The Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion, Awaou Baco, traveled to Alibori and Borgou on July 28 and 29, 2026, to engage with local businesses, artisans, livestock farmers, training centers, and beneficiaries of the AZOLI program.
Her mission focused on assessing government support systems for youth, women, craftsmen, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring these initiatives align with their professional needs.
Alibori: A focus on entrepreneurship and vocational training
The tour began on July 28 in Alibori, where Minister Baco met with the department’s prefect, Ahmed Bello Ky-Sama, before visiting Malanville. In Malanville, she interacted with small business owners, mechanics, and rabbit breeders to better understand their challenges and needs.
In Nikki, the minister visited a vocational training center specializing in crafts. She discussed available training programs and job placement opportunities with both instructors and learners, emphasizing the importance of skill development for economic independence.
Her final stop in Alibori was Kandi, where she held a working session with local youth. The discussions centered on public initiatives supporting training, employment, and entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on digital tools designed to simplify access to these resources.
The AZOLI program: empowering youth and persons with disabilities
The following day, the delegation moved to Borgou, where Minister Baco first paid a courtesy visit to the prefect, Abdoul Chakour Assouma Naro.
At the Hôtel Amaldi Prestige, she met nearly 50 young participants from four northern departments enrolled in the AZOLI program. These individuals were in the midst of vocational training, and the meeting allowed them to share their experiences and discuss future job placement opportunities.
A key component of AZOLI supports 46 individuals with disabilities who are being trained in shoemaking and leatherwork. This initiative aims to equip them with professional skills and foster economic autonomy.
Supporting local businesses and digital inclusion
The tour also included a visit to ASAFMA, an SME specializing in welding, metalworking, and the manufacturing of agro-processing machinery. The company is supported by the Agency for the Development of SMEs, the Entrepreneurship Support Project in Benin, and the Chamber of Crafts and Artisan Guilds.
In Parakou, the delegation visited Delika’s Tissage, a textile workshop producing traditional fabrics, woven bands, and custom-made items. The business owner showcased her products, which blend local textile traditions with modern designs.
Throughout the trip, Minister Baco encouraged entrepreneurs, artisans, and SME owners to leverage digital platforms such as SICA (sica.anpe.bj) and e-PME. These tools provide streamlined access to information on funding, business formalization, training programs, and professional insertion.
She also urged aspiring entrepreneurs to remain persistent and resilient, reaffirming the government’s commitment to advancing reforms and investments that promote youth and women’s employment and entrepreneurship.
Strengthening the local economic fabric
By engaging directly with stakeholders in Alibori and Borgou, the minister highlighted the importance of inclusive growth and job creation. Her visit underscored the government’s dedication to supporting local businesses and ensuring that public policies translate into tangible opportunities for citizens.