Benin’s minister of SMEs engages entrepreneurs in Alibori and Borgou

On July 28 and 29, 2026, Awaou Baco, Benin’s Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion, conducted an official tour across the Alibori and Borgou departments. Her mission: to connect directly with local entrepreneurs, artisans, livestock breeders, training centers, and beneficiaries of the AZOLI program. The initiative aimed to assess support systems for youth, women, artisans, and people with disabilities.

The two-day visit included stops in key locations such as Malanville, Nikki, Kandi, Parakou, and Tanguiéta, where the minister held discussions with small business owners, vocational training participants, and public sector representatives. Each meeting focused on evaluating the effectiveness of government-backed initiatives in fostering job creation and economic resilience in northern Benin.

Meeting with entrepreneurs and artisans in Malanville

The first day began in Malanville, where Minister Baco met with small business owners, garage operators, and rabbit breeders. The discussions centered on challenges faced by local entrepreneurs and how government programs could provide tailored solutions. The minister also visited a vocational training center in Nikki, engaging with instructors and students to understand the alignment between training curricula and labor market needs.

A working session with youth in Kandi followed, where participants shared feedback on public initiatives supporting entrepreneurship and employment. The exchange highlighted both progress and areas needing improvement in accessing vocational training and job opportunities.

AZOLI program: empowering youth and people with disabilities

The second day focused on the Borgou department, starting with a courtesy call to the regional prefect. In Parakou, the minister met with over 50 young people enrolled in the AZOLI program, who were undergoing vocational training. The session provided an opportunity to review their progress and explore pathways to employment post-training.

Another key highlight was the minister’s meeting with 46 people with disabilities trained in leatherworking and shoemaking. These individuals are part of an initiative designed to enhance their professional skills and economic independence. The program reflects Benin’s commitment to inclusive development and social equity.

Supporting industrial SMEs in Tanguiéta

The tour concluded with a visit to ASAFMA, a metalworking SME specializing in welding, machining, and agricultural machinery fabrication. The company is supported by the Benin Agency for SME Development, the Entrepreneurship Support Project in Benin, and the Chamber of Crafts and Artisan Trades. The minister commended the company’s contribution to local industrialization and discussed ways to further strengthen its growth.

The final stop was Delika’s Tissage, an artisan enterprise focused on traditional weaving, handwoven fabric production, and custom textile items. The owner shared insights into preserving and modernizing Benin’s textile heritage while creating sustainable income opportunities. The minister encouraged the promotion of such cultural enterprises as engines of local tourism and economic diversification.

Digital platforms to simplify access to government support

Throughout the tour, Minister Baco emphasized the importance of leveraging digital tools to streamline access to public services. She encouraged entrepreneurs and youth to use the SICA platform (sica.anpe.bj) and e-PME, which provide information on business formalization, financing, training, and employment opportunities. These platforms are designed to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and empower citizens to take full advantage of government programs.

The minister concluded by urging project holders to remain persistent and resilient. She reaffirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to implementing reforms and investments aimed at boosting youth and women’s entrepreneurship across Benin. The tour underscored the administration’s hands-on approach to economic development and social inclusion in the northern regions.