Awaou Baco engages with SMEs in Alibori and Borgou

Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion Awaou Baco concluded a two-day working visit to Alibori and Borgou on July 29, 2026. The tour brought her face-to-face with local entrepreneurs, artisans, livestock farmers, vocational training centers, and beneficiaries of the AZOLI initiative.

Connecting with local entrepreneurs across northern Benin

The minister’s itinerary began in Alibori, where she met with local officials before visiting Malanville. In the border town, discussions centered on the challenges and opportunities facing small business owners, mechanics, and rabbit breeders.

Her next stop was Nikki, where she toured the vocational training center for artisans. There, she spoke with instructors and students about curriculum relevance and job placement prospects after graduation.

A community meeting in Kandi rounded out the first day. Young people shared their experiences with public programs supporting skills training, job placement, and entrepreneurship.

AZOLI program offers hope for vulnerable groups

The following morning, the minister traveled to Borgou, where she paid a courtesy visit to the local prefect. At the Amaldi Prestige Hotel in Parakou, she met around fifty young participants from all four northern departments enrolled in the AZOLI program. These trainees were completing their apprenticeships and discussed their career prospects post-training.

The minister also highlighted AZOLI’s specialized track for 46 people with disabilities, who are being trained in shoemaking and leather goods production. The goal is to equip them with marketable skills and boost their economic independence.

Strengthening SMEs through targeted support

The tour included a visit to ASAFMA, a metal fabrication and machine-building SME serving the agro-food sector. The company receives backing from the Small Business Development Agency, the Entrepreneurship Support Project in Benin, and the Chamber of Trades and Crafts.

The final stop was Delika’s Tissage, an artisanal workshop specializing in traditional fabric weaving, woven bands, and custom garments. The owner showcased products rooted in Beninese textile heritage.

Digital tools to unlock public support programs

At every location, Minister Baco urged entrepreneurs and young people to leverage digital platforms like SICA and e-PME. These portals provide streamlined access to information on business support, financing, registration, and job placement services.

She closed by encouraging aspiring business owners to persevere, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ongoing reforms and investments that empower youth and women through employment and entrepreneurship.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst