ACBF recently concluded a multi-country initiative implemented in Burkina Faso, Gabon, and Sierra Leone under its leadership, with funding support from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
The Capacity Building for the Empowerment of Women and Youth in the Agricultural Sector project aimed to strengthen agribusiness leadership and promote inclusive entrepreneurship across the agricultural value chain.
Across the three countries, more than 740 beneficiaries received training in business management, cooperative governance, marketing, and financial planning. Each country tailored its approach to local contexts while contributing to shared outcomes such as stronger networks, improved access to markets and finance, and greater business resilience.
In Burkina Faso, 25 coaches and 45 agribusiness leaders were trained, along with over 360 women and youth in agribusiness management and entrepreneurship. A digital support platform was launched, and high-potential entrepreneurs were awarded US$40,000 in grants. In Gabon, 254 participants received practical training, 11 incubators were supported, and targeted coaching was provided to women leaders and young entrepreneurs. “This training is really very beneficial because all our promoters, all the beneficiaries were present, and were able to learn,” said Jean François Luna, a participant from Baville, Gabon. In Sierra Leone, 120 MSMEs were trained, 30 women became certified local trainers, and the project focused on strengthening value chains such as cassava and onion.
It is helping us to show the young people in rural areas that agriculture can be the way forward. Cassava is a very good alternative to have sustainable jobs and to earn decent income,
We are grateful to SLeCAD and ACBF for supporting our work and believing in our vision.
A participant from Sierra, Leone.
This regional initiative demonstrates that with the right tools, training, and partnerships, local entrepreneurs can drive long-term economic transformation.
