In a concerted effort to stimulate economic and social development through the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the revitalisation of the craft sector, a meeting took place on Monday 11 March 2024 between the Director of Job Booster Social Enterprise Benin (JBSE-BENIN) and the Director for the Promotion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (DPPME)and Director of Crafts.
The main objective of this meeting is to understand the new directions and structuring of the craft sector and the main challenges facing the micro, small and medium-sized enterprise sector in Benin.
The Director of JBSE-BENIN set out the vision of the social enterprise he heads, whose mission is focused on the economic and social development of Benin, by strengthening the employability of young people, promoting decent employment and entrepreneurship among young people and women, and developing economic and financial skills.
On this occasion, the Director of Job Booster Benin stressed the importance of supporting and promoting SMEs and artisans, not only to stimulate the local economy, but also to promote social well-being through the creation of decent jobs, the empowerment of stakeholders, especially women, and sustainable local economic growth.
For his part, the DPPME-A presented the new policies and strategies for developing the SME and craft sector, the new configuration of the sector and the government reforms introduced by the President of the Republic in the craft and SME sectors, which were marked on the one hand by the establishment of the Benin Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA-BENIN ) and the SME Development Agency (ADPME), now a one-stop shop for SME support.
All this to ensure the social and economic well-being of entrepreneurs and craftsmen. He also stressed the importance of collaboration and the pooling of resources to promote SMEs and encourage the gradual formalisation of craft activities, while insisting on the support needed to improve their professionalism and the quality of the services and products of craft entrepreneurs.
The meeting highlighted the Government's flagship initiatives in the sector and, above all, the shared determination of the various players to work together to meet the challenges facing SMEs and craftsmen in Benin. The DPPME's strategic advice and guidelines pave the way for innovative initiatives to stimulate economic growth, promote social inclusion and strengthen the country's entrepreneurial fabric.
This meeting marks the start of a promising new dynamic aimed at transforming Benin's economic and social landscape, by fostering an environment in which SMEs and artisans can flourish.
