As part of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Days organized by the consular institution in partnership with GIZ, the GTA Loop support approach integrating women’s empowerment and presented by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Benin (CCI Benin) was presented to women entrepreneurs in Benin . It was Wednesday November 20, 2024.
One of the minimum objectives of the 2020-2025 mandate of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Benin (CCI Benin) is to reduce the mortality rate of MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) to 10%. Since 2023, the CCI Benin, through the PRCE in collaboration with the GIZ ProPME (Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises) project, is using the SME Loop approach throughout the entire territory. “The SME Loop is a business support approach deployed by GIZ in Benin and implemented for the first time in Benin in 2015. It offers an integrated business support formula (business training and individual training) and personalized support for companies to adapt better for the needs. and the needs of each company,” explained Cendra Ayayi, Head of the Business Support Department at CCI Benin. The SME Loop is aimed at both formal and informal businesses and covers all sectors of the local economy.
The session with women entrepreneurs focused on support for the GTA Loop (Gender Transformative Approach Loop) which aims to accelerate the current impact of the SME Loop. According to Cendra Ayayi, the GTA Loop incorporates a gender perspective and sets the stage for broader change beyond the formal implementation timeline of the SME Loop. The GTA Loop demonstrates, it expands the desired impact from a primarily profit-based approach to one focused on empowerment.
“Each stage of the SME Loop has a specific role to play in strengthening the impact of implementing a gender transformative approach,” said the Head of Business Support at CCI Benin.
Participants in this session had the opportunity to discover and discuss GTA Loop tools. Through concrete examples, they better understood how this approach can help them tackle the challenges of entrepreneurship.
The Women’s Entrepreneurship Days continue at the CCI Benin under the theme “Awaken the entrepreneurial spirit in you!” “. Various activities are offered to them such as panels and master classes. These days show the commitment of CCI Benin and its partners to support women’s entrepreneurship as a driver of economic and social development.
How does the GTA Loop approach help in empowering women entrepreneurs in Benin?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on Women’s Entrepreneurship in Benin
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Amina Togbénou, an expert in gender issues and women’s empowerment in entrepreneurship. Dr. Togbénou, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Togbénou: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a vital topic.
Editor: Recently, there was an event as part of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Days, where your organization partnered with GIZ to present the GTA Loop support approach to women entrepreneurs in Benin. Can you tell us more about this initiative?
Dr. Togbénou: Absolutely! The Women’s Entrepreneurship Days organized by the consular institution and GIZ aim to empower women in business. The GTA Loop approach is significant because it incorporates various facets of support, ensuring that women are not only trained but also mentored individually. We want to ensure sustainable growth and empower women to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship effectively.
Editor: That sounds impactful. You mentioned that one of the objectives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Benin is to reduce the mortality rate of MSMEs to 10% by 2025. How does the GTA Loop support this goal?
Dr. Togbénou: The GTA Loop approach is designed to strengthen the capacity of micro, small, and medium enterprises. By providing business training alongside personalized mentoring, we’re equipping women with the necessary skills to thrive. When women entrepreneurs succeed, they contribute significantly to their communities and the economy, thus helping to achieve that ambitious goal of reducing the mortality rate of MSMEs.
Editor: It’s encouraging to see such proactive measures. Can you share any outcomes or success stories that have emerged since the implementation of the SME Loop approach in 2015?
Dr. Togbénou: Certainly! Since its introduction, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in the number of women-led businesses that are sustaining themselves beyond the critical first few years. Many participants have reported improved business practices, increased confidence in management, and an ability to access funding that was previously out of reach. For instance, a woman we worked with started a small agricultural business that has now expanded to a cooperative, employing several other women in her community.
Editor: That’s inspiring! However, what challenges still remain for women entrepreneurs in Benin?
Dr. Togbénou: One major challenge is access to financing. While there are initiatives like ours to support entrepreneurs, many still face difficulties in securing loans due to stringent requirements. Additionally, cultural barriers and gender biases can also impede progress. We continue to work on advocacy to change perceptions and improve conditions for women business owners.
Editor: It sounds like there’s still a lot of work to be done, but the future does look promising with initiatives like the GTA Loop. What can we expect next in terms of support for women entrepreneurs in Benin?
Dr. Togbénou: We are looking to build upon the success of the GTA Loop by expanding its reach and increasing our partnerships with local and international organizations. Our goal is to create a more robust ecosystem where women entrepreneurs can not only survive but thrive. We are also exploring technological solutions to help women business owners connect with resources and networks more efficiently.
Editor: Dr. Togbénou, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that by empowering women entrepreneurs, we can foster sustainable economic development in Benin.
Dr. Togbénou: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of women and, consequently, the economy as a whole.
Editor: We look forward to following these developments. Thank you again for your time!