The second phase of the project “A new generation of Ivorian entrepreneurs and cocoa farmers” aims to stimulate the economic, social and environmental development of cocoa-growing communities by placing young people and women at the heart of the transformation process. This project, implemented by Rikolto with financial support from the Colruyt Group Foundation, seeks to build upon the achievements of the first phase by empowering 200 young people, including 35 young women, particularly through improved access to finance and support for creating viable businesses. The project also aims to train young people in digital skills to make their businesses more competitive on the market.
Young people in Côte d'Ivoire, representing 36% of the rural population, face numerous obstacles in accessing the essential resources needed to create sustainable businesses, particularly in the cocoa sector. Fewer than 20% of young farmers receive adequate training or appropriate financing, limiting their ability to generate jobs and income, and contribute to the development of cocoa-growing communities, particularly in the San-Pedro region (Daregba, Colonel, Gréléon, Abdoulayekro). The first phase of the NGEP-CI project allowed 505 young people to be trained in sustainable agricultural practices and entrepreneurship. However, although workshops were organised to enable them to present their projects in the form of business plans to local financial institutions, they were unable to obtain funding due to their lack of practical experience, thus hindering the development of their projects and the creation of jobs.
We cannot get involved in a community by focusing only on the farmers, often men. We must also consider the women and young people in their households.
The NGEP-CI 2 project adopts an approach focused on acquiring practical experience through businesses’ creation. Young people will be able to directly apply the skills acquired during their training. In addition, partnerships will be established with financial institutions to facilitate access to micro-credits or subsidies. The aim is to make young people financially independent and encourage entrepreneurship through a combination of training, support and appropriate funding. Rikolto ensures the coordination of the project’s implementation on the ground and oversees activities related to training and business development.
To implement this project, several concrete activities will be put in place:
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The project will generate significant results through targeted activities to support young entrepreneurs. We aim to organise 8 workshops, training 200 young people on key topics such as fundraising and digital skills. Additionally, 25 young people will be trained in entrepreneurship and business management, with specific support to help them formalise their businesses and optimise their online presence, including through social media management. Furthermore, strong partnerships will be established between young people and 2 local financial institutions, thus facilitating access to finance for their projects. These actions will contribute to the creation of 7 formal businesses, with young entrepreneurs ready to engage in profitable and sustainable activities.
Long-term impact:
We are happy and proud because for 3 years we have been trained by Rikolto, and this contract renewal will enable us to create our own businesses, become independent, develop our community and take care of our families.
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