By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
A
two-week residential Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Training of
Trainers programme has commenced in Bo, bringing together professionals from
across Sierra Leone to enhance support for micro, small and medium-sized
enterprises (MSMEs).
The
initiative is being implemented by Felei TechCity in partnership with the
Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation and the International
Labour Organization (ILO) through the Salone Project, with funding support from
the European Union.
The
programme has attracted 30 participants from nine districts across the country,
including business development professionals, representatives from innovation
and incubation hubs, government officials, and personnel from microfinance and
private sector institutions. Participants are expected to undergo intensive
training leading to globally recognised ILO certification as business trainers.
Organisers
said the initiative is designed to strengthen the country’s capacity to provide
quality business development services by equipping trainers with
internationally recognised methodologies that can be applied to support
entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Among
the participants are ten women, fifteen business development professionals,
five representatives from innovation and incubation hubs, and government
officials drawn from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency
(SMEDA) and other public institutions. Most of the participants bring
significant experience to the programme, with a large majority having worked in
the MSME sector for at least three years and nearly half possessing more than
six years of experience.
Upon
completion, the newly certified trainers are expected to return to their
respective organisations and communities to deliver business development
training and mentorship, helping to expand entrepreneurship support services
across Sierra Leone.
Stakeholders
involved in the programme noted that strengthening the capacity of trainers
creates a multiplier effect, enabling more entrepreneurs and small business
owners to access the skills and knowledge required to start, manage, and grow
sustainable enterprises.
The
initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote entrepreneurship, job
creation, and private sector development through enhanced support for the MSME
ecosystem in Sierra Leone.
