Benin/Appropriation of Alafia Microcredit: Departmental directors of social affairs and microfinance receive training

A capacity-building workshop was held this Thursday, January 16, 2025, for Departmental Directors of Social Affairs and Microfinance, to familiarize them further with the Alafia microcredit program. The session took place in the meeting room of the Fonds national de micro crédit (Fnm), in Cotonou.

Fnm's role in the microfinance sector and presentation of Alafia microcredit". This is the theme of this capacity-building workshop on Alafia microcredit. At the start of the proceedings, which brought together executives from the Fnm and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Microfinance, a number of speeches were made. According to Fnm Managing Director Louis Biao, in recent years, Alafia microcredit has been the Fund's flagship product, making it available to vulnerable citizens to support their sectors of activity. According to him, significant progress has been made in recent years, with some 42 billion invested by December 21, 2024, reaching over 600 million people. "The Government Action Program (Pag) aims to impact 1 million people by the end of 2026, with a target budget of 110 billion," he said. Stressing the crucial role of local and departmental players in the success of the program, he reminded the audience that particular attention is being paid to coordination between the different levels of intervention and to the importance of field work. Finally, Louis Biao emphasized the need for close collaboration between the various players if the objectives set by the government are to be achieved. Opening the proceedings, Hervé Tété Nani, Director of Cabinet for the Minister of Social Affairs and Microfinance, pointed out that the Alafia microcredit program is a government initiative aimed at promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment for vulnerable populations. His speech underlined the importance of this scheme as a tool for combating poverty and stimulating entrepreneurship. The program is not limited, he points out, to granting financial resources, but also includes accompanying measures such as financial and digital education. Departmental directors have been identified as key players in implementing the program at local level. "The government's objective is clear. To offer every fellow citizen the opportunity to realize this professional ambition, while helping to build a fairer society, by realizing the importance of your role and the responsibility that weighs on your shoulders. You are the link between the government and the beneficiaries. You are undoubtedly the most appropriate people to be here at this time. Your commitment and involvement in this project will be crucial to its success. And in conclusion, I would like to express the deep gratitude of the Minister of Social Affairs and Microfinance to all those who, at different levels, contribute to the implementation of this scheme. Together, we have the potential to change the lives of thousands of people, to offer them opportunities and to drive sustainable economic development in our country. I thank you for your attention, and encourage you to seize this opportunity to build on your knowledge, strengthen your skills and contribute to the achievement of our common goals", he told the participants. The workshop featured a number of presentations aimed at strengthening the participants' skills.

Source: matinlibre.com/