Strengthen the role of entrepreneurship as a driver of economic and social development
The Month of Entrepreneurship Benin 2024 (MEB 2024) took place throughout November 2024 with the objective of promoting and energizing Benin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This first edition, co-organized by ADPME in partnership with IYBA-SEED Benin and other key entrepreneurship stakeholders from Togo, brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs, experts, and decision-makers to strengthen the role of entrepreneurship as a driver of economic and social development.
A first edition under the sign of partnership and co-organization
As a program committed to entrepreneurship development and supporting young entrepreneurs, IYBA-SEED played a crucial role in structuring a national roadmap that united public and private sector initiatives under a common vision.
We have supported and participated in several events in the capital as well as in the communes of southern Benin:
• Organizing the Local Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Days in several municipalities across the Mono, Atlantique, Littoral, and Ouémé departments. These events addressed local entrepreneurial realities and connected support structures with entrepreneurs in different regions.
• Facilitating training and mentorship sessions, providing expert guidance to equip young entrepreneurs with essential skills in financial management, market access, and innovation.
• Connecting entrepreneurs with investors and support structures through speed-coaching sessions and networking opportunities.
• Enhancing the visibility of local initiatives, by promoting the actions of various partners and contributing to the overall communication of the event.
Key highlights of MEB 2024
The MEB 2024 was structured around several major events, including:
- Launch Day (November 5, Cotonou)
The opening event brought together over 800 participants, including 600 young project leaders, who attended a Masterclass on business creation. - The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Days (November 25-27, Cotonou)
Over three days, young entrepreneurs, policymakers, support structures, and investors engaged in discussions on entrepreneurship challenges and explored solutions tailored to local realities. - The 2nd Meeting of Social and Solidarity Economy Enterprises (ESS)
Integrated into MEB 2024, this event highlighted business models with positive social and environmental impacts and provided a platform for discussions on public policies supporting the ESS sector in Benin. Regional Entrepreneurship Events
With the support of partners such as IYBA-SEED, EJASA, Technoserve, and SENS Benin, various initiatives were deployed across multiple municipalities to foster entrepreneurship at the local level:- Entrepreneurial roadshows of Ouémé, with the NGO Action Locale, and the town halls of Dangbo, Adjohoun Missérété, Bonou, Aguégés.(November 27 and 29).
- Mono Entrepreneurial Innovation Week with Groupement Intercommunal du Mono (GI-Mono).(November 25 to 29).
- Meeting on the theme “Innovations and synergies for the future” as part of the Journées locales de l'écosystème entrepreneurial in Porto-Novo, with RADEB and Porto-Novo town council, LABIS Porto Novo Solidarité Laïque ADPME BENIN. (November 28).
- Conferences and 1000 coders Forum “Digital solutions for citizen emancipation and sustainable territorial development” at Epitech Benin and “Digital professions and entrepreneurship” in 21 Benin territories (November 11 and 13).
A successful first edition
Through this first edition of the Month of Entrepreneurship, IYBA-SEED played a key role in creating synergies between entrepreneurship stakeholders. Our commitment extends beyond this event, as we continue to support identified entrepreneurs, strengthen collaborations between support structures, and optimize available entrepreneurial support mechanisms across the country.
The success of #MEB 2024 paves the way for the institutionalization of this initiative, and we are confident that future editions will further contribute to structuring and supporting entrepreneurship in Benin.
A huge thank you to entrepreneurs and participants who made this edition a success and to our partners:
- 1000 Codeurs
- ADPME BENIN
- Solidarités Entreprises Nord-Sud (SENS Bénin)
- TechnoServe
- SNV
- Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie du Bénin - CCI BÉNIN
- Sèmè City
- Gouvernment of Benin
- Ciyt hall of : Abomey Calavi, Lokossa, Porto Novo, Toffo, Dangbo, Adjohoun Misserete, Bonou, Aguégués, Adjarra, Allada, Comé, Cotonou, Ouidah, Sèmè-Kpodji
- RADEB Réseau des acteurs de développement de l'éducation
- ONG ACTION SOCIALE
- ONG Actions plurielles
- Groupement Intercommunal du Mono (GI-Mono)
- APEFE Bénin
- Solidarité Entreprises Nord Sud
- Beniniz
