The Stride cabinet recently launched the first edition of its "Campus to Business" program at the University of Abomey-Calavi. This initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship and employability among young people in Benin. The program brings together stakeholders from higher education, institutional partners, and representatives from the business world. The University of Agricultural Sciences of K-d.k in Parakou was among the institutions specially invited to the ceremony.
The "Campus to Business" program seeks to bridge the gap between universities and the productive sector, enabling students to transform their ideas into viable and innovative projects that create jobs. The program focuses on four key areas: digital entrepreneurship and technological innovation, agribusiness and agro-food transformation, green and circular economy, and culture and tourism. This initiative is expected to help young people move from ideas to projects and eventually to full-fledged economic activities.
Gertrude Topanou Ahanhanzo, the Director-General of Stride, emphasized the need to create concrete links between the talents in universities and the opportunities offered by the professional world. She stressed that the program aims to support young people in turning their ideas into projects and eventually into economic activities, through a collective dynamic involving universities, businesses, and support structures.
The program's selection process will be based on the innovation, relevance, feasibility, and potential for value creation of the projects. The Director of Operations at Stride presented the program's overall orientation and its support stages, from idea maturation to pre-incubation and incubation. This will enable students to develop their projects and turn them into viable businesses.
Yvette Onibon Doubogan, representing the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, welcomed the initiative, which aligns with efforts to combat youth unemployment and underemployment. She emphasized the importance of strengthening university support systems for entrepreneurship. The program aims to build lasting links between the academic world and the productive sector.
The University of Agricultural Sciences of K-d.k in Parakou participated in the ceremony, demonstrating its commitment to opening up to other universities and exploring new perspectives to enhance student skills, particularly in agriculture and agro-food. The university announced that registration for its third-year students will begin soon, marking an important step in their academic journey.
The "Campus to Business" program is expected to have a positive impact on youth employment in Benin by promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. The program's focus on practical skills and support for students will help them transition into the workforce. Key stakeholders, including universities and businesses, will work together to ensure the program's success.
Key points
- The program focuses on four key areas: digital entrepreneurship, agribusiness, green economy, and culture and tourism.
- The initiative aims to support young people in turning their ideas into projects and eventually into economic activities.
- The program seeks to build lasting links between the academic world and the productive sector.
