Nestlé Burkina Faso is participating in the 18th edition of the Ouagadougou International Handicraft Fair (SIAO) with a focus on promoting local talent. The company's stand showcases its products and highlights its commitment to supporting local talent, considered essential for creating wealth and driving development in Burkina Faso. The theme of this edition, "African handicrafts and industrialization: what synergy for better organization and valorization of local products and cultural heritage?", aligns with Nestlé's approach to recognizing local know-how and creating opportunities for young people.
Nestlé's commitment to local talent is one of three key engagements highlighted on its stand at SIAO. The company aims to support young people's employability and entrepreneurial initiatives through its "Nestlé needs youth" program, launched internationally in 2017. In Burkina Faso, this initiative includes masterclasses and free training in various fields, such as digital technology, artificial intelligence, languages, sales techniques, marketing, leadership, and professional skills.
The company also supports young entrepreneurs through the "Pépites d'entreprise" TV show, which provides guidance on structuring ideas, developing activities, and improving profitability. Additionally, internships in companies allow beneficiaries to discover the realities of the professional world, exchange with entrepreneurs, and better understand production and business development mechanisms.
According to Orphélie Thalmas, Nestlé's institutional communication manager, supporting local talent involves identifying and empowering them to reach their full potential. The company aims to facilitate young people's professional insertion and develop their businesses by providing initiatives that enable them to be visible and develop their skills.
Nestlé Burkina Faso has contributed to the skills development of 10,000 young people and supported over 9,000 young entrepreneurs. Through its Campus Challenge initiative, the company has mobilized 5,000 young people from ten universities around 150 entrepreneurial projects. These figures demonstrate the company's commitment to creating value and contributing to the country's economic dynamic.
In addition to promoting local talent, Nestlé Burkina Faso is highlighting its commitment to product quality and nutrition. Visitors to the stand can learn about the quality and safety standards that govern product development, as well as the company's policy of continuous improvement. The company is also organizing educational activities for children and families to promote balanced eating habits.
Nestlé Burkina Faso's initiatives are part of a broader approach to contributing to the national economy. The company, present in Burkina Faso since 2009, emphasizes the economic opportunities generated by its distribution network and the actors involved in the value chain. For Boureïma Drabo, Nestlé Burkina Faso's general administrator, SIAO is an opportunity to strengthen ties with local populations and partners.
Key points
- Nestlé Burkina Faso supports local talent through its "Nestlé needs youth" program and other initiatives.
- The company has contributed to the skills development of 10,000 young people and supported over 9,000 young entrepreneurs.
- Nestlé Burkina Faso emphasizes product quality and nutrition, alongside promoting local talent.
