A training program for twenty young people from communities bordering Benin's W National Park began on October 29 and will run until December 23, 2026. The program, called "Jeunes entrepreneurs riverains" (Young Riverine Entrepreneurs), aims to strengthen the entrepreneurial skills of its beneficiaries and promote their economic autonomy. The program was initiated by the W National Park as part of its "Développement communautaire" (Community Development) pillar.
The program combines theoretical and practical training, internships, and individualized coaching. It covers essential skills such as business creation and management, simplified accounting, financial management, marketing, and commercialization. The program also addresses issues of quality, hygiene, safety, leadership, and sustainable management of natural resources. The training is designed to equip beneficiaries with the skills needed to develop or consolidate sustainable income-generating activities.
The program focuses on five areas of specialization: livestock, market gardening, agri-food processing, fishing, and non-timber forest products. Beneficiaries will be divided into groups according to their fields and needs. Practical exercises and immersions on application sites will allow young people to confront theoretical knowledge with the realities of their activities. The development of a business plan is a central axis of the program.
Each participant will be accompanied in the structuring of their project, market study, investment evaluation, and profitability calculation. Finalized plans will be presented to a jury during the defenses scheduled for December 21, 2026. The program includes a technical specialization phase from November 30 to December 11, followed by the finalization of business plans from December 14 to 18.
The program aims to promote the financial autonomy of young people living near the park and to promote economic activities compatible with conservation imperatives. The program's organizers hope that the skills acquired will be transformed into viable and sustainable projects, contributing to the socio-economic insertion of beneficiaries and the development of bordering communities.
The training program takes place at the K-d.k Farm and is implemented by the W National Park in partnership with Groupe K-D.K. The park's authorities have announced that post-training support will be provided from January 2027, including coaching, follow-up visits, and technical and entrepreneurial advice.
The program's closure is scheduled for December 22, 2026, before the beneficiaries return to their localities the following day. The W National Park's initiative aims to balance economic development with environmental conservation, providing young people with opportunities for economic autonomy while promoting sustainable management of natural resources.
Key points
- The program aims to equip twenty young people with skills in entrepreneurship and sustainable management of natural resources.
- The training program includes practical exercises, internships, and individualized coaching.
- Post-training support will be provided to beneficiaries from January 2027.
