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PARTICIPATION DU PROJET VABICUI AU SIREXE 2026
Marie-geneviève EHINON | 09/11/2026
Du 18 au 22 novembre 2026 - Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, Le Salon International des Ressources Extractives et de l'Énergie (SIREXE) est un rendez-vous majeur qui réunit en Côte d'Ivoire les acteurs nationaux et internationaux des secteurs des mines, du pétrole et de l'énergie. Au-delà de sa dimension économique, le SIREXE constitue une plateforme stratégique de rencontres, de partage d'expériences, de promotion des investissements et de développement de partenariats. Pour la Côte d'Ivoire, il contribue au rayonnement économique du pays et au renforcement de son positionnement comme hub régional. Pour l'Afrique, il offre un cadre de réflexion et de coopération autour de la valorisation des ressources naturelles, de la souveraineté énergétique et du développement durable. Dans ce contexte, la participation du Projet VANICUI à cette deuxième édition représente une réelle opportunité de visibilité et de positionnement stratégique. Elle permettra notamment de :Faire connaître le projet, ses objectifs, ses ambitions et ses réalisations ;Rencontrer des partenaires institutionnels, techniques et financiers ;Identifier de nouvelles opportunités de collaboration et de financement ;S'inspirer des innovations et des expériences d'autres acteurs ;Renforcer la crédibilité et le rayonnement du projet auprès des acteurs économiques nationaux et internationaux.Ainsi, la participation du Projet VANICUI au SIREXE 2026 ne constitue pas uniquement une présence à un événement international, mais une véritable démarche de promotion, de réseautage et de recherche d'opportunités pour soutenir son développement et renforcer ses perspectives de partenariat.
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Twenty-one Centres of Vocational Excellence advancing Gender Inclusion in STEM
Tom CROHIN | 09/11/2026
Centres of Vocational Excellence across Ukraine are taking concrete steps to make STEM and technical education more accessible and inclusive for girls and women. Initially, eleven CoVEs conducted gender self-assessments and developed gender-transformative action plans to identify and address barriers affecting women’s participation in technical education and employment. These plans were presented during a WLICT webinar held on 15 September 2026, opened by Ms Shumik, Director General for Vocational Education and Training at the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. Following the strong interest and quality of the proposals received, Enabel mobilised complementary funding from its bilateral portfolio to extend support to 10 additional CoVEs in Ukraine, increasing reach and replication potential. A second webinar took place on 4 November 2026, during which the newly enrolled Centres presented their action plans and expected results. Through direct grants, the CoVEs will implement these tailored initiatives to attract, retain and support girls and women in STEM pathways. Planned activities include awareness-raising campaigns, role model and mentoring programmes, targeted training opportunities, partnerships with employers, improvements to learning environments, and measures to strengthen women’s transition from education to employment. By testing and institutionalising gender-transformative practices, the initiative aims to create lasting change in vocational education and expand opportunities for girls and women in STEM careers.Implementing actor(s): Enabel, Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) in Chernihiv, Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, Uzhorod, Kalush, Vinnytsia, Rivne, Kolky, Skvyra, Bila Tserkva.Partners: Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs): Vocational Lyceum of Ukrainka , Bila Tserkva Higher Vocational School of Construction and Services, Snovsk Higher Vocational School of Forestry, Pereiaslav Vocational College, Chernihiv Higher Vocational School, Boryspil Vocational College, Chernihiv Center for Vocational and Technical Education, Chernihiv Professional Construction Lyceum, Brovary Vocational College, Chernihiv Vocational Lyceum of Railway Transport, Skvyra Higher Vocational School , Higher Vocational School of Tulchyn” of Vinnytsia Regional Council, Dnipro Professional Technological College, Kvasyliv Vocational Lyceum, Odesa Center for Vocational and Technical Education, Uzhhorod Vocational Education and Training Centre, Kyiv Vocational College TECHNO-ART, Lviv Interregional Higher Vocational School of Railway Transport, Chortkiv Higher Vocational School, Higher Vocational School No. 7 in Kalush, Kolky Center for Vocational Education Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (DG VET)
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Gisakura: Where the Forest meets the Tea
Fatina MUKARUBIBI | 09/11/2026
On the edge of Nyungwe, one of Rwanda’s great ancient forests, life is lived close to the trees. Between 400 and 500 people share every square kilometre of land here, and for generations they have turned to the forest for what they need: wood for the cooking fire, timber for building, medicinal plants for healing, and a host of other gifts from the canopy. But the forest has been carrying a heavy load. Farms slowly expanded outward, poachers slipped between the trees, and a changing climate added its own quiet pressure. Little by little, the green cover of the park and the land around it began to thin. Then came a new initiative. Through the NaturAfrica project, and in partnership with the Rwanda Forestry Authority and Rwanda Mountain Tea, a plan took root: bring indigenous trees, some of them already at home in Nyungwe, back into the tea plantations. The hope was simple and bold. The trees would restore the forest cover, nourish the soil, and welcome biodiversity home. In Gisakura, in Nyamasheke District, the story began with the people themselves. Local tea growers’ cooperatives walked their fields and helped map out 250 hectares of plantation where agroforestry would be planted. The approach was new to them, yet they welcomed it with openness and enthusiasm, and that welcome was perhaps the most inspiring part of all. Those 250 hectares will become more than a planting site. They will form a living corridor, a green thread linking the tea plantations to the Nyungwe forest through the Nyungwe Remnant Forest, so that nature can once again move freely between the two. Healthier soil and protected water sources will bring benefits well beyond the trees. The same water that serves the tea factory also serves the surrounding community, and with it safeguarded, Rwanda Mountain Tea and the growers’ cooperatives can work towards organic tea certification, a step that ties livelihoods directly to conservation. And as the young trees rise, the story reaches further still. The forest cover will increase, carbon dioxide will be drawn from the air, and a small corner of Rwanda will play its part in the global effort against climate change.
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63 responsables, 3 sessions, 1 objectif : en finir avec les dossiers éparpillés en Mauritanie
Aminata KANE | 06/11/2026
Du dossier papier au dossier numérique : en deux semaines, 63 directeurs et responsables RH des hôpitaux et des directions régionales de la santé ont appris à piloter le Système d'Information de Gestion des Ressources Humaines (SIGRH) du ministère de la Santé. Récit d'une étape clé avant la mise en production, prévue en novembre 2026.Un agent de santé change de poste, part en congé, est mis à disposition d'une autre structure. Jusqu'ici, chacun de ces gestes laissait une trace éparpillée entre des fichiers Excel, des courriers et des mémoires. Demain, il laissera une seule trace : celle du SIGRH.Pourquoi un SIGRH ?Piloter un système de santé, c'est d'abord savoir qui travaille où. Or, sans données fiables sur le personnel, la planification stratégique, la répartition équilibrée des soignants et la gestion des carrières restent difficiles.Le SIGRH répond à ce besoin. Développé par le ministère de la Santé avec l'appui technique d'Enabel et le financement de l'Union européenne, il centralise les données du personnel, suit les mouvements des agents et harmonise la gestion dans tout le pays. Il ne s'agit pas d'un simple logiciel : c'est une nouvelle façon de gérer, documenter et valoriser les ressources humaines du secteur.Presque deux ans de préparationLe chantier a démarré en janvier 2024. Il a fallu paramétrer le système selon les procédures de la Direction des Ressources Humaines (DRH), nettoyer et structurer les bases de données existantes, puis aller à la rencontre des agents.Un système fait sur mesure : filières, corps, grades, échelons et affectations ont été paramétrés selon les règles RH du ministère.Un dossier unique par agent, avec un identifiant unique qui garantit la cohérence et la traçabilité des mises à jour.Une enquête de terrain : dans toutes les wilayas, des missions d'enrôlement ont permis de vérifier et d'actualiser les données des agents, avec collecte biométrique. À Nouakchott, les équipes de la DRH et de la DPTCES ont visité les établissements hospitaliers de mai à juillet 2026.Des agents informés : brochures et supports de communication ont accompagné ces missions, et les agents enrôlés ont reçu les informations pour accéder à leur espace personnel.Trois sessions, deux semaines, tout le paysLe système étant prêt, restait à former celles et ceux qui le feront vivre. Chaque structure a envoyé deux personnes : son directeur et le responsable RH appelé à utiliser le SIGRH au quotidien. Le principe était simple : mêmes personnes, deux jours complets, un parcours progressif.À chaque session s'ajoutaient des représentants de la DRH et de l'équipe technique d'Enabel, pour répondre aux questions en direct.Les sessions des wilayas devaient d'abord prendre la forme d'une mission itinérante. Faute de pouvoir la réaliser, la formation a été centralisée à Nouakchott, en groupes réduits, pour laisser plus de place aux exercices pratiques et à l'accompagnement individuel.Deux jours, les mains dans le systèmePas de grands discours : la formation était pensée pour manipuler. Présentations courtes, démonstrations directement dans le SIGRH, exercices pratiques, études de cas inspirées de la vie des DRS et des hôpitaux.Jour 1 : prise en main. Connexion, profils utilisateurs, droits d'accès, sécurité et confidentialité ; recherche et consultation des dossiers des agents ; lecture du tableau de bord RH (effectifs, répartition, indicateurs) ; qualité et fiabilisation des données.Jour 2 : opérations RH. Congés, affectations, mises à disposition, disponibilités ; circuit complet d'une opération (initiation, traitement, validation, suivi) ; cas pratiques intégrés ; préparation à la mise en production.Un point d'attention : les circuits de validation. Chaque démarche suit un parcours défini par le ministère, et chaque étape est tracée dans le système.Ce que le SIGRH change concrètementPour les directeurs : un tableau de bord pour suivre leurs effectifs et décider sur la base de chiffres à jour, pas d'estimations.Pour les responsables RH : des opérations traitées au niveau de la structure, avec un statut visible à chaque étape.Pour les agents : un dossier complet, consultable depuis leur espace personnel, et des démarches qui passent progressivement par un canal de référence.Pour le ministère : une base unique, des données fiables, et de quoi mieux répartir le personnel de santé.Sécurité à tous les étages : accès par rôles, journalisation des actions, sauvegardes automatiques et chiffrement des comptes. Chaque point focal ne voit que le périmètre dont il a la charge.À ce stade, le SIGRH concerne les agents fonctionnaires et contractuels de l'État intégrés dans le système. L'intégration des contractuels propres à chaque établissement viendra dans une phase ultérieure.Et maintenant ?Avec ces trois sessions, les directeurs et responsables RH des hôpitaux de Nouakchott et des huit wilayas disposent des bases pour utiliser le SIGRH dès l'ouverture de leurs accès, prévue en novembre 2026. Les habilitations seront attribuées aux points focaux RH désignés dans chaque DRS et chaque établissement.Le plus dur commence : faire vivre l'outil. L'expérience du projet le montre : la qualité du système dépend de la qualité des données, et sa durabilité d'une gouvernance régulière et de la montée en compétence des équipes. Les participants connaissent désormais les canaux pour solliciter l'appui de la DRH et de l'équipe technique en cas de difficulté.Le pari est lancé : un ministère qui sait en temps réel qui soigne, où et comment, c'est un système de santé mieux piloté, et des patients mieux servis.
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Building more sustainable food systems through agroecology in Rwanda
Guido COUCK | 03/11/2026
Agriculture is at the heart of Rwanda’s economy. It accounts for around 25% of national income and provides a livelihood for most rural families. But farmers are facing increasing pressure from climate change, soil degradation, population growth and shrinking farm sizes. More than 90% of Rwanda’s farmers are smallholders, many cultivating less than 0.7 hectares of land. Around 40% of the country’s land is also vulnerable to soil erosion, which threatens agricultural productivity.At the same time, many farmers rely on costly fertilisers, pesticides and seeds. This can increase production costs and, when poorly managed, put additional pressure on soils, biodiversity and the environment.The EU-funded DeSIRA+ programme aims to make food systems more sustainable and resilient in Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It builds on the earlier DeSIRA initiative and promotes agroecology, a way of farming that makes better use of natural processes while helping farmers maintain or improve production.In practice, this can include improving soil fertility with organic methods, integrating trees into farmland, reducing soil disturbance, managing pests more sustainably, collecting rainwater, and combining crop and livestock farming. These approaches can help farmers improve soil health and biodiversity, reduce their dependence on expensive inputs, and become more resilient to climate change.What will the project do in Rwanda?In Rwanda, DeSIRA+ will bring together farmers, cooperatives, small businesses, food processors and traders, as well as public institutions, researchers, universities and civil society organisations. Particular attention will be given to women and young entrepreneurs.Rather than promoting a single solution, the project will identify and test promising ideas together with farmers and other partners. Successful approaches will then be expanded so that more people can benefit from them.The project will support this through grants for innovative ideas, farmer-led trials, demonstration sites, training and technical support. It will also strengthen cooperation between farmers, researchers, businesses and public authorities and contribute to discussions on policies that can support agroecology in Rwanda.What does the project aim to achieve?By the end of the project, DeSIRA+ aims to:test around five promising agroecological innovations and expand at least two successful solutions;support more than half of participating farmers to adopt agroecological practices;help around half of supported producers increase their productivity and incomes;strengthen the capacities of at least 17 organisations;establish or reinforce at least three partnerships bringing together different actors in the food system;contribute to the integration of agroecology into national policies and planning;ensure that women and young people represent at least 20% of participants in supported innovation partnerships.Investment and long-term ambitionUltimately, the programme aims to help build a food system that is more productive, more resilient to climate change and better for the environment, while increasing farmers’ incomes and strengthening cooperation across the region.
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The Digital Innovation for Education (DI4E) Scaling Project
Guido COUCK | 03/11/2026
The Digital Innovation for Education (DI4E) Scaling Project, implemented under the Regional Teachers Initiative for Africa (RTIA), aims to strengthen teachers' digital competencies and improve the quality of teaching and learning across Sub-Saharan Africa. Many schools and educators face challenges in accessing digital tools, learning resources, connectivity, and professional development opportunities needed to effectively participate in the digital transformation of education. As a result, teachers are often unable to fully support learners in acquiring the digital skills required in an increasingly technology-driven world.The project seeks to transform digital education by addressing barriers that limit effective teaching and learning. Specifically, it aims to:Strengthen teachers' digital and pedagogical competencies.Promote the meaningful integration of educational technology into classroom practice.Improve access to digital teaching and learning resources.Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among educators.Expand opportunities for continuous professional development in digital education.To achieve these objectives, the project is implemented through:Innovation Hubs, which provide collaborative spaces where teachers can access internet connectivity, create and download digital resources, participate in training activities, collaborate with peers, and share knowledge and experiences.Digital Mobile Toolkits, equipped with tablets, projectors, and other digital learning devices that support the integration of technology into classroom practice.Continuous capacity building and pedagogical support, ensuring teachers can effectively use digital technologies to enhance teaching and learning outcomesThe project primarily benefits teachers, students, schools, and education authorities. Teachers gain access to digital tools and professional development opportunities, while learners benefit from more engaging and technology-enhanced learning experiences. Schools are strengthened through improved access to digital infrastructure and resources, and education authorities benefit from innovative approaches and capacity-building initiatives that support digital education planning and governance. The project is implemented through a partnership involving the Regional Teachers Initiative for Africa (RTIA), the European Union, UNESCO, the African Union Commission, Enabel, and Ministries of Education in participating countries. Expected results include stronger digital competencies among teachers, increased use of technology in classrooms, improved teaching and learning experiences, enhanced collaboration among educators, and the development of future-ready digital skills among learners. The project also aims to establish sustainable models for continuous teacher professional development through digital innovation.The DI4E Scaling Project is implemented in Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. The broader Regional Teachers Initiative for Africa (RTIA) runs from 1 February 2024 to 31 January 2030.
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Parcours auto-emploi à Mamou : 100 jeunes se forment à l’apiculture et installent 500 ruches à Porédaka
Jacques LENO | 02/11/2026
À Porédaka, dans la préfecture de Porédaka, 100 jeunes franchissent une nouvelle étape de leur parcours vers l’insertion économique. Dans le cadre du projet AMIS, mis en œuvre par Enabel et Expertise France grâce au financement de l’Union européenne, ils bénéficient d’une formation pratique dans la filière apicole, un secteur porteur offrant de réelles perspectives d’entrepreneuriat et de création de revenus. Après avoir acquis les bases théoriques du métier, les participants ont été formés en menuiserie apicole, une spécialité qui consiste à fabriquer les ruches nécessaires à l’élevage des abeilles. Grâce à cette formation, les jeunes ont confectionné 500 ruches qui sont progressivement installées dans la forêt située à proximité du hub de Tunkan. Ce rucher constitue une infrastructure essentielle pour le développement de l’activité apicole dans la localité. Les ruches sont désormais prêtes à accueillir les colonies d’abeilles qui permettront, à terme, la production de miel. Au-delà de l’apprentissage technique, cette initiative vise à favoriser l’organisation collective des bénéficiaires. Les jeunes seront regroupés au sein de structures organisées afin de renforcer leurs capacités de gestion, de production et de commercialisation. Plusieurs d’entre eux envisagent déjà de créer leur propre activité dans le secteur apicole. La filière présente des perspectives prometteuses. Le miel produit en Guinée est commercialisé sur le marché national et bénéficie également d’opportunités à l’international. Pour le moment, les débouchés européens concernent surtout la diaspora guinéenne, mais cette ouverture témoigne du potentiel de croissance du secteur. Les jeunes sont accompagnés dans cette démarche par la Coopérative pour le Développement Économique de Porédaka (CODEP), qui joue un rôle important dans l’encadrement technique et le développement de la filière. À travers cette initiative, le projet AMIS contribue à doter les jeunes de compétences pratiques, à créer des opportunités économiques durables et à valoriser les ressources locales au service du développement de la communauté.
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Lait et fourrage : de Kaédi à Kiffa, le conseil et la concertation se construisent sur le terrain en Mauritanie
Aminata KANE | 30/10/2026
En quelques semaines, deux rendez-vous ont montré comment la filière lait et fourrage s’organise : à Kaédi pour définir les services de conseil dont les éleveurs ont besoin, à Kiffa pour préparer concrètement l’extension des cultures fourragères.Kaédi, 7 et 8 octobre : définir le conseil de demainQuarante acteurs venus de Nouakchott, du Trarza, du Brakna, du Gorgol, du Guidimakha, de l’Assaba et du Hodh se sont réunis à Kaédi pour un atelier de priorisation et de professionnalisation des services de conseil agropastoral. Organisé par le projet SYSALIM (Systèmes alimentaires durables et inclusifs), mis en œuvre par Enabel, Agence belge de coopération internationale, avec le financement de l’Union européenne, l’atelier a réuni éleveurs, facilitateurs, mini-laiteries, services de l’État, structures de recherche et de formation.Leur question était simple : quels services de conseil les éleveurs ont-ils vraiment besoin, et qui peut les fournir durablement ? Quatre services ressortent : la ressource fourragère, l’alimentation et la performance laitière, la gestion de l’eau, et la reproduction et l’amélioration du troupeau. SYSALIM s’appuie sur les acquis de RIMDIR, RIMFIL et SECURALIM plutôt que de créer un système parallèle.Kiffa, 29 octobre : passer à l’actionQuelques jours plus tard, c’est en Assaba que cette dynamique s’est concrétisée. Sous l’égide du Wali, le cadre de concertation de la filière lait et fourrage de l’Assaba a réuni administrations, élus, projets de développement, société civile et acteurs de la filière. Objectif : augmenter les superficies cultivées en fourrage vert pour mieux préparer la période de soudure, quand les pâturages se raréfient et que les éleveurs dépendent d’aliments importés.La première phase vise plus de 100 hectares, avec des variétés adaptées au contexte local. Le Wali a appelé à passer de la concertation à la mise en œuvre, avec un suivi régulier et des responsabilités clairement définies. Le secrétaire général du cadre a rappelé le travail préparatoire (formation, prospection, coordination avec les partenaires), dont l’établissement, avec Enabel, d’une liste d’agriculteurs prêts à se lancer. À terme, l’initiative pourrait réduire la facture d’importation d’aliments pour le bétail et aider les éleveurs à mieux résister aux périodes de sécheresse.Des cadres de concertation au cœur de la filièreCes deux rencontres relèvent de la même approche. SYSALIM a installé ou redynamisé 20 cadres de concertation pour mieux organiser les chaînes de valeur agropastorales : ce sont ces espaces qui permettent aux acteurs d’identifier leurs priorités et de passer à l’action ensemble. En Assaba, l’une des sept wilayas (régions) d’action du projet, le cadre de concertation de la filière lait et fourrage a été mis en place avec l’appui de SYSALIM et prépare désormais l’extension des cultures fourragères.Et maintenant ?Les résultats de Kaédi alimentent une matrice opérationnelle des services prioritaires, et SYSALIM retiendra un nombre limité de services à expérimenter : tester, mesurer, apprendre, ajuster. Le même exercice est conduit pour le maraîchage et les céréales traditionnelles.Projet SYSALIM, financé par l’Union européenne et mis en œuvre par Enabel, Agence belge de coopération internationale.
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Burundi : l’accès à l’eau potable, une condition essentielle pour améliorer la qualité des soins à Kirundo
Jonas Eric UWIZERA | 29/10/2026
Au Burundi, disposer d’une eau potable en quantité suffisante et de manière régulière est indispensable pour garantir de bonnes conditions d’hygiène et des soins de santé de qualité. Dans le cadre du projet santé bilatéral Ntusigare Inyuma, financé par le Royaume de Belgique et mis en œuvre par Enabel, des travaux d’extension et de réhabilitation des réseaux d’alimentation en eau potable ont été réalisés au bénéfice de six centres de santé et des communautés environnantes à Kirundo. Ces investissements contribuent à améliorer l’accès aux services essentiels pour une population potentiellement desservie estimée à 75 000 personnes. L’eau potable, une condition essentielle à la qualité des soins Dans les centres de santé, l’eau potable est indispensable au quotidien : hygiène des mains, nettoyage et désinfection des locaux, entretien du matériel et prévention des infections associées aux soins (IAS). Pourtant, plusieurs centres de santé de Kirundo étaient confrontés à des difficultés d’approvisionnement liées à l’insuffisance ou au dysfonctionnement des réseaux existants. Certains devaient recourir à la récupération des eaux de pluie ou à l'achat d'eau pour répondre à leurs besoins. Ces contraintes affectaient les conditions de fonctionnement des structures sanitaires et rendaient plus difficile le maintien d'un environnement de soins répondant aux exigences d'hygiène. Six centres de santé bénéficient d'infrastructures améliorées Pour répondre à ces difficultés, le projet Ntusigare Inyuma a soutenu des travaux d'extension et de réhabilitation des systèmes d'alimentation en eau potable au bénéfice des centres de santé de Vyanzo, Kigari, Bishisha, Kabuyenge, Rusara et Mugina. Les réalisations comprennent : - Près de 26 kilomètres de réseaux aménagés ou réhabilités ; - Deux stations de pompage solaire ; - Dix nouveaux réservoirs construits ; - Neuf réservoirs réhabilités. Les réseaux sont désormais opérationnels. Ces investissements visent à renforcer la disponibilité de l'eau potable dans les structures sanitaires et à améliorer les conditions d'exercice des professionnels de santé, au bénéfice des patients. Des bénéfices qui dépassent les centres de santé L'intervention ne se limite pas aux établissements sanitaires. Les réseaux d'alimentation en eau potable desservent également les communautés environnantes, avec une population potentiellement bénéficiaire estimée à 75 000 personnes. En améliorant les infrastructures d'approvisionnement en eau, le projet contribue ainsi à répondre à des besoins essentiels des structures de santé et des populations riveraines. Cette approche illustre l'importance d'investissements qui associent le renforcement des services de santé à l'amélioration des infrastructures de base. Le pompage solaire au service d'un approvisionnement plus durable Deux stations de pompage alimentées par l'énergie solaire ont été installées dans le cadre des travaux. L'utilisation de cette énergie renouvelable permet de mobiliser une source d'énergie pour assurer le pompage de l'eau, tout en réduisant la dépendance aux sources d'énergie conventionnelles. Au-delà de la réalisation des ouvrages, leur durabilité dépendra de leur exploitation régulière, de leur entretien et de leur maintenance, sous la responsabilité des communes concernées. Investir dans les infrastructures pour renforcer le système de santé À travers le projet Ntusigare Inyuma, Enabel accompagne les efforts du ministère de la Santé du Burundi pour renforcer le système de santé et améliorer les conditions de prestation des services. L'accès à une eau potable fiable constitue une composante essentielle de cette démarche. Il contribue à créer les conditions nécessaires à des soins plus sûrs et de meilleure qualité, tout en répondant aux besoins des communautés. Renforcer le système de santé, c'est aussi investir dans les infrastructures essentielles qui permettent aux professionnels de santé de travailler dans de bonnes conditions et aux populations de bénéficier de services de qualité.
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Advancing responsible and sustainable tourism in Uganda
John CANDIGA | 29/10/2026
Through Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) certification, Enabel is working with tourism businesses in Uganda to embrace ethical practices, improve working conditions, strengthen community participation and build a more sustainable and competitive tourism industry.In Uganda's Karamoja sub-region, a tourism enterprise that began with a vision of connecting travellers to local communities is now setting a new standard for responsible and sustainable tourism. Karamoja Safari Camp, operating under the Kara-Tunga Tours brand, has become Uganda's first tourism business to attain Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) certification, marking an important milestone for the country's tourism and hospitality sector.Having started its operations in 2016, the achievement represents recognition of years of efforts to make tourism more inclusive, environmentally responsible, and beneficial to the communities that make Karamoja a unique destination. Through cultural experiences, community partnerships and environmental conservation initiatives, Kara-Tunga has worked to demonstrate that tourism can offer more than memorable experiences for visitors. It can also support local livelihoods, preserve cultural identity and create opportunities for communities to participate in the tourism economy.Sustainability at Karamoja Safari Camp is reflected in how the business operates and engages with surrounding communities. The enterprise promotes community-based tourism activities, employs local people and supports local food production, creating opportunities for residents to participate in and benefit from tourism.It also connects visitors with local craftspeople through cultural tours and workshops, helping showcase and preserve Karamoja's rich cultural heritage while supporting community enterprises. Environmental responsibility is another important part of its operations. The camp recycles organic waste into compost, promotes bicycle and walking tours to reduce carbon emissions, supports tree planting in schools, and has eliminated plastic bags while providing guests with filtered drinking water. According to Rogers Mabiro, a staff member at Kara-Tunga Safari Camp, these initiatives reflect the enterprise's commitment to reducing the negative effects of tourism while increasing its positive contribution to communities and the environment."At Kara-Tunga, we are committed to sustainable tourism. This means we strive to limit or improve any negative impacts of our operations," he explains.These efforts are particularly relevant in Karamoja, where tourism offers opportunities to showcase the region's cultural heritage and biodiversity while supporting livelihoods and local economic development. By involving local people in tourism activities, the enterprise is contributing to an approach in which communities are not simply part of the visitor experience but also participants in the economic opportunities it creates.Although Kara-Tunga had already introduced several responsible tourism practices, attaining Fair Trade Tourism certification required the enterprise to demonstrate that its operations met internationally recognised sustainability standards. The certification process involved a rigorous six-month assessment conducted by FTT auditors who evaluated the camp against 184 criteria across six sustainability pillars: fair share, fair say, respect, reliability, transparency and sustainability.These criteria examine how tourism businesses treat their employees, engage with communities, manage their environmental responsibilities and ensure fairness and transparency in their operations. The assessment included independent third-party verification, interviews with staff and community representatives, document reviews, field inspections and evaluation of impact metrics.Grace Stead, the General Manager of Fair Trade Tourism, welcomed the enterprise's achievement and its commitment to demonstrating responsible tourism practices. "This builds on what they have already been doing, providing verification and aligning with international best practice," she said.The Fair Trade Tourism certification achievement by Kara-Tunga is part of a broader effort to strengthen responsible and sustainable tourism practices across Uganda's tourism and hospitality sector. The initiative is designed to ensure that tourism businesses begin their journey towards internationally recognised sustainable tourism certification by reducing some of the financial barriers associated with membership and certification audits.The certification places Kara-Tunga among a growing network of African tourism businesses committed to ethical practices that prioritise local communities, environmental stewardship, transparency and fair economic participation. Building on this achievement, Enabel has procured a second consultancy assignment to strengthen the adoption of responsible and sustainable tourism practices among 30 tourism enterprises.
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Promoting maternity care in Uganda through saving for health and affordable transport
John CANDIGA | 29/10/2026
Moreen Kiiza, 38, found it easier to attend antenatal visits and reach a health facility in time for childbirth. This was possible due to affordable transport through a community motorcycle service and regular savings for healthcare. As an expectant mother living far from a health facility, the journey to receive maternity care can be as important as the care itself.The cost of transport, the distance to a health facility and the availability of a reliable means of travel can all influence whether a mother receives medical attention when she needs it.Moreen is a member of Tweimukye Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) in Bunyangabu District, Uganda’s Rwenzori region. Through the Decent Work and Social Protection project funded by the Kingdom of Belgium, her VSLA group received a community-managed motorcycle to transport members to health facilities, making it easier for expectant mothers and other community members to access healthcare.The motorcycle became an important part of Moreen’s journey through pregnancy and childbirth, helping her travel to a health facility for antenatal care and eventually for delivery. This is because, for many expectant mothers in rural communities, accessing antenatal care requires more than knowing when to visit a health facility. It also means finding reliable transport and having enough money to pay for the journey.Moreen was familiar with this challenge. Transport costs to some health facilities can be high, making regular visits difficult for households with limited financial resources.According to Moreen, transport to facilities such as Kibiito Health Centre can sometimes cost as much as UGX 20,000 for a return journey. Having access to the motorcycle managed by her VSLA group offered a more affordable alternative."I like using the group motorcycle because it is readily available, and they usually charge a subsidised fare compared to others," she explains.During her pregnancy, Moreen used the motorcycle three times to attend antenatal care visits at Kasunganyanja Health Centre. For each return journey, she paid only UGX 6,000, significantly reducing the transport expenses associated with seeking maternity care.The importance of reliable transport became even clearer when Moreen's pregnancy reached the advanced stage. When the time came for her to give birth, she once again relied on the VSLA motorcycle to travel to the health facility. It was the fourth time she had used the motorcycle during her pregnancy.This time, however, the journey was particularly important. She needed to reach the facility in time to receive professional maternity care. "The health workers were happy that I reported on time," she recalls.While regular antenatal care helps expectant mothers monitor their pregnancies, reaching a health facility promptly for delivery is equally important. In communities where transport can be expensive or difficult to arrange, access to an affordable motorcycle can help address one of the practical barriers to seeking timely maternal healthcare.As a member of Tweimukye VSLA, she had also embraced saving for health to help meet medical expenses whenever they arose. She initially began contributing UGX 1,000 per week to the group's health savings fund. Over time, recognising the importance of having sufficient financial resources available during pregnancy and childbirth, she increased her weekly contribution to UGX 10,000.Her decision was motivated by the need to strengthen her financial preparedness and ensure that she could access a sufficient loan from the group if additional expenses arose during delivery. Through consistent saving, Moreen accumulated UGX 300,000 in health savings.Fortunately, Moreen gave birth normally and did not have to use much of her accumulated savings. The money she had set aside, however, remained valuable. Rather than withdrawing from the saving-for-health initiative after childbirth, she decided to continue contributing to the group. "These savings will support me and my baby in case illness arises," she says.Her decision reflects an important aspect of financial preparedness: healthcare needs do not end with childbirth, as families continue requiring medical assistance.Moreen's experience is part of a broader community transport initiative implemented under the Decent Work and Social Protection project. Through the initiative, 15 motorcycles were provided to selected VSLA groups to improve transport to health facilities, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.The motorcycles are managed by the groups and provide transport services to both members and other community residents. Under the arrangement, group members benefit from subsidised fares, paying half the prevailing market rate, while non-members are charged the normal market rate.This model seeks to address two important community needs: improving access to healthcare and creating an income-generating activity for the savings groups. At the same time, income generated from transporting passengers provides an additional revenue stream for the groups managing the motorcycles.Approximately 5,057 patients have been transported to health facilities using the 15 motorcycles provided to the selected VSLA groups. The motorcycles have also generated approximately UGX 44.5 million (EUR 10,800) in income for the groups.
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Earning sustainable income through coffee seedlings in Uganda
John CANDIGA | 29/10/2026
Joseline Kabuwo and 27 other women and youth in Nyabuswo believe that a small coffee seedling represents an opportunity to earn an income, build a sustainable livelihood, and contribute to the future of one of Uganda’s most important crops.Joseline is the chairperson of a group of 28 women and young people (23 female), who manage the Nyabuswo and Kitonya coffee nursery beds under the Nyabuswo Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative in Kabarole District. The group raises quality coffee seedlings for sale to farmers across the Rwenzori region and other parts of Uganda, helping them access quality planting material to establish new coffee gardens and expand existing ones.The nursery enterprise is also creating opportunities for the group members themselves. When the seedlings from their first season were ready, each member received at least 150 seedlings to establish a coffee garden at household level. This has enabled the members to become coffee producers themselves while continuing to earn collectively from the nursery business.The group started the nursery enterprise in January 2025 with 12 kilograms of Arabica coffee seed. According to Joseline, their first season generated approximately UGX 15 million (about EUR 3,400) from the sale of seedlings. Rather than sharing all the proceeds among themselves, the members decided to reinvest part of the income to expand the business.Building on the success of their first season, the group increased their investment to 14 kilograms of Arabica coffee seed for the second season. They now expect to generate over UGX 20 million (about EUR 4,570) once all the seedlings are sold.The progress has encouraged Joseline and the other members to look beyond seedling production. The group is now considering expanding into coffee trading by purchasing coffee beans from farmers in the community, bulking them and selling them through the Nyabuswo Farmers’ Cooperative. This would provide an additional source of income for members while strengthening the cooperative’s role in connecting local coffee farmers to markets.Their ambition reflects the wider opportunities within Uganda’s coffee sector. Coffee is a critical part of the country’s economy, with more than 1.8 million households involved in its production. The crop contributes significantly to Uganda’s export earnings and supports millions of livelihoods across its value chain. As Uganda works to increase coffee production and strengthen the value of the crop, farmers’ access to quality planting material, skills and markets will remain essential.It is within this wider context that the Decent Work and Social Protection Project is supporting women and young people to participate more productively in Uganda’s agricultural value chains. Through the Private Sector Development and Consultancy Centre (PRICON), a project partner, the Nyabuswo Farmers’ Cooperative is among the farmer organisations receiving support to create and improve employment opportunities within the agriculture sector, including the coffee value chain.The intervention focuses on improving productivity and skills, promoting value addition and market access, strengthening financial inclusion, and creating decent employment opportunities across agricultural value chains. By supporting women and young people to participate in sustainable economic activities, the project is contributing to increased incomes and stronger livelihoods.
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Deaf and thriving: Uganda’s rising chef
John CANDIGA | 29/10/2026
Pius Busingye was once on a clear path to becoming a medical doctor. But in 2015, just weeks before sitting his final Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams, life took a sharp, unexpected turn. A sudden illness took away his hearing, and with it, the smooth trajectory he had envisioned for his future.“I got Division 1 with an aggregate of 23,” Pius happily recalls. “But I know I could have done even better if I had not fallen sick just before the exams.” His dream of studying medicine felt suddenly out of reach because it became challenging for him to navigate such a sudden change without adequate resources and sufficient sign language skills.Adapting to hearing loss was not an easy task. Everyday conversations became puzzles he had to solve by reading lips or scribbling back and forth. Despite his strong academic performance, the lack of access to a special needs school forced 17-year-old Pius to drop out of school. His parents, though supportive, simply could not afford the additional costs.With dreams deferred but not forgotten, Pius turned to the informal sector to survive. He first worked as a chainsaw maintainer, then moved into masonry. After nearly two years of backbreaking work, the contractor he was working with vanished without paying him. The money, Pius had hoped, would help him return to school.It was at this point that Pius got to know about the tourism and hospitality apprenticeship programme through a friend. “He told me about the apprenticeship programme by Enabel and the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA). As soon as I saw the advert, I applied and was glad to be selected for interviews,” said Pius. Alongside other youth, Pius went through three months of training at the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute in Jinja. He specialised in food production and presentation, and after 3 months of training, he was placed in the bustling kitchen of Serena Hotel in Kigo, Entebbe, to practise the skills he acquired from the training institute. “I was able to make different dishes, manage client stations, and communicate with the waiting team,” he shared proudly. Working in food production didn’t just teach him practical skills but also reignited his confidence.Today, Pius views cooking as more than just a job. “I consider cooking an art. Every day I push myself to learn something new, especially with the help of the chief chef and my colleagues.” He passed the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) assessment to earn his certificate to fully practise his cooking and food presentation skills.Pius dreams of blending his culinary skills with another hidden passion: tailoring. “I will cook on my duty days, and on my off days, I will sew clothes,” he said. This is his way of creating a balanced, sustainable life, one that allows him to support his siblings and, someday, his own family.
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Building healthier communities in Uganda’s Rwenzori region
John CANDIGA | 29/10/2026
In Fort Portal City, community volunteer Rosette Kabarangira is helping families rethink how they prepare for healthcare expenses, encouraging a culture of saving that can make timely medical care more accessible. For Rosette Kabarangira, helping a family prepare for a medical emergency begins with a simple conversation about saving.In communities where household incomes are often stretched across competing needs, putting money aside for healthcare can seem difficult. Some people believe that saving is only possible for those with well-paying jobs or substantial incomes. Rosette is working to change that perception.As a community volunteer and savings-for-health ambassador in Fort Portal City's North Division, she works with seven Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs), encouraging members to save regularly for healthcare and manage their finances more effectively. Her work is helping community members understand that preparing for future medical expenses does not necessarily require a large income. Rather, it can begin with small, consistent contributions and a commitment to financial planning.One of the biggest challenges Rosette encounters is the belief that saving for healthcare is beyond the reach of people with limited incomes. Through community mobilisation and awareness sessions, she encourages individuals and households to reconsider this perception and explore how joining a VSLA can help them prepare for healthcare needs."Most people used to think that you need a big job or a lot of money to start saving for health. My sessions focus on addressing those misconceptions, and usually, they enrol and start saving afterwards," she explains.For Rosette, these conversations are an important part of building financial confidence within communities. Rather than simply encouraging people to contribute money, she helps them understand the value of saving, the benefits of belonging to a VSLA and the practical steps involved in becoming a member. Her approach focuses on making financial preparedness understandable and achievable for people with different income levels.As a trained savings-for-health ambassador, she mentors VSLA members on financial management and the importance of planning for future needs. Her community sessions cover savings management, budgeting, saving for old age, personal financial management and investment.These topics help members think more broadly about how they use their income and how they can balance immediate household expenses with longer-term financial responsibilities. Through the training and mentorship, Rosette encourages members to develop habits that can strengthen their financial preparedness and improve their ability to respond to unexpected expenses.She also follows up with the VSLA groups to monitor their progress and encourage members to keep saving for healthcare. This ongoing engagement is important because building a savings culture requires more than a single awareness session. It depends on consistent encouragement, practical guidance and the confidence that regular contributions can make a difference. This is because when people understand why they are saving and how to manage their resources, they are better positioned to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.Among the changes that motivate Rosette most is the difference she has observed in how expectant mothers prepare for and access maternity services. Pregnancy comes with healthcare needs that require timely attention, including regular antenatal care visits. Yet the costs associated with seeking these services can place pressure on households that have not prepared financially.Rosette has seen how this approach is making a difference among the communities she works with. "I see that expectant mothers are now able to happily attend all their maternity services, including all antenatal visits, because they are saving for health," she says.Witnessing these changes reinforces the importance of her work. Her experience shows the importance of saving for healthcare. When families set aside money in advance, they can meet medical costs when the need arises without having to scramble for money. Having money set aside can make it easier for expectant mothers to attend antenatal visits and access other maternity services when they need them.Rosette is among the Village Health Team (VHT) members trained to serve as savings-for-health ambassadors under the Decent Work and Social Protection project in Uganda, funded by the Kingdom of Belgium. The project promotes saving for health among VSLAs in the Rwenzori and Albertine regions as an approach to addressing delays in seeking healthcareThrough their existing relationships with community members, VHTs are well positioned to mobilise households, explain the benefits of health savings and provide continued mentorship to VSLA groups.Rosette's work also shows the importance of financial education in social protection. Beyond the amount saved, the knowledge and habits developed through regular mentorship help communities to make better-informed decisions about managing their resources.She says that the impact of saving for health should not end when the project ends. She wants the communities she works with to continue saving and applying the financial management skills they have acquired.As Uganda advances discussions around Universal Health Coverage, Rosette believes that encouraging households to maintain their health savings is an important part of strengthening financial preparedness. She continues to motivate VSLA members to remain active, contribute regularly, and recognise health savings as an ongoing household priority.
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Better farming practices transform vanilla production in Uganda
John CANDIGA | 29/10/2026
Through improved agronomic practices and access to reliable markets, a vanilla farmer in Ntoroko District is increasing his harvests, creating employment and investing in a better future for his family.Christopher Mwesige, a farmer in Nombe sub-county, Ntoroko District, in Uganda's Rwenzori region, has experienced a remarkable improvement in his vanilla production. He is among the participating farmers in the agronomic training under the Vanilla Initiative for Building Resilient and Thriving (VIBRANT) Communities, implemented by Kabarole Resource and Research Centre (KRC) as part of the Decent Work and Social Protection project, funded by the Kingdom of Belgium. Through the initiative, farmers receive practical training and technical guidance to improve vanilla production, strengthen their participation in the agricultural value chain and increase their income.One of the most significant changes has been learning how to manage his vanilla plantation more effectively. Through the agronomic training, Christopher acquired knowledge on appropriate planting distances, pruning techniques, and the use of organic manure to improve soil fertility and crop productivity.Applying these practices has helped him improve the management of his vanilla vines and increase the quantity of vanilla harvested. The results have been encouraging. This is because before the training, Christopher harvested about 100 kilograms of vanilla per season. He now produces between 300 and 400 kilograms per season.For a household that depends on farming, a better harvest creates opportunities to earn more income, meet essential family needs, and invest in other livelihood activities. Christopher is now looking beyond his current production levels. As he continues applying the knowledge acquired through the training, he has set himself an ambitious target of harvesting one tonne of vanilla per season. Achieving this goal will require continued investment in good agronomic practices, proper management of his vines, and access to reliable markets.Producing more vanilla is only one part of Christopher's progress. Being able to sell his harvest promptly and receive payment on time has also contributed to the growth of his enterprise. Through KRC's efforts to connect farmers with trusted buyers, Christopher has gained access to a more reliable market for his vanilla. This arrangement has helped reduce the uncertainty associated with finding buyers after harvestingDuring his most recent harvest, Christopher earned approximately UGX 5,000,000 million from vanilla sales. For him, this income represents the value of combining improved production with better market access.Another important benefit has been the reduction in post-harvest losses. According to Christopher, KRC mobilises buyers in time for harvesting, thereby enabling farmers to sell their vanilla on the same day. This reduces delays in storage and the risk of produce going to waste before it reaches the market.The benefits of Christopher's improved production are extending beyond his household. As his vanilla plantation has become more productive, he has employed five workers to work in his garden. The workers help manage the vanilla vines throughout the production cycle, from planting and crop maintenance to harvesting, ensuring that the plantation receives the attention needed to maintain quality and improve yields.The income generated from vanilla farming is also enabling him to invest in assets that improve his family's wellbeing and financial security for the future. He has purchased a motorcycle to facilitate his movement and improve his mobility. He has also bought 10 goats as part of his plans to establish goat farming as an alternative source of income.Diversifying into livestock farming provides Christopher with an opportunity to expand his livelihood activities beyond vanilla production. At home, progress is equally visible. Christopher is constructing a family house, while meeting the school expenses of his eight children.Christopher's experience reflects the wider ambitions of the VIBRANT Communities initiative, which seeks to improve the living conditions of vulnerable populations participating in the vanilla value chain. Implemented by KRC and Enabel, the initiative promotes sustainable and inclusive agricultural development by strengthening farmers' technical knowledge, access to advisory services and opportunities for improved livelihoods.Across Kasese, Bundibugyo and Ntoroko districts in WesternUganda, agricultural extension and farmer advisory services have been strengthened through practical agronomic training, household visits, demonstration gardens, Farmer Field and Business Schools (FFBS) and Community Producer Facilitator (CPF)-led farmer support.So far, 1,447 farmers have received individualised agricultural extension visits, covering crop management, pest and disease control, soil fertility management, irrigation and shade management. Farmers have also received guidance on post-harvest handling, including appropriate harvesting, sorting, grading and quality assurance practices. These interventions are contributing to improved adoption of good agricultural practices and better vanilla quality, while equipping farmers with knowledge they can continue applying beyond the project's implementation period. The community-level significance of this approach lies in its potential to strengthen farming as a sustainable livelihood. When farmers improve productivity, reduce losses and connect with reliable markets, they are better positioned to invest in their households and expand their enterprises.Christopher’s story shows how better vanilla farming can make a difference in a family’s life. His increased harvests have enabled him to employ five workers, invest in livestock, and pay for his children’s education.
