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New Partnerships Sought to Unlock Nacala Corridor Opportunities
Velsoma CUMBANA | 06/07/2026
At the Mozambique-EU Business Forum, stakeholders called for coordinated action to transform the Nacala Corridor into a platform for sustainable investment, economic growth and regional integration. Maputo, 9 June 2026 – Government representatives, investors, development partners and private sector actors gathered today at the Mozambique-EU Business Forum to discuss how coordinated investments and new partnerships can unlock the economic potential of the Nacala Corridor and accelerate sustainable development across northern Mozambique and the wider region. The session, co-hosted by Mozambique and Belgium, focused on how coordinated corridor development can attract investment, strengthen value chains and create economic opportunities across sectors including agriculture, logistics, mining, energy and tourism. While the Nacala Corridor offers significant opportunities for investment and growth, participants noted that many communities in the region continue to face development challenges. The discussion focused on how investments can generate both economic returns and positive social impact. Opening the session, the Government of Mozambique reaffirmed its commitment to advancing an integrated vision for the corridor, one that goes beyond transport infrastructure and positions the Nacala Corridor as a platform for economic transformation, regional integration and private sector development. “The opportunities are significant. It is now our responsibility to work together to transform them into viable projects, sustainable investment, employment, economic growth and real benefits for the population,” said Angelo Nhalidede, National Director of Economic Policy and Development at the Ministry of Planning and Development. Turning vision into implementation requires effective coordination. Hendro Nhavene, Head of the Project Implementation Unit for PEDEC-Nacala, explained how the unit helps align investments and interventions with the Nacala Corridor Economic Development Strategy and broader government priorities. “We have a steering committee with different government entities that meets at least twice a year for coordination and alignment across sectors and stakeholders,” said Nhavene. He noted that PEDEC-Nacala serves as a gateway for investors and development partners seeking to engage in the corridor, helping connect them with relevant government institutions while ensuring that proposed initiatives complement ongoing efforts and national priorities. “Whether you are looking for a project in agriculture, logistics or environment, instead of going to different entities, we can provide you with relevant information,” he added. The vision of the other sidePrivate sector perspectives reinforced both the opportunities and challenges associated with operating along the corridor. Agricultural exporter Jacaranda shared how improved connectivity has facilitated access to international markets, while noting that access to finance and climate-related shocks remain significant barriers to growth and resilience. International partners also shared lessons from their experience supporting corridor development. JICA highlighted the importance of long-term planning and integrated development approaches, noting that sustainable economic transformation depends on combining infrastructure investments with reliable energy, education and local development. Port of Antwerp-Bruges International echoed these lessons, drawing on its partnership with Enabel in Benin, where knowledge transfer, institutional strengthening and capacity development helped build sustainable local management capabilities. Building on this experience, preparations are underway to support similar cooperation initiatives in Mozambique through European Union financing. Participants concluded that the future success of the Nacala Corridor will depend on its ability to function not only as transport infrastructure, but also as a platform that connects businesses, communities, institutions and markets. Priorities identified during the discussion included improving connectivity between production areas and transport networks, reducing logistics costs, strengthening the enabling environment for investment and promoting coordinated implementation across sectors. The session was part of the MOZ-EU Business Forum, which brought together public and private sector stakeholders to strengthen economic cooperation and promote sustainable investment between Mozambique and Europe.
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Les COFOVs s’engagent pour une gouvernance foncière durable et une transition agroécologique réussie
Geoffroy ZONGO | 06/07/2026
À la suite de leur institutionnalisation en janvier 2026, les Commissions Foncières Villageoises (COFOVs) des communes d’intervention du Portefeuille Thématique Climat Sahel, volet Mali (PTCS Mali) ont franchi une étape déterminante avec le renforcement des capacités de leurs membres. À travers des sessions interactives et structurées, ces derniers se sont approprié des outils essentiels de sécurisation foncière, les dispositions de la Loi Foncière Agricole ainsi que les principes de bonne gouvernance locale, tout en harmonisant leurs pratiques et leurs modalités d’intervention.Cette dynamique ne s’est pas limitée à cette étape. Du 09 au 29 avril 2026, les membres des COFOVs ont bénéficié d’un renforcement de capacités en agroécologie paysanne, une approche durable au cœur des défis climatiques actuels. Les échanges autour du terroir, des impacts du changement climatique et des principes du manifeste agroécologique du Mali ont suscité un fort engagement et une mobilisation active des participants.Cet engagement s’est concrétisé sur le terrain à travers l’organisation, du 07 au 17 mai 2026, de formations pratiques axées sur la production de fumure organique et de biopesticides à partir de ressources locales. Ces solutions, à la fois accessibles et respectueuses de l’environnement, contribuent à l’amélioration durable des systèmes de production tout en préservant la santé des producteurs.Aujourd’hui, les membres des COFOVs affirment leur volonté de devenir des acteurs clés du changement, en promouvant une agriculture durable et en renforçant la sécurité foncière des communautés rurales.
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Niger : des clubs de lecture pour booster la réussite scolaire
Halissa HASSAN DAN AZOUMI | 06/07/2026
Dans la région de Dosso, cinq collèges pilotes construits et équipés par Enabel dans le cadre du projet Sarraounia 2 ont mis en place des clubs de lecture pour stimuler l’apprentissage des élèves.Animés par l’Association Nigérienne des Éducateurs pour le Développement (ANED), ces clubs regroupent 100 élèves volontaires dans les CEG de Doula, Zoumbou, Goumandey Seyni, Yelou et Gawassa.Grâce aux bibliothèques installées dans chaque établissement, les élèves développent leur goût de la lecture, améliorent leurs compétences en français et renforcent leur esprit critique, contribuant ainsi à de meilleures performances scolaires.
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Niger : une innovation digitale pour mieux gérer l’assurance maladie départementale
Halissa HASSAN DAN AZOUMI | 06/07/2026
Une avancée majeure pour la santé Dans les districts sanitaires de Gaya, Gothèye et Dioundiou, le projet PASS-Sutura renforce depuis 2022 la protection sociale en santé. Son objectif : réduire les dépenses de santé élevées pour les populations et améliorer l’accès à des soins de qualité. Pour y parvenir, plusieurs actions sont menées, notamment l’amélioration des équipements, le renforcement des compétences des soignants et la prise en charge des priorités de santé comme la santé maternelle et infantile, les maladies non transmissibles ou encore le paludisme. Le pari de la digitalisation Au cœur de cette dynamique, la digitalisation joue un rôle clé. Le logiciel open source OpenIMIS a été introduit pour gérer l’assurance maladie départementale. Progressivement, il a été amélioré et connecté à d’autres systèmes comme DHIS2 et OpenClinic, facilitant ainsi la gestion des données de santé et le suivi des patients. Un défi : mieux gérer les finances Malgré ces avancées, la gestion financière restait un défi majeur, notamment pour le suivi des cotisations et le paiement des prestataires de soins. L’absence d’interopérabilité avec les logiciels comptables existants compliquait la traçabilité et la transparence des opérations. Une solution innovante : OpenIMIS connecté à Odoo Pour répondre à ce défi, une solution innovante a été mise en place : l’intégration d’OpenIMIS avec Odoo, un logiciel comptable open source. Déployée entre novembre 2025 et mai 2026 avec l’appui de partenaires techniques, cette approche est une première en Afrique. Grâce à cette interconnexion, les paiements sont désormais enregistrés automatiquement et les écritures comptables générées après validation des prestations. Résultat : moins d’erreurs, plus de rapidité et une meilleure transparence dans la gestion des ressources. Former pour garantir la réussite Pour assurer le bon fonctionnement du système, une formation a été organisée en juin 2026 au profit des acteurs clés du système de santé. Elle a permis de renforcer les compétences en utilisation d’Odoo et en gestion de l’interopérabilité, garantissant ainsi une meilleure appropriation des outils. Une innovation au service des plus vulnérables Autre avancée importante : l’intégration de la gratuité des soins pour les enfants de moins de cinq ans et les femmes enceintes. Désormais, ces bénéficiaires sont identifiés et suivis dans le système, permettant une meilleure traçabilité des services et des coûts. Vers plus de transparence et d’équité Avec l’intégration d’OpenIMIS et d’Odoo, le Niger franchit une étape importante vers une gestion plus transparente et efficace de l’assurance maladie. Cette innovation contribue non seulement à renforcer la confiance dans le système de santé, mais aussi à garantir un accès plus équitable aux soins pour les populations.
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SECURALIM : consolider les acquis pour la souveraineté alimentaire en Mauritanie
Aminata KANE | 03/07/2026
Face à la crise alimentaire mondiale aggravée par la guerre en Ukraine, l'Union européenne et Enabel soutiennent en Mauritanie le projet SECURALIM (12 M€, 2023-2027) dans 7 wilayas du sud et du centre-sud du pays — une région qui joue aussi un rôle important d'accueil des réfugiés. L'évaluation indépendante à mi-parcours le confirme : les résultats les plus solides apparaissent quand accès à l'eau, semences de qualité et conseil agricole sont combinés. Ententes foncières conclues dans les 7 wilayas, production fourragère multipliée par plus de 17, plus de 4 600 exploitations appuyées : les bases sont posées, la dernière phase doit désormais consolider ces acquis. Une réalisation Enabel en Mauritanie, avec le soutien de l'Union européenne.
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Niger : un atelier régional pour renforcer le partage de données sur les terres et le climat
Halissa HASSAN DAN AZOUMI | 03/07/2026
Du 1er au 3 juillet 2026, Niamey accueille, à la salle de réunion du CCRAOS–AGRHYMET (Centre Climatique Régional pour l'Afrique de l'Ouest et du Sahel), un atelier régional dédié à l’élaboration d’un plan opérationnel de partage de données et d’informations sur la gestion durable des terres et le changement climatique.Organisé par le Portefeuille thématique climat – volet régional (PTCS -VR) , cet atelier rassemble des acteurs clés de la région afin de renforcer la coordination, améliorer l’accès aux données et soutenir la prise de décision en faveur de la résilience environnementale.Les échanges portent notamment sur l’adoption d’une plateforme régionale de gestion des connaissances, la définition de son mécanisme d’animation ainsi que la validation d’un protocole de partage de données structurant pour le réseau régional en construction.
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APPLY NOW: Circular Economy Training of Trainers Programme for Business Support Organisations (BSOs) in East Africa
Nicoletta FAVARETTO | 02/07/2026
Expression of Interest – Circular Economy Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme for Business Support Organisations (BSOs) in East Africa Are you a Business Support Organisation (BSO) interested in strengthening your capacity to support the transition to a circular economy? Apply to our training of trainers programme! Join our information session on 15 July 2026 at 09:30 CEST / 10:30 East Africa Time (EAT) to learn more about the Circular Economy Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme for BSOs, the first co-hort in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia) and the application process. The programme is organised under the EU Circular Economy Resource Centre (EU CERC) Business Lab and implemented by Circle Economy Foundation. About the Programme The Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme is designed for practitioners from Business Support Organisations who are looking to strengthen circular economy knowledge and application within their organisations and business networks. Participants may either: Work directly with businesses and MSMEs to support the development and implementation of circular economy strategies and business models; or Focus on strengthening internal organisational capacity to deliver training, facilitate learning, and cascade circular economy knowledge across their networks. The programme combines online training, expert insights from European circular economy initiatives, peer learning, practical tools, case studies, and follow-up support through webinars and Communities of Practice. What participants will gain Selected participants will: Build a strong understanding of circular economy principles and sector-specific applications; Develop either a business-focused support programme or an internal capacity-building plan, depending on their chosen pathway; Gain access to practical tools, methods, and frameworks to help businesses identify and implement circular opportunities;Strengthen their ability to deliver, replicate, and cascade circular economy knowledge within their organisations and networks; Exchange experiences and learn from peers across the region; Receive continued support through follow-up webinars and a Community of Practice.Programme Structure The programme will include: A short online orientation session and preparatory activities (August 2026); Two consecutive online training days (September 2026); Four follow-up support sessions over the subsequent months. Participants will be assigned to one of two pathways: Practitioner – Business Pathway For organisations seeking to support businesses and MSMEs in developing and applying circular economy business models and identifying practical circular opportunities. Internal Hub Capacity Pathway For organisations seeking to strengthen internal circular economy knowledge-sharing, facilitation, and training capacity, enabling them to deliver and cascade learning across their networks. Selection Process Participation is competitive and subject to a selection process based on: Alignment with policy and ecosystem priorities Circular economy ambition and vision Inclusivity and stakeholder engagement Capacity to implement and scale Expected long-term ecosystem impact Approximately 15 participants will be selected for the programme with 2 to 3 participants coming from each BSO (representing approximately 7–8 BSOs selected for the programme). Information Session15 July 2026 at 09:30 CEST / 10:30 EAT Join the webinar to learn more about the programme, eligibility criteria, selection process, and participant expectations. Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a74d2bfe-ebcd-4852-9c28-f9a6939ac5da@8552ee09-2fab-421d-9ef7-664207bcf596 Submit Your Expression of Interest Interested organisations are invited to submit their Expression of Interest through the application form no later than: 24 July 2026, 15:00 Brussels time (CEST) We look forward to receiving your application and supporting the growth of circular economy expertise across East Africa.
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Quand les femmes de la Tshopo cultivent des opportunités face au changement climatique
Paola VANGU TSAKALA | 02/07/2026
À Kisangani, le Forum et la Foire agricole sur l'entrepreneuriat agricole ont démontré qu'au-delà des défis climatiques, les femmes rurales développent des solutions concrètes pour renforcer la sécurité alimentaire, créer des revenus et dynamiser les économies locales. Sur les étals de la foire agricole, chaque produit racontait une histoire de résilience. Farine de manioc, poivrons, oignons, épices, fruits transformés ou produits maraîchers : derrière ces productions exposées se découvrent des femmes entrepreneures lieux des sept territoires de la province de la Tshopo, déterminés à transformer les contraintes du changement climatique en opportunités. Pendant quatre jours, le Forum et la Foire agricole sur l'entrepreneuriat agricole ont réuni des productrices, des partenaires, des acheteurs et des acteurs du secteur agricole autour d'un objectif commun : renforcer l'entrepreneuriat féminin comme levier de développement durable. Au-delà de la mise en valeur de leurs produits, les participants ont pu développer leur réseau professionnel, partager leurs expériences, découvrir de nouvelles techniques de production et identifier des solutions pour adapter leurs activités à un climat de plus en plus imprévisible. Pour nombre d'entre elles, cette rencontre a constitué une opportunité de mieux faire connaître leurs produits, d'accéder à de nouveaux marchés et de créer des perspectives de croissance pour leurs exploitations. L'initiative a également mis en évidence le rôle central des femmes dans la transformation des systèmes alimentaires locaux. Actrices incontournables de la production agricole, elles contribuent chaque jour à la sécurité alimentaire, à la création d'emplois et à la résilience économique de leurs communautés. Face aux effets croissants du changement climatique, elles démontrent que les solutions existent déjà sur le terrain. En adaptant leurs pratiques agricoles, en diversifiant leurs productions et en développant des activités génératrices de revenus, elles participent activement à la construction d'une agriculture plus résiliente. Organisé du 26 au 29 juin par le Collectif des femmes et la Fondation Gisèle Mombele, avec l'appui du projet Agriculture familiale et entrepreneuriat agricole et rural d'Enabel Tshopo, le Forum illustre une conviction forte : investir dans l'entrepreneuriat féminin, c'est renforcer la résilience climatique, stimuler les économies locales et donner aux femmes les moyens d'être pleinement actrices du développement de leur province. Parce qu'au-delà des récoltes, ce sont des parcours de vie, des familles et des communautés entières qui se transforment.
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Les chambres froides hybrides, une innovation qui transforme durablement la filière pomme de terre en Guinée.
Soua Koly BILIVOGUI | 01/07/2026
Grâce à des chambres froides hybrides fonctionnant à 98 % à l’énergie solaire et seulement 2 % au thermique, les producteurs disposent d’une solution fiable de stockage, même dans les zones isolées sans accès au réseau électrique. Cette technologie permet de réduire les pertes post-récolte, de garantir la disponibilité des semences et des pommes de terre toute l’année, d’augmenter les revenus des producteurs et de stabiliser les prix sur les marchés. Une réussite portée par les communautés elles-mêmes, qui témoigne du potentiel d’un modèle durable, rentable et réplicable
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En Mauritanie : Co-construire l’avenir de la riziculture familiale avec le projet SECURALIM
Aminata KANE | 01/07/2026
Du 21 au 30 juin 2026, le projet SECURALIM a franchi une étape décisive pour la structuration agricole dans la vallée du fleuve Sénégal. Une mission stratégique a sillonné les wilayas du Trarza, du Brakna et du Gorgol pour restituer les diagnostics organisationnels de 24 coopératives rizicoles et co-construire leurs plans d'action.Financé par l’Union européenne et mis en œuvre par Enabel, le programme SECURALIM vise à renforcer les exploitations agropastorales et à bâtir des filières durables et inclusives. Pour optimiser la gestion des coopératives familiales et consolider leurs liens avec les usiniers, le projet s'appuie sur un partenaire de choix : le Centre de Gestion et d'Economie Rurale (CGER) Vallée, fort de 20 ans d'expertise au Sénégal.Une démarche participative ancrée sur le terrainMenés selon la méthodologie active DABU (Découverte Active des Besoins Utilitaires), les ateliers régionaux de Kaédi, Bogué et Rosso ont réuni les acteurs clés de la filière : dirigeants de coopératives, agents de la SONADER, représentants de la FRAT et usiniers.Les discussions ont permis d'analyser sans tabou trois axes essentiels:L'organisation institutionnelle (gouvernance et formalisation juridique). La gestion interne (campagnes agricoles, comptabilité et outils opérationnels).Les relations partenariats (liens contractuels avec les banques et les transformateurs). « L'objectif n'est pas d'imposer des modèles, mais de partir de l'expérience concrète des producteurs pour bâtir des règles de gestion adaptées à leurs réalités ».Vers un conseil de gestion pérenneL'exercice s’est clôturé le 30 juin à Nouakchott par un atelier national de restitution consolidée. Au-delà de la validation des constats, cette mission débouche sur des résultats concrets : la production de 4 rapports de synthèse et la co-construction de plans de renforcement sur mesure. Ces données alimenteront directement les futurs modules de formation du projet et viendront nourrir la réflexion de la SONADER pour l'instauration d'un dispositif de conseil agricole permanent et durable.Ensemble, Enabel et ses partenaires posent les bases d'une riziculture mauritanienne plus autonome, performante et résiliente.
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Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) roundup: new partnerships and commitments
Taisiia DRUZIUK | 01/07/2026
At the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) 2026 in Gdańsk, Enabel announced a series of partnerships with national and international stakeholders to support Ukraine’s sustainable recovery and development.The Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Enabel, and the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the launch of a Bachelor’s programme in Occupational Therapy in Ukraine. Belgium and Estonia will contribute to strengthening the capacity of occupational therapists by aligning university curricula with European standards, supporting academic staff through evidence-based training, and facilitating international exchanges. The programme will also include guest lectures from Belgian and Estonian experts and internship opportunities abroad.Enabel also reaffirmed its commitment to regional recovery through a Memorandum with the Chernihiv Regional State Administration. The partnership supports a growing portfolio of 13 projects across education, healthcare, and civil protection in the region.In parallel, a new agreement with the Kyiv Regional State Administration will deepen cooperation in vocational education and training (VET). Enabel will continue supporting selected institutions in their transformation into Centres of Vocational Excellence, while investing in infrastructure, energy resilience, and expanded access to training for adults, including veterans and internally displaced persons.In the energy sector, Enabel and the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine agreed to collaborate on deploying innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency across industries and municipal services. The partnership also includes capacity-building initiatives and support for expanding the network of decarbonisation and energy efficiency offices.Beyond formal agreements, Enabel actively contributed to strategic discussions at URC 2026. At a Ministry of Economy workshop on human capital mobilisation, Country Director Dirk Deprez highlighted the Active Labour Market Policies (ALMP) Facility and presented the Junior Academy, an innovative public-private partnership piloted with Bosch Ukraine.Enabel also participated in the first high-level Steering Committee meeting of the International Coalition for Science, Research, and Innovation in Ukraine. The roundtable, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tetyana Berezhna and European Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, addressed key challenges and opportunities in Ukraine’s science and innovation ecosystem. As one of 55 member organisations, Enabel signed the Gdańsk Declaration on Science, Research and Innovation in Ukraine, reaffirming its commitment to supporting both immediate needs and the long-term development of Ukraine’s research and innovation sector as part of a resilient and sustainable recovery.
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World of Coffee: Big turnout for TDC cupping session
Samuel POOS | 01/07/2026
On 26 June, as part of the official WOC cupping session programme, our tasting event in Cupping Room 2 turned into a buzzing marketplace for B2B matchmaking. International buyers turned out in numbers to discover the exceptional flavour of premium African specialty coffee from 17 producer organisations and businesses.Buyers and professional roasters evaluated high-quality terroirs from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia. Feedback from the participation enterprises has been very positive! The session served as a prime commercial meeting point, sparking interest and leading to numerous business contacts. Through our targeted coaching programmes, TDC supports coffee cooperatives in areas like marketing, finance and business management, traceability, decent work, and alignment with EUDR. Seeing them shine on a global stage, supporting local autonomy and empowering women and young producers is at the heart of our mission.
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Building a poultry farm one flock at a time in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 30/06/2026
When Yuster Katusabe started keeping poultry, she noticed there were very few poultry farmers in her community. She saw an opportunity. “I realised there was a ready market because very few people were doing this business,” she says. Her location also works in her favour, as she supplies customers from a nearby trading centre and from Kichwamba Technical College, where demand for chicken remains high. Yuster already had 200 birds when she joined the WeWork – Green and Decent Jobs for Youth project. The project is implemented by Enabel in partnership with Ile de Paix and The Association of Rwenzori Community (RCA), with funding from the European Union and the Government of Belgium. Through the programme, she attended a five‑day residential bootcamp where she learnt business planning, marketing, and proper record keeping. “I was keeping records before, but I was not doing it properly,” she admits. She now has a written business plan and a clear target: by 2027, she wants to increase her flock to 700 birds. The project awarded her a UGX 1million (€239) micro‑grant, which she used to buy 100 more chicks and feeds. The micro‑grant is given after Ile de Paix carries out assessments during mentorship sessions to identify youth with strong potential to grow their businesses, with the evaluation and selection conducted by an independent firm to ensure transparency. Yuster also received 100 day‑old chicks as her start‑up kit. Today, she keeps 300 birds. Like many poultry farmers, one of her biggest challenges is the cost of feeds. To reduce expenses, she adopted hydroponic fodder, learnt how to prepare poultry feeds herself, and now uses herbal treatments whenever her birds fall sick. She says these practices have helped reduce production costs considerably. Her business is entirely family‑run. She has no employees, but her six children help with daily work while she manages the enterprise. Besides poultry, Yuster also grows bananas, sells tree seedlings, and keeps goats. She has been saving with a SACCO since 2023, setting aside a percentage of every sale she makes. “My plan is to keep saving and continue increasing my stock,” she says. She first learnt about the WeWork project through a WhatsApp flyer shared on social media. After applying and being selected, she found the residential bootcamp an opportunity to learn from other entrepreneurs. Many of those young entrepreneurs remain connected through a WhatsApp group where they continue sharing ideas, markets, and experiences. Project extension workers regularly visit her farm to monitor progress and offer technical guidance. Lamark Muhindo explains that hydroponic fodder has become one of the technologies helping poultry farmers lower feeding costs because the birds consume both the germinated seeds and the green shoots. Yuster believes the knowledge she has gained, together with careful saving and reinvestment, will help her achieve her goal of building one of the largest poultry enterprises in her community.
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Turning UGX 100,000 into a growing poultry enterprise in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 30/06/2026
When Ritah Asaba became a caretaker for a family home, she noticed an unused poultry structure on the property. Before her employers travelled abroad, she asked whether she could use it to start a poultry business, and they agreed. At the time, she only had UGX 100,000 (€24), far too little to begin. A friend whose wife had participated in the WeWork – green and decent jobs for youth project introduced her to the programme. The project is implemented by Enabel in partnership with Ile de Paix and The Association of Rwenzori Community (RCA), with funding from the European Union and the Government of Belgium. Ritah attended the residential bootcamp, where she learnt poultry management, brooder preparation, and how to treat birds using herbs such as garlic, ginger, and aloe vera. She also learnt that outstanding participants could qualify for a UGX 1 million (€239), micro‑grant. “I decided I would put everything I had learnt into practice,” she says. The project provided her with 50 kilogrammes of concentrate and 50 kilogrammes of pre‑starter feed as her preferred start‑up kit. To buy chicks, Ritah borrowed UGX 300,000(€72) and combined it with her own UGX 100,000, enabling her to purchase 100 chicks. When she sold her first flock to Nyaika Hotel, she earned a profit of UGX 500,000. The hotel has continued buying from her, although at the time of the interview she was still waiting to receive payment for one delivery. Ritah has since expanded her business to 300 birds. She also received the UGX 1 million (€239), micro‑grant awarded after Ile de Paix carried out assessments during mentorship sessions to identify youth with strong potential to grow their businesses. The evaluation and selection were conducted by an independent firm to ensure transparency. Riita invested the grant in more feeds and additional stock, further strengthening her enterprise. Following the project’s advice on diversification, she used part of her poultry profits to buy a pig, which has since produced 12 piglets. “I have really benefited. I can even teach other young people how to rear poultry because it has helped me so much,” she says. Riita combines poultry farming with her responsibilities as caretaker for her employers’ home and children. She is also an energetic marketer. “I can carry four birds in my hands and walk around the neighbourhood looking for customers. By the time I come back, I have sold them.” She also advertises her birds through the WhatsApp group formed by entrepreneurs who attended the WeWork bootcamp together. Although fluctuating market prices remain a challenge, Riita continues looking for new customers and investing in her business. “I know I am a hardworking woman,” she says. Her next plan is to expand both her poultry and pig enterprises, using each one to strengthen the other as her business continues to grow.
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Patience cuts operational costs through natural feeds at her poultry farm in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 30/06/2026
When Patience Nasande started her poultry business in 2024, she relied heavily on commercial feeds and medicines to keep her birds healthy. The costs were high, making it difficult for her business to grow. By the time she applied and joined the WeWork-green and decent jobs for youth project in December 2025, she already had a poultry house and had begun keeping chickens, but she felt there was still a lot to learn. She attended the project’s five‑day residential bootcamp after hearing about it from a neighbour. “I accompanied my neighbour to collect her start‑up kit and that is when I learnt about the project. I decided to apply because I also wanted to improve my business,” she says. The WeWork project is implemented by Enabel in partnership with Ile de Paix and The Association of Rwenzori Community (RCA), with funding from the European Union and the Government of Belgium. One of the biggest lessons Patience took from the bootcamp was how to reduce production costs. Instead of relying only on commercial medicines, she now treats her birds using medicinal herbs that she grows herself. “I used to spend a lot of money on medicines. Now I use herbs and they work very well,” she explains. During follow‑up visits, extension workers from RCA learnt that feeds had become another major challenge. They introduced her to hydroponic fodder, Azolla, and maggot production, all of which have helped reduce feeding costs. Lamark Muhindo, a project officer, explains that Azolla is rich in protein and grows quickly on water. “A handful of Azolla placed in a pond, and it multiplies within a week. It can be fed to poultry, goats, cows and even fish,” he says. Today, Patience harvests Azolla every three days from a small pond on her father’s land and feeds it directly to her birds. She has also started producing maggots, which she mixes with poultry feeds to improve their nutritional value. She believes the changes are already showing results. “Before, my birds used to lay white eggs. Now they lay eggs with yellow yolks because of the nutritious feeds,” she says. Patience currently has 32 birds, having sold part of her original flock to buy more feeds when supplies became scarce. She plans to restock soon and hopes to become one of the leading poultry farmers in her community. “I want to be among the best poultry producers in my area,” she says. The training also introduced her to record keeping and business planning, skills she now applies in managing her poultry enterprise. Although she is not yet a member of a Village Savings and Loan Association, joining one is among her next priorities. If she receives the project’s UGX 1 million micro‑grant (€239), she plans to buy 100 chicks and more feeds to expand her business further. The micro‑grant is awarded after Ile de Paix carries out assessments during mentorship sessions to identify youth with strong potential to grow their businesses, with the evaluation and selection conducted by an independent firm to ensure transparency. Alongside poultry, Patience grows eggplants, helping her earn additional income while building the poultry enterprise she hopes will continue growing in the years ahead.
