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La Mauritanie participe au Forum des acteurs de la gestion durable des ressources naturelles
Aminata KANE | 29/09/2025
Quelques jours après le Sommet Africain sur le Climat à Addis-Abeba, la Mauritanie a participé au Forum des acteurs de la gestion durable des ressources naturelles (Ouagadougou, 15–17 septembre 2025).Organisé par le Portefeuille Thématique Climat Sahel (PTCS) et ses partenaires, ce rendez-vous a démontré comment les engagements continentaux se traduisent par des actions concrètes au niveau local, au service de la résilience des communautés.Le forum a réuni plus d’une centaine de participants venus du Burkina Faso, du Mali, du Niger et du Sénégal, ainsi que la Mauritanie, le Luxembourg, les Pays-Bas, la Belgique et l’Espagne.Le temps d’agir, c’est maintenant. Gouvernements, bailleurs, communautés et partenaires doivent unir leurs forces pour un Sahel résilient, prospère et durable.Le Forum de Ouagadougou appelle à : une mobilisation collective, la mutualisation des efforts, la création d’une coalition sahélienne pour la Gestion Durable des Ressources Naturelles, en lien avec les grandes initiatives climatiques africaines et mondiales.Ensemble, engageons-nous pour un Sahel résilient, prospère et durable !À lire : découvrez l’article complet : https://open.enabel.be/en/BFA/2535/3302/u/forum-des-acteurs-de-la-gestion-durable-des-ressources-naturelles-quand-les-innovations-du-sahel-s-invitent-d-addis-a-ouagadougou.html
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From Power to Empowerment: Gender, Culture and Participation in Renewable Energy Transition
Velsoma CUMBANA | 29/09/2025
In Muite, evenings once ended under kerosene lamps and smoky kitchens. Today, solar mini-grids hum quietly in the background, powering lightbulbs, mixers, and welding machines. However, electricity alone does not change habits. For an energy transition to be just and lasting, it must be shaped by the voices, local traditions, and daily realities of the communities it serves. Turning Energy Access into Inclusive Development Through the Renewable Energy for Rural Development Project (RERD2+), Enabel and the Mozambican National Fund of Energy (FUNAE) have realized five solar mini-grids in Nampula and Zambezia provinces. The project’s ambition goes beyond lighting homes: it seeks to transform energy access into a catalyst for entrepreneurship and inclusive development. In collaboration with a local consultancy, the project facilitated access to electrical working tools for local professional associations in metalworking, carpentry and cooking to develop their businesses. This was accompanied by technical demonstrations and follow-up visits organized with FUNAE in June 2025. These visits highlighted an essential truth. Infrastructure alone is not transformative. Adoption depends on how well new technologies fit into people’s daily routines, cultural norms, and community dynamics. From Biomass to Clean Cooking This is particularly visible in the shift from firewood and charcoal to clean cooking technologies. To support this shift in Muite and Milhana, the project provided cooking associations with electric stoves, grills and mixers as healthier and more sustainable alternatives. However, many of these appliances remained unused, in part caused by a lack of familiarity. Cooking demonstrations were organized in response, but these sessions also revealed deeper social challenges. For demonstrations to be effective, they must go beyond individual skill-building and consider how technologies are adopted within communities and households. In Mozambique, as in many countries, cooking is a gendered activity. Traditions and techniques are passed down through generations, and the kitchen becomes a space where gender norms and intergenerational socialization converge. Clean cooking equipment enters this space with the potential to disrupt habits, particularly when it changes taste or texture. Associations in both villages are composed almost entirely of women, yet in many dual headed households men control finances, influencing decisions about whether electricity bills are paid or appliances replaced. Generational differences also shape adoption. In Muite, older women were the ones attending the demonstrations, while younger women were assigned other tasks, limiting both intergenerational learning and the legitimacy of the new technologies. For clean cooking to take root, trainings must ensure participation across age groups and engage the wider community, men included. Cooking for Empowerment Cooking associations are not only guardians of food traditions, but they are also entrepreneurs. By catering to local festivities, they generate income and visibility. For this model to thrive, new technologies must be accepted by both association members and their communities. In Milhana, for example, an electric mixer was introduced by preparing juice from local produce and sharing it among men and women. This simple act created enthusiasm and showed how demonstrations grounded in familiar tastes and ingredients can foster both community acceptance and consequently enterprise growth. Culture and Technology: A Necessary Integration The experience of RERD2+ demonstrates that behavioral change in energy use is never purely technical. It requires a deep understanding of culture, identity, and relationships. Clean cooking illustrates this vividly: even when technologies promise health and environmental benefits, they risk rejection if they do not respect local practices and preferences. Renewable energy solutions must therefore be designed with communities rather than for them to be impactful. Demonstrations that reflect local diets, workshops that include different generations, and spaces where both women and men can participate create legitimacy and ownership. When infrastructure is adapted to context and people are active partners in its use, electricity becomes more than power. It becomes empowerment.
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Au Niger, Enabel renforce son appui à l’éducation dans la région de Dosso
Halissa HASSAN DAN AZOUMI | 26/09/2025
Enabel, à travers le projet Sarraounia 2, poursuit son engagement pour améliorer l’accès à une éducation de qualité dans la région de Dosso. Après la construction et l’équipement de cinq collèges modernes à Doula, Gawassa, Yelou, Zoumbou et Goumandey, l’agence met actuellement en place trois nouveaux établissements scolaires afin de répondre aux besoins croissants des communautés locales. Ces nouveaux collèges offrent bien plus que des salles de classe. Ils intègrent : des blocs administratifs, des cases d’études équipées (bibliothèque, salle polyvalente, salle informatique et laboratoire), des logements pour le directeur et le gardien, des clôtures vertes sécurisées, une adduction d’eau potable, des toilettes séparées filles-garçons, des terrains de sport (basketball et football), ainsi qu’une électrification solaire garantissant un fonctionnement durable. À travers ces investissements, Enabel, en partenariat avec le ministère de l’Éducation, vise à créer des environnements d’apprentissage inclusifs, sûrs et stimulants. L’objectif est clair : donner à chaque enfant la possibilité d’apprendre, de s’épanouir et de construire son avenir dans les meilleures conditions.
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Forum des acteurs de la gestion durable des ressources naturelles : quand les innovations du Sahel s’invitent d’Addis à Ouagadougou
Wendpouiré Julien NANA | 26/09/2025
Quelques jours seulement après le Deuxième Sommet Africain sur le Climat tenu à Addis-Abeba, le Sahel a poursuivi sa mobilisation à Ouagadougou du 15 au 17 septembre 2025 lors du Forum des acteurs de la gestion durable des ressources naturelles. Ce rendez-vous, porté par le Portefeuille Thématique Climat Sahel (PTCS) et ses partenaires, a montré comment les engagements exprimés à Addis trouvent un prolongement concret dans des pratiques locales au service de la résilience des communautés.D’Addis à Ouagadougou : donner suite aux engagementsÀ Addis Abeba, le PTCS avait marqué sa présence en coorganisant deux événements phares : un side event sur deux innovations promues (le Biochar et le HIMO pastoral) et un panel de haut niveau sur l’Initiative de la Grande Muraille Verte. Introduit par le Directeur Général d’Enabel, ce side event avait rappelé que « les technologies dirigées par les communautés sont indispensables pour renforcer la résilience des populations ».À Ouagadougou, cette orientation a été confirmée et approfondie. L’Ambassadeur de Belgique a insisté sur la « responsabilité collective » face aux défis du climat et sur la nécessité de « transformer les efforts en résultats durables ». Le Secrétaire Général du Ministère de l’Environnement, de l’Eau et de l’Assainissement a renchéri : « Aucun État, aucune organisation, aucune communauté ne peut relever seul ces défis. Ce forum est une opportunité stratégique. »Des résultats tangibles au service des communautésLes résultats déjà atteints jusqu’en 2024 par le PTCS témoignent de son efficacité : Le portefeuille a présenté des résultats tangibles déjà visibles :plus de 10 000 hectares de terres restaurées, contribuant à la régénération des écosystèmes ;des centaines de structures locales renforcées pour une meilleure gouvernance des terres et de l’eau ;plus de 2 000 producteurs formés en agroécologie et en pratiques climato-résilientes ;des centaines de femmes et de jeunes accompagnés dans le développement d’activités génératrices de revenus durables ;des solutions innovantes diffusées, comme l’utilisation du Biochar et des foyers améliorés, pour réduire la pression sur les ressources naturelles.Ces acquis traduisent une dynamique en marche : le PTCS ne se limite pas à des projets pilotes, il soutient des transformations structurelles en matière de gouvernance et de pratiques durables.Un forum qui relie expériences locales et plaidoyer internationalLe forum a réuni plus d’une centaine de participants venus du Burkina Faso, du Mali, du Niger et du Sénégal, ainsi que de pays partenaires comme la Mauritanie, le Luxembourg, les Pays-Bas, la Belgique et l’Espagne. Chercheurs, responsables institutionnels, organisations paysannes, ONG, jeunes et femmes leaders ont confronté leurs expériences et réfléchi ensemble à des solutions durables.À Ouagadougou, les échanges ont permis de relier les pratiques locales aux grandes arènes internationales, autour de thématiques majeures : gouvernance de l’eau, restauration des terres, agroécologie, pastoralisme, valorisation des produits forestiers non ligneux et innovations digitales pour le financement et l’accès au marché. Comme l’a rappelé le Directeur Pays d’Enabel, « la résilience n’est pas l’affaire d’un seul acteur. C’est une responsabilité collective qui s’appuie sur l’intelligence locale autant que sur l’innovation scientifique. »Les recommandations issues des travaux visent à renforcer la coopération régionale, à inspirer les politiques publiques et à orienter les prochaines étapes vers une résilience durable et inclusive. En articulant résultats de terrain, coordination régionale et engagements internationaux, le PTCS s’impose comme une plateforme clé pour porter la voix du Sahel dans les débats climatiques mondiaux, de l’ACS2 à la COP30.
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Dialogue en crampons : la Police béninoise sur le terrain social
Osée DOSSOU-HOUEGBE | 24/09/2025
Dans les trois zones de mise en œuvre du projet PAOP II — Djougou, Dassa et Bembèrèkè — des milliers de citoyens ont répondu présents pour assister à un tournoi de football pas comme les autres. Organisé sous l’impulsion de la Direction de la formation et des sports de la Police républicaine, avec l’appui technique d’Enabel, ce tournoi « police-population » a réuni les équipes de la Police républicaine et celles issues des différentes couches sociales : artisans, journalistes, élèves et étudiants, conducteurs de taxi moto, et même des équipes féminines. Au-delà de la compétition sportive, l’événement a été un véritable espace de dialogue et de convivialité. Les gradins ont vibré au rythme des encouragements, mais aussi des échanges entre citoyens et fonctionnaires de police. Pour beaucoup, c’était une première occasion de rencontrer les agents dans un cadre détendu et accessible. Malgré les défaites enregistrées par les équipes de la Police lors des matchs de pools, leur présence constante tout au long de la compétition a été saluée comme un signe fort d’engagement et de proximité. « C’était un honneur de jouer contre les policiers. L’ambiance était fraternelle et le fair-play total. Il faut absolument rééditer l’initiative », témoigne un joueur. Il faut noter que ce tournoi a également mobilisé les autorités administratives, locales (élus locaux), religieuses et coutumières qui ont marqué leur présence au cours des différents matchs. Ce tournoi illustre parfaitement l’esprit du projet PAOP II : renforcer la cohésion sociale, promouvoir la police communautaire et instaurer un climat de confiance durable entre les forces de sécurité et les populations.
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En Mauritanie: Des magasins qui sauvent bétail et communautés
Aminata KANE | 24/09/2025
Dans le Hodh El Charghi, les magasins communautaires d’aliments de bétail changent la donne. Moins de mortalité animale Moins de ventes forcées Plus de résilience et de cohésion socialeAvec l’appui du programme MIRECAM, financé par l’Union européenne et mis en œuvre par Enabel, ces initiatives protègent le cheptel, sécurisent les revenus et renforcent la solidarité. Des magasins qui nourrissent bien plus que le bétail : ils nourrissent l’espoir.Découvrez-le dans cette vidéo et n’hésitez pas à regarder, commenter et partager !
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Enabel catalyses commercializing vegetable growing in Tanga
Mkama MWIJARUBI | 24/09/2025
Tanga, a serene town of nearly 400,000 on the eastern coast of Tanzania boasts a youthful population, re-emerging harbour and the East African Pipeline to Uganda. Arable land envelops the city, but it has not been fully put to work. Farmers grow fruits and food crops on small farms, mingled with patches of vegetable growers. In Tanzania most small and medium scale enterprises are in agriculture and they contribute 27percent to the DGP, according to the The Tanzania Development Vision (TDV) 2025. But they contend with weak business development services, limited access to capital and high informality. “I’m a health professional that love farming, but I have struggled all along,” says Modest Massawe, vegetable grower in Pongwe ward in Tanga city. Like many farmers, he used to invest inputs in the field, without proper insight of market dynamics. Additionally, limited knowledge of proper inputs such as seed varieties, pests and diseases led to recurring low returns. For instance, he used to water his tomatoes by carrying pails of water; upgrading to a diesel pump relieved him from carrying water with his hands, but the pump gushed the expensively pumped water excessively, depleting the water source prematurely and helping weeds to sprout. “I had to spend up to 10,000/- a day on fuel,” he recalls. This is bound to change, as farming, especially vegetable growing in urban Tanga orient itself to profit making, and become attractive to youthful farmers, thirsting progress. Under its SASA Program, the European Union, funds the Inclu-cities project that is catalysing growth of businesses in the food systems in Tanga. Enabel Tanzania, the main implementor of the Inclu-cities collaborates with Rikolto East Africa to execute the food system initiative. In collaboration with the Tanga city, Inclu-cities spearheaded collaboration of the stakeholders in the food system to transform subsistence small holders into commercial vegetable growers, mindful of the environment and food safety. Early results foretell lasting impact. “Inclucities business-oriented approach to development initiative is proving impactful because each stakeholder involved has seen an opportunity to make profit,” says Kikolo Mwakasungula, Inclu-cities Project Manager. Farmers from Pongwe, Maweni and Amboni wards participated in a training that Inclu-cities organised to impart knowledge and skills about looking for markets, networking with input suppliers and improving productivity in growing vegetables. “We designated a number of farmers as lead farmer that will be coaching their fellows and facilitate collaboration, learning and networking with other stakeholders for the interest of farmers,” said Eliud Dotto, Rikolto’s Field Officer in Tanga. The lead farmers, including Massawe and James Kapalata in Pongwe and Maweni wards respectively actively work with more than 300 farmers, helping them benefit from growing vegetables. In Maweni ward for example, Chote Vegetable Producers Association started after the Inclu-cities training. With more than 40 active members, the group organises learning events in their plots where up to 70 farmers participate. Kange Mchicha, another group in Maweni was strengthened with a leadership, training and networking with input suppliers through the project. Personally, Massawe has evolved and transformed from an ambitious less informed farmer contending with losses to an informed and visionary who now understands how farming can be profitable. The solar pump and drip irrigation system that Inclucities has provided to the model farmer has flipped the outlook of many farmers. The once insufficient source of water for 2,000 or less tomato plants now suffices 4,000 plants and can cater for more. Besides, drip irrigation targets plants, depriving moisture to weeds, delaying their sprouting. “We also apply least amounts of chemicals directly on our plants to control pests and diseases,” says James Kapalata. Instead, industrial made and plant’s scents are used to drive pests. These groups have become magnets for farm input suppliers. Kapatala and his fellow farmers grow tomato, watermelons, pepper and leafy vegetables. “What sets this initiative apart is the emphasis on safety of the produce to the consumers and caring for the environment during the production,” says the Agricultural Extension Officer in Pongwe ward, Mwanahawa Mwalimu. “When farmers see by evidence that there is proven way to rise productivity and suppress costs in vegetable growing, they happily adopt because, vegetable is a fast-moving farm produce.” Equipped with information, Kapalata and fellows negotiated with the sole buyer in Tanga for gainful prices for their pepper. “We reasoned with the buyer that offering low prices will discourage farmer from growing pepper and deprive the buyer a source of produce,” said Kapalata. Additionally, they have now secured sale contracts for their pepper from a buyer elsewhere. This EU funded initiative to catalyse food system economy in Tanga started in December 2024 and may last until 2027. Because the initiative hinges on local collaborations, its impact is likely to snowball. “We have an abundant market for vegetables in Tanga and we are only 400kms from the insatiable market in Dar es Salaam; we only need to keep the promise profitability real among the vegetable growers,” said Mwalimu. The Tanzania Irrigation Commission has earmarked 20 acres near Massawe plot to establish a vegetable growing block. A deep well will be drilled. (need confirmation) “The ultimate goals is an ecosystem of profitable and bankable businesses where farmers, input suppliers, buyers and farmers, each can engage profitably,” said Dotto. Ends
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Du Sommet d’Addis au Forum de Ouagadougou : le Sahel accélère sa mobilisation climatique
Halissa HASSAN DAN AZOUMI | 23/09/2025
Quelques jours seulement après le Deuxième Sommet Africain sur le Climat tenu à Addis-Abeba, la mobilisation pour l’avenir du Sahel s’est poursuivie à Ouagadougou. Du 15 au 17 septembre 2025, le Forum des acteurs de la gestion durable des ressources naturelles a réuni plus d’une centaine de participants venus de huit pays. L’événement, porté par le Portefeuille Thématique Climat Sahel (PTCS) et ses partenaires, a illustré comment les engagements pris à Addis trouvent déjà un prolongement concret sur le terrain.À Addis-Abeba, le PTCS avait mis en avant des innovations communautaires, comme le Biochar et le HIMO pastoral, et participé à un panel de haut niveau sur l’Initiative de la Grande Muraille Verte. À Ouagadougou, cette orientation a été confirmée. « Aucun État, aucune organisation, aucune communauté ne peut relever seul les défis climatiques », a rappelé le Secrétaire Général du Ministère burkinabè de l’Environnement, de l’Eau et de l’Assainissement.Les résultats déjà atteints par le PTCS témoignent d’une dynamique en marche : plus de 10 000 hectares de terres restaurées, 2 000 producteurs formés aux pratiques agroécologiques, des centaines de structures locales renforcées pour une gouvernance durable, des femmes et des jeunes accompagnés dans des activités génératrices de revenus, des solutions innovantes diffusées comme le Biochar et les foyers améliorés. Au-delà des projets pilotes, le PTCS entend soutenir de véritables transformations structurelles en matière de gouvernance des terres, de gestion durable des ressources et de résilience des communautés. Le message est clair : le Sahel n’est pas spectateur de la crise climatique. Il agit, innove et inspire.
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Mauritanie : Des magasins communautaires d’aliments de bétail comme levier de résilience et de cohésion sociale
Aminata KANE | 20/09/2025
Au cœur du Hodh El Charghi, région sahélienne de l’extrême est mauritanien, l’élevage est bien plus qu’une activité économique : il incarne la richesse, la sécurité et la culture des communautés. Mais face aux sécheresses récurrentes, à l’avancée du désert et à la pression démographique, la survie des troupeaux est de plus en plus compromise. L’arrivée de populations maliennes déplacées accentue encore la pression sur les ressources, faisant de l’accès équitable aux pâturages et à l’alimentation animale un enjeu crucial pour la paix sociale.C’est dans ce contexte que le programme MIRECAM financé par l’Union européenne et mis en œuvre par Enabel, a introduit une innovation décisive : les magasins communautaires d’aliments de bétail.Une réponse concrète aux crises pastoralesImplantés dans des zones stratégiques, ces magasins facilitent l’accès des éleveurs à un fourrage subventionné, réduisant les déplacements coûteux et stabilisant les prix. Gérés par des comités locaux associant éleveurs, autorités et parfois réfugiés, ils garantissent transparence et équité.« Nous avons mis en place dès le début un système transparent sans aucune distinction… Cette expérience nous donne beaucoup d’espoir », témoigne Mohamed Yahya Ould Mohamedou, secrétaire du magasin de Timbedra.Un impact direct sur la résilienceLes bénéfices sont immédiats : moins de mortalité animale en saison sèche, préservation du cheptel comme capital économique et social et réduction de l’endettement grâce à la baisse des ventes forcées.« Ce fourrage mis à disposition a permis de fixer localement nos frères éleveurs, alors qu’auparavant, ils migraient ailleurs », explique Ely Ould Cheikh Mohamed Lemine, président de l’association des éleveurs de Timbedra.Des espaces de cohésion socialeAu-delà de leur rôle économique, ces magasins deviennent des lieux de concertation et de gouvernance partagée, renforçant la confiance entre communautés locales et réfugiés maliens.« Nous avons trouvé une hospitalité exceptionnelle… La gestion transparente du magasin a renforcé la confiance et la solidarité entre nous », souligne Yahya Diallo, représentant des déplacés maliens.Vers un avenir durablePour pérenniser ces acquis, le renforcement des capacités locales, l’extension des magasins et l’amélioration de l’accès à l’eau figurent parmi les prochaines priorités. Ces initiatives ne sauvent pas seulement le bétail, elles protègent des moyens de vie, apaisent les tensions et ouvrent la voie à une résilience collective durable.
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Ukraine: Enabel kicks off the restoration of a shelter in Sosnytsia
Taisiia DRUZIUK | 19/09/2025
Enabel has launched another infrastructure project in the Chernihiv region – the major renovation of a shelter at Sosnytsia Dovzhenko Lyceum. The lyceum is the largest educational institution in the Sosnytsia community, with more than 500 students enrolled. The ongoing works include waterproofing and insulation, upgrading internal utilities, and completing interior finishes. Within a few months, the shelter will provide a safe refuge during air raid alerts. Once such protection is no longer needed, the space will be repurposed for other uses. Safe learning conditions for children are a key factor in strengthening community resilience. Ensuring these conditions remains one of the main priorities of our BE-Relieve Ukraine programme.
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Uganda’s top employers honoured at 2025 Employer of the Year awards
Sharon IBENU | 18/09/2025
Uganda’s best employers were recognized for outstanding workplace practices during the 2025 Employer of the Year Awards (EYA) dinner held on 11th September in Kampala. The dinner, hosted by the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) in partnership with Enabel, brought together organizations from across Uganda under the theme “Investing in Uganda’s Future: Employers Fostering Job Creation.” The annual awards aim to celebrate organizations that are creating stable jobs, addressing barriers to growth, and implementing innovative strategies to foster sustainable employment. According to organizers, recognizing organizations that go above and beyond to create opportunities is essential in shaping Uganda’s labour market and ensuring long-term economic growth. This year’s event assessed organizations across 17 award categories highlighting employers making exceptional contributions in agriculture, tourism and hospitality. Speaking at the event, Douglas Opio, CEO of FUE emphasized the importance of partnerships in driving meaningful change. “We deeply appreciate Enabel’s commitment to fostering job creation and sustainable development in Uganda. Their partnership has been instrumental in recognizing and celebrating the organizations that are shaping the future of work in our country,” he said. Enabel, through its Decent Work project, played a pivotal role in sponsoring awards and highlighting businesses that are investing in people and communities. For Enabel, the recognition aligns with its mission of empowering communities and driving sustainable development by creating an environment where businesses thrive and individuals access meaningful employment. The awards, presented by Enabel went to Nyaika Hotel for the Tourism and Hospitality Award of the year; Tooro Botanical Gardens for the agriculture in the Rwenzori region award; Agri Evolve Uganda Ltd, as the overall winner in the agriculture sector; Golden Castle Hoima for the Tourism in the Albertine region award and Mountains of the Moon hotel as the overall winner in the tourism and hospitality sector.
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Tanzania: Traders initiated community microfinance group boosts growth of their businesses
Mkama MWIJARUBI | 16/09/2025
For a successful business of selling fresh vegetables at Mlango wa chuma market in Tanga you need capital, space in the market, good quality produce from farmers and, customers. One of these ingredients is scarce for most traders in the market. Capital, perplexingly. Vegetable sellers in Mlango wa Chuma and Mgandini Markets struggle with capital not only because their merchandise is perishable but also, they lacked essential financial skills. Big pictureIt is estimated that Tanzania's SME sector consists of over 3 million enterprises that contribute 27% of the overall GDP. More than half are owned by women. They are pestered with weak business development services, high informality, weak governance and capital. Community taste—and demand— for fresh farm produce hook vegetable traders at Mlango wa Chuma to a one-day business cycle—buy fresh produce at sunrise dusk, sort, sell, buy your domestic needs, tomorrow—repeat. Whenever an emergency gutted cash flow, most traders floundered without cash to buy fresh produce the next morning. “I had no choice except borrowing from loan sharks. High interests dragged on. I was on a cliff every day,” says Lailat Awadh, a vegetables' trader at Mlango wa Chuma. The Building Bridges program in Tanzania found that 15 out of 20 SMEs rely on personal or family sources for loans. With hundreds of small and medium businesses in urban areas in Tanzania straddling partial growth and collapse cities could not be inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. With funding from the European Union in the Inclu-cities project, Rikolto East Africa set up and facilitated partnership with Tanga City Council to unite stakeholders that offer financial and non-financial services to (food) entrepreneurs in and around the city. Rikolto identified and invited small scale traders and imparted knowledge about financial management skills and business growth pathways. From Mlango wa Chuma 17 traders participated; Mgandini sent 23 traders. Formation of saving groups Rikolto, did not form groups for them or placed a condition for them to group up to get some support. “After the training,I asked folks that participated, why don’t we start a saving group to help ourselves with building discipline for saving?” says Awadh. Five agreed right away to set up Mlango wa chuma Community Microfinance Group, obliging each member to deposit saving every day and committing to direct savings to grow their businesses. In eight months, their saving has grown to more than 8m/- by August 2025. These results resonate with Inclu-cities objective to work with Rikolto in supporting formation of medium and small-scale enterprises as well as needs-based training to business owners. “The fact that these traders direct their savings to grow their businesses is evidence that they are applying the knowledge they received in the trainings they participated,” says Kikolo Mwakasungula, Inclu-cities Project Manager. Growth of businesses Every member of the group has a rosy story about the positive changes in their businesses. None borrows from loan sharks anymore. None buys produce on credit. Each has financial means to diversify in terms of produce they buy and sell. “Because I pay cash, I have power to choose only the best produce,” They also initiated another saving fund for buying key domestic needs for their homes at wholesale prices. “It saves me a lot of money on home supplies and helps me save more to focus on the business,” says Bakari Harid Mpanga, a trader and now vice chairperson of the savings group. Spread of a good practice Traders that initially were hesitant to join the saving group have also organised into a savings group—with 35 members. According to Eliud Dotto, Rikolto Field Officer in Tanga, similar savings community has been initiated at Mgandini Market - the second-biggest market in Tanga. “Empowering traders in the markets to grow their business will positively impact the food system in Tanga,” he says. According to Awadh and her fellows, now they are firming their plans to start a poultry rearing business using their savings of the group and, if possible, a loan to augment the capital. Now, that obtaining and growing a capital has been solved, the success of traders at Mlango wa chuma market is not only a possibility, but realisable. The market’s name, - translated iron door - derived from its original iron clad entrance, will distinguish it again as place of successful city traders in the heart of Tanga city’s storied geometrical perfect layout of the streets.
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RDC: Des acteurs réunis en atelier pour transformer les formations en opportunités d’emploi
Samantha-pascale KAMBA MANDUNGU | 15/09/2025
Du 27 au 28 août 2025, Kolwezi a accueilli la première rencontre de co-construction de la théorie de changement du projet « Unis pour l’Éducation et l’Emploi » (UEE). Réunissant l’ensemble des parties prenantes – autorités publiques, secteur privé, opérateurs de formation et partenaires techniques –, cette rencontre a marqué une étape clé : la définition collective de la théorie du changement qui guidera le projet. Avec pour ambition d’améliorer l’accès des jeunes femmes et des hommes à des emplois décents en République démocratique du Congo, le projet UEE mise sur une approche inclusive et participative. Pendant deux jours, les acteurs venus de Kinshasa, Lubumbashi et Kolwezi ont échangé pour établir une vision commune, partager un diagnostic des réalités locales et tracer ensemble une feuille de route. Les discussions ont permis de dégager quatre axes prioritaires : - Faciliter l’accès des jeunes aux formations techniques et professionnelles- Améliorer la qualité et la pertinence de l’offre de formation en fonction des besoins réels en compétences - Favoriser l’insertion professionnelle - Et renforcer la gouvernance de la formation professionnelle au niveau provincial. Financé par l’Union européenne à hauteur de 18 millions d’euros sur 48 mois, le projet est mis en œuvre par Enabel et l’ONUDI. Il cible les jeunes de 18 à 35 ans dans le Haut-Katanga, le Lualaba et Kinshasa, avec une attention particulière portée à l’égalité de genre : 50 % de femmes dans le Haut-Katanga et à Kinshasa, et 30 % dans le Lualaba.
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Scholarship restores hope for Medrine and her family in Uganda
Sharon IBENU | 15/09/2025
Medrine Agenorwot, a Senior four student at Masese Seed Senior Secondary School, is a young woman with a vision for the future. Inspired by her uncle, she dreams of becoming a civil engineer, constructing roads and infrastructure that will transform communities. Before receiving a scholarship from Enabel, life for Medrine was filled with uncertainty and hardship. Her mother, the sole breadwinner of the family, ran a small shop to support her children. However, tragedy struck when robbers broke into the shop, leaving the family with nothing. “Mom was always at home after that,” Medrine recalls. “When they sent us back home for school fees, we would find her there, and it felt like the end of the road for us.” The financial strain was overwhelming. Medrine and her siblings were often sent home from school for unpaid fees, and the burden of catching up on missed lessons weighed heavily on her. “Whenever I came back to school, my friends had already studied a lot, and I couldn’t catch up,” she says. “I needed the teachers’ explanations, but I had missed it. It was very hard for me to concentrate.” Her performance suffered, and she often found herself in the “basic” or “moderate” grading categories. Despite the challenges, Medrine’s mother encouraged her to stay focused on her studies. When Medrine suggested selling chapatis on the streets to help with school fees, her mother refused, fearing for her safety. She told me, "You’re a girl child, and the streets are not safe for you. We’ll pray to God, and He will provide.’" And indeed, their prayers were answered. In 2024, Medrine was selected for a scholarship from Enabel. “I was so happy,” she recalls, tears welling up at the memory. “Mr. Kambo Hakim, the deputy head teacher, called my mom and told her the good news. Mom said, ‘God has answered our prayers." The scholarship covered her school fees, lifting a significant burden off her family and allowing her to focus on her education. “Now, I’m not stressed about school fees. I can concentrate, and my performance has improved,” she says. With the scholarship ending after Senior Four, Medrine is already planning. She hopes to set up a small business at her mother’s shop, which has been restocked with a few items. “I want to fry chapatis and sell them at the shop,” she explains. “I’ll save the money to support myself in senior five.” Medrine is also part of a student savings group at school, where she and her friends contribute whatever, they can. “Even if it’s just 500 shillings (0.12 euros), I save it,” she says. At the end of the year, the group divides the savings based on each member’s contributions, providing a small but meaningful financial cushion. Medrine’s mother is also doing her part to prepare for the future. “She sells sodas and saves the money in a box,” Medrine shares. “She even wrote my name on the box to remind herself that it’s for me.” As the firstborn, Medrine feels a deep responsibility to set an example for her younger siblings. “I always tell them to follow my example,” she says. “ i am very tough on them because I want them to study and work hard.” With her dreams of becoming a civil engineer and her plans to support her education, Medrine is building a future not just for herself but for her family and community. As she puts it, “I’m studying, and I’ll keep working hard. God has a plan for me.”
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Sumaya, the girl with big plans for eye surgery in Uganda
Sharon IBENU | 15/09/2025
Sumaya Babirye is a Senior Three student at St. John Bosco Secondary School in Kamuli district. She dreams of becoming a surgeon specialising in eye care. With a clear vision for her future, she is determined to make a difference in the lives of those suffering from preventable blindness. Sumaya’s journey to become an eye surgeon stems from a personal experience. “Some people are becoming blind without being treated by a surgeon,” she explains. Her inspiration comes from a relative who struggles with poor eyesight. “She can see, but not properly,” says Sumaya. This experience has fueled her passion to pursue a career in medicine, specifically in eye surgery, to help others avoid similar struggles. Before receiving a scholarship from Enabel, life for Sumaya was filled with uncertainty and stress. Her father abandoned the family, leaving her mother alone to care for Sumaya and her siblings. “Our father left us and doesn’t even come to check on us,” she shares. Her mother worked tirelessly in sugarcane gardens to provide for the family, often with Sumaya and her brother helping on weekends. Despite their efforts, the family struggled to make ends meet, and Sumaya often found herself sent home from school for unpaid fees. “Sometimes I would refuse to go home when they sent me out for fees,” she admits. “I would just sit in another class until they stopped sending children back.” The turning point came when Sumaya was selected for a scholarship from Enabel. “They came to our class and called out 25 students,” she recalls. “I was so happy to be among them.” The scholarship has transformed her life, allowing her to focus on her studies without the constant worry of school fees. “Now my performance has improved, and I’m more disciplined,” she says. “Before, I wasn’t even sure I would finish my studies.” Sumaya is already preparing for life after Senior Four, knowing the scholarship will end then. She is part of a student savings group at school, where she and her friends save small amounts of money each week. “Even if you have just 100 shillings (0.02 euros) , you can save,” she explains. At the end of the year, the group divides the savings based on each member’s contributions.Sumaya plans to use her savings to buy necessities like shoes, books, and personal items for her next academic journey. With her eyes set on becoming a surgeon, Sumaya is determined to make her dream a reality.
