16 February 2018. Mr. Gregory Valadié and two of his TechnoServe colleagues gave an engaging presentation at ASE’s Workshop Seminar about the organization’s international and regional activities.

TechnoServe is a U.S.-based non-profit that was founded fifty years ago by a U.S. businessman, Ed Bullard. After observing in Ghana how a lack of technical skills contributed to poverty, Bullard designed an organization that would go beyond the donation model used by many NGOs. The organization works closely with producers and transformers, enabling institutions such as banks and governments. TechnoServe’s ability to catalyze business growth is apparent in past projects such as with Mozambique’s cashew industry.

After fielding a range of students’ questions, Mr. Valadié outlined TechnoServe’s Benin activities. A newly-launched $10-Million-dollar project consists of three tracks: training entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35, mentoring for small and medium enterprises, and training mobile agents to sell nutritional products. Participants will receive training and mentoring on a “cohort” system, with TechnoServe monitoring their successes to track the program’s impact.

Students emerged from the seminar with an appreciation of TechnoServe’s approach and an eagerness to undertake entrepreneurial activities of their own.

Pictured above: 

First year students participate in an exercise during Mr. Valadiés presentation.