FORAM Initiatives, the Benin GEW host, launched activities in August 2013 at Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie du Bénin.
Four large events were the centerpiece of the 2013 campaign.
The most impactful is the Student Entrepreneur Initiative. Since it was kicked off back in 2011, GEW Benin has held entrepreneurship conferences, seminars and workshops in high schools and on campuses. Students are now aware of the importance and viability of self-employment and are many are returning for further training. As part of its offerings, FORAM Initiatives started screen printing classes that have provided practical training for 100 students. As of today, 35 have started their own screen printing ventures and are making money. An additional 30 have recently purchased the necessary equipment and will start operating in January 2014 while the remaining students are still working to acquire startup funds which amounts to only U.S $50.
During Global Entrepreneurship Week, 1,412 young students, entrepreneurs, NGOs executives, investors, government officials, embassies representatives and international speakers took part in the second edition of the International Forum on Entrepreneurship, Volunteerism and Sustainable Development held on the campus of Abomey-Calavi. High profile authorities present are Safiou Idrissou Affo, Benin's Minister of Youth and Sports; His Excellency Michael Raynor, Benin U.S. Ambassador; Carl Bjertnes, CEO of SEEDS Sarl (Russia), Philip Ebalu, Regional Manager Nigeria West-Africa, Alphin Capital AG.
The forum highlighted the role entrepreneurs--including social entrepreneurs--play in a country's development. It is time we teach our young people that entrepreneurship is the best weapon against poverty and that in order to reach the set goals by the MDGs, young people should take on their own responsibilities.
Affo, the newly appointed Minister of Youth and Sports, has committed to support GEW/Benin and will join the global family during the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Moscow.