Sierra Leone: Collective training session on “Farming as a Business”

From 13 to 17 June 2022, COLEACP held a collective training session on “Farming as a Business” for a group of companies based in Sierra Leone and Liberia. The training session took place in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and was attended by 12 managers and financial staff from seven enterprises producing fresh and processed fruit and vegetables . The objective of the training sessions was to develop business identification, planning and management skills to strengthen start-ups and expand existing businesses in the horticultural sector.

During the sessions, participants acquired the skills to be better able to identify challenges and opportunities in their specific value chains, develop their business ideas and improve their cash flow management. The training also placed the participants in a position to better prepare the documentation necessary to approach financial institutions – financial statement, business plan, executive summary etc. – and to be more successful in their negotiations.

The training was much appreciated by the participants, and further sessions, including individual coaching, have been proposed.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market SPS programme, implemented by COLEACP within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union.