Multinational - Building Inclusive Business Ecosystems for Stabilization and Transformation in the Mano River Union

The project targets Liberia and Sierra Leone and aims to empower Women Traders (WTs) in cross border Value Chains (VCs) for resilient economic growth and social cohesion. It will benefit at least 1500 WTs, 750 in Liberia and 750 in Sierra Leone, trading across Foya and Koindu as well as Bo Waterside and Jendema border points. They will receive: (i) entrepreneurship training; (ii) post-training support in terms of coaching, mentoring and peer-to-peer support), simplified information on trade rules and regulations – including sensitization on opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); (iii) support on business formalization; (iv) support to access markets, technologies and finance; and (v) to participate in decision-making processes that impact them. The project will seek regular feedback from beneficiaries through surveys and consultative dialogues throughout its implementation, to track progress and effects. The project comprises three main components namely: (i) gender responsive, climate friendly and conflict sensitive Value Chain Analysis (VCA), (ii) Inclusive and resilient market dynamics and (iii) Enabled women traders in cross border value chains.