Support for Women in Benin: BIA Group and OVO support Louvain Cooperation's adult literacy program

In 2025 and 2026, BIA Group will contribute, thanks to a substantial financial commitment, to a major project by Louvain Cooperation (LC) in the Mono region of Benin. The program focuses on improving women's literacy as a foundation for entrepreneurship and empowerment. This initiative is part of a broader collaboration between OVO (Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs) and LC, which aims to strengthen the position of women in several African countries, including Benin, Togo, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Burundi.

The literacy program targets women involved in the processing of agricultural products and aims to improve their knowledge, enabling them to better engage in entrepreneurship, strengthen their leadership skills, and participate in decision-making processes within their communities. The focus is on promoting gender equality, empowering women entrepreneurs, and improving the economic position of households in the region.

Project Goals:

• Promote gender equality and active female participation in local decision-making.
• Strengthen literacy skills for women in the Mono region (65% of women are illiterate).
• Create joint learning and discussion platforms, such as Clubs d'Écoute Communautaires (CEC), to encourage dialogue between women and men and support them in entrepreneurial decision-making.

Impact of the Project:

The program has already made significant progress, with 125 women participating in the literacy program in 2023. The impact of this program extends to the wider community, as women are now better able to understand their rights, take economic initiatives, and contribute to strengthening their communities.

BIA Group's Contribution:

BIA Group supports this project with a substantial financial contribution shared between 2025 and 2026. This support allows for the expansion of the programs, reaching more women and making structural changes in the region. BIA's contribution is part of their broader commitment to sustainable development and the empowerment of local communities in Africa.

Through this collaboration between OVO, BIA Group, and Louvain Cooperation, an important step is being taken toward sustainable economic growth, with women at the heart of the change.