Benin SaPEn Gala Launches Capten Year‑Round Entrepreneur Program

The 5th edition of the Salon des Petits Entrepreneurs (SaPEn) took place from 13 to 25 July 2026 in Cotonou and Abomey‑Calavi, Benin. Around 150 adolescents and young adults were placed in about 80 partner companies for two weeks of practical immersion, workshops, coaching and the “Olympiades du BiZness” competition, followed by an exhibition of their projects. The programme concluded with a gala dinner on 25 July at the Benin Royal Hotel, where awards were presented to the most successful participants.

At the gala, Constance Genevée, founder and president of Global Actions, announced that SaPEn would be rebranded as Capten (Compétence et Aptitude pour la Promotion des Talents de l’Entrepreneuriat et de l’Innovation). The new format turns the event from a once‑a‑year salon into a continuous, year‑round support programme that will follow the young entrepreneurs throughout the year, providing ongoing training and mentorship.