Congo Basin youth training workshop opens in Libreville

The International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) and the Gabonese Ministry of Agriculture have launched a seven-day sub-regional training and mentorship workshop in Libreville. The program is designed for 30 young people from across the Congo Basin to foster green entrepreneurship.

The curriculum focuses on transforming agriculture from a subsistence activity into a viable business sector. Training topics include agroecology, agroforestry, bio-inputs, sustainable irrigation, integrated agriculture, and agro-climatic innovations. Participants are also learning business structuring, economic modeling, business plan development, and methods for accessing financing.

Gabon's Minister of Agriculture, Pacôme Kossy, emphasized the need to shift the paradigm of agriculture, stating that farmers should be viewed as entrepreneurs and agricultural operations as businesses. The initiative aims to create jobs and economic value while preserving the ecological balance of the Congo Basin.