New Initiative in Benin Aims to Preserve Forests by Promoting Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Through the Government of Benin’s World Bank–funded Classified Forests Program, TechnoServe will strengthen the value chains for non-timber forest products
COTONOU, BENIN (May 11, 2026) – International nonprofit TechnoServe announced that it will support entrepreneurs and sustainable value chains as part of the Government of Benin’s Classified Forests Project, funded by the World Bank. The initiative helps communities living near classified forests develop alternative economic activities beyond natural wood extraction and forest-based agriculture that contribute to deforestation.
This project aims to strengthen the shea and honey value chains, improve incomes for local communities, and preserve biodiversity in key forest zones. It also seeks to promote sustainable entrepreneurship within forest-adjacent populations. Notably, Benin has secured authorization to export its honey to the European Union, a major milestone that opens the door to high-value international markets. In the long term, the project is expected to help position local communities to take full advantage of this opportunity.
Benin’s classified forests are protected areas vital for biodiversity and ecosystem services, but they face threats from agriculture, logging, and bushfires, leading to significant deforestation. Communities living near these forests face increasing challenges due to poverty and limited access to sustainable economic opportunities. However, shea and honey production offer promising avenues for forest-friendly livelihoods—particularly for women, who play a central role in the collection and processing of shea nuts.
“With the right skills and support, rural entrepreneurs in Benin can transform local resources like shea and honey into powerful engines for economic growth and forest conservation,” said Maimouna Mbacke, Benin country director for TechnoServe. “This initiative helps link traditional livelihoods with sustainable market opportunities.”
The project will operate in the departments of Alibori, Borgou, Donga, Plateau, and Collines, focusing on communities settled near classified forests.TechnoServe will provide technical, managerial, and market access support across both value chains. Special emphasis will be placed on improving product quality, introducing energy-efficient processing, and enabling producers, especially women and youth, to access national and regional markets and financing.
Program activities include:
- Technical training sessions on best practices in shea butter and honey production, processing, and marketing
- Entrepreneurship workshops on business skills, financial literacy, and cooperative management
- Tailored coaching and mentoring to help entrepreneurs launch and scale their initiatives
- Business plan competitions and facilitating access to 2 USD million ( $1.1 billion CFA) in financing from the project and local financial institutions
- Market linkage support, including understanding quality and certification requirements, and participation in national and regional trade fairs
Ultimately, the project aims to increase the quantity and quality of shea and honey products reaching local and international markets while reducing pressure on forest ecosystems.
By promoting value addition and sustainable entrepreneurship, the project offers a pathway to both environmental protection and economic development, helping safeguard Benin’s classified forests while building resilient livelihoods for the communities that depend on them.
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Media contact:
- Washington – HQ Julieta Ocampo, jocampo@tns.org
About TechnoServe
Founded in 1968, TechnoServe is a leader in harnessing the power of the private sector to help people lift themselves out of poverty for good. A non-profit organization working in around 35 countries, we work with people to build a better future through regenerative farms, businesses, and markets that increase incomes. Our vision is a sustainable world where all people in low-income communities have the opportunity to prosper.
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