ABC-Development has taken another decisive step toward strengthening grassroots economic resilience in Sierra Leone by successfully training 80 aspiring entrepreneurs from Magbema and Bramaia Chiefdoms during an intensive two-day workshop.
The training, delivered under the USAID-funded initiative “Strengthening Peace Infrastructure and Accountability through Community-led Peace-building and Empowerment of Women and Youth as Leaders in Sierra Leone” (P2P), equipped participants, 48 women and 32 men, with essential business and leadership skills needed to establish and manage sustainable micro-enterprises.
Led by Program Officer Lansana Jefferson Sheriff, an experienced entrepreneurship trainer, the sessions were facilitated by a dedicated ABC-Development team that included Mabinty Suma, Abdulai F. Dumbuya, Foday Capitalist Bangura, and Adama Suma. Their combined efforts ensured highly interactive and practical learning throughout the two days.
Participants were introduced to key topics such as business fundamentals, generating viable business ideas, understanding the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, business concept mapping, and legal processes for business formalization, local licensing requirements, and council registration procedures. The training also emphasized the responsibilities of business owners toward their employees and the importance of ethical practices.
A strong focus was placed on empowering rural women, youth, Okada riders, and persons with disabilities by providing knowledge on accessing savings schemes, micro-loans, and other financial resources that support household stability, community development, and long-term economic independence.
From the opening introductions, participants, including individuals with disabilities, engaged actively and shared their backgrounds and aspirations. The interactive sessions created visible excitement as attendees connected with practical tools they could immediately apply. By the end of the program, trainees demonstrated a solid understanding of the material and expressed confidence that the initiative would bring tangible development to their communities.
The workshop directly advances the P2P initiative’s goal of reducing vulnerability to politically motivated violence by expanding livelihood opportunities for women and youth. It also supports a core output of the project, enhancing technical and business skills while improving capital access for young female entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and micro-business groups.
Despite challenges such as limited budget resources and the overlap with busy Luma market days, strong collaboration between ABC-Development and community stakeholders ensured full participation. The training ran smoothly with effective time management, enthusiasm from participants, and strong engagement from marginalized groups eager to apply their new knowledge.
As ABC-Development continues its work across districts, this achievement in Kambia highlights the transformative impact of empowering women and youth with the tools and opportunities to succeed. The organization remains committed to building a more peaceful, economically resilient Sierra Leone, one community at a time.
