Improving the economic participation of the population and local MSMEs in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone

Context

The economic and social infrastructure in the West African countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone has been weakened by long conflicts and crises. The local governments still have limited capacities to rebuild economic infrastructures and provide income generating opportunities for the population.

In such an environment, private-sector companies can play an important role. They can provide the population with opportunities for employment and income generation.

However, the success of these companies is undermined by state fragility, an insufficiently qualified workforce, and the lack of skilled local suppliers and services.

Objective

Partnerships with selected private-sector companies have improved the economic participation of the population and of local micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Youth and women are the primary target group.

Approach

The Public Private Partnership (PPP) Fund project implements development partnerships with the private sector in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. This provides the population with rapid and long-term access to income-generating activities and social services. The project also boosts the competitiveness of MSMEs, which facilitates their integration into local supply chains.

Partner companies respect key values in the fields of human rights, labour standards, environmental protection, anti-corruption and relations with local communities.

The project’s four current development partnerships combine the respective strengths of the private sector and of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The companies benefit from GIZ’s experience, contacts and worldwide network. At the same time, the companies’ commitment contributes to achieving development goals.

Last update: August 2023