The project is enhancing the competitiveness of Beninese MSMEs by equipping them with essential digital skills and facilitating their access to digital solutions. It is also strengthening the expertise of business development consultants to ensure sustainable and cost-effective support for MSMEs’ digital transformation. The insights gained are supporting the Agence de Développement des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (ADPME) and ProPME in establishing a framework for MSME digitalisation support.

In Benin, where MSMEs account for 95% of businesses, many face challenges in scaling their operations. A lack of awareness, skills, and resources for digital transformation is limiting productivity and exacerbating disparities. Digitalising key processes such as finance, marketing, and inventory management has become essential for improving MSME competitiveness and unlocking growth potential.

Luvent Consulting is implementing the project through three work packages:

• Digital Tooling of MSMEs: Empowering selected MSMEs with digital skills using the SME Loop approach, focusing on core operations and digital marketing solutions.
• Training of Trainers: Equipping business development advisors to support further MSME digital transformation.
• Upscaling/Institutionalisation: Strengthening ADPME’s role by developing a sustainable support model and providing strategic recommendations for scaling digital transformation services.

• Organising a series of workshops to showcase the benefits of digitalisation and raising awareness among MSMEs.
• Defining eligibility and selection criteria for MSME participation and conducting a preliminary screening of MSMEs.
• Assessing the specific needs of preselected MSMEs through detailed evaluations and finalising their selection in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Evaluating local and regional digital solutions tailored to MSME needs, including invoicing, CRM, bookkeeping, ERP, e-commerce, and POS, and compiling a directory of these tools and solutions.