Douala, Cameroon, February 17, 2010
—IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, today launched its Business Edge management training system in Cameroon, increasing its support for entrepreneurs and small and medium sized businesses in the country.
Business Edge is an interactive learning program that offers skills training to help managers increase their knowledge and run more efficient businesses. The product has helped thousands of entrepreneurs in emerging markets in Africa and around the world improve their skills and develop their businesses.
“Supporting the growth of smaller businesses is a major focus of IFC’s work in Africa. The launch of Business Edge in Cameroon underlines IFC’s commitment to supporting private sector growth in the country,” said IFC Country Manager for Cameroon, Henri E. Rabarijohn.
IFC has partnered with six consulting firms in Cameroon to deliver Business Edge training to businessmen and women. These partners are: Africa Audit Council (AAC), and Business Management Solutions (BMS), Diversity Management and Consulting (DMC), PANESS Conseil, FIDA Conseil et Cible.
IFC has already certified 15 trainers to deliver Business Edge training in Cameroon, where small businesses dominate the private sector, but often struggle to obtain the support they need to grow.
IFC’s strategy in Cameroon includes increasing support to the small and medium-sized business sector; improving the business climate; and supporting direct investments in key sectors such as energy and infrastructure.
IFC is the only international financial institution focused exclusively on the private sector, the engine of sustainable development in emerging markets. It is currently seeking a capital increase to strengthen its ability to create opportunity for the poor in developing countries -- including supporting the growth of smaller businesses.
About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, creates opportunity for people to escape poverty and improve their lives. We foster sustainable economic growth in developing countries by supporting private sector development, mobilizing private capital, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. Our new investments totaled $14.5 billion in fiscal 2009, helping channel capital into developing countries during the financial crisis. For more information, visit
www.ifc.org
.
