Encouraging formal entrepreneurship for decent employment: The impact of the PROMEFI project on the empowerment of women entrepreneurs
In a world where women’s entrepreneurship plays a key role in economic and social transformation, the formalization of activities remains an essential lever to ensure business growth and access to decent employment. For the International Women’s Day, the International Labour Office (ILO) highlights the impact of the Promotion of Formal and Innovative Entrepreneurship in Senegal and the Gambia (PROMEFI) project on the empowerment of young women entrepreneurs in Senegal and the Gambia.
8 March 2025
Supporting women towards formalization and growth
Thanks to funding from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the support of partners such as the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the PROMEFI project has supported many women entrepreneurs in their transition to the formal economy.
📌 Soukeyna Ndao (Senegal), based in the suburbs of Dakar, transformed her informal fruit and vegetable processing activity into a structured business. With the support of the ILO, she obtained the necessary documents to market her products, such as a health authorization (FRA), barcodes, a logo and professional packaging, as well as modern processing equipment. She also opened a modern exhibition and sales space, thus strengthening her visibility and competitiveness on the market.
📌 Ida Mendy (Gambia), winner of the business plan competition organized by the GCCI, received technical support to structure her detergent production company. Thanks to the support of the project, she was able to formalize her activity, strengthen her business management skills and access new markets. Today, she employs several young people and contributes to the entrepreneurial dynamic in Gambia.
The impact of formalization on women’s economic empowerment
These success stories illustrate how formalization can:
✅ Secure the activity of women entrepreneurs, by allowing them to access social protection and institutional support mechanisms.
✅ Strengthen their competitiveness on the market, by opening, financing and business development opportunities for them.
✅ Promote the creation of decent jobs, by structuring sustainable and inclusive businesses.
A collective commitment to thriving women’s entrepreneurship
The ILO, through its various projects, reaffirms its commitment to the economic inclusion of women and the fight against youth unemployment. This impact is made possible through close collaboration with governments, local institutions and technical and financial partners.
On this International Women’s Day, we salute the courage, resilience and ambition of all these women entrepreneurs who, every day, transform their challenges into opportunities.
👏 A big thank you to AICS, GCCI and all stakeholders who support formal entrepreneurship and decent work for a more inclusive and sustainable future. #DecentWork #WomenEntrepreneurship #WomensDay #PROMEFI #ILO #AICS #GCCI