The WACTPreneur Programme, a structured entrepreneurship development initiative, has successfully graduated 600 beneficiaries after the completion of an intensive training and capacity-building phase aimed at empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. The graduation ceremony, held earlier this week, marked a significant milestone as participants were celebrated for successfully completing the programme.
Established to promote entrepreneurship and enhance economic inclusion, the WACTPreneur Programme equips beneficiaries with hands-on business knowledge, mentorship, and access to essential resources that improve their capacity to launch, manage, and expand sustainable enterprises. The initiative aligns with ongoing public–private sector efforts to tackle unemployment, strengthen Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and stimulate grassroots economic development.
During the graduation ceremony, programme coordinators underscored the critical need to provide entrepreneurs with relevant skills and practical tools required to overcome business challenges and capitalise on emerging market opportunities. They noted that the competencies gained through the programme are designed to help participants operate their businesses more efficiently, competitively, and sustainably.
“Entrepreneurship goes beyond setting up a business — it is about creating solutions that generate employment, empower communities, and contribute meaningfully to national economic growth,” a representative of the WACTPreneur Programme stated.
Graduates shared their excitement about applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the training to their respective ventures. Several participants highlighted the programme’s transformative impact on their understanding of business strategy, financial planning, digital marketing, and customer relationship management — critical areas where many MSMEs face challenges due to limited access to structured entrepreneurial training.
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One participant noted, “The programme helped me understand how to build a resilient business that responds to market realities while meeting genuine customer needs.”
The WACTPreneur training curriculum addressed key areas essential for start-ups and growing businesses, including business strategy development, financial recordkeeping, funding and investment readiness, digital business solutions, and effective pitch presentation. In addition, beneficiaries engaged in mentorship sessions facilitated by experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals, as well as networking opportunities designed to foster collaborations, partnerships, and potential investment access.
Programme organisers revealed that preparations are already in progress for the next cohort, with plans to expand the training modules and introduce additional support mechanisms to enhance the programme’s overall impact. They also encouraged the newly graduated participants to remain actively involved within the WACTPreneur community to benefit from continuous learning, peer support, and collaboration opportunities.
The graduation of 600 beneficiaries reflects a wider movement across Africa to empower MSMEs, a sector widely regarded as a key driver of employment generation, innovation, and economic stability. As governments and private sector stakeholders continue to invest in capacity-building initiatives such as WACTPreneur, more entrepreneurs are being positioned to scale their businesses, compete effectively within formal markets, and contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
