24/05/2026
We are pleased to announce a strategic partnership between the Cameroon Association of Business and Economy Promoters (CABEP) and the Council for Humanitarian Empowerment & Natural Disasters (C.H.E.N.D), based in Sierra Leone.
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed on April 29, 2026, establishes a formal framework for collaboration built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to sustainable economic development and humanitarian empowerment across West Africa.
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The partnership aims to create meaningful impact through:
✓ Provision of Business Development Services (BDS) to support C.H.E.N.D’s programs
✓ Capacity building for business coaches and consultants in Sierra Leone
✓ Empowerment of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
✓ Connection to national and international funding opportunities
✓ Mutual participation in trade fairs and business exhibitions
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
CABEP will deliver comprehensive Business Development Services tailored to C.H.E.N.D’s beneficiaries and operational needs in Sierra Leone, including:
Business Planning and Strategy Development – Assisting SMEs and affiliated organizations in developing robust business plans, strategies, and operational frameworks.
Financial Literacy and Management – Delivering training and advisory services on financial planning, bookkeeping, access to credit, and responsible financial management.
Market Linkages and Trade Facilitation – Connecting SMEs to markets, buyers, suppliers, and trade platforms both locally and internationally.
Entrepreneurship Training – Conducting workshops and seminars to foster entrepreneurial mindset and equip business owners with practical skills.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) – Supporting C.H.E.N.D in tracking the performance and impact of supported SMEs through appropriate tools and frameworks.
Digital Business Skills – Providing guidance on the adoption of digital tools and platforms to enhance business productivity and reach.
CAPACITY BUILDING FOR BUSINESS COACHES AND CONSULTANTS
CABEP commits to developing human capital within C.H.E.N.D’s ecosystem through:
- Design and implementation of structured capacity-building programs for business coaches and consultants
- Training in coaching methodologies, consulting best practices, business diagnostics, and facilitation skills
- Issuance of certificates of completion under CABEP’s accreditation framework
- Establishment of mentorship networks connecting experienced CABEP-affiliated consultants with emerging practitioners
- Facilitation of peer learning and exchange visits between Cameroonian and Sierra Leonean business development professionals
SME EMPOWERMENT
The partnership prioritizes the economic empowerment of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises through:
- Identification and assessment of SMEs in need of business development support
- Design of targeted intervention programs addressing specific challenges and opportunities
- Facilitation of SME access to markets, financing, and professional networks
- Promotion of innovation and value addition through knowledge transfer and technology adoption
- Regular review and reporting on the progress and impact of SME empowerment activities
FUNDING CONNECTIONS AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION
CABEP and C.H.E.N.D agree to collaborate in identifying and pursuing funding opportunities including:
- Joint mapping of bilateral, multilateral, and private sector funding sources
- Sharing of intelligence on grant calls, impact investment funds, and development finance opportunities
- Mutual support in preparing concept notes, proposals, and expressions of interest
- Exploration of co-submission of joint proposals to donors and development partners
- Transparent resource mobilization efforts ensuring equitable benefit-sharing from jointly secured funding
TRADE FAIR PARTICIPATION AND NETWORKING
The parties recognize trade fairs and business exhibitions as vital platforms for market development and business growth. Accordingly:
- CABEP will formally invite C.H.E.N.D and its affiliated SMEs to participate in trade fairs and exhibitions organized or facilitated by CABEP in Cameroon and other markets
- C.H.E.N.D will formally invite CABEP and its affiliated enterprises to participate in trade fairs, business forums, and exhibitions in Sierra Leone and the broader West African region
- Both parties will explore the possibility of jointly organizing business forums or trade events
- Participation costs and related expenses will be borne by the participating party unless otherwise agreed in writing
WHAT THIS PARTNERSHIP BRINGS
This partnership represents a significant milestone in CABEP’s regional expansion and commitment to advancing business development excellence across West Africa. Through this collaboration with C.H.E.N.D, we are extending our training expertise, business coaching services, and professional networks to serve entrepreneurs and humanitarian-focused organizations in Sierra Leone.
The partnership is built on the complementary strengths of both organizations:
– CABEP brings specialized expertise in business coaching, consultancy, and professional development
– C.H.E.N.D brings deep community engagement, knowledge of local contexts, and a network of beneficiaries in need of business development support
Together, we are creating pathways for SMEs to grow, for business coaches and consultants to improve their practice, and for communities in Sierra Leone and Cameroon to achieve sustainable economic empowerment.
