Bam: The Association of Women in the Mining Sector of Burkina Faso (AFEMIB) organized a capacity-building session on March 3 and 4, 2026, in the commune of Sabc, targeting cooperatives of leading poultry farmers in Sabc and the Relwende cooperative of gold miners in Zandkoom.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the training sessions were held in Sabc on March 3 and in Zandkoom on March 4, 2026. They introduced members of the two cooperatives to the community savings approach through village savings and credit associations methodology. AFEMIB's program officer, Edouard Nab Kambir, led the activities, aiming to enhance the organizational capacities of members and enable them to mobilize financial resources for their economic pursuits.
During the sessions, participants were educated on the principles and operation of the community savings system. They also received guidance in formulating internal regulations to manage savings and credit activities within the cooperatives.
Mr. Kambir explained that the initiative's objective is to foster financial autonomy among members. "We have trained the cooperatives on the methodology of community savings so that they can mobilize their own resources to support their activities," he stated.
Upon completion of the training, the cooperatives were provided with microfinance kits. These included a secure box with padlocks, individual savings books, a central register, a calculator, and management equipment to ensure transparency in fund management.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the initiative, recognizing its potential to enhance organization and solidarity within their groups. Oudraogo Salamata, from the Sabc beneficiary group, noted that the training clarified the workings of the savings system and the significance of solidarity among members. "This training will greatly help us, not only within our group but also at home. We will put everything we have learned into practice," she said, expressing gratitude to AFEMIB.
Similarly, the Relwende cooperative in Zandkoom conveyed its satisfaction. Member Minata Sawadogo appreciated the microfinance equipment received post-training. "We learned how to organize ourselves, save, and lend to each other. Even though we haven't started operations yet, we are convinced that this project will be very beneficial for our cooperative," he remarked, expressing gratitude towards AFEMIB and hoping for continued support.
The activities were financially supported by the Mining Economy Management Support Program (PARGEM).