Empowering Young Entrepreneurs: The Impact of the Agor@ Project at YMCA Togo

At the Africa Alliance of YMCAs, we believe in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives and uplift communities. Across the continent, YMCA initiatives are equipping young people with the tools, skills, and financial resources needed to build sustainable businesses and secure their futures. In Togo, the Agor@ Project, supported by Pain Pour le Monde, is making a remarkable impact by fostering entrepreneurship among young people.

Through a series of training sessions, mentorship programs, and financial support, YMCA Togo is helping young entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving businesses. Let’s take a look at the inspiring journeys of four young entrepreneurs whose lives have been transformed by the project.

Alnass Ghazy: Turning Spices into a Business Opportunity

A holder of a Master’s degree in Organization and Human Resource Management, Alnass Ghazy discovered the benefits of turmeric during her studies in 2020. What started as personal use quickly turned into a business opportunity when she noticed a demand for the spice. She later added ginger powder to her product line and began selling both.

With the support of YMCA Togo’s Agor@ Project, she received business training, attended networking events, and opened a microfinance account to support her growing enterprise. Today, thanks to YMCA’s financial assistance, Alnass has acquired essential raw materials and equipment to expand her spice business, meeting the increasing market demand.

Abra Irène Agbodji: From Home Cooking to Market-Ready Peanut Paste

A trained cook and entrepreneur, Abra Irène Agbodji initially sold sandwiches and a local snack called “Atchomon.” Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to take over her mother’s peanut paste production business and transform it into her own brand, NONYE.

Through the Agor@ Project, YMCA Togo provided Abra with entrepreneurial training, financial support, and mentorship. She completed a specialized internship in packaging and product conditioning, improving the quality and appeal of her peanut paste.

One of her biggest challenges was financial management, but with YMCA's guidance, she implemented a cash journal system to track her income and expenses. She also participated in networking events, gaining new customers and visibility for her brand. Her vision is for NONYE to become a leading peanut paste brand in Togo and across West Africa.

Akpedze Thérèse Dakey: Building a Successful Hair Salon

A wife, mother, and hairstylist, Akpedze Thérèse Dakey is another shining example of the impact of YMCA’s Agor@ Project. She discovered the program through her vocational training center, applied, and was selected.

Through the project, Thérèse received training in business creation, customer acquisition, and digital marketing. She learned how to develop a business plan, improve client retention, and leverage social media for visibility. One key outcome of her participation was the creation of an online page for her salon, which significantly increased her customer base.

YMCA Togo also supported her with essential hairdressing equipment, including chairs, a shampoo basin, rollers, and scissors. Now, her dream is to become a top salon owner with multiple apprentices, a goal that YMCA Togo has helped her move closer to achieving.

Adjo Justine Gbotcho: Sewing a Future in Fashion

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted university classes in Togo, 20-year-old Adjo Justine Gbotcho used the opportunity to develop her passion: sewing. Over three years, she trained herself in tailoring while continuing her university studies.

She learned about the Agor@ Project through her church and applied. After being selected, she underwent training in business management and financial planning, enabling her to create an operational business plan and an activity calendar to guide her work.

With YMCA Togo’s support, Justine received a 200,000 CFA francs startup kit, which helped her purchase three sewing machines and necessary supplies. Now, she dreams of expanding her business into ready-to-wear fashion, specializing in African fabric designs.

A Future Built on Meaningful Work: YMCA Togo Advancing Vision 2030

The Agor@ Project at YMCA Togo is a powerful example of how YMCA’s Global Vision 2030 is transforming lives through meaningful work. By providing entrepreneurial skills, financial support, and mentorship, young people are not only creating sustainable businesses but also contributing to economic growth and community development.

At the Africa Alliance of YMCAs, we celebrate these success stories and remain committed to initiatives that equip young Africans with the tools, resources, and opportunities to shape their own futures.

As we expand our youth empowerment programs across the continent, we look forward to seeing more young entrepreneurs thrive, innovate, and drive economic transformation, ensuring that meaningful work becomes a reality for all.