Main results of the training of SME actors of the forestry-wood sector in Congo

The training mission for SME-VSE actors that took place in Brazzaville from February 21 to March 11, 2002 was the last in a series of four missions (the other three took place in the DRC, Cameroon and Gabon).

SMEs and VSEs in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire benefited from capacity building in the integration of the training function in their management approaches.

The SWOT analysis of the artisanal wood processing sector in Congo reveals:

• An excellent and abundant forest resource,
• A raw material wood easily available and of good quality,
• A network of artisanal enterprises with a fairly good technical level,
• A real dynamic of young entrepreneurs,
• Three clusters of wood enterprises supported by a EU project,
• The FONEA positioned as a project manager for qualification training,
• The CCIAM* and the CEFA** wish to position themselves in the continuous training sector,
• A local market limited in volume,
• The origin of the wood is unknown with recurrent difficulties for dry wood,
• A recurrent problem of repair and sharpening,
• Associations lack legal and technical support,

                                                                                       Photo of the SME-VSE training in Congo

Some strategic orientations suggested by the consultants:

• Strengthen the offer of continuous training via training organizations, structure and organize a continuous training service in each CEFA and train trainers in pairs (professionals/teachers),
• Train professionals and teachers in the pedagogy (andragogy) of continuing education,
• Include the CCIAMs, federations and associations in the diagnosis of needs (prescription) and the evaluation of skills,
• Coach and accompany clusters to secure the implementation of shared equipment.

CCIAM* = Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Crafts

CEFA** = Work-linked education and training centre