On February 15, 2021, ForthInvestment launched a call for applications to SMEs operating in the fields of: water, sanitation and integrated water resources management, as part of the PME PERFORMANTES WASH sector” program. The submission of applications was closed on 25 March.
PME PERFORMANTES sector WASH is a program developed by ForthInvestment and co-financed by Aqua for All. It is deployed in partnership with IRC WASH, Sinergi Burkina, La Maison de l’entreprise (Société Génerale Burkina Faso), the 2IE Institute and other actors in the financing and support of the private sector.
Its mission is to support and develop 10 SMEs during a period of ten (10) months in the sectors of:
Water:
- Drinking water companies (water disinfection) ;
- Treatment and storage of water for domestic consumption (water filters) ;
- Water Maintenance and Operation Services (Fire Hydrant)
Sanitation:
- Toilets economy (emptying, ecological toilets).
- Circular economy (recycling of sewage sludge, biodigesters).
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM):
Water recharge, retention and reuse (rainwater harvesting, awareness raising and training)
- Design offices in geophysics (drilling)
- Rational use of water (hydroponics in connection with the reuse of wastewater).
The selection phase lasted three (03) months. Out of 37 SMEs applicants, 20 SMEs were pre-selected and ten (10) SMEs were selected by a committee, following a process including a diagnostic phase, an interview and a field visit.
The selected SMEs were invited to a meeting on 03 May 2021 at forthInvestment’s premises. During the meeting, they were presented in detail with the program and the modalities of the accompaniment.
The “PME PERFORMANTES WASH” locomotive is therefore in operation with 10 SMEs on board in search of growth and alongside them experts in viability, SME development, technical experts in the various WASH sectors and investors. All led by a competent ForthInvestment team at the service of one of the most innovative programs in the place.
On arrival, 10 SMEs with strengthened technical and organizational skills will arrive, with financial support for their short- and medium-term needs. Appointment is made in 10 months to discover the nuggets of the program “PME PERFORMANTES sector WASH)
It should be noted that in addition to this support, a market study is also underway with a view to developing, in collaboration with local financing players, innovative financial mechanisms adapted to the sector.