Denis Opudo
A challenge aimed at helping innovators conceive, incubate and launch on a bigger range their ideas to improve Benin’s travel destinations was launched by the Benin government. The challenge is facilitated by Seme City, Benin’s National Agency for Promotion of Heritage and Tourism development and World Bank. The main aim is to tell entrepreneurs to think about new solutions to advance and exceed the expectations of tourists and disrupt a promising economic sector in Africa. The call for conception is open to all projects and companies pursuing an inclusive and sustainable tourism.
Those shortlisted will have to show the viability and impact of their idea, to bring innovative solutions to vital issues linked to the attractiveness of tourism in the country during the Challenge fund program. Some selected projects will receive funding of up to $500,000 with an addition of experts and resources of Seme City’s incubators.
It has been realized that Africa has a very good environment for a new form of frugal, agile and resilient innovation, which allows the coming up of leading entrepreneurs and a truly inclusive all rounded economy. There is a call for the support of the African entrepreneurs specifically during the skill development stage and access to funding. The Challenge fund will hence overcome the hurdles and allow innovators to give a trial to their projects in situ. Situ is amongst the seven tourist site that is being developed in Benin according to Claude Borna, director of the Sèmè City Development Agency.
Applications for the Challenge Fund are ongoing until 20th January 2017. All those interested are free to post their application.
