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“I used to produce fewer than three bags of dried coffee. Now I produce more than ten.”
Every two years, SIDI invites its citizen shareholders and socially responsible savers to discover the real impact of their commitment during a one-of-a-kind trip. This year, about 20 participants will fly to Togo in early October to experience the reality on the ground firsthand.
On the agenda for this mission: in-depth discussions with our partners, as well as face-to-face meetings with their beneficiaries, who—thanks to their support—are able to develop their economic activities and earn a decent living.
Microfinance & Empowerment
We learned about the work ofAssilassimé Solidarité in Lomé and Aného, which helps female microentrepreneurs living in extreme poverty grow their businesses. We also met with MECPIP (Mutual Savings and Credit Association for the Promotion of Private Initiative) and learned about its innovative community-based model, which relies on direct savings collection and tontines to support merchants and artisans. Meeting with Réseau MAIN, a pan-African network comprising 125 microfinance institutions. Its mission is to build the capacity of its members through exchange workshops and certificate programs.
Sustainable Agriculture & Fair Trade Supply Chains
We’ll meet with pineapple farmers, then head to Badou, a little further north, to meet farmers in the middle of the cacao harvest! There, we’ll meet the farming families who work with Gebana_Togo and Cocolomex, SIDI partners committed to fair and sustainable agricultural supply chains.
Finally, a meeting with partners from CCFD-Terre Solidaire in Lomé will provide a better understanding of their work focused on strengthening social dialogue in the country.
These on-the-ground encounters are a tangible reflection of the impact of solidarity-based savings. I can’t wait to share the stories from these encounters!
