It was in an atmosphere filled with emotion and pride that the official closing ceremony of the 2SCALE program in Côte d’Ivoire was held at the Azalaï Hotel in Abidjan. After thirteen years of commitment, the largest program for developing inclusive business models in sub-Saharan Africa officially passed the torch to GUDE-PME (One-Stop Shop for Business Development – Small and Medium Enterprises), which is tasked with continuing the momentum towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and competitive agribusiness.
Thirteen years of impact to transform agri-food systems
Launched in 2012, the 2SCALE program (Toward Sustainable Clusters in Agribusiness through Learning in Entrepreneurship) worked in partnership with the private sector, farmers’ organizations, and public stakeholders to promote equitable and innovative economic models. In Côte d’Ivoire, 2SCALE has supported hundreds of agricultural SMEs, cooperatives, and rural entrepreneurs, facilitating access to markets, financing, training, and innovation. The program has also strengthened value chains in several strategic sectors, thereby contributing to the empowerment of women and youth in agriculture.
An event focused on partnership and continuity
Under the theme “Promoting Inclusive Agribusiness through Public-Private Partnerships,” the closing ceremony brought together a wide range of stakeholders: representatives of public institutions, agricultural professional organizations, technical and financial partners, private companies, and program beneficiaries. This gathering was marked by fruitful discussions on best practices from the 2SCALE experience, as well as inspiring testimonials from entrepreneurs who have benefited from the program’s support. The agri-food product exhibitions highlighted the creativity, resilience, and expertise of Ivorian entrepreneurs, demonstrating the progress made toward a more competitive and inclusive agriculture.
The passing of the torch: a powerful symbol for the future
A key moment of the ceremony, the symbolic handover of the 2SCALE approach’s torch to GUDE-PME marked the official transition of the program to a new era of promoting inclusive agribusiness in Côte d’Ivoire. This highly symbolic gesture reflects the shared commitment to sustaining the achievements of 2SCALE and further embedding the public-private partnership approach in national policies for the development of agricultural SMEs.
GUDE-PME, a new catalyst for inclusive agribusiness
By receiving this torch, GUDE-PME pledged to support and amplify the actions initiated by 2SCALE, consolidating an environment conducive to agricultural entrepreneurship. The Institution intends to implement an integrated support strategy focused on enhancing agricultural value chains, facilitating SME financing, and promoting innovation for rural stakeholders. Through this new mandate, GUDE-PME aims to make inclusive agribusiness a major driver of economic growth, employment, and food sovereignty for Côte d’Ivoire.
Towards a sustainable and competitive Ivorian agribusiness sector
The closure of the 2SCALE program therefore does not mark an end, but the beginning of a new chapter in building a more equitable and resilient agricultural ecosystem. The partnership between public and private stakeholders, strengthened by the 2SCALE experience and now led by GUDE-PME, provides a solid foundation for accelerating the structural transformation of the Ivorian agricultural sector. “The torch of inclusive development is now in our hands.” “Together, we will continue to build a high-performing, innovative, and inclusive Ivorian agriculture,” declared a representative of GUDE-PME, praising the legacy and vision of 2SCALE. With this handover, Côte d’Ivoire reaffirms its commitment to a sustainable agribusiness, rooted in cooperation, innovation, and inclusion.
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