Promoting local development
HeidelbergCement Togo-Foundation opens Center of Entrepreneurship
With the new Center of Entrepreneurship in Togo, HeidelbergCement wants to contribute to the promotion of economic development and the improvement of living conditions in the region.
On 27 November 2015, the Center of Entrepreneurship in Tabligbo was inaugurated and opened its doors for the people living in the vicinity of the new clinker plant Scantogo. The Center was initiated by the HeidelbergCement Togo-Foundation.
Education is the basis of local development
Built right next to the plant, the Center will provide training to individuals and representatives of the rural communities close to the operations, helping them to develop and manage their own small businesses. The trainings focus on four central objectives:
- Improving the value chain for agricultural products
- Developing the basic infrastructures of the surrounding villages
- Promoting economic and commercial opportunities
- Raising awareness with respect to the importance of environmental protection and management
“Cooperating with neighbouring communities and sharing our know-how to benefit local development are the cornerstones of corporate social responsibility for Scantogo and the whole HeidelbergCement Group”, said Endre Rygh, General Manager Togo and President of the HeidelbergCement Togo-Foundation.“Through the Foundation and the work at the Center, we aim at contributing to the well-being and sustainably improving the living conditions of the local population.”
HeidelbergCement
The Center as a place for people to meet
The Center, however, is more than just a training institution. It is also a place where people can meet, network or enjoy cultural events. “With the Center of Entrepreneurship, we wanted to create a place of encounter and exchange. It’s a meeting point for people from surrounding communities and our company”, said Endre Rygh.
To better understand local needs, the HeidelbergCement Togo-Foundation has established an operational committee composed of the Foundation Manager and three representatives of village communities surrounding the plant. All projects supported by the Foundation have to comply with specific sustainability and compliance criteria.
