LocationsScaling up pesticide services through UNDP’s Growth Accelerator Programme
May 3, 2023
Photo showing Mustapha Mambu in full gear and ready to provide pesticide services in his district
"I am grateful for the investment grants received through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP’s) Growth Accelerator Programme, which is helping me to expand my services to other districts and create job opportunities for young people. It's not just about growing my business, but also making a positive impact in the communities I serve," said Mustapha Mambu.
Mustapha lives in Kenema District, Eastern Sierra Leone with his growing passion and determination to impact communities. Mustapha’s budding pesticide services have not only responded to a pressing social problem in Kenema District but also created job opportunities for young people.
The business is now formalizing its services and expanding to a new district, offering crucial services to more people in need, thanks to a UNDP Growth Accelerator Programme investment grant.
With the first tranche of the investment grant received in November 2022, Mustapha was able to purchase new equipment and a motorbike that has facilitated his mobility allowing him to reach new customers within and in other districts. He also hires three new staff and he plans to train an additional four new staff (2 males, and 2 females) by the end of 2023. This means, Mustapha will create jobs for seven young people in his region within a year. As a result of the support from UNDP, Mustapha's business has found new market opportunities to grow.
"Mustapha's pesticide services have been a revolution that accelerates the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. We no longer have to worry about pests damaging our crops or homes, and the fact that he's creating jobs for our young people is an added bonus," said Mariatu Kanneh- a local farmer and neighbor to Mustapha.
Like Mustapha Mambu in Kenema District, Prince Alex Alieu based in Bo District is also among 34 MSMEs who received investment grants in 2022 through the UNDP Growth Accelerator Programme.
Unlike Mustapha Mambu, Prince Alex Alieu’s pesticide service is already formally registered in Bo District. Alex has also procured new equipment, trained new staff, and planned to incorporate cleaning services that will provide more jobs to other young people.
Photo showing Prince Alex Alieu (Left), a young entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer, together with a trainee (Right), who is also expanding his pesticides services in Bo District courtesy of UNDP’s Growth Accelerator Programme
Mustapha and Prince’s success stories are not just about financial gains, but also about making a positive impact in their communities. Their pesticide services help to protect homes and agricultural farms from pests, which improves the quality of life for the people in their communities. Additionally, by providing jobs to young people, Mustapha and Prince are helping to build a brighter future for the next generation.
Today, Mustapha and Prince’s businesses continue to thrive, and they are impacting their communities positively. They continue to provide critical services to residents while generating significant livelihood opportunities for young people.
The Growth Accelerator Programme
In 2022, UNDP Sierra Leone together with the Ministry of Youth Affairs (MOYA), launched the Growth Accelerator Programme to support the economic and social growth of 55 innovative, viable, and ambitious Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with a particular emphasis on women and youth-led enterprises. The first cohort of 34 MSMEs has received investments through grants, technical assistance, and mentorship.
"Mustapha's pesticide services have been a revolution that accelerates the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. We no longer have to worry about pests damaging our crops or homes, and the fact that he's creating jobs for our young people is an added bonus."Mariatu Kanneh- a local farmer and neighbor to Mustapha Mambu
