As part of the #Pro_CONGO programme, entrepreneurs supported by Nabahya Food Institute recently took part in a training session dedicated to Financial Literacy and Planning. The session aimed to strengthen participants’ practical understanding of financial management and provide them with essential tools to make informed decisions, manage their businesses more effectively, and build financially sustainable enterprises.
The Pro-CONGO programme is implemented with the support of our partners, the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), with funding from the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI).
The training covered several key areas of business finance. Participants explored basic accounting and bookkeeping, learning how to properly record, organize, and monitor financial transactions. The session also focused on cash-flow management, helping entrepreneurs understand how to monitor incoming and outgoing funds, anticipate financial needs, and maintain sufficient liquidity for day-to-day operations.
Another important topic was cost calculation and pricing. Participants learned how to identify and understand the different costs associated with their products and services and how to establish prices that are consistent with their business realities. The training also introduced the concept of Unit Economics, enabling entrepreneurs to assess the financial performance of individual products or services and better understand the relationship between costs, revenue, margins, and profitability.
The session also provided an overview of key business financing instruments, including grants, loans, and investment. Participants discussed the differences between these financing options, the conditions generally associated with each one, and what investors typically expect from entrepreneurs seeking funding.
The training was facilitated by Mr. Leonard Batubenga, an entrepreneurship coach and trainer with particular expertise in business accounting and financial management. His practical approach helped participants connect financial concepts with the realities they face in managing their businesses on a daily basis.
Through this session, participating entrepreneurs strengthened their understanding of essential financial management practices. They gained practical knowledge to better track their financial operations, manage cash flow, calculate costs, set appropriate prices, assess business performance, and identify their financing needs.
Financial literacy is an essential component of sustainable entrepreneurship. For small and growing businesses, having a clear understanding of financial performance can make a significant difference in planning, controlling risks, allocating resources, and making strategic decisions.
Through the Pro-CONGO programme, Nabahya Food Institute continues to support entrepreneurs by strengthening their skills, improving their access to knowledge and practical tools, and helping them build stronger and more sustainable businesses.
We remain committed to creating an enabling environment where entrepreneurs can better manage, consolidate, grow, and sustain their businesses, while contributing to local economic development and creating opportunities within their communities.
