A partnership for women’s literacy and entrepreneurship

This year, Louvain Coopération and the company BIA, through our partner Ondernemers voor Ondernemers (OVO), launched a collaboration to support women’s entrepreneurship and literacy in Benin. Spotlight on a partnership that is both human and financial.

BIA, whose headquarters are located in Overijse, distributes machinery for the mining and construction sectors. Active in around fifteen countries in West and Central Africa, the company also provides maintenance and training for technicians working on these machines. BIA has chosen to support, through 2026, our literacy and entrepreneurial support programme for women processing cassava in Benin. Bénédicte Passagez and Virginia Cobo Hoyos, respectively sustainability manager and health–safety–environment manager, tell us more about this collaboration.

LC: How did this partnership begin?
BIA: We were looking for solid partners running social projects in the countries where we operate. The NGO Ondernemers voor Ondernemers (www.ovo.be) connected us with Louvain Coopération, and we were immediately interested in the project they presented.

LC: Why support international cooperation projects?
BIA: We are committed to creating a lasting impact in the countries where we work. That starts with generating local employment and developing a local micro-economic system—for example, by choosing local suppliers whenever possible—but also by supporting various projects that have a tangible impact. For us, it is essential to contribute to a community’s economic and social development to the same extent as what we receive from that community.

LC: And why this project in particular?
BIA: This project resonated with us because it focuses on women and supports both entrepreneurship and literacy. The status of women in Africa is a topic that matters deeply to us. It’s about giving women their rightful place in society. They still have insufficient access to education and therefore lack the means to fully realise their potential. Yet these women contribute significantly to the well-being of their communities; they are true entrepreneurs who are not afraid to innovate and launch activities to support their families. But when they cannot read or write, or when they lack basic management tools, it becomes difficult for them to claim the place they deserve. We know that supporting women through projects like this—projects that allow them to thrive—creates a tremendous ripple effect, inspiring others and benefiting entire communities.

LC: How is this commitment received by BIA employees?
BIA: Projects like this generate strong enthusiasm among all BIA employees, especially in countries where the initiatives are implemented near our operations. Supporting local communities is a key commitment for BIA and forms one of the pillars of our sustainability strategy. It is important for us to bring this commitment to life across the entire company, but also to inform our clients and partners in the field, to open the door to potential collaborations with them. Today more than ever, young people want to work for companies that are genuinely involved in social projects.

Article by Louvain Coopération, OVO partner, with the support of